District of Minnesota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Docherty to Serve as Federal Magistrate Judge in St. PaulRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – W. Anders Folk, the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota, today announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Docherty has been appointed to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge. He will sit in St. Paul.
Mr. Docherty has served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2002. In his capacity, Mr. Docherty prosecuted a wide range of cases, focusing on international and domestic terrorism, civil rights cases, and cases involving the illegal export of sensitive U.S. technology. Mr. Docherty also served as the Office’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) Coordinator. Between 2006 and 2008, Mr. Docherty left the U.S. Attorney’s Office temporarily to work as a prosecutor at the United Nations’ International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague, the Netherlands. There, he was a senior member of the prosecution team at the trial of General Dragomir Milosevic, the commander of the troops encircling Sarajevo during the last two years of the siege of that city. Milosevic was convicted, following a nine-month trial, of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Prior to joining the Office, Mr. Docherty worked at the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. before returning to Minnesota to join the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, where, under Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, he worked in the Antitrust Division and the Criminal Division. Mr. Docherty graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School. He is a current member and past President of the Warren E. Burger American Inn of Court, and a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk said: “I am proud that John Docherty has been selected to serve as a Magistrate Judge for the District of Minnesota. John is an excellent AUSA who handled some of our Office’s most difficult and complex cases. I know John will bring the same sense of justice and fairness to the bench that he brought to his work as a federal prosecutor. The people of the District of Minnesota will be well-served by his ongoing commitment to justice.”
White Earth Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A White Earth man was sentenced yesterday to 205 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing a minor.
According to court documents, between April 2018 and October 2018, within the exterior boundaries of the White Earth Indian Reservation, Evan James Oppegard, 33, knowingly engaged in sexual acts with a minor. Oppegard also admitted to sending sexually explicit communications to, and soliciting sexual acts with, the minor via Facebook.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the White Earth Police Department, the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.
West Virginia Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A West Virginia man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for robbing a bank in Moorhead, Minnesota.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2019, Robert Vaughn Evans, 53, entered the Gate City Bank located inside a grocery store in Moorhead, Minnesota. Evans handed the bank teller a note that stated, “I have a gun.” Evans told the teller he did not want “bait” and that he was “not [expletive] around” while reaching for his back waistline, leading the teller to believe Evans possessed and was reaching for a gun. The teller retrieved $3,860 from the drawer and provided it to Evans, who put the money in his pocket and fled on foot. The robbery was captured from several angles on high-quality surveillance video.
According to court documents, Evans also admitted that on February 13, 2019, he robbed Key Bank in Niagara Falls, New York. Upon entering the bank, Evans presented a note to the bank teller which claimed he had a weapon and requested “no bait packs.” Evans was given $786 in cash before fleeing the bank.
As part of his sentence, Evans was ordered to pay $3,860 in restitution to Gate City Bank in Moorhead, Minnesota, and $786 to Key Bank in Niagara Falls, New York.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Moorhead Police Department, the New York State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office, the Story City (Iowa) Police Department, the Holland (Massachusetts) Police Department, the Marietta (Ohio) Police Department, and the Morehead City (North Carolina) Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
Waseca Travel Agency Owners Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud Travel Agents Nationwide of Commission MoneyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Waseca travel agency owner pleaded guilty today to a scheme to defraud travel agents out of more than $400,000 in commission payments, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, Matthew Harold Schumacher, 45, was owner and operator of Travel Troops, LLC, and Vacation Agent Nation, LLP, which were host travel agencies based in Waseca, Minnesota. Through his businesses, Schumacher purported to provide host travel services to independent travel agents throughout the United States in exchange for a monthly fee. Schumacher represented that his host travel business was a reliable and profitable means for his fee-paying travel agents to receive higher commission rates from travel industry suppliers, such as airlines, resorts, and cruise companies, than if the individual travel agents booked their customers’ travel arrangements. Pursuant to service agreements that Schumacher entered into with travel agents, Schumacher claimed to receive and collect on behalf of travel agents commission payments from travel industry suppliers and to distribute those commission payments to the various travel agents who booked the travel and earned the commissions.
According to court documents, Schumacher defrauded at least 36 travel agents by misappropriating for his own personal use and benefit at least approximately $484,000 in commission payments owed to them from travel suppliers.
According to court documents, Schumacher tried to retain his travel agents’ money and to lull them into a false sense of security by, among other things, providing the travel agents with partial payments and by giving them materially false and fraudulent information. Schumacher misappropriated travel agents’ commission payments for his own personal use and benefit by, among other things, depositing at least approximately $160,000 to a personal account, funding of at least approximately $150,000 for his own travel expenses, including travel to Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and multiple European countries, withdrawing of at least approximately $33,000 in cash, purchasing approximately $3,117 of electronics at Best Buy, as well as making payments for personal expenses, such as retail purchases, restaurant bills, car payments, credit card bills, StubHub ticket purchases, and loan payments.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
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Six Indicted in Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Six individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, from 2016 through June 2021, Douglas Robert Finch, Danny William Gehl, Jr., David William Gehl, Frank Joseph Kittleson, Patrick Thomas Maykoski, and Daniel Richard Thomas, conspired to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. The defendants and others were part of a drug trafficking operation (DTO) that shipped marijuana from California to Minnesota. Members of the DTO routinely sent shipping crates from a warehouse in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a warehouse in North Highlands, California. The DTO members would fly from Minnesota to California to purchase the marijuana, fill the crates with marijuana, and then load them on a delivery truck for shipment back to Minnesota. Once the shipment arrived in Minnesota, the DTO members unpacked the crates, repackaged the marijuana, and placed the marijuana in large garbage bags and boxes for distribution. Members of the DTO then transported the marijuana from the Minnesota warehouse to various locations for storage and packaging pending distribution to customers.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-CID.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Maple Grove Investment Advisor Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Defrauding Clients Out of More Than $2.3 MillionRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Maple Grove man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for engaging in a $2.3 million mail fraud scheme.
According to court documents, from at least 2017 through November 2020, Isaiah Leslie Goodman, 34, defrauded at least 23 of his investor clients out of approximately $2,335,797.19. Goodman was a registered investment advisor and broker who owned Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C. Goodman also owned and operated MoneyVerbs, a business that claimed to provide customers with financial guidance through an internet-based app. Through Becoming Financial Group, Inc., and Becoming Financial Advisory Services L.L.C., Goodman represented that he would provide his clients with financial planning and investment advice, including purporting to place his clients’ savings and retirement funds into financial accounts that Goodman claimed were safe, secure, and profitable.
According to court documents, as part of his scheme to defraud, Goodman lied to prospective and existing clients about his use of their money, the security and profitability of the financial accounts he claimed to administer on their behalf, and the status and performance of their funds. During in-person sales pitches or through email messages and phone calls, Goodman provided clients with materially false and fraudulent information, including investment proposals and bogus online account information. Goodman also misrepresented to clients that their funds would be returned to them upon request, when, in fact, Goodman either kept all of the money or provided investors with refunded payments that were late, incomplete, or both, or that were refunds actually funded by other clients’ money.
According to court documents, instead of placing his clients’ money into safe and secure investment accounts, Goodman deposited client funds into bank accounts he controlled. Goodman misappropriated his clients’ funds for his own use and benefit by, among other things, purchasing and remodeling his home in Maple Grove, using funds for the purchase and construction of a $1.69 million home in Plymouth, buying a 2019 Ford Expedition and a 2020 Ford Explorer, funneling approximately $700,000 toward his other business, MoneyVerbs, and paying for personal expenditures, including a hot tub, a cruise, fitness club memberships, jewelry, and credit card payments.
As part of his sentence, Goodman will forfeit his equity in real estate, a vehicle, and other items of personal property.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Albert Lea Sex Offender for Online Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted an Albert Lea man on charges related to sextortion and child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Following a six-day trial before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright, Travis Kyle Mayer, 32, was convicted on two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, and one count obstruction of justice.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in 2017, Mayer downloaded and received child pornography from a Russian-based child pornography distribution website. In 2018, Mayer sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl, through persuasion and coercion, into producing child pornography, which he then possessed and distributed. This entire time, Mayer was required to register as a sex offender. Between June 20, 2019, and October 11, 2019, Mayer attempted to obstruct the administration of justice by requesting a witness to testify falsely regarding the child sexual exploitation investigation.
Mayer faces up to life in prison. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Albert Lea Police Department.
This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander D. Chiquoine and Joseph H. Thompson.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute 50 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A California man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in December 2019, Francisco Calderon-Panduro, 33, and others participated in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. On December 17, 2019, law enforcement arranged with Calderon-Panduro’s co-conspirators to conduct a controlled purchase of three pounds of methamphetamine. When Calderon-Panduro arrived at the designated location with the methamphetamine in his trunk, the undercover law enforcement officers arrested him. Calderon-Panduro admitted to law enforcement that he had additional methamphetamine at his home. During a subsequent search of Calderon-Panduro’s residence, law enforcement seized an additional 47 pounds of methamphetamine stored in various locations within the home.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Offenders Task Force.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Paul Man for Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury convicted a St. Paul man for drug possession with intent to distribute after being arrested with six kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Following a four-day trial before Judge Ann D. Montgomery, John Sheldon Pickens, Jr. was convicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the evidence presented at trial, during the early morning hours of November 1, 2019, officers with the St. Paul Police Department initiated a traffic stop of Pickens’s vehicle. Pickens initially pulled his vehicle over but then accelerated away and led police on a high-speed chase for several miles through the city of St. Paul. Officers were ultimately able to stop him on the Lafayette Bridge and take him into custody. Officers searched the vehicle and found six packages of cocaine that had a combined weight of approximately six kilograms.
Pickens faces a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Saint Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amber M. Brennan and Joseph S. Teirab.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Rochester man was sentenced yesterday to 132 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from May 2019 through June 2019, Jason Edward Hoffman, 34, was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. As part of his role in the conspiracy, Hoffman served as a sub-distributor and provided distribution logistics for methamphetamine, that was supplied to him by co-conspirator John Willis Netherton. Hoffman also collected funds from the sale of methamphetamine, which he provided in part to Netherton.
Jason Edward Hoffman pleaded guilty on August 25, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Several co-conspirators have previously been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy including: John Willis Netherton, who was sentenced to 260 months imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release; Jacob Paul Williams was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release; Andrew Robert Berndt was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release; and Miguel Angel Cuevas Zamora who was sentenced to 120 years imprisonment and two years of supervised release.
Co-conspirators Joshua Alexander Sazo, Nicholas John Hanson, Deja Lee Benton, and Kayleigh Rea Todd have all pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter, Jr. prosecuted the case.
Red Lake Man Charged with Assault, Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Red Lake man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to a sexual assault occurring on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.
According to court documents, between September 26 and 27, 2020, Tony Lee Lussier, 38, of Red Lake, Minnesota, assaulted a victim with a knife. The indictment also alleges that Lussier engaged in a sexual act with the victim who at the time was physically incapable of declining participation in the act.
Lussier is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of sexual abuse of an incapable victim. Lussier made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Canadian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Canadian man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2021, Dayne Adrian Sitladeen, 29, and his co-defendant were stopped by a Minnesota State Patrol Trooper near Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The defendants were traveling between 95-100 miles per hour in a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with Texas license plates. When the Trooper approached the vehicle, Muzamil Aden Addow, the driver, provided an Ontario, Canada driver’s license with a false name.
According to court documents, after detecting the odor of marijuana in the vehicle and receiving suspicious and inconsistent statements from Sitladeen, the Trooper searched the vehicle. As a result of the search, law enforcement officers recovered a total of 67 firearms and numerous pistol magazines, including 15 high capacity pistol magazines, from four bags in the truck—one pistol magazine was partially loaded with live ammunition rounds. Law enforcement later discovered a provisional federal arrest warrant from the United States Marshals Service for Sitladeen, which was based on a 2019 Canadian arrest warrant for first degree homicide, fentanyl distribution, and possession of proceeds of crime.
“Whether it’s dozens of illegal guns in greater Minnesota or a straw purchasing ring operating in the Twin Cities, federal law enforcement is committed to reducing violent crime and stemming the flow of illegal firearms in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minnesota State Patrol.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Bates.
Stock Promoters Charged in “Pump and Dump” Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A recently unsealed indictment charges three individuals with securities fraud for running an illegal pump-and-dump stock manipulation scheme by hijacking dormant public shell companies. The 15-count indictment charges all three defendants with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud and wire fraud.
According to court documents, Mark Allen Miller, 43, of Breezy Point, Minnesota, Christopher James Rajkaran, 35, of Queens, New York, and Guyana, and Saeid Jaberian, 59, of Hopkins, Minnesota, devised and carried out a scheme to surreptitiously hijack and assume control over dormant public shell companies. The defendants used their control over the companies to fraudulently manipulate and pump up the price of the companies' stock so that they could profit from the sale of stock to unwitting investors.
According to court documents, the defendants acquired large amounts of stock in dormant public shell companies that traded over-the-counter at low prices, often less than $0.01 per share. The defendants then assumed control over the shell companies by creating fake and filing fake resignation letters and board resolutions purporting to announce the resignation of the existing management team and the appointment of one or more conspirators as new officers and directors of the companies. The conspirators used their control over the hijacked shell companies to issue fraudulent press releases and filings designed to fraudulently inflate and “pump up” the price of the hijacked companies’ stock. The defendants then sold or “dumped” their stock at the fraudulently inflated prices.
Rajkaran, who was arrested on June 18, 2021, in the Eastern District of New York, made his initial appearance U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John Cho. Miller and Jaberian will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in St. Paul, Minnesota. Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance on this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson and Miranda E. Dugi are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Jury Convicts Ponsford Man for Violent Assault on the White Earth Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted a Ponsford man on charges related to a violent assault on the White Earth Indian Reservation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Following a four-day trial, Wesley Robert Warren, 22, was convicted on two of four counts, including one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to the evidence presented at trial, during the early morning hours of June 3, 2020, Warren and another man got into an argument with the victim. The argument escalated into a physical altercation and Warren and the other man knocked out the victim. Once the fight was over and the victim was laying face down on the ground, Warren continued the assault by picking up a 42-pound cinderblock and dropping it on the back of the victim’s head. As a result of the assault the victim was hospitalized for several weeks due to brain trauma and was later transferred to a long-term care facility.
Warren faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on each count of conviction. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, the White Earth Police Department, and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Caleb J. Dogeagle.
Moorhead Man Charged with Illegal Possession of A Firearm After Juvenile Killed by Bullet Fired from the Defendant’s GunRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Moorhead man, Phillip Jones, Jr., 33, was arrested and charged with firearms violations after a juvenile was killed by a bullet fired from a gun that Jones allegedly possessed, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, on March 21, 2021, officers of the Moorhead Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Moorhead, Minnesota, for a report of a juvenile male with a gunshot wound. After attempting life saving measures, paramedics pronounced the juvenile male, age 6, deceased. Investigators learned that three other juveniles were present in the residence at the time of the incident. According to investigators, Jones had been living at the residence but was not present at the time of the incident, nor were any other adults. Investigators learned that a firearm, a Smith and Wesson SW99, .40 caliber pistol, was located in a box on top of the kitchen cabinets. The firearm was still loaded and a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson spent casing was found in the kitchen trashcan. The investigation later revealed that DNA collected from the firearm matched the DNA profile of Jones. Because Jones has a prior felony conviction in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Moorhead Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of St. Paul Car Rental AgencyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man was sentenced today to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for arson at a St. Paul car rental agency.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to arson. Surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business showed Matthew Scott White, 31, entering the building and starting a fire in the back office. White fueled the fire by throwing papers and other flammable items onto the flames. As White exited the building, he told bystanders that the building was “going up” meaning, it was going to burn.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.
Thirty-Six Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in International Thai Sex Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thirty-six defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in operating a massive international sex trafficking organization that was responsible for coercing hundreds of Thai women to engage in commercial sex acts across the United States.
Matthew Mintz, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty on April 23, 2018, to one count of conspiracy to commit harboring and one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Mintz was sentenced yesterday by Senior Judge Donovan Frank to one year and one day in prison, three years of supervised release, $100,000 in restitution, and 100 hours of community service. Sumalee Intarathong, 60, is the final defendant that was charged as part of the sex trafficking conspiracy. On February 17, 2021, Intarathong was extradited to the United States from Belgium on a 10-count superseding indictment alleging conspiracy, human trafficking violations, and visa fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, this criminal organization compelled hundreds of women from Bangkok, Thailand, to engage in commercial sex acts in various cities across the United States, including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, Seattle and Austin. The trafficking victims were often from impoverished backgrounds and spoke little or no English. They were coerced to participate in the criminal scheme through misleading promises of a better life in the United States and the ability to provide money to their families in Thailand.
Once in the United States, the victims were sent to houses of prostitution where they were forced to have sex with strangers – every day – for up to 12 hours a day, at times having sex with 10 men a day. The victims were isolated from the outside world. They were not allowed to leave the houses of prostitution unless accompanied by a member of the criminal organization. The victims moved around the United States between houses of prostitution in multiple cities. They and their families in Thailand were threatened.
The organization also engaged in widespread visa fraud to facilitate the international transportation of the victims. Traffickers assisted the victims in obtaining fraudulent visas and travel documents by funding false bank accounts, creating fictitious backgrounds and occupations, and instructing the victims to enter into fraudulent marriages to increase the likelihood that their visa applications would be approved. Traffickers also coached the victims as to what to say during their visa interviews. While working to obtain visa documents, traffickers gathered personal information from the victims, including the location of the victims’ families in Thailand. This information was later used to threaten victims who sought to flee the organization in the United States.
The organization dealt primarily in cash and engaged in rampant and sophisticated money laundering in order to promote and conceal illegal profits. The organization used “funnel accounts” to launder and route cash from cities across the United States to the money launderers in Los Angeles. To date, investigators have been able to recover $1.5 million in cash and $15 million in money judgments secured through plea agreements. During the extensive investigation, law enforcement traced tens of millions of dollars to the organization. Indeed, at trial, there was testimony that more than $40 million was sent to Thailand by one money launderer alone.
“A total of 36 individuals who participated in this horrific commercial sex trafficking operation have now been held to account for their exploitative treatment of fellow human beings,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “Sex trafficking is a reprehensible crime and combatting it remains a priority for this office and for our law enforcement partners. Today’s penultimate sentencing not only signals the end of a years-long investigation and prosecution, but it demonstrates the dogged pursuit that we have brought to this case since day one.”
“HSI, through collaborative efforts with numerous law enforcement partners, unraveled this international ring of criminals that brutally exploited women for their own personal gain,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt, of HSI St. Paul. “Human trafficking is a deplorable crime, and this sentencing, the last of 36 defendants that have resulted in nearly $23 million in restitution ordered by the court, demonstrates a measure of justice for the victims and that HSI will continue to ensure those responsible will be brought to justice.”
“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress. The proceeds are fuel for criminals to conduct their illegal affairs and are used to manipulate and erode our financial systems,” said Special Agent In Charge Kathy Enstrom, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “We are committed to deciphering the complex international financial transactions and money laundering schemes that are the engine for human trafficking. We will find you and we will bring you to justice, just as we did with Matthew Mintz,” said Enstrom.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS (IRS-CI), the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the St. Paul Police Department, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office, the State Department Diplomatic Security Service, and the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2). Acting U.S. Attorney Folk also thanks the Thai Community Development Center for their support and advocacy on behalf of the victims of this sex trafficking organization.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Laura Provinzino, with assistance from HSI Special Agent Tonya Price, IRS-CI Special Agent John Tschida, Senior Investigator Steven Baker of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Sturgeon Lake Man Sentenced to 30 Years, Aitkin Woman Sentenced to 19 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, man and an Aitkin, Minnesota, woman were sentenced in federal court today for producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
Matthew James Gunderson, 31, and Amanda May Walsh, 39, were sentenced by Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to 360 months and 228 months, respectively. The court also sentenced Gunderson and Walsh to 10 years each of supervised release following incarceration. They will be required to register as sex offenders upon their release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout their lives.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2019, and at other times, Walsh engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor for the purpose of producing videos and photographs of the abuse. On January 24 and January 26, 2019, and at other times, Gunderson engaged in the sexual abuse of minors for the purpose of producing videos and photographs of the abuse.
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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Manda M. Sertich.
Brainerd Man Sentenced to Prison for Wildlife Trafficking, Trespassing After Removing the Head of A Black Bear on the Red Lake Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Brainerd, Minnesota, man was sentenced in federal court today for wildlife trafficking and trespassing on Indian land after removing the head of a 700-pound black bear on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.
Brett James Stimac, 41, was sentenced by Judge Susan Richard Nelson to 15 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $9,500 fine.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 1, 2019, Stimac, who is not an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, willfully, knowingly and without authorization or permission, entered the Red Lake Indian Reservation for the purposes of hunting a bear. The Government contends that Stimac, using a compound bow, shot and killed a large American black bear near the Reservation’s garbage dump.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2019, Stimac returned to the dump the following day and located the bloody carcass of the bear. Stimac posed for photographs with the bear’s carcass and later shared the photographs on social media. Because of the bear’s large size, Stimac was unable to move the bear from the Reservation. Instead, Stimac used a saw to remove the bear’s head for a trophy. Stimac brought the bear’s head to a taxidermist in Ironton, Minnesota, and left the remainder of the carcass to spoil.
The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians does not permit non-Indians to hunt bear, one of seven clan animals of the Band, within the boundaries of the Red Lake Indian Reservation, due to the bear’s cultural and spiritual importance to the Band.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Red Lake Department of Public Safety, the Red Lake Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with assistance from the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Allery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.
Staples Man Sentenced to Prison, $12 Million in Restitution for Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Staples man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.
According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Bryce Michael Williams, 27, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct building was torn down. Williams, along with other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the Third Precinct building. Surveillance video footage from the Third Precinct showed Williams standing near the entrance of the Third Precinct holding a Molotov cocktail while a co-conspirator (later identified as Davon De-Andre Turner) lit the wick. The Molotov cocktail was taken into the Third Precinct by Turner and was used to start a fire. Williams later threw a box on an existing fire located just outside the Third Precinct entrance.
“All four defendants charged in federal court have now been sentenced for their individual roles in the burning and near total destruction of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “Mr. Williams and his co-defendants have been held accountable for their dangerous and destructive actions. I thank our federal, state, and local partners who pursued justice in these cases.”
On November 19, 2020, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Williams was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
Federal Jury Convicts Armed Career Criminal for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury today convicted a St. Paul man on charges of illegally possessing a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Following a five-day trial, Darnell Andre Dunn, 30, was convicted on one count of felon in possession of firearm – armed career criminal.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 30, 2019, Dunn was involved in a drive-by shooting in St. Paul. Minutes after the shooting, St. Paul police pulled over the car in which Dunn and two others were riding. The police let Dunn and the others go after receiving incorrect information about the license plate of the drive-by shooter’s car from the 911 dispatcher. When they realized the error, Dunn and the others were gone. The following day, St. Paul police saw Dunn parked at a gas station in St. Paul. After asking Dunn about the false name he had given the night before, the officer ordered Dunn out of the car. When Dunn got up, a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson he had been sitting on fell to the floor. A ballistics analysis later showed that it was one of the guns that had been used in the drive-by shooting the night before. Because of his prior felony convictions, Dunn is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Dunn faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years, up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Paul Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and Melinda A. Williams.
Statement of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Regarding the U.S. Marshals Task ForceRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is providing the public with information regarding the North Star Fugitive Task Force:
The North Star Fugitive Task Force (the “Task Force”) is a U.S. Marshals-led Task Force, established pursuant to federal law, that locates and apprehends fugitives in the District of Minnesota.
The Task Force is comprised of members of local, state and federal law enforcement who partner to arrest the state’s most violent fugitives.
The Task Force adopts warrants issued by state and local courts for pending criminal charges, probation violations, or failures to comply with court-ordered conditions.
Task force officers (TFOs) are state and local law enforcement officers who receive special deputations from the U.S. Marshals Service. While on a task force, these officers can exercise U.S. Marshals’ authorities, such as being able to cross jurisdictional lines to apprehend violent fugitives. Nationally, these critical partnerships result in the arrest of nearly 100,000 violent fugitives each year.
In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Body-Worn Camera (BWC) policy to permit TFOs to utilize body-worn cameras on federal task forces. In February 2021, the U.S. Marshals Service began to phase-in this policy, which continues to be implemented in the District of Minnesota.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation into the officer involved shooting incident that occurred on June 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Traverse County Farmer Sentenced for Fraud Scheme Against Cenex Harvest StatesRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Traverse County man was sentenced today to four years of probation, local community confinement, and $416,389 in restitution, for his role in a wire fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Bryan Dallas Crandall, 37, conspired with two employees of the Cenex Harvest States (CHS) grain elevator in Herman, Minnesota to manipulate the records of corn and soybeans delivered by Crandall on multiple occasions between 2013 and 2017. At the time of the fraud, the computer system in place at the elevator in Herman allowed an elevator employee to manually adjust scale readings, in order to allow the scale operator to correct potential errors in the weighing process.
Crandall conspired with the CHS employees to have the employees falsely inflate the number of bushels that Crandall appeared to deliver by semi-truck for sale to CHS. In some cases, entries were made in the elevator computer where a truck was not even present. After receiving payment for the fraudulent deliveries, Crandall kicked-back a portion of the proceeds to his co-conspirators in the form of money, vehicles, and firearms.
Unbeknownst to the elevator employees and Crandall, the CHS database automatically recorded a notation whenever a grain load was manually altered. The scheme ended when local investigators found bank and cell phone records that reflected unusual text messages and payments between Crandall and one of the employees, and CHS located the manual alterations though an analysis of the computer records. In 2018, investigators seized and forfeited vehicles, a snowmobile, and farm equipment obtained in the scheme.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Lewis prosecuted the case.
Three Individuals Charged with Illegally Straw Purchasing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A criminal complaint charging federal firearms violations has been filed against three individuals for their alleged roles an illegal straw purchasing scheme.
Sarah Jean Elwood, 33, Jeffrey Paul Jackson, 30, and Geryiell Lamont Walker, 21, are charged with one count each aiding and abetting false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms. Following a detention hearing on June 3, 2021, before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson, all three defendants were ordered to remain in custody.
According to the complaint, in May 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) learned that at least three firearms that Elwood had recently purchased had been recovered by police during crime investigations shortly after Elwood bought them. After further investigation, law enforcement subsequently discovered that Elwood had purchased at least 56 firearms from various Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) in the State of Minnesota between August 1, 2020, and May 28, 2021. Approximately 47 of the 56 firearms were purchased in the month of May 2021 alone.
According to the complaint, ATF agents reviewed Forms 4473 that Elwood completed and signed in connection with 22 transactions for firearm purchases. On each form, Elwood certified that she was the actual purchaser of the firearms. Based on the investigation, this was a false certification because Elwood was purchasing the firearms for, and at the direction of, another person, primarily Walker. For example, a Glock model 19, 9mm pistol that Elwood purchased on May 12, 2021, was recovered 15 days later, in possession of a suspect whom investigators believe was involved in a shooting incident that occurred on May 11, 2021.
According to the complaint, on May 30, 2021, agents observed a Chevy Impala arrive at an FFL in Circle Pines, Minnesota. Three of the vehicle’s occupants were identified as Elwood, Jackson, and Walker. Walker and another individual entered the FFL first and returned to the vehicle about 15 minutes later. Elwood then exited the vehicle and entered the store. Approximately 15 minutes later, Elwood exited the store with three newly purchased firearms, a 100-round magazine, and three boxes of high-caliber ammunition, for which she paid over $1,750. She was immediately detained by law enforcement. The other occupants in the vehicle, including Jackson and Walker, were also detained. Elwood later described to law enforcement her role in the scheme was to purchase the firearms while Jackson arranged the deals through Walker. After purchasing the firearms, Elwood and Jackson would sell the guns to Walker and others for about a $100 profit per firearm.
Straw purchasing typically involves a buyer who lawfully purchases firearms from an FFL and then provides them to another person who is legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, therefore allowing the prohibited person to avoid the background check system.
“The Twin Cities is experiencing an unprecedented spike in gun violence. Federal law enforcement continues to be aggressive in our efforts to stem this deadly tide through investigations and prosecutions of federal gun cases, including straw purchasing schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
“ATF is dedicated to investigating violent gun crimes and straw purchasing schemes such as this,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson. “Trafficking firearms in order to put guns in the hands of criminals can have irreparable consequences for our communities and we simply cannot let these acts go unaddressed.”
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF and the Blaine Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mark Sand & Gravel Co. to Pay $1.75 Million for Allegedly Using Substandard, Unauthorized Road Construction Materials in Violation of Federal and State False Claims ActsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Mark Sand & Gravel Co. has agreed to pay $1.75 million in damages for allegedly violating the federal False Claims Act and the Minnesota False Claims Act, by using unauthorized gravel materials in connection with several federally-funded road construction projects administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
According to the allegations, between 2013 and 2015, Mark Sand & Gravel Co. performed substantial work on three separate federally-funded road construction projects – for portions of Trunk Highways 34, 59/10, and 78 – in or near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. All such projects are required, by law and contract, to be performed in accordance with detailed terms and specifications using only approved materials. The government contends Mark Sand & Gravel Co. failed to follow contract specifications by using unauthorized and substandard materials, namely waste or shale rock included in the gravel mix for the projects, and making materially false claims and statements in connection with its use of those materials. The proceeds of the settlement will be divided by the federal and state governments according to the original funding of the projects.
“Failing to uphold contractual obligations by agreeing to do one thing but then doing another is not acceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “We will continue to use the False Claims Act and other tools at our disposal to ensure that contractors act with transparency and do the work they promised to do.”
“Performing road construction projects funded by the U. S. Department of Transportation comes with a set of detailed terms and specifications. When companies fail to follow contract specifications, use unauthorized materials, and make false statements concerning the quality of materials, the integrity of the work being performed is compromised,” said Andrea M. Kropf, Special Agent-In-Charge, Midwestern Region, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Today’s settlement signals our commitment to ensuring the integrity of the programs designed to maintain and improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”
This case was jointly investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Four Members of Twin Cities Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced that four people involved in a Twin Cities-based methamphetamine trafficking ring have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the drug distribution conspiracy.
Brandon Earl Swanson, 41, of Crystal, Minnesota, was sentenced to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Jared William Merta, 40, of Montrose, Minnesota, was sentenced to 170 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Wayde Salem Salwei, 46, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, was sentenced to 132 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Katherine Byrd Campbell, 33, of Rochester, Minnesota, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release. Co-defendants Lucas Jay Madison and Mark Oren Schorn were previously sentenced by Judge Eric C. Tostrud to 235 and 180 months in prison, respectively.
According to court documents, between March 2020 through at least April 2020, the defendants were involved in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation. On April 14, 2020, law enforcement stopped Madison and Campbell near Faribault, Minnesota, as they traveled back from Phoenix, Arizona. Law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered approximately 23 pounds of methamphetamine contained within a backpack. The methamphetamine was intended for delivery to multiple co-conspirators in the Twin Cities and surrounding metropolitan area. On the same day, law enforcement conducted multiple search warrants, including Merta’s and Schorn’s apartments in Montrose, Madison’s apartment in St. Paul, and Madison’s car detailing business in Bloomington, Minnesota, where Madison, Swanson and other co-conspirators conducted their operations. As a result of these searches, law enforcement agents recovered more than $100,000 in U.S. currency, more than 780 grams of methamphetamine, three handguns, multiple digital scales, THC cartridges, multiple cell phones, and other drug paraphernalia.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Anoka Hennepin Drug Task Force, the Cannon River Drug & Violent Offender Task Force, the Southeast Minnesota Gang and Drug Task Force, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Edina Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter prosecuted the case.
Wayzata Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of Minneapolis BankRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Wayzata man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson of a Minneapolis bank.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, Marc Bell Gonzales, 30, and others intentionally set fire to the Wells Fargo Bank branch building located at 3030 Nicollet Avenue South. Specifically, Gonzales poured gasoline from a red plastic canister onto the Wells Fargo Bank property while the surrounding crowd chanted, “burn it down!” Gonzales admitted that he acted with the intent to accelerate the burning of the Wells Fargo Bank building.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter prosecuted the case.
Richfield Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of Target Corporation HeadquartersRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Richfield man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson of the Target Corporation’s headquarters building.
According to court documents, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting in response to false rumors regarding police involvement in the death of a murder suspect. After law enforcement released video footage demonstrating that the rumor was clearly false, Shador Tommie Cortez Jackson, 24, gathered with other rioters downtown. Jackson joined a crowd outside Target Corporation’s corporate headquarters building located at 1000 Nicollet Mall (“Target Headquarters”). Jackson used a construction sign to break through the glass doors into the building. After breaching the doors and entering the building, Jackson intentionally set a fire on a counter inside the mailroom. Jackson also attempted to light a second fire in the mailroom on top of cardboard boxes using a lighter and a bottle of ignitable liquid.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker, Alexander D. Chiquoine, and Joseph S. Teirab prosecuted the case.
Red Lake Man Arrested, Charged with Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Red Lake man made his initial appearance in federal court today on charges of aggravated sexual abuse occurring on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.
According to court documents, on July 3, 2020, Descart Austin Begay, Jr., 37, knowingly engaged in a sexual act with an individual by using force, threatening, and placing the individual in fear.
Begay, who was arrested yesterday, is charged with one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse. Begay made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Becky Thorson. Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Monticello Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson of Minneapolis BankRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Monticello man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson at a Minneapolis bank.
According to court documents, Alexander Steven Heil, 22, admitted that on May 28, 2020, he and other individuals intentionally aided in the arson of the Wells Fargo Bank building located in south Minneapolis. Heil added fuel to an existing fire by throwing items into the flames with the intent to accelerate the burning of the building.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Itasca County Man for Vehicular Assault on White Earth ReservationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted an Itasca County man today on charges of assaulting an individual with his vehicle, resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
Kevin Roger Doerr, 35, was convicted on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
“Today, a jury held Mr. Doerr accountable for assaulting an individual and terrorizing a small, quiet community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “I commend the work of the prosecution team and our investigative partners who pursued justice in this case.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 7, 2020, Doerr was driving erratically through Elbow Lake Village on the White Earth Indian Reservation. Neighbors called 911 to report that a silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by Doerr, was trying to run people over and chasing people through the neighborhood. When law enforcement arrived, they found a chaotic scene with neighbors outside and two badly injured victims whom Doerr had hit with his vehicle. Law enforcement took Doerr into custody and the victims were airlifted to the hospital.
A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the White Earth Police Department, the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force and the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Allery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad tried the case.
Airline Passenger Charged with Cocaine Possession After Flight Diverted to MSPRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A New York man was arrested today in Minneapolis on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of cocaine on a flight from New York to San Francisco, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.
According to court documents, on May 16, 2021, Jet Blue Airlines flight 915 was en route from New York to San Francisco when it diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport because a man, later identified as Mark Anthony Scerbo, 42, was acting erratically and causing a commotion. Witnesses reported Scerbo walking up and down the aisle with a butter knife in his fist, snorting white powder, and had a bag containing a white powdery substance on his tray, which a flight attendant retrieved and later delivered to police. After landing, MSP Airport Police detained Scerbo and took custody of the bag of white powdery substance, which field tested positive for cocaine and weighed 24.5 grams.
Scerbo is charged with one count of possession of cocaine. If convicted, Scerbo faces a maximum of three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda E. Dugi is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Violent Incident During A Funeral ServiceRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Fond Du Lac man was sentenced today to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing and discharging a firearm in a school zone.
According to court documents, on October 18, 2019, Shelby Gene Boswell, 29, ran into a funeral service with a rifle and shot a person in the back of the head. The shooting victim was transported to the hospital and survived their injuries. The shooting took place on the grounds of Fond du Lac Head Start which is within a distance of 1,000 feet of the grounds of Fond du Lac Ojibwe High School. Because he has prior felony convictions in Beltrami County, Carlton County, and in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, BOSWELL is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fond du Lac Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott prosecuted the case.
Waite Park Man Charged in St. Cloud Bank Robbery, Hostage SituationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal criminal complaint was filed yesterday charging a Waite Park man in connection to a St. Cloud bank robbery and hostage situation.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2021, Ray Reco McNeary, 35, entered a Wells Fargo Bank in St. Cloud and alleged that there was fraud on his bank account. After the bank manager was unable to locate any accounts belonging to McNeary, McNeary became enraged and demanded that $60,000 in cash be taken from the vault and placed in a bank bag. The bank manager activated the silent panic alarm, notifying law enforcement of a problem at the bank.
According to court documents, upon arrival, St. Cloud police officers learned that five employees of the bank were being held hostage by McNeary. Multiple times throughout the incident, McNeary held a pair of scissors against the bank manager’s neck and back. FBI hostage negotiators spoke with McNeary repeatedly during what turned out to be an eight-hour standoff. During the course of negotiations, four of the employees were allowed to leave the bank. The standoff ended at approximately 10:24 p.m. when the bank manager fled the bank and law enforcement moved into the bank and arrested McNeary.
McNeary is charged with one count of bank robbery. If convicted, McNeary faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the St. Cloud Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Texas Man Is 64th Defendant Charged in Nationwide Telemarketing SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Texas man was arraigned in federal court today on charges of wire fraud and violating the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994 (the “SCAMS Act”).
According to court documents, Jeremy Wade Wilson, 39, of Fort Worth, Texas, was the owner and operator of Publishers Elite, a Texas-based company involved in fraudulent magazine sales. Publishers Elite operated a telemarketing call center in Arlington, Texas, and from 2013 through 2019, Wilson provided his telemarketers with scripts containing fraudulent sales pitches for use in defrauding victim-consumers, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable, out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The fraudulent sales pitches were designed to induce consumers, through a series of lies and misrepresentations, into unwittingly signing up for expensive magazine subscriptions.
According to court documents, Wilson obtained lists of consumers who had active and ongoing magazine subscriptions through other companies. Wilson directed his telemarketers to claim—falsely—that they were calling from the victim-consumers’ existing magazine subscription company and about an existing magazine subscription. Wilson’s script directed the telemarketers to claim—again falsely—to be calling with an offer to renew the victim-consumer’s existing magazine subscription, often at a reduced cost. In reality, Wilson and his company had no existing relationship with most of the victim-consumers and his telemarketers were not calling about an existing magazine subscription. Instead they were calling to defraud them by tricking them into unwittingly signing up for entirely new magazine subscriptions.
According to court documents, Wilson and his company defrauded more than 14,000 victims across the United States, including more than 200 victims in Minnesota. Between 2013 and 2019, his company received more than $4.5 million from victims of his scheme.
Wilson is charged with six counts wire fraud and violating the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994 (the “SCAMS Act”). Wilson is the 64th defendant charged to date as part of a nationwide telemarketing scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims. Wilson was arraigned today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
This indictment is related to the cases United States v. Rahm, et al., 20-cr-232; United States v. Timmerman et al., 20-cr-233; United States v. Mathias et al., 20-cr-231; United States v. Olberg, 20-cr-285, United States v. Dahl, 18-cr-305 and United States v. Oelrich, 20-cr-128.
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 Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, and Melinda A. Williams are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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St. Paul Man Sentenced to Prison, $12 Million in Restitution for Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.
According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct building was torn down. Turner and an individual unknown to him at the time (later identified as co-defendant Bryce Michael Williams) worked together to light an incendiary device which they intended to be used to start or further accelerate a fire. The incendiary device was taken into the Third Precinct headquarters by Turner and was used to start a fire.
“Mr. Turner’s actions on the night of May 28, 2020 contributed to the near total destruction of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “Those actions were dangerous to community, to law enforcement, and to the many peaceful protestors exercising their first amendment rights. Today’s sentence underscores the seriousness of those actions.”
“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that puts our community members and first responders at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message—when you are intent on conducting a violent act that breaks federal law, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will move with speed to hold you accountable,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “That behavior puts our entire community in danger, and we simply will not let it go unaddressed.”
On January 22, 2021, Turner pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Turner was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.
Co-conspirator Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, was sentenced on April 28, 2021, to 48 months in prison. Co-conspirator Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, was sentenced on May 4, 2021, to 41 months in prison. Both Robinson and Wolfe, who had each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson, were also ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution for their roles in the conspiracy. Co-conspirator Bryce Michael Williams is currently scheduled to be sentenced on June 7, 2021 before District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. Williams plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson on November 11, 2020.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.
“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
“During this week of national recognition, the Department of Justice celebrates the women and men who have devoted their lives to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “Here in the District of Minnesota, we extend our gratitude to the federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers who are dedicated to serving and protecting our communities, and honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.
During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.
To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
White Earth Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Augustus Quintrell Light, 40, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Bemidji, Minnesota, where Light was located. At the time, Light had in his possession over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, which he was planning to distribute, a digital scale and three rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at Light’s residence in Naytahwaush, Minnesota, and recovered, from a locked safe, small quantities of controlled substances, $4800 in cash, and three rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson accepted the plea.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Beltrami County Attorney, the Mahnomen County Attorney, the Paul Bunyan Task Force, the Bemidji Police Department, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department, the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Department, and the White Earth Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Chiquoine and Ruth Shnider are prosecuting the case.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 260 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Rochester man was sentenced today to 260 months in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from May 2019 through August 2019, John Willis Netherton, 40, was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy, the defendant coordinated and facilitated the delivery of methamphetamine from his co-conspirator Miguel Zamora. Netherton also distributed methamphetamine to sub-distributors. Netherton collected funds from the sale of methamphetamine, which in part were ultimately sent back to the defendant’s source of supply.
John Willis Netherton, also known as “Big John,” also known as “Wicked One,” pleaded guilty on September 4, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Previously on August 24, 2020, co-conspirator Jacob Paul Williams was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release. On August 28, 2020, co-conspirator Miguel Angel Cuevas Zamora was sentenced to 120 years imprisonment and two years of supervised release. Co-conspirators Joshua Alexander Sazo, Nicholas John Hanson, Jason Edwards Hoffman, Deja Lee Benton, Andrew Robert Berndt, and Kayleigh Rea Todd have all pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson sentenced the defendant.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
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Four Former Minneapolis Police Officers Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges for Death of George Floyd; Derek Chauvin Also Charged in Separate Indictment for Violating Civil Rights of a JuvenileRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the indictment against Chauvin et al. can be viewed
here and the two count indictment against Chauvin can be viewed here.WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury in Minneapolis, Minnesota, returned two indictments that were unsealed today. The first indictment charges former Minneapolis Police Department officers Derek Chauvin, 45; Tou Thao, 35; J. Alexander Kueng, 27; and Thomas Lane, 38, with federal civil rights crimes for their roles in the death of George Perry Floyd Jr.
The three-count indictment alleges that all four defendants, while acting under color of law, willfully deprived Mr. Floyd of his constitutional rights, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Specifically, Count One of the indictment alleges that on May 25, 2020, Chauvin held his left knee across Mr. Floyd’s neck, and his right knee on Floyd’s back and arm, as George Floyd lay on the ground, handcuffed and unresisting, and kept his knees on Mr. Floyd’s neck and body even after Mr. Floyd became unresponsive. The indictment alleges that Chauvin’s actions violated Mr. Floyd’s constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer and resulted in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd.
Count Two of the indictment charges that Thao and Kueng willfully failed to intervene to stop Chauvin’s use of unreasonable force, resulting in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd. Finally, Count Three of the indictment alleges that all four defendants saw Mr. Floyd lying on the ground in clear need of medical care and willfully failed to aid him. The indictment alleges that by doing so, all four defendants willfully deprived Mr. Floyd of his constitutional right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law, which includes an arrestee’s right to be free from a police officer’s deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs. The indictment alleges that this offense resulted in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd.
A separate, two-count indictment also charges Chauvin with willfully depriving a Minneapolis resident who was then fourteen-years-old of the constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Count One of this indictment alleges that on Sept. 4, 2017, Chauvin, without legal justification, held the teenager by the throat and struck the teenager multiple times in the head with a flashlight. The indictment alleges that this offense included the use of a dangerous weapon—a flashlight—and resulted in bodily injury to the teenager. Count Two of the indictment charges that Chauvin held his knee on the neck and the upper back of the teenager even after the teenager was lying prone, handcuffed, and unresisting, also resulting in bodily injury.
Both indictments charge violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. 18 U.S.C. § 242 states that it is a crime for an official acting under color of law to willfully violate a person’s constitutional rights. If government employees, like police officers, use or misuse the power provided to them by their position, they are acting “under color of law.”
An indictment is merely a formal accusation of criminal conduct. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges announced today are separate from the Justice Department’s civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department that the Attorney General announced on April 21. The charges announced today are criminal, while the pattern or practice investigation is a civil investigation that will be conducted separately and independently from the criminal case, and will be handled by a different team of career staff from the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charges announced today are also separate from, and in addition to, the charges the State of Minnesota has brought against these former officers related to the death of Mr. Floyd. The federal charges allege different criminal offenses; specifically, they allege violations of the U.S. Constitution, rather than of state law.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan and Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota commend the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in this matter, and thank the Minneapolis Police Department for its cooperation in the investigation.
The federal criminal cases are being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota, Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Bates, LeeAnn Bell, Evan Gilead, Manda Sertich and Allen Slaughter of the District of Minnesota.
Four Former Minneapolis Police Officers Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges for Death of George Floyd; Derek Chauvin Also Charged in A Separate Indictment for Violating Civil Rights of A JuvenileRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal grand jury in Minneapolis, Minnesota returned two indictments that were unsealed today. The first indictment charges former Minneapolis Police Department officers Derek Chauvin, 45; Tou Thao, 35; J. Alexander Kueng, 27; and Thomas Lane, 38, with federal civil rights crimes for their roles in the death of George Perry Floyd Jr.
The three-count indictment alleges that all four defendants, while acting under color of law, willfully deprived Mr. Floyd of his constitutional rights, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Specifically, Count One of the indictment alleges that on May 25, 2020, Chauvin held his left knee across Mr. Floyd’s neck, and his right knee on Floyd’s back and arm, as George Floyd lay on the ground, handcuffed and unresisting, and kept his knees on Mr. Floyd’s neck and body even after Mr. Floyd became unresponsive. The indictment alleges that Chauvin’s actions violated Mr. Floyd’s constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer and resulted in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd.
Count Two of the indictment charges that Thao and Kueng willfully failed to intervene to stop Chauvin’s use of unreasonable force, resulting in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd. Finally, Count Three of the indictment alleges that all four defendants saw Mr. Floyd lying on the ground in clear need of medical care and willfully failed to aid him. The indictment alleges that by doing so, all four defendants willfully deprived Mr. Floyd of his constitutional right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law, which includes an arrestee’s right to be free from a police officer’s deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs. The indictment alleges that this offense resulted in bodily injury to, and the death of, Mr. Floyd.
A separate, two-count indictment also charges Chauvin with willfully depriving a Minneapolis resident who was then fourteen-years-old of the constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Count One of this indictment alleges that on Sept. 4, 2017, Chauvin, without legal justification, held the teenager by the throat and struck the teenager multiple times in the head with a flashlight. The indictment alleges that this offense included the use of a dangerous weapon—a flashlight—and resulted in bodily injury to the teenager. Count Two of the indictment charges that Chauvin held his knee on the neck and the upper back of the teenager even after the teenager was lying prone, handcuffed, and unresisting, also resulting in bodily injury.
Both indictments charge violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. 18 U.S.C. § 242 states that it is a crime for an official acting under color of law to willfully violate a person’s constitutional rights. If government employees, like police officers, use or misuse the power provided to them by their position, they are acting “under color of law.”
An indictment is merely a formal accusation of criminal conduct. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges announced today are separate from the Justice Department’s civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department that the Attorney General announced on April 21. The charges announced today are criminal, while the pattern or practice investigation is a civil investigation that will be conducted separately and independently from the criminal case, and will be handled by a different team of career staff from the Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The charges announced today are also separate from, and in addition to, the charges the State of Minnesota has brought against these former officers related to the death of Mr. Floyd. The federal charges allege different criminal offenses; specifically, they allege violations of the U.S. Constitution, rather than of state law.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan and Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota commend the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in this matter, and thank the Minneapolis Police Department for its cooperation in the investigation.
The federal criminal cases are being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota, Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Bates, LeeAnn Bell, Evan Gilead, Manda Sertich, and Allen Slaughter of the District of Minnesota.
Substitute Teacher Charged in “Sextortion” CaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Mitchell James Ottinger, 25, of Carver, Minnesota, was arrested yesterday on criminal charges for alleged production of child pornography related to sextortion and threats of extortion. A detention and preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 7, 2021, at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.
According to court documents, Ottinger created and used multiple Internet accounts to encourage and direct minors and an adult to create sexually explicit images and videos of themselves to send to Ottinger. Ottinger posed as a young female using aliases including “Taylor Malek” or “Rachel Meyer,” in order to obtain the images and videos. If a victim later blocked or ignored “her,” Ottinger would contact the victim—through the alias or other accounts—and threaten to publish the victim’s sexually explicit image(s) to others unless additional demands for sexually explicit images were met. This conduct is sometimes referred to as “sextortion.”
Law enforcement was alerted to the sextortion when one of the victims contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center and reported the threats. 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 763-569-8000.
Ottinger is charged with two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography and two counts of making extortionate threats. If convicted, Ottinger faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk of the District of Minnesota; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Dugi is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to Prison, $12 Million in Restitution for Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.
According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct was torn down. Wolfe pushed a barrel into a fire located in the entrance of the Third Precinct headquarters, which had been set by other unidentified co-conspirators, with the intent to accelerate the existing fire. Wolfe also entered the Third Precinct building and stole several items, including a police vest, duty belt, handcuffs, earpiece, baton, knife, riot helmet, pistol magazine, police radio, police overdose kit, uniform name plates, and ammunition. Wolfe was arrested on June 3, 2020, wearing the police vest, the duty belt and carrying the tactical baton.
“Mr. Wolfe furthered the destruction that took place in Minneapolis last summer by literally adding fuel to the fire. In addition to the arson, Mr. Wolfe stole body armor, weapons, and ammunition belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “This sentence underscores the seriousness of Mr. Wolfe’s actions and holds him to account.”
“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that puts our community members and first responders at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”
“The FBI’s mission is to uphold the Constitution, which includes freedom of speech and the right to assemble,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “Branden Wolfe crossed the line and engaged in criminal activity during the evening the Third Precinct building was burned down last May. People who choose to engage in violent activity during protests may believe they are anonymous, but they are mistaken and will be held accountable for their crimes.”
On December 21, 2020, Wolfe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Wolfe was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.
Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, and Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the arson at the Third Precinct building. They will be sentenced at a later date.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
Second Member of "Boogaloo Bois" Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to HamasRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Minnesota man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to provide material support and resources, namely property, services and weapons, to what he believed was Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, for use against Israeli and U.S. military personnel overseas.
According to court documents, Michael Solomon, 31, of New Brighton, Minn., was a member of the “Boogaloo Bois,” a group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments. In late May 2020, the FBI initiated an investigation into Solomon and co-defendant Benjamin Ryan Teeter, both members of the “Boogaloo Bois,” and a sub-group called the “Boojahideen.”
According to court documents, on June 10, 2020, Solomon and Teeter met with a confidential human source (CHS), whom the defendants believed to be a member of Hamas. During this meeting, Solomon and Teeter proposed assisting Hamas as a means of furthering the goals of the Boogaloo Bois. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Solomon used encrypted messaging applications to communicate with Teeter and the CHS about various aspects of the conspiracy.
On June 28, 2020, Solomon, Teeter and the CHS met an undercover employee of the FBI (UCE) that Solomon believed was a member of Hamas. During this meeting, Solomon and Teeter proposed manufacturing suppressors, untraceable firearms and fully automatic firearms for Hamas.
On July 6, 2020, Solomon and Teeter purchased a drill press for the purpose of manufacturing suppressors for Hamas. Solomon admitted that he and Teeter had planned to use the drill press to also manufacture suppressors for members of the Boogaloo Bois. Solomon and Teeter brought the drill press to Solomon’s home and later used the drill press to manufacture five suppressors.
On July 30, 2020, Solomon and Teeter delivered the suppressors to the CHS and UCE believing those devices would be used by the militant wing of Hamas. During that meeting, the defendants agreed to manufacture additional suppressors for Hamas believing that the next batch of suppressors would be used against Israeli and U.S. military personnel overseas.
Solomon admitted that he and Teeter again met the UCE on Aug. 29, 2020. During this meeting, the defendants gave the UCE a 3-D printed “auto sear” believing that the auto sear would be used by Hamas to convert semi-automatic rifles into fully automatic rifles. At this time, Solomon and Teeter agreed to obtain, and did obtain, another order of auto sears for the CHS and the UCE.
Solomon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota; Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis accepted the plea.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Trial Attorneys George Kraehe and Felice John Viti of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
Second Member of "Boogaloo Bois" Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to HamasRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Michael Solomon, 31, of New Brighton, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to provide material support and resources, namely property, services and weapons, to what he believed was Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, for use against Israeli and U.S. military personnel overseas.
According to court documents, in late May of 2020, the FBI initiated an investigation into Solomon and co-defendant Benjamin Ryan Teeter, two members of the “Boogaloo Bois,” and a sub-group called the “Boojahideen.” The Boogaloo Bois are a group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments.
According to court documents, on June 10, 2020, Solomon and Teeter met with a confidential human source (“CHS”), whom the defendants believed to be a member of Hamas. During this meeting, Solomon and Teeter proposed assisting Hamas as a means of furthering the goals of the Boogaloo Bois. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Solomon used encrypted messaging applications to communicate with Teeter and the CHS about various aspects of the conspiracy.
On June 28, 2020, Solomon, Teeter, and the CHS, met an undercover employee of the FBI (“UCE) that Solomon believed was a member of Hamas. During this meeting, Solomon and Teeter proposed manufacturing suppressors, untraceable firearms, and fully automatic firearms for Hamas.
On July 6, 2020, Solomon and Teeter purchased a drill press for the purpose of manufacturing suppressors for Hamas. Solomon admits that he and Teeter had planned to use the drill press to also manufacture suppressors for members of the Boogaloo Bois. Solomon and Teeter brought the drill press to Solomon’s home and later used the drill press to manufacture five suppressors.
On July 30, 2020, Solomon and Teeter delivered the suppressors to the CHS and UCE believing those devices would be used by the militant wing of Hamas. During that meeting, the defendants agreed to manufacture additional suppressors for Hamas believing that the next batch of suppressors would be used against Israeli and U.S. military personnel overseas.
Solomon admitted that he and Teeter again met the UCE on August 29, 2020. During this meeting, the defendants gave the UCE a 3-D printed “auto sear” believing that the auto sear would be used by Hamas to convert semi-automatic rifles into fully automatic rifles. At this time, Solomon and Teeter agreed to obtain, and did obtain, another order of auto sears for the CHS and the UCE.
Solomon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota; Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis accepted the plea.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter, and Trial Attorneys George Kraehe and Felice John Viti of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Recent Federal Tax Prosecutions Serve as A Reminder to Accurately File and Pay Taxes by May 17 DeadlineRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – As this year’s tax filing season comes to an end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division urge all taxpayers to file correct and accurate tax returns by the Monday, May 17 deadline. Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date was postponed from April 15 to May 17. For people facing hardships, including those affected by COVID-19, who cannot pay in full, the IRS has several options available on IRS.gov/payments.
“As the May 17 deadline approaches, Minnesotans should remain vigilant and take care to protect their personal information. Remember, the IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or social media,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “Scammers, fraudsters and predatory tax preparers looking to take advantage of law-abiding taxpayers will be held accountable.”
“I am asking all citizens to file correct and accurate tax returns and to pay their share of taxes,” says Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division Chicago Field Office, who oversees the state of Minnesota. “We all pay when others cheat the government. IRS Criminal Investigation, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, works year-round to make certain that those who willfully defy the tax laws will be investigated and criminally prosecuted. Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS.gov website for tips on filing a tax return accurately and searching for a reputable return preparer.”
The following court actions serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.
In November 2020, Muhumed Ali and Faysal Sayid were sentenced to prison for income tax evasion. Ali and Sayid were also ordered to pay a total of more than $1 million in restitution to the IRS. Ali and Sayid were co-owners of a company that provided adult day care services to individuals enrolled in the Minnesota Medicaid program. Between 2012 and 2014, Ali and Sayid removed approximately $1.3 million from the company’s operating accounts and used those funds to pay for personal, non-business expenses, such as clothing, rent for personal residences, vehicles, funds transfers to other parties, and international wire transfers. Ali and Sayid willfully attempted to evade and defeat income taxes due and owing on that money for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert.
In March 2021, Daren Wradislavsky pleaded guilty to one count of making and subscribing a false return. According to his guilty plea, Wradislavsky was the general manager of a hotel in Owatonna, Minnesota, and was exclusively responsible for the employee payroll. For tax years 2014 through 2017, Wradislavsky included commissions and mileage reimbursement amounts on his personal paychecks but failed to report more than $350,482 in reimbursements on his individual income tax returns. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela M. Munoz.
In April 2021, Shoua Isabelle Yang, the owner and operator of a staffing agency, was indicted on 13 counts of filing a false employer’s quarterly federal tax return and four counts of filing a false United States corporation income tax return. According to the allegations in the indictment, during tax years 2015 through 2018, Yang, employed workers but caused her staffing agency not to properly withhold, account for and pay over accurate payroll taxes, including federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In April 2021, Gospel Kordah pleaded guilty to one count of preparation of a false individual income tax return. According to his guilty plea, Kordah prepared tax returns on behalf of his clients that falsely and fraudulently represented, among other things, that the taxpayers incurred deductible medical and dental expenses. Kordah also prepared false and fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of himself and his wife. Kordah prepared and filed approximately 68 false tax returns seeking a total of approximately $237,432 in fraudulent federal and state income tax returns. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison K. Ethen and Kimberly A. Svendsen.
Brainerd Man Sentenced to Prison, $12 Million in Restitution for Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Brainerd man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.
According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct was torn down. Robinson, along with other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the building. Robinson, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit an object held by the unidentified co-conspirator who threw it toward the Third Precinct building with the intent that it would start a fire or fuel an existing fire.
“On the night of May 28, 2020, Mr. Robinson chose to depart from lawful protest and instead engaged in violence and destruction. The arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct put lives at risk and contributed to widespread lawlessness in Minneapolis,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Robinson is held accountable for his actions.”
“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Reed, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that put many of our community members at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”
“The danger posed by the defendant in this case was very real,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message—regardless of motivation, when someone is intent on conducting a violent act that breaks federal law, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will move assertively to hold them accountable. This type of behavior puts public servants and our entire community in danger, and we simply will not let it go unaddressed.”
On December 15, 2020, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing today, Robinson was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.
Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, and Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the arson at the Third Precinct building. They will be sentenced at a later date.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Sex Trafficking of A Minor at A Bloomington HotelRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Maria Candelaria Zambrano Zavala, 26, of Bloomington, and Humberto Rangel-Torres, 50, pleaded guilty this week to sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents, beginning in March 2019 through May 2019, Zambrano Zavala began transporting and providing a minor for commercial sex to Rangel-Torres, who was at the time a construction worker residing at a hotel in Bloomington. On at least three occasions, Rangel-Torres arranged for commercial sex acts through Zambrano Zavala and paid Zambrano Zavala or the minor in cash for each commercial sex act.
“These defendants showed no regard for the health and safety of a minor and instead prioritized their own gratification and profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “The commercial sexual exploitation of minors is a horrifying crime and one that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners have zero tolerance for.”
“Apprehending human traffickers who take advantage of children, and rescuing those exploited will always be a top priority for HSI,” said Jamie Holt, acting special agent in charge HSI St. Paul. “HSI and our law enforcement partners, like the Bloomington Police Department, will not relent in our investigations until every trafficker is behind bars and every victim is rescued.”
Zambrano Zavala pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and Rangel-Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Zambrano Zavala faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
W. Anders Folk, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota and Jamie Holt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) St. Paul, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud accepted the pleas.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by HSI and the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manda M. Sertich and Evan B. Gilead are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Investigation of the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Minneapolis Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced today the Justice Department has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis (the City) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). The investigation will assess all types of force used by MPD officers, including uses of force involving individuals with behavioral health disabilities and uses of force against individuals engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment. The investigation will also assess whether MPD engages in discriminatory policing. As part of the investigation the Justice Department will conduct a comprehensive review of MPD policies, training and supervision. The department will also examine MPD’s systems of accountability, including complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition and discipline. The Department of Justice will also reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with MPD.
“The investigation I am announcing today will assess whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, including during protests,” said Attorney General Garland. “Building trust between community and law enforcement will take time and effort by all of us, but we undertake this task with determination and urgency, knowing that change cannot wait.”
This morning, Department of Justice officials informed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo, City Attorney Jim Rowader, City Coordinator Mark Ruff, and City Council President Lisa Bender of the investigation. The department will continue to work closely with both the City and MPD as the investigation progresses.
“One of the Civil Rights Division’s highest priorities is to ensure that every person in this country benefits from public safety systems that are lawful, responsive, transparent and nondiscriminatory,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “It is essential that police departments across the country use their law enforcement authority, including the authority to use force, in a manner that respects civil rights and the sanctity of human life.”
“People throughout the city of Minneapolis want a public safety system that protects and serves all members of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota. “This investigation by the Department of Justice provides a vital step to restore and build trust in the Minneapolis Police Department and its officers.”
The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. The Act allows the Department of Justice to remedy such misconduct through civil litigation. The department will be assessing law enforcement practices under the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as under the Safe Streets Act of 1968, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, are jointly conducting this investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice via email at [email protected] or by phone at 866-432-0268. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s new reporting portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is available on its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn.
Minneapolis Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced a federal criminal complaint charging ANDREW THOMAS, 28, with being a felon in possession of a firearm. THOMAS will make his initial appearance tomorrow before Magistrate Judge Katherine M. Menendez in U.S. District Court.
According to the allegations in the criminal complaint, during the early morning hours of April 18, 2021, a team of Minnesota National Guard soldiers, along with an officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, was stationed at the corner of Penn Avenue North and West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. At approximately 4:20 a.m., a light-colored SUV driving on West Broadway Avenue fired multiple shots at the team. One bullet went through the windshield of the team’s military vehicle, which held four soldiers. Two soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard sustained minor injuries: one was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries from shattered glass; the other was treated at the scene for superficial wounds.
The criminal complaint also alleges that during the late evening hours of April 18, 2021, Minneapolis Police officers patrolling the area of 6th Street South and Cedar Avenue South encountered a 2002 Ford Explorer that matched the description of the SUV involved in the shooting. After conducting a felony stop of the vehicle, the driver, later identified as THOMAS, and a juvenile passenger, were placed in separate police cars. After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, officers recovered from the vehicle a Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, and two discharged cartridge casings. Because THOMAS has a prior felony conviction in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Minneapolis Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
ANDREW THOMAS, 28
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600