District of Minnesota

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against IVAN HARRISON HUNTER, 26, charging him with participating in a riot. HUNTER, who was arrested on October 21, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas, made his initial appearance yesterday before Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad in U.S. District Court in San Antonio, Texas.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, in late May of 2020, the FBI initiated an investigation into members of the “Boogaloo Bois” based on information that members were discussing committing crimes of violence and were maintaining an armed presence on the streets of Minneapolis during civil unrest following the death of George Floyd. The Boogaloo Bois are a loosely-connected group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments. The term “Boogaloo” itself references an impending second civil war in the United States and is associated with violent uprisings against the government.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, between May 27 and May 28, 2020, HUNTER, who claims to be a member of the Boogaloo Bois, traveled in interstate commerce from Texas to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the intent to participate in a riot. Federal agents reviewed a video taken on the night of May 28, 2020, that shows an individual, later identified as HUNTER, discharged 13 rounds from an AK-47 style semiautomatic rifle into the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building. At the time of the shooting there were other individuals believed to be looters still inside the building. Law enforcement recovered from the scene discharged rifle casings consistent with an AK-47 style firearm.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, upon returning to Texas, HUNTER made various statements on social media describing the violence in which he engaged in Minneapolis. On June 3, 2020, officers with the Austin Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a pick-up truck for numerous traffic violations. HUNTER was one of three occupants in the vehicle. HUNTER, the front seat passenger, had six loaded magazines for an AK-47 style assault rifle affixed to a tactical vest he was wearing. Officers found three semi-automatic rifles on the rear seat of the vehicle, one loaded pistol in plain view next to the driver’s seat, and another loaded pistol in the center console. Several days after the traffic stop, federal agents became aware of HUNTER’s online affiliation with Boogaloo Bois member Steven Carrillo, who has been charged in the Northern District of California with the May 29, 2020, murder of a Federal Protective Service Officer in Oakland, California.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter, and Trial Attorneys George Kraehe and Phil Viti of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

This case falls within the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

IVAN HARRISON HUNTER, 26

Boerne, Texas

Charges:

• Riot, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging MIGUEL EDUARDO DEL REAL, 25, GERALD ALLEN JENSEN, 57, IVAN LOPEZ, 25, JUAN JOSE PANIAGUA JR., 24, and AARON MICHAEL STENQUIST, 49 with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The defendants will be arraigned in U.S. District Court before a Magistrate Judge at a later date.

According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, between June 2020 and September 2020, members of the East Central Drug and Violent Offenders Task Force (ECDVOTF) received information that JENSEN was regularly selling pound-level amounts of methamphetamine. On September 16, 2020, ECDVOTF agents executed a search warrant at JENSEN’s residence and recovered $11,800.00 in U.S. currency and more than seven pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside PVC pipes. On September 18, 2020, ECDVOTF agents arrested PANIAGUA and LOPEZ, and recovered approximately 15.4 pounds of methamphetamine in vacuum sealed bags from within the trunk of LOPEZ’s vehicle. DEL REAL ran from the scene before he could be apprehended. ECDVOTF’s continued investigation revealed DEL REAL, PANIAGUA, LOPEZ, and STENQUIST’s were a part of the conspiracy with JENSEN.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the DEA and the East Central Drug and Violent Offenders Task Force.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter Jr.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

MIGUEL EDUARDO DEL REAL, 25

City of residence unknown

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

GERALD ALLEN JENSEN, 57

Brook Park, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

IVAN LOPEZ, 25

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

JUAN JOSE PANIAGUA JR., 24

City of residence unknown

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

AARON MICHAEL STENQUIST, 49

Isanti, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JOHN EDWIN KUHNEL, 41, to 204 months in prison for receipt and possession of child pornography. KUHNEL, who was convicted at trial on January 7, 2020, was sentenced earlier today before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Despite the many challenges this past year has presented, my office has not lost sight of our commitment to bringing child predators to justice. Prosecuting cases involving child exploitation remains a top priority,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.

As proven at trial, between January 3, 2016, and November 29, 2016, KUHNEL, while under supervision for a previous conviction for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, knowingly received and possessed more than 33,000 image and video files depicting sexually explicit conduct involving minors.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manda M. Sertich and Emily A. Polachek tried the case.

Defendant Information:

JOHN EDWIN KUHNEL, 41

Elk River, Minn.

Convicted:

• Receipt of child pornography, 9 counts
• Possession of child pornography, 2 counts

Sentenced:

• 204 months in prison
• 15 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

The Justice Department, in an announcement by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric S. Dreiband, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Katharine T. Sullivan, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Erica H. MacDonald, unveiled a new National Response Center Initiative and offered the assistance to the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to support law enforcement, and review, enhance and reform policies and practices to prevent the use of excessive force. The Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA) Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Response Center will be a national resource for all state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

“I have heard, loud and clear, from Minneapolis faith, community, and business leaders the call for safety and protection in our community,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Erica H. MacDonald. “Today we announce a new initiative between the Department of Justice and MPD, offering federal resources to assist MPD in their reform efforts to better serve the City of Minneapolis.”

“As Chief of Police I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with our U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald to launch the Department of Justice Reponse Center Program to improve law enforcement and community protection here in Minneapolis,” said Chief Medaria Arradondo, MPD. “In creating a new MPD, I want to utilize all available tools and resources to support the hardworking and professional men and women of the MPD. We have an obligation and duty to be guardians of our communities and enhance our level of service and this program seeks to do just that. I want to thank our U.S. Attorney for her leadership and assistance in this endeavor.”

“Our goal with this new policing initiative and offer of assistance to MPD to keep everyone safe and secure through Constitutional and otherwise lawful police practices,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Chief Medaria Arradondo and MPD to protect the people of Minneapolis and support law enforcement. We seek to ensure public safety and eliminate excessive force by the police. We also seek to enforce the rule of law to protect the people of Minneapolis and because doing so is necessary to all civilized societies.”

“The Department of Justice maintains a long-standing commitment to public safety, and inherent in that commitment is the desire for highly skilled, highly trained professionals capable of protecting their communities while promoting the principles of equity and fairness that form the foundation of law and order,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This initiative will help law enforcement officers adapt to the wide range of challenges they face every day, from violent gangs, illegal guns, and lethal drugs to civil unrest, decisions about use of force, and the complex social problems like addiction and mental illness that they are so often called on to resolve.”

Following the announcement of the program, various representatives of the Civil Rights Division, OJP, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota will meet with a diverse group of faith, business and community leaders in roundtable events to hear from these stakeholders about important issues related to safe policing and safe communities.

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available at www.justice.gov/crt. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components, please visit at www.ojp.gov.

The Department of Justice, in an announcement by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric S. Dreiband, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Katharine T. Sullivan, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Erica H. MacDonald, unveiled a new National Response Center Initiative and offered the assistance to the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to support law enforcement, and review, enhance and reform policies and practices to prevent the use of excessive force. The BJA Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Response Center will be a national resource for all state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

“I have heard, loud and clear, from Minneapolis faith, community, and business leaders the call for safety and protection in our community,” said United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Erica H. MacDonald. “Today we announce a new initiative between the Department of Justice and the Minneapolis Police Department, offering federal resources to assist MPD in their reform efforts to better serve the City of Minneapolis.”

“As Chief of Police I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with our U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald to launch the DOJ Response Center Program to improve law enforcement and community protection here in Minneapolis,” said Chief Medaria Arradondo, Minneapolis Police Department.  “In creating a new MPD, I want to utilize all available tools and resources to support the hardworking and professional men and women of the MPD. We have an obligation and duty to be guardians of our communities and enhance our level of service and this program seeks to do just that. I want to thank our U.S. Attorney for her leadership and assistance in this endeavor.”

“Our goal with this new policing initiative and offer of assistance to the Minneapolis Police Department to keep everyone safe and secure through Constitutional and otherwise lawful police practices,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.  “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Chief Medaria Arradondo and the Minneapolis Police Department to protect the people of Minneapolis and support law enforcement.  We seek to ensure public safety and eliminate excessive force by the police.  We also seek to enforce the rule of law to protect the people of Minneapolis and because doing so is necessary to all civilized societies.” 

“The Department of Justice maintains a long-standing commitment to public safety, and inherent in that commitment is the desire for highly skilled, highly trained professionals capable of protecting their communities while promoting the principles of equity and fairness that form the foundation of law and order,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan.  “This initiative will help law enforcement officers adapt to the wide range of challenges they face every day, from violent gangs, illegal guns, and lethal drugs to civil unrest, decisions about use of force, and the complex social problems like addiction and mental illness that they are so often called on to resolve.”

Following the announcement of the Program, various representatives of the Civil Rights Division, Office of Justice Program, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota will meet with a diverse group of faith, business and community leaders in roundtable events to hear from these stakeholders about important issues related to safe policing and safe communities.

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available at www.justice.gov/crt. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components, please visit at www.ojp.gov.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced awards of more than $4.7 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the District of Minnesota. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.

“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”

“As a former judge and Assistant United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the damage and destruction drug addiction can cause to individuals, families, and communities, said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.” But I have also seen inspiring examples of recovery and I know that there is always hope. These grants will provide and sustain the treatment and prevention resources that are crucial in the fight against drug addiction.”

Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.

“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”

Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program:

Category 1

Awardee

Amount Awarded

Ottawa County Community Mental Health

$900,000

City of Duluth

$899,055

Upper Sioux Community

$538,819

County of Saint Louis

$897,607

City of Saint Paul

$412,125

Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program: Category 2

8th Judicial District Treatment Court

$286,617

Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program: Category 3

Judiciary Courts of the State of Minnesota

$499,486

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

$279,382

Total Minnesota

$4,713,091

A full list of the awards, organized under specific grant programs and listing awardees by state, is available here.

Additional information about FY 2020 grant awards from the Office of Justice Programs can be found online at the OJP Award Data Page.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of Seyed Sajjad Shahidian, 33, to 23 months in prison for his role in conducting financial transactions in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran. Shahidian, who pleaded guilty on June 18, 2018, was sentenced today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shahidian, a citizen of Iran, was arrested in London, England on Nov. 11, 2018, and, on May 15, 2020, was extradited to the United States.

“Shahidian lied to U.S. suppliers, illegally transferred funds from Iran, used fraudulent passports and ids, and established a business whose entire purpose was to circumvent U.S. sanctions and to enable others to do the same,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “Today’s sentence should discourage other would-be sanctions violators from following in Mr. Shahidian’s footsteps.”

“Mr. Shahidian was the founder and CEO of a financial services firm that employed fraudulent tactics designed to circumvent United States sanctions lawfully imposed on the Government of Iran. Such actions are criminal and threaten our national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “In Iran, based on his illegal business, Mr. Shahidian had been a high-profile executive and a millionaire. He is now a convicted felon who has lost everything. This prosecution holds Mr. Shahidian accountable for his crimes and sends a broader message to others considering violating sanctions laws that there are serious consequences for doing so.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who try to willfully violate U.S. sanctions against Iran will be held accountable,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “The FBI and our worldwide partners will continue to identify, investigate and pursue those who perpetrate these deceptive criminal schemes with a deliberate disregard for our nation’s safety and security.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, PAYMENT24 was an internet-based financial services company with approximately 40 employees and offices in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, Iran. The primary business of PAYMENT24 was helping Iranian citizens conduct prohibited financial transactions with businesses based in the United States, including the unlawful purchase and exportation of computer software, software licenses, and computer servers from United States companies. According to PAYMENT24’s website, the company charged a fee to circumvent “American sanctions,” and claimed to have brought in millions of dollars of foreign currency into Iran.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, Shahidian, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of PAYMENT24, co-conspirator Vahid Vali, and other individuals violated the restrictions on trade and exports from the United States to Iran. On its website, PAYMENT24 sold a package to assist its Iranian clients with making online purchases from United States-based businesses, which included a PayPal account, a fraudulent “ID card and address receipt,” a remote IP address from the United Arab Emirates, and a Visa gift card. The PAYMENT24 website also offered its clients advice on how to create accounts with a foreign identity and how to avoid restrictions on foreign websites, including advising clients to “never attempt to log into those sites with an Iranian IP address.”   

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, Shahidian admitted to making material misrepresentations and omissions to United States-based businesses regarding the destination of the United States-origin goods. In order to accomplish the transactions, Shahidian obtained payment processing accounts from United States-based companies like PayPal using fraudulent passports and other false residency documentation to falsely represent that his customers resided outside of Iran. Shahidian admitted to opening hundreds of PayPal accounts on behalf of his PAYMENT24 customers who resided in Iran and to unlawfully bringing millions of U.S. dollars into the economy of Iran. As noted in recently unsealed court documents in the Northern District of California, Shahidian’s payment services were used to register domains targeted for seizure based on their association with Iranian Cyber Influence Operations.

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), unauthorized exports of goods, technology or services to Iran, directly or indirectly from the United States or by a United States person are prohibited.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Division of the FBI. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, the United States Department of Justice National Security Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are grateful for the substantial assistance provided by law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom, including in particular the National Crime Agency and the London Metropolitan Police, in connection with the arrest and extradition in this matter.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Rank and Charles J. Kovats of the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of SEYED SAJJAD SHAHIDIAN, 33, to 23 months in prison for his role in conducting financial transactions in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran. SHAHIDIAN, who pleaded guilty on June 18, 2018, was sentenced today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. SHAHIDIAN, a citizen of Iran, was arrested in London, England on November 11, 2018, and, on May 15, 2020, was extradited to the United States.

“Mr. Shahidian was the founder and CEO of a financial services firm that employed fraudulent tactics designed to circumvent United States sanctions lawfully imposed on the Government of Iran. Such actions are criminal and threaten our national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “In Iran, based on his illegal business, Mr. Shahidian had been a high-profile executive and a millionaire. He is now a convicted felon who has lost everything. This prosecution holds Mr. Shahidian accountable for his crimes and sends a broader message to others considering violating sanctions laws that there are serious consequences for doing so.”

“Shahidian lied to U.S. suppliers, illegally transferred funds from Iran, used fraudulent passports and ids, and established a business whose entire purpose was to circumvent U.S. sanctions and to enable others to do the same,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Today’s sentence should discourage other would-be sanctions violators from following in Mr. Shahidian’s footsteps.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who try to willfully violate U.S. sanctions against Iran will be held accountable,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “The FBI and our worldwide partners will continue to identify, investigate and pursue those who perpetrate these deceptive criminal schemes with a deliberate disregard for our nation’s safety and security.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, PAYMENT24 was an internet-based financial services company with approximately 40 employees and offices in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, Iran. The primary business of PAYMENT24 was helping Iranian citizens conduct prohibited financial transactions with businesses based in the United States, including the unlawful purchase and exportation of computer software, software licenses, and computer servers from United States companies. According to PAYMENT24’s website, the company charged a fee to circumvent “American sanctions,” and claimed to have brought in millions of dollars of foreign currency into Iran.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, SHAHIDIAN, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of PAYMENT24, co-conspirator VAHID VALI, and other individuals violated the restrictions on trade and exports from the United States to Iran. On its website, PAYMENT24 sold a package to assist its Iranian clients with making online purchases from United States-based businesses, which included a PayPal account, a fraudulent “ID card and address receipt,” a remote IP address from the United Arab Emirates, and a Visa gift card. The PAYMENT24 website also offered its clients advice on how to create accounts with a foreign identity and how to avoid restrictions on foreign websites, including advising clients to “never attempt to log into those sites with an Iranian IP address.”   

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, SHAHIDIAN admitted to making material misrepresentations and omissions to United States-based businesses regarding the destination of the United States-origin goods. In order to accomplish the transactions, SHAHIDIAN obtained payment processing accounts from United States-based companies like PayPal using fraudulent passports and other false residency documentation to falsely represent that his customers resided outside of Iran. SHAHIDIAN admitted to opening hundreds of PayPal accounts on behalf of his PAYMENT24 customers who resided in Iran and to unlawfully bringing millions of U.S. dollars into the economy of Iran.

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), unauthorized exports of goods, technology or services to Iran, directly or indirectly from the United States or by a United States person are prohibited.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Division of the FBI. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, the United States Department of Justice National Security Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are grateful for the substantial assistance provided by law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom, including in particular the National Crime Agency and the London Metropolitan Police, in connection with the arrest and extradition in this matter.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Rank and Charles J. Kovats of the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

SEYED SAJJAD SHAHIDIAN, a/k/a “Soheil Shahidi,” 33

Shiraz, Iran

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to defraud and commit offenses against the United States, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 23 months in prison
• 2 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced two separate federal indictments charging 11 individuals in connection with parallel methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution conspiracies on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Ten defendants are currently in custody and will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court over the next several days. 

According to allegations in the indictment, between August 2019 and December 2019, KYLE DALE CLARK, JOSE ARCEGA-VEJAR, VALERIE ANN CLARK, VANESSA LOUISE COBENAIS, KATHI LYN DUDLEY, DREW WILLIAM GRAVES, and KALYSSA KAILANI DEANAH WHITE conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and the surrounding area. Between April 15, 2020, through April 22, 2020, WHITE and ARCEGA-VEJAR also conspired with DAVID ALAN JOURDAIN, TARA MAE LUSSIER, and ANDREW JAMES NEADEAU to distribute fentanyl on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and the surrounding areas.

According to allegations in the indictment, COREY LEE DONNELL and KYLE CLARK were charged with firearms violations for illegally selling and possessing a firearm, namely a Glock model 26gen5, 9mm pistol. Because he has a prior felony conviction in U.S. District Court, KYLE CLARK is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force for their collaboration and skilled investigative work in bringing these indictments. Additional assistance during the arrests was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Fargo and the Metro Street Crimes Unit in Fargo, North Dakota.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Allery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad are prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

KYLE DALE CLARK, 29

City of residence unknown

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count

JOSE ARCEGA-VEJAR, a/k/a “Jos Ar,” a/k/a “Jose Robles,” 32

Baja, Mexico

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

VALERIE ANN CLARK, 51

Redby, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

VANESSA LOUISE COBENAIS, 31

Bemidji, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

KATHI LYN DUDLEY, 42

Redby, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

COREY LEE DONNELL, 28

Redby, Minn.

Charges:

• Sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person, 1 count

DREW WILLIAM GRAVES, 32

City of residence unknown

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

KALYSSA KAILANI DEANAH WHITE, 19

Red Lake, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

DAVID ALAN JOURDAIN, 38

Red Lake, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

TARA MAE LUSSIER, 20

Red Lake, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

ANDREW JAMES NEADEAU, 28

Red Lake, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.

“Here in the District of Minnesota, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with our law enforcement partners to focus resources on keeping our communities safe by reducing gun violence. This past year we have seen a 34 percent increase in the number of defendants charged with federal firearms violations over last year,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Prosecuting violent offenders who carry guns and those who supply guns to criminals are just some of the strategies we use to help us achieve our mission of keeping Minnesotans safe.”

“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”

“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, domestic abuser, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.     

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.

“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”

“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”

Of the more than 500 cases charged, 13 cases have been brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, announced U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.

“Under federal law, abusers are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, borrowing, storing, or carrying firearms at any time. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and throughout the year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking a stand in the fight against domestic violence by vigorously enforcing these firearms laws that are in place to help protect individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.

Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.

The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:

• 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
• 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence) 
• 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order

Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges, and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.

For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of CLARISSA LYNN COMBS, 49, to 71 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud and making a false statement. COMBS, who pleaded guilty on December 4, 2019, was sentenced today before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A total of 12 defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. 

“Ms. Combs orchestrated a years-long fraud scheme that diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars from some of the most vulnerable members of society, including individuals and families in need of housing. I applaud the work of our investigative partners in bringing this conspiracy to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.

“The FBI will pursue those who plan, scheme and defraud charities for their own personal gain,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office. “The men and women of the FBI work hard every day to identify and apprehend those responsible for such crimes that simply will not be tolerated.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, between April 2012 and February 2019, COMBS, a former program manager for a Twin Cities non-profit organization that provides housing and related services to the homeless, and multiple co-conspirators, devised and participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain at least $684,081.90 in charitable funds from the organization. As part of the scheme, COMBS recruited other employees of the non-profit, as well as her family and friends, to pose as landlords and fictitious homeless clients. During the course of the investigation, COMBS tried to conceal the scheme and minimize her involvement by making false statements to Special Agents of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a United States Postal Inspector.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Miranda E. Dugi prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

CLARISSA LYNN COMBS, 49

Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
• False statements, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 71 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release
• $684,081.90 in restitution

SHANEKA LASHAY MZEE, 36

St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $ 26,865.00 in restitution

LETEASTE HENRY-DAVIS, 56

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $12,400.00 in restitution

SHARRÉ OPHILIA RUSH, 34

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $35,843.25 in restitution

AISHA LENEE DAVIS, 42

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $87,740.65 in restitution

JALONDA LEEANN COMBS, 38

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Three years of probation
• $117,633.00 in restitution

RACHAEL ELIZABETH EKHOLM, 41

Richfield, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Six months in prison
• Three years of supervised release
• $109,080.00 in restitution

BRIDGIT YVETTE MICHAUD, 54

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Three years of probation
• $89,000.00 in restitution

AUDREY SEBILETTA HEATH, 35

Ramsey, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $14,650.00 in restitution

AISHIA RENEE BELL, 43

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 24 months in prison
• Two years of supervised release
• $166,875.00 in restitution

ANTHONY JEROME OLIVER, 56

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Three years of probation
• $76,600.00 in restitution

NEAL BURTON, 57

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• Two years of probation
• $15,785 in restitution

TYRONE LAMAR BURTON, 41

St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 18 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release
• $166,785 in restitution

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the conviction of RONALD JERMAINE JACKSON, 36, and WILLIAM CHARLES GRAHAM, 37, on Hobbs Act robbery and firearms charges. Following a three-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson found both JACKSON and GRAHAM guilty on all counts.

As proven at trial, on April 30, 2019, JACKSON and GRAHAM entered a T-Mobile reseller store in Brooklyn Park Minnesota, disguised in wigs, dust masks, and reflective vests. JACKSON was armed with an Accu-Tek AT380 .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and GRAHAM was armed with a BB gun that resembled a real handgun. JACKSON and GRAHAM forced two employees at gunpoint into a back room. GRAHAM used zip ties to restrain the employees while JACKSON filled mesh bags with cell phones. JACKSON and GRAHAM fled the store with more than 70 cell phones and other devices. Officers with the Brooklyn Park Police Department responded almost immediately to the robbery and were able to locate and apprehend JACKSON and GRAHAM in the parking lot of a nearby business.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Brooklyn Park Police Department, Champlin Police Department, and Osseo Police Department, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amber M. Brennan and Justin A. Wesley tried the case.

Defendant Information:

RONALD JERMAINE JACKSON, 36

Plymouth, Minn.

Convicted:

• Hobbs Act robbery, 1 count
• Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

WILLIAM CHARLES GRAHAM, 37

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Hobbs Act robbery, 1 count
• Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that a nearly half a million dollar Department of Justice grant has been awarded to the Minnesota Elder Justice Center to combat elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors across Minnesota. The $499,981 grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), is part of over $9 million in funding to support these efforts throughout the United States. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. Attorney General William P. Barr announced the awards on the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons.

“I am excited to see nearly half a million dollars awarded to an organization that is a steadfast resource and champion for elder justice,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “My office and the Department of Justice are committed to protecting older Americans from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. They raised us. They took care of us. Now we have to take care of them.”

“Predators who target older citizens for fraud, financial scams and physical abuse are particularly despicable, turning the golden years of our nation’s seniors into a period of poverty and suffering,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice is taking aggressive action, pursuing all legal avenues to bring these criminals to justice and supporting law enforcement officials and service providers as they ferret out scam artists, arrest abusers, and bring aid and relief to victims.”

“With lockdowns in place across the country, older adults are especially vulnerable to fraud, neglect and abuse, and criminals have not hesitated to take full advantage,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants, which build on previous Department of Justice investments, will help to turn the tide of deception and predation and restore victims to fiscal security and physical safety.”

Under the direction of Attorney General Barr, the Department of Justice is attacking elder fraud and abuse from all sides. A National Elder Justice Coordinator oversees the department’s work to combat elder fraud, and each of the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices has a prosecutor dedicated to addressing elder justice issues. This past March, the Attorney General announced the results of the largest elder fraud sweep ever conducted, with prosecutors charging more than 400 defendants and the charged elder fraud schemes causing alleged losses of over a billion dollars. Also in March, he launched a national initiative to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care and a National Elder Fraud Hotline managed by OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime.

Earlier this year, U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald released a public service announcement, aimed at raising awareness and reaching potential victims of elder fraud and abuse.

FY 2020 grants awarded by OVC and NIJ further the department's mission and priorities by funding direct victim services and research projects that enhance the field's response to victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation. Specific programs being funded include the following:

• OVC’s Enhancing Services for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation program awards nearly $6 million to 12 organizations to support communities in providing services to older victims of abuse and exploitation using trauma-informed approaches that protect the safety and confidentiality of victims.
• OVC’s Training for Law Enforcement to Improve Identification of and Response to Elder Fraud Victims program (previously announced) awarded over $1.9 million to provide training and technical assistance to enhance law enforcement's ability to identify elder fraud victims, connect those victims with available services, and bring the fraudsters to justice.
• NIJ’s Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Elderly Individuals program awarded over $1.4 million to two recipients to fund research projects to, respectively, better differentiate physical abuse of elderly individuals from accidental injury and to improve the reporting of elder abuse.

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/elderabusefactsheet.pdf.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging GERALD SEAN CLARK, 49, with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. CLARK will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.

According to allegations in the indictment, on July 10, 2020, CLARK was found to be in possession of a Ruger model LCP .380 handgun, a magazine containing 27 rounds of 7.62x39 semi-automatic rifle ammunition, and 23 rounds of Winchester .410 shotgun shells ammunition. Because CLARK has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minnesota State Patrol. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie E. Allyn is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

GERALD SEAN CLARK, 49

Superior, Wis.

Charges:

• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
• Felon in possession of ammunition, 2 counts

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced nearly $8 million in Department of Justice grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime and support youth programs in tribal communities in Minnesota.

“Native American communities and especially Native American women and children experience disproportionately high rates of violence, including domestic abuse,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “These funds will directly support the victims of crime and work to improve public safety on reservations throughout Minnesota.”

“American Indian and Alaska Native communities experience rates of violent crime and domestic abuse that are among the highest in the nation,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The awards announced today underscore the Department of Justice’s deep commitment to improving public safety in tribal communities throughout the United States. This administration will continue to work closely with our tribal partners to guarantee that they have the resources they need to combat violence and bring criminals to justice.”

A total of more than $103 million is being awarded to tribes across the country under the Justice Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS). CTAS supports activities that enhance law enforcement and tribal justice practices, expand victim services and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. CTAS grants are administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs ($41.5 million), Office on Violence Against Women ($39.1 million) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services ($22.5 million).

An additional $113 million is being awarded to 133 applicants nationwide under the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program. This program, managed by OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime, is designed to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims of crime and promote other public safety initiatives.

“Public safety officials and victim service providers in Indian country face exceptional challenges, but they bring to their work an extraordinary array of skills and resources that enable them to meet and overcome any obstacle,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to help fulfill Attorney General Barr's strong commitment – and the federal government's long-standing responsibility – to our tribal partners in the matter of their citizens' safety and wellbeing.”

In addition to the CTAS and Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside awards, the Office on Violence Against Women is making additional tribal awards of more than $31 million to support a wide range of efforts to address the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.

“OVW’s funding supports Native American and Alaska Native communities as they work across their communities to prevent and respond to gender based violence,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Laura L. Rogers. “These awards represent the strong commitment that OVW has made to help protect the most vulnerable members of tribal communities.”

Additional awards to support tribal public safety efforts are being made by OJP and the COPS Office. These grants will provide community policing training and other training and technical assistance. Awards will also address the needs of tribal youth, fund tribal reentry efforts, help tribes combat substance abuse and manage sex offenders, and support tribal research. In addition, funds support efforts in 17 tribal communities to address the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

“Ensuring our nation’s tribal communities have the resources they need is paramount for the COPS Office and the Department of Justice,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “These awards are a critical component to the overall public safety strategy for tribal law enforcement and the COPS Office is honored to provide vital resources to hire more sworn officer positions, advance tribal training and procure equipment needed to keep communities safe.”

CTAS Awards

Grantee

Amount Awarded

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

$640,529

Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program (OVW)

$640,529

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

$2,040767

Justice Systems and Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BJA)

$877,477

Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program (OVW)

$734,898

Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities (OVC)

$428,392

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

$1,679,522

Public Safety and Community Policing (COPS)

$854,787

Justice Systems and Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BJA)

$824,735

White Earth Reservation Tribal Council

$899,055

Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program (OVW)

$899,055

Total Minnesota

$5,259,873

A full listing of all the announced CTAS awards is available here.

Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program

Grantee

Amount Awarded

Minnesota Lower Sioux Indian Community

$505,795

Minnesota White Earth Reservation tribal Council

$897,581

Minnesota Upper Sioux Community

$336,860

Minnesota Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

$898,003

Total Minnesota

$2,638,239

A full listing of all Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program awards is available here.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of SHELBY GENE BOSWELL, 28, to illegally possessing and discharging a firearm in a school zone. BOSWELL, who was initially charged on November 6, 2019, entered his guilty plea today before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to his guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on October 18, 2019, BOSWELL knowingly and with reckless disregard for the safety of others, discharged a firearm 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.

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. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott are prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

SHELBY GENE BOSWELL, 28

Fond du Lac, Minn.

Convicted:

• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
• Discharge of a firearm in a school zone, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JEREMIAH KINGBIRD, 39, to 192 months in prison for second degree murder. KINGBIRD, who pleaded guilty on October 8, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Addressing MMIP cases is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “In this particular case, Mr. Kingbird subjected his wife to extreme physical violence before leaving her on the side of a road, exposed to below freezing temperatures. The disproportionally high rates of violence that plague Native American women is unacceptable. Today’s sentence represents justice for the victim and our commitment to putting an end to the staggering MMIP issue.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, during the early morning hours of January 6, 2019, following a night of drinking, KINGBIRD and the victim, KINGBIRD’s wife, were traveling in a motor vehicle to their home in Ponemah, Minnesota, when KINGBIRD and the victim began to argue and engage in a physical altercation. While driving, KINGBIRD struck the victim in her head, used his hand to strangle her, and then left her on the road near Highway 1 and Old Ponemah Road in Redby.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, law enforcement found the victim, hours later, lying face down in the snow; she had severe injuries to her head and neck and was having difficulty breathing. The victim was transported to the Red Lake IHS Hospital where hospital staff were unsuccessful in reviving her. During a search of KINGBIRD’s vehicle, law enforcement observed blood on the front passenger window of the vehicle. KINGBIRD admitted to violently assaulting the victim and leaving her outside in the elements.

On November 22, 2019, Attorney General William P. Barr launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. When establishing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative the Department of Justice made an initial investment of $1.5 million to hire 11 MMIP coordinators in 11 states to serve with all U.S. Attorney’s offices in those states, and others who require assistance. In addition to Minnesota, Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state were selected.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Allery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad.

Defendant Information:

JEREMIAH KINGBIRD, 39

Ponemah, Minn.

Convicted:

• Murder in the second degree, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 192 months in prison
• 5 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 32, to one count of arson. WHITE, who was arrested and charged on June, 29, 2020, entered his guilty plea today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea, on May 28, 2020, WHITE entered an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota. While inside the building, WHITE and a juvenile accomplice maliciously started a fire inside a back office. WHITE fueled the fire by throwing papers and other flammable items onto the flames. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the scene and determined that the fire was caused by arson and originated from within the structure. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car was totally destroyed by the fire. 

This case is 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

Defendant Information:

MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 32

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Arson, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 21, to calling in a bomb threat to the University of St. Thomas on September 17, 2019. PERSAUD entered his guilty plea this morning before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on three separate occasions – April 17, 2019; August 20, 2019; and September 17, 2019 – PERSAUD, who was at the time an undergraduate student at the University of St. Thomas, called in to the University’s main switchboard and falsely stated that there was a bomb on the St. Paul campus. The three bomb threats caused substantial disruption to the University, including the evacuation of campus buildings and a child care center, re-routing of traffic on nearby streets, and a full response by the University’s Public Safety personnel. PERSAUD admitted that on the dates he called in the bomb threats he had failed to complete his homework and was unprepared for class. PERSAUD pleaded guilty to count three of the indictment, charging him with the September 17, 2019, bomb threat. At the time of sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will ask the Court to dismiss the April 17, 2019, and August 20, 2019, charges.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the St. Paul Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Docherty.

Defendant Information:                                                                                                                     

RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 21

Blaine, Minn.

Convicted:

• Using an instrumentality of interstate commerce to maliciously make a threat to damage and destroy any building, by means of explosives, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of BENJAMIN JOSEPH ROGGENBUCK, 38, to two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography. ROGGENBUCK, who was indicted on August 10, 2020, entered his plea on September 17, 2020, before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. ROGGENBUCK will be sentenced at a later date.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea, between November 2012 and February 2020, ROGGENBUCK used or attempted to use two prepubescent minor children to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. ROGGENBUCK also admitted to possessing and distributing pornography depicting prepubescent minors. As part of the plea agreement, ROGGENBUCK also pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges brought by the Pennington County Attorney’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Thief River Falls Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker and Miranda E. Dugi are prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

BENJAMIN JOSEPH ROGGENBUCK, 38

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Convicted:

• Production and attempted production of child pornography, 2 counts

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of WARALEE WANLESS, 41, to 144 months in prison for her role in 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. WANLESS was sentenced on September 16, 2020, by Senior Judge Donovan Frank in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Following a six-week trial, on December 12, 2018, a federal jury convicted WANLESS and four other defendants for their roles in operating the sex trafficking enterprise. Thirty-one defendants pleaded guilty prior to the 2018 trial. To date, 30 defendants have been sentenced.

As proven at trial, the sex trafficking organization coerced 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 forced 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, including several that WANLESS ran in Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., 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, and their families in Thailand were threatened.

As proven at trial, the organization also engaged in widespread visa fraud to facilitate the international transportation of the victims and engaged in rampant and sophisticated money laundering in order to promote and conceal illegal profits. During the extensive investigation, law enforcement traced tens of millions of dollars to the organization. 

Multiple agencies assisted in this investigation over the past five years including: Homeland Security Investigations; the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS; 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). United States Attorney MacDonald also thanks the Thai Community Development Center for the support and advocacy they have done on behalf of the victims of this sex trafficking organization.

Assistant United States Attorneys Melinda Williams, Laura Provinzino, and Craig Baune are prosecuting the case.

This case is filed as United States v. Michael Morris, et al., 17-cr-107 (DWF/TNL) and United States v. Sumalee Intarathong, et al., 16-cr-257 (DWF/TNL).

Defendant Information:

WARALEE WANLESS, 41

The Colony, Texas

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, 1 count
• Conspiracy to commit transportation to engage in prostitution, 1 count
• Conspiracy to engage in money laundering, 1 count
• Conspiracy to use a communication facility to promote prostitution, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 144 months in prison
• Five years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of BRETT JAMES STIMAC, 41, to wildlife trafficking and trespassing on Indian land after removing the head of a 700 pound black bear on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. STIMAC, who was charged by misdemeanor Information on December 6, 2019, entered his guilty plea today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, 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 the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, 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, a clan animal, within the boundaries of the Red Lake Indian Reservation, due to the bear’s spiritual importance to the Band.

This case is 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 are prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

BRETT JAMES STIMAC, 41

Brainerd, Minn.

Convicted:

• Lacey Act wildlife trafficking, 1 count
• Trespass on Indian lands, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced that Abdelhamid Al-Madioum, 23, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has been charged by indictment with providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Al-Madioum was detained overseas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recently transferred into FBI custody.  Al-Madioum was returned to Minnesota where he made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the indictment and a law enforcement affidavit, from July 8, 2015, through March 15, 2019, Al-Madioum knowingly provided material support and resources, including personnel (namely himself) and services to ISIS. On June 23, 2015, Al-Madioum, a native of Morocco and naturalized U.S. citizen, and his family traveled from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to Casablanca, Morocco, to visit their extended family. On July 8, 2015, Al-Madioum left Morocco and traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, and then on to Iraq and Syria, where he joined ISIS. In March of 2019, Al-Madioum was captured and detained by the SDF.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter and Trial Attorneys Danielle S. Rosborough and David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

WASHINGTON - Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced that ABDELHAMID AL-MADIOUM, 23, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has been charged by indictment with providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

AL-MADIOUM was detained overseas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recently transferred into FBI custody. AL-MADIOUM was returned to Minnesota where he made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the indictment and a law enforcement affidavit, from July 8, 2015, through March 15, 2019, AL-MADIOUM knowingly provided material support and resources, including personnel (namely himself) and services to ISIS. On June 23, 2015, AL-MADIOUM, a native of Morocco and naturalized U.S. citizen, and his family traveled from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to Casablanca, Morocco, to visit their extended family. On July 8, 2015, AL-MADIOUM left Morocco and traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, and then on to Iraq and Syria, where he joined ISIS. In March of 2019, AL-MADIOUM was captured and detained by the SDF.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter and Trial Attorneys Danielle S. Rosborough and David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

ABDELHAMID AL-MADIOUM, 23

St. Louis Park, Minn.

Charges:

• Providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the filing of a lawsuit against property managers/owners REESE PFEIFFER, JEANNE PFEIFFER, MICHAEL FRUEN, and JEREMY MARTINEAU and business entities FRUEN & PFEIFFER, LLP (“F&P”) and M. FRUEN PROPERTIES (“MFP”) (collectively, “Defendants”) for allegedly engaging in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

“This lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and discriminatory conduct against vulnerable tenants. Such behavior is unacceptable and a violation of the federal Fair Housing Act, said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate this type of discrimination and stands ready to deploy all available enforcement tools to see that justice is served.”

The complaint, filed today in U.S. District Court, alleges that REESE PFEIFFER, property manager for numerous single-family and multi-family rental properties in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs, subjected multiple female tenants to sexually hostile housing environments. The complaint alleges that REESE PFEIFFER commented on female tenants’ looks and body parts, engaged in unwelcome touching, asked personal questions about their relationship status, made unwelcome sexual advances, discussed sexual topics without consent, and entered their homes under the pretense of collecting rent to solicit sexual favors. The complaint alleges that FRUEN, MARTINEAU, JEANNE PFEIFFER, F&P, and MFP are vicariously liable for PFEIFFER’s discriminatory conduct, because PFEIFFER acted as their agent when he sexually harassed tenants at properties in which they had an ownership interest.

In the complaint, the United States seeks to stop the alleged discrimination, compensate the victims, and payment of civil monetary penalties.

The civil complaint presents allegations only; there has been no determination of liability or wrongdoing. If you believe you have information relevant to this case, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (612) 296-3984.

This case is handled by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. 

The Justice Department's Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The Attorney General recently reaffirmed this commitment by directing the Justice Department to deploy all available enforcement tools against anyone who tries to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis by sexually harassing people in need of housing. The goal of the department’s initiative is to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. As part of the initiative, the Justice Department developed a public service announcement and formed a joint task force with HUD to combat sexual harassment in housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Department of Justice has filed 18 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing.

If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other forms of housing discrimination, contact the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at (800) 896-7743 or [email protected].

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24, with arson. JACKSON was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. JACKSON was detained pending a formal detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for September 16, 2020, at 10:30 am before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.

According to the criminal complaint and documents filed with the court, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting, following the suicide of a suspect in a homicide, and in response to false rumors surrounding the man’s death. At approximately 10:55 p.m., Target surveillance video showed a man, later identified as JACKSON by law enforcement, use a “Sidewalk Closed” construction sign to break through one of the glass doors into the Target Headquarters building, located at 1000 Nicollet Mall. Target surveillance video, taken from inside the store, then showed JACKSON igniting a fire on a desktop inside the mailroom. JACKSON poured liquid from a bottle prior to or immediately after starting the fire. Surveillance video then showed JACKSON run out of the building. Later that night, JACKSON was stopped by the Richfield Police and found in possession of stolen items of merchandise.

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Docherty and Chelsea Walcker.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24,

Richfield, Minn.

Charges:

• Arson, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a total of $598,538 in school safety grant funding awarded to the Shakopee Police Department, the Austin Independent School District – 492, and the Wayzata Independent School District – 284. The funding was awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.

“When all children are able to return to the classroom, their focus should be on learning,” said United States Attorney Erica MacDonald “This grant funding can be used to support a wide range of measures to support the physical safety of our children while they are in school.”

“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith.  “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”   

Grantee

Amount Awarded

                    Shakopee Police Department

$69,960

Austin Independent School District – 492

$460,958

Wayzata Independent School District – 284

$67,620

The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs.  The grant awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security.  The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.

In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal information charging ROBERT DALE LATOURELL, JR., 50, MELINDA MAY LATOURELL, 45, AND MELISSA ANN LATOURELL, 45, (the defendants) with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances in United States District Court at a later date.

As alleged in the information, the defendants, along with others, own and operate a resort on the shores of Moose Lake, near Ely, Minnesota, inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Superior National Forest. In addition to providing guided canoe, fishing trips and boat towing services inside the BWCAW, the defendants also operate a motorized portage at Prairie Portage, pursuant to a federal contract administered by the United States Forest Service. The Prairie Portage is situated along the United States-Canada border. Beginning in approximately October 2012 until December 2016, the defendants used their access afforded to them by their contract with the United States Forest Service, to enter the protected waters of the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada on numerous occasions and used seine nets and other methods to unlawfully harvest ciscoes. Ciscoes (Coregonus artedi) are pelagic fish that can be found in the waters along the United States-Canada border, where they spawn in the late fall. Ciscoes are also known as lake herring or tullibee, and are packaged, frozen, and then sold to bait and convenience stores, gas stations, and other vendors throughout northern Minnesota. The defendants unlawfully imported, possessed, transported, and sold ciscoes for thousands of dollars of profit to bait retailers in Minnesota in violation of the Lacey Act.

This case is the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Natural Resources, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with assistance received from the 1854 Treaty Authority, the United States Forest Service's Office of Law Enforcement and Investigations, the International Boundary Commission, and the Duluth Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

ROBERT DALE LATOURELL, JR., 50

Ely, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, 1 count

MELINDA MAY LATOURELL, 45

Ely, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, 1 count

MELISSA ANN LATOURELL, 45

Ely, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of KENNETH RAY MILLER, 58, for manufacturing and dealing in explosive material. MILLER entered his guilty plea today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MILLER’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to MILLER’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, in the spring of 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was notified of a Popular Science magazine article about MILLER manufacturing pyrotechnics on his property in Brownsville, Minnesota. MILLER, having previous felony convictions, is prohibited from possessing firearms and manufacturing and dealing in explosive material.

According to MILLER’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, from 2013 to March 3, 2020, he manufactured and sold smoke generating devices containing electric igniters (also known as electric matches) and a chlorate explosive mixture to customers across the country. MILLER admitted that he did not have a license, permit, exemption or other authorization from the ATF to possess or use the electric matches or chlorate explosive mixtures.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Paul Police Department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (State Fire Marshal).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

KENNETH RAY MILLER, 58

Brownsville, Minn.

Convicted:

• Manufacturing and dealing explosive materials, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

The Justice Department today announced a federal criminal complaint charging Michael Robert Solomon, 30, and Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas).

Solomon and Teeter, who were taken into custody yesterday evening, made their initial appearances earlier today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The defendants were ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. 

“This case can only be understood as a disturbing example of the old adage, ‘The enemy of your enemy is your friend,’” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the National Security Division.  “As alleged in the complaint, these defendants sought to use violence against the police, other government officials and government property as part of their desire to overthrow the government.  While planning these activities, the defendants met individuals whom they believed to be members of the foreign terrorist group Hamas.  Thinking that they shared the same desire to harm the United States, they sought to join forces and provide support, including in the form of weapons accessories, to Hamas.  They failed.  No matter what witch’s brew of ideological motivations inspire those who seek to engage in terrorist activity and harm our country and our fellow citizens, the National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding them accountable.  I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this case and ensuring that these defendants could not carry out their deadly plans.”

“Michael Solomon and Benjamin Teeter proclaim themselves to be members of the Boogaloo Bois, a group that espouses a violent ideology and an objective to overthrow the government.  The defendants believed their anti-U.S. government views aligned with those of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, and actively developed plans to carry out violence in Minnesota and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.  “Whenever extremist ideologies, regardless of their roots, move into the realm of violence, the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force stands at the ready to prevent potentially deadly and destructive plots.”

"The FBI is committed to stopping acts of violence against law enforcement officers or anyone else in our communities. According to the criminal complaint, the defendants in this case were willing to work with Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, in order to get money for potential acts of violence here in the U.S.," said Jill Sanborn, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division.  "The FBI's Minneapolis Field Office demonstrated that we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to detect and stop such activity and protect public safety."

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, in late May of 2020, the FBI initiated an investigation into Solomon and Teeter, two members of the “Boogaloo Bois,” and a sub-group called the “Boojahideen.”  The Boogaloo Bois are a loosely- connected group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments.  The term “Boogaloo” itself references a supposedly impending second civil war in the United States and is associated with violent uprisings against the government.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, during the civil unrest in the Twin Cities following the death of George Floyd, according to a witness, Solomon was openly carrying firearms in a residential neighborhood in Minneapolis.  Solomon and Teeter interacted with the witness over the course of several days.  The witness told FBI agents that Solomon and Teeter possessed firearms and substantial quantities of ammunition and that Solomon, Teeter, and other members of the Boogaloo Bois and Boojahideen discussed committing acts of violence against police officers and other targets in furtherance of the Boojahideen’s stated goal of overthrowing the government and replacing its police forces.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, in early June, the FBI received information about Solomon, Teeter, and other members of the Boogaloo Bois and the Boojahideen through a confidential human source (“CHS”), whom the defendants believed to be a member of Hamas.  In audio-recorded conversations, Solomon and Teeter expressed that Hamas shares anti-U.S. government views that align with their own views.  Solomon and Teeter also expressed their desire to employ themselves as “mercenaries” for Hamas as a means to generate cash for the Boogaloo Bois/Boojahideen movement, including funding for recruitment and purchasing land for a training compound.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, Solomon and Teeter shared with the CHS, and another individual whom they believed to be a more senior member of Hamas (and who was actually an undercover employee of the FBI), their ideas about destroying government monuments, raiding the headquarters of a white supremacist organization in North Carolina, and targeting politicians and members of the media. 

Solomon and Teeter also expressed their ability to manufacture unmarked parts for guns and create unregistered and untraceable weapons, including suppressors.  On July 30, Solomon and Teeter delivered to the individual they believed to be a senior member of Hamas five suppressors and expressed their desire to manufacture additional suppressors and fully-automatic weapons for Hamas.  Solomon and Teeter later negotiated with the individual a price of $1,800 for five additional suppressors.  Solomon and Teeter also delivered to the individual a “drop in auto sear” (“DIAS”), a part designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically.  Solomon and Teeter believed the suppressors and the DIAS would be used by Hamas overseas to attack Israeli and U.S soldiers.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter, and Trial Attorneys George Kraehe and Phil Viti of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

This case falls with the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anarchist ideology.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

Michael Robert Solomon, 30

New Brighton, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas)

Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22

Hampstead, N.C.

Charges:

• Conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas)

The Justice Department today announced a federal criminal complaint charging Michael Robert Solomon, 30, and Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas).

SOLOMON and TEETER, who were taken into custody yesterday evening, made their initial appearances earlier today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The defendants were ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

“This case can only be understood as a disturbing example of the old adage, ‘The enemy of your enemy is your friend,’” said Assistant Attorney General John C Demers. “As alleged in the complaint, these defendants sought to use violence against the police, other government officials and government property as part of their desire to overthrow the government. While planning these activities, the defendants met individuals whom they believed to be members of the foreign terrorist group Hamas. Thinking that they shared the same desire to harm the United States, they sought to join forces and provide support, including in the form of weapons accessories, to Hamas.  They failed. No matter what witch’s brew of ideological motivations inspire those who seek to engage in terrorist activity and harm our country and our fellow citizens, the National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding them accountable. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this case and ensuring that these defendants could not carry out their deadly plans.”

“Michael Solomon and Benjamin Teeter proclaim themselves to be members of the Boogaloo Bois, a group that espouses a violent ideology and an objective to overthrow the government. The defendants believed their anti-U.S. government views aligned with those of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, and actively developed plans to carry out violence in Minnesota and elsewhere,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Whenever extremist ideologies, regardless of their roots, move into the realm of violence, the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force stands at the ready to prevent potentially deadly and destructive plots.”

“The FBI is committed to stopping acts of violence against law enforcement officers or anyone else in our communities. According to the criminal complaint, the defendants in this case were willing to work with Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, in order to get money for potential acts of violence here in the U.S.,” said Jill Sanborn, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division.  "The FBI's Minneapolis Field Office demonstrated that we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to detect and stop such activity and protect public safety.”

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, in late May of 2020, the FBI initiated an investigation into SOLOMON and TEETER, two members of the “Boogaloo Bois,” and a sub-group called the “Boojahideen.” The Boogaloo Bois are a loosely- connected group of individuals who espouse violent anti-government sentiments. The term “Boogaloo” itself references an impending second civil war in the United States and is associated with violent uprisings against the government.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, during the civil unrest in the Twin Cities following the death of George Floyd, according to a witness, SOLOMON was openly carrying a firearm in a residential neighborhood in Minneapolis. SOLOMON and TEETER interacted with the witness over the course of several days. The witness told FBI agents that SOLOMON and TEETER possessed firearms and substantial quantities of ammunition and that SOLOMON, TEETER, and other members of the Boogaloo Bois and Boojahideen discussed committing acts of violence against police officers and other targets in furtherance of the Boojahideen’s stated goal of overthrowing the government and replacing its police forces.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, in early June, the FBI received information about SOLOMON, TEETER, and other members of the Boogaloo Bois and the Boojahideen through a confidential human source (“CHS”), whom the defendants believed to be a member of Hamas. In audio-recorded conversations, SOLOMON and TEETER expressed that Hamas shares anti-U.S. government views that align with their own views. SOLOMON and TEETER also expressed their desire to employ themselves as “mercenaries” for Hamas as a means to generate cash for the Boogaloo Bois/Boojahideen movement, including funding for recruitment and purchasing land for a training compound.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, SOLOMON and TEETER shared with the CHS, and another individual whom they believed to be a more senior member of Hamas (and who was actually an undercover employee of the FBI), their ideas about destroying government monuments, raiding the headquarters of a white supremacist organization in North Carolina, and targeting politicians and members of the media.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, SOLOMON and TEETER also expressed their ability to manufacture unmarked parts for guns and create unregistered and untraceable weapons, including suppressors. On July 30, SOLOMON and TEETER delivered to the individual they believed to be a senior member of Hamas five suppressors and expressed their desire to manufacture additional suppressors and fully-automatic weapons for Hamas. SOLOMON and TEETER later negotiated with the individual a price of $1,800 for five additional suppressors. SOLOMON and TEETER also delivered to the individual a “drop in auto sear” (“DIAS”), a part designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically. SOLOMON and TEETER believed the suppressors and the DIAS would be used by Hamas overseas to attack Israeli and U.S soldiers.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter, and Trial Attorneys George Kraehe and Phil Viti of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

This case falls with the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anarchist ideology.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

MICHAEL ROBERT SOLOMON, 30

New Brighton, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiring to provide and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas), 1 count

BENJAMIN RYAN TEETER, 22

Hampstead, N.C.

Charges:

• Conspiring to provide and attempting provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Hamas), 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

On July 8, 2020, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the formation of a new Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force (Task Force) in response to an extraordinary spike in gun violence and violent crime across the Twin Cities. The Task Force brought together Minnesota-based federal, state and local law enforcement resources to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals responsible for gun violence in our communities. Over the last 60 days, as a result of the efforts of the Task Force and its partner agencies, more than 156 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets and at least 22 individuals have been charged with federal firearms violations and related federal crimes such as robbery and carjacking. In addition, at least 19 individuals have been charged in state court. Operating out of a centralized command center, hosted first by FBI and then by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Task Force members have participated in daily briefings, shared information in real-time, and leveraged immediate access to data and intelligence analysis. Moving forward into the fall and winter, the collaborative efforts and interagency resources brought to bear by federal, state, and local partners will continue through a virtual platform. U.S. Attorney MacDonald remains steadfast in her commitment to make our streets safe by stemming the tide of gun violence.

The public may report tips by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit pictures and/or videos at www.fbi.gov/violence.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging SHIMON SHAKED, 56, with tax evasion, failure to file a tax return, and failure to account for and pay employment tax. SHAKED made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, SHAKED owned and operated several t-shirt and souvenir shops in Duluth’s Canal Park tourist zone, including I Love Duluth, I Love Duluth 2, Up North-The Good Life, and the Lake Life (the “Duluth Stores”). SHAKED operated the Duluth Stores under a holding company called ALMS18, LLC, which he formed in 2012. Although SHAKED owned, operated, and controlled ALMS18, LLC, he listed his then 18-year old daughter as the nominal owner in order to hide and evade taxes on income he received from the company.

According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, SHAKED did not report the revenue and income he earned from the Duluth Stores on his tax returns from 2013-2015; instead, he reported the revenue and income on his daughter’s income tax returns. SHAKED further evaded the assessment of taxes on the income he earned through the Duluth Stores by failing to report the full revenue and income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, SHAKED reported the credit card sales for the Duluth Stores, but failed to report or pay taxes on the majority of the cash sales on both his daughter’s returns or on his own tax returns. SHAKED used the company’s bank account to pay for personal expenses including child support, an apartment in Duluth, costs associated with attempting to open an alligator farm in Florida, and other personal loans.

According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, in 2017 and 2018, SHAKED opened two more souvenir stores, I Love Marquette and I love Frankenmuth, both in Michigan. SHAKED did not file a 2018 tax return. In all, SHAKED failed to report more than $4 million in income from 2013 through 2018. SHAKED evaded and avoided paying more than $800,000 in federal income taxes.

According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, SHAKED hired both American and international students to work at both the Duluth Stores and the Michigan Stores. The international students were in the United States on J-1 exchange-visitor visas. J-1 visas are non-immigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the United States. SHAKED regularly paid some or all of his employees’ wages in cash. In doing so, SHAKED failed to account for and pay over to the IRS some or all of the required federal payroll taxes due and owing for those employees.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Angela M. Munoz are prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

SHIMON SHAKED, 56

Duluth, Minn.

Charges:

• Tax evasion, 5 counts
• Failure to file a tax return, 1 count
• Failure to Account for and Pay Over Employment Tax, 14 counts

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of VINCENT TOGBE KONNEY, 62, to making a false bomb threat. KONNEY entered his guilty plea today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to KONNEY’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on August 13, 2018, KONNEY wrote a letter falsely accusing his wife of being part of a plot to bomb the Mall of America. Using a false name, KONNEY sent the letter to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service in retaliation against his wife who was in the naturalization process when the letter was sent. In the letter, KONNEY claimed that while he was riding a bus, he overheard two women discussing a plot to blow up the Mall of America. KONNEY further claimed that one of the women had accidentally dropped her Social Security Card and her Permanent Resident Card and he enclosed with his false letter a photocopy of his wife’s real Permanent Resident Card. KONNEY closed the letter by urging the government to halt a “terrorist threat” by deporting his wife.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Docherty.

Defendant Information:

VINCENT TOGBE KONNEY, 62

Richfield, Minn.

Convicted:

• False bomb threat, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 25, to 270 months in prison. Following a two-day bench trial, MAURSTAD was convicted on October 25, 2019, on six counts of drug trafficking and firearms violations. MAURSTAD was sentenced yesterday before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota  

“The defendant is a dangerous Native Mob gang member with a penchant for violence. He has a long history of drug trafficking, violence, and during the course of the investigation, he tried to intimidate witnesses,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “With this sentence, the court has recognized the danger he imposes to communities and has sentenced him accordingly.”

As proven at trial, on August 4, 2016, MAURSTAD was pulled over in Morrison County for a traffic violation. During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, a pound of methamphetamine and digital scales in the hood of the vehicle. On January 29, 2018, law enforcement pulled over a black Chrysler 300 for speeding. MAURSTAD, who was driving the vehicle, was unable to produce a driver’s license. After a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found methamphetamine hidden inside the paneling of the vehicle. On February 13, 2018, federal law enforcement searched a storage unit rented by MAURSTAD. Law enforcement recovered a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories and Native Mob paraphernalia.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:                                                                                                                     

TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 25

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, 1 Count
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, 2 Counts
• Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 1 Count
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1 Count
• Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 1 Count

Sentenced:

• 270 months in prison

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 28, to 20 years in federal prison. MOSQUEDA, who pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography on December 6, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“The defendant was a school employee with direct access to students. He presented himself as someone the students could trust and rely on,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Instead of being that trusted adult, he exploited that trust, groomed young and vulnerable victims, and preyed upon them for his own sexual gratification. I am grateful the Court recognized this egregious conduct and sentenced him accordingly.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, MOSQUEDA was a volunteer and former employee of a Minneapolis charter school and a volunteer at a different Minneapolis middle school. MOSQUEDA used social media and electronic communication platforms – specifically Skype, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Kik, WhatsApp, and Snapchat – to communicate with at least ten minor male victims. MOSQUEDA repeatedly solicited the victims to send him naked images of themselves, or videos of sexually explicit acts. MOSQUEDA would suggest in-person sexual encounters and offered economic or other favors in exchange for sexual contact. MOSQUEDA also engaged the victims in sexually explicit conversations and sent sexually explicit pictures of himself to victims. In addition to his conduct involving known victims, MOSQUEDA sought out and curated a collection of additional images and videos containing child pornography on his laptops and cell phone.

In issuing today’s ruling, the Court described MOSQUEDA as a serial sexual predator and “a wolf who pretended to be a shepherd in order to gain access to the sheep.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Kayser.

Defendant Information:

JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 28

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Production of child pornography, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 20 years in prison
• 10 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of BRANDON JAMES JOTBLAD, 29, to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. JOTBLAD pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Downloading sexually explicit images or videos involving children is not victimless crime. These are real children who are re-victimized every time the images are downloaded and shared,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Individuals who chose to participate in this type of victimization will face significant prison time.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on July 30, 2019, JOTBLAD knowingly possessed video files containing visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. During this time JOTBLAD was on probation for a prior Ramsey County felony conviction for possession of child pornography.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, with assistance from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and the Anoka County Attorney’s Office.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine.

Defendant Information:

BRANDON JAMES JOTBLAD, 29

St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Possession of child pornography, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 120 months in prison
• 15 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging MICHAEL ALLEN BURRELL, 40, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. BURRELL was ordered to remain in custody following a detention and arraignment hearing held today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung, in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to allegations in the indictment, on June 23, 2020, BURRELL possessed a .45 caliber Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol, model P250. Because BURRELL has multiple prior felony convictions 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 Minneapolis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was brought as part of the Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force, a multi-agency effort that brings together additional federal and state resources to assist local law enforcement to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals responsible for gun violence in the Twin Cities. For more information about the Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/united-states-attorney-announces-new-twin-cities-violent-crime-task-force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin A. Wesley is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

MICHAEL ALLEN BURRELL, 40

Shakopee, Minn.

Charges:

• Felon in possession of a firearm- Armed career criminal, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging DAIJON LEWIS MILES, 28, with three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. MILES, who was arrested on August 27, 2020, made an appearance today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on July 28, 2020, between 2:16 p.m. and 8:55 p.m, MILES used force, violence, and fear of injury to commit three armed robberies of businesses located in St. Paul and Minneapolis, including one gas station and two liquor stores.

The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Fridley Police Department, the Brooklyn Center Police Department, the New Hope Police Department, and the St. Paul Police Department. This case was brought as part of the Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force, a multi-agency effort that brings together additional federal and state resources to assist local law enforcement to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals responsible for gun violence in the Twin Cities. For more information about the Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/united-states-attorney-announces-new-twin-cities-violent-crime-task-force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin A. Wesley is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

DAIJON LEWIS MILES, 28

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Hobbs Act robbery, 3 counts
• Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36, to six months in prison for conspiracy to commit visa fraud. LINARES was sentenced today by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim, in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After LINARES serves her prison sentence she will be removed from the United States to Mexico.

According to LINARES’ guilty plea and documents filed with the court, between August 20, 2019, and September 30, 2019, LINARES conspired with other individuals to defraud the United States by making false statements to fraudulently obtain U Nonimmigrant Visas (“U-Visas”), for four individuals. Victims of certain criminal activities that occur in the United States may be eligible to apply for and obtain a U Visa. A victim who obtains a U Visa may subsequently apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

According to LINARES’ guilty plea and documents filed with the court, LINARES devised and participated in a detailed scheme, whereby the four individuals each falsely reported to the Eden Prairie Police Department that they were victims of robberies committed in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. LINARES directed the individuals to file a police report stating that they were a victim of a fabricated assault, and to corroborate each other’s account of the assault. LINARES used a box cutter or other sharp object to cut the four individuals before they filed their false report with the Eden Prairie Police Department.  In exchange, LINARES collected a $2,000 fee from each individual.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Eden Prairie Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela M. Munoz and Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36

City of residence unknown

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit visa fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 6 months in prison
• Removal from the United States to Mexico following the defendant’s prison sentence

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of VLADIMIR VALENTINOVICH CHEVTAYEV, 44, to 26 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. CHEVTAYEV, who was sentenced on August 25, 2020, pleaded guilty on January 25, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. CHEVTAYEV is the third man to be sentenced as part of a money laundering conspiracy used to defraud financial institutions through an elaborate auto-financing scheme.

Co-defendant RUSLAN FURMAN, 45, who pleaded guilty on January 13, 2019, was sentenced on May 29, 2020 to 24 months in prison for aggravated identity theft. Co-defendant THOMAS POPLAR, 46, who pleaded guilty on October 2, 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, was sentenced on August 17, 2020, to 37 months in prison. All three defendants were sentenced by Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

From 2013 through 2016, CHEVTAYEV, an officer at All Auto Care, an auto repair business located in Hopkins, Minnesota, conspired with FURMAN, POPULAR and others to defraud financial institutions out of money through an elaborate auto-financing scheme. All Auto Care had a dealership license that permitted it to buy and sell vehicles at auto auctions in the State of Minnesota. As part of the scheme, the vehicles were “sold” by CHEVTAYEV, and others through All Auto Care to a Dodge dealership located in Gurnee Illinois, where POPLAR and FURMAN worked. CHEVTAYEV, FURMAN, POPLAR and others committed the fraud by applying for fraudulent vehicle financing using deceased buyer’s names, stolen identities, or by paying people for the use of their information to buy luxury vehicles. Often times, the vehicles financed were involved in accidents, were not worth the amount financed, or did not actually exist. After receiving the loan proceeds, the conspirators made a nominal number of “lulling” payments to make the loans appear legitimate when in actuality the men laundered the funds through various bank accounts they controlled. 

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Plymouth, Minnesota Police Department, and the Gurnee, Illinois Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Julie E. Allyn prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

VLADIMIR VALENTINOVICH CHEVTAYEV, 44

Plymouth, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 26 months in prion
• $456,157.77 in restitution (split jointly)
• 2 years supervised release

THOMAS POPLAR, 46

McHenry, Illinois

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering, 1 count
   

Sentenced:

• 37 months in prison
• $543,973 restitution (split jointly)
• 2 year supervised release

RUSLAN FURMAN, 45

Deerfield, Illinois

Convicted:

• Aggravated Identity Theft, 1 count
   

Sentenced:

• 24 months in prison
• $298,644 restitution (split jointly)
• 1 year supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea and sentencing of TYRONE ANTHONY LAMAR STEWART, 35, to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. STEWART pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier today before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to STEWART’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, on October 9, 2019, law enforcement with the South West Hennepin County Drug Task Force executed a state search warrant at STEWART’s residence in Minneapolis. Law enforcement found approximately 60 grams of heroin, a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, and two digital scales. Because STEWART has previous felony convictions, under federal law, he is prohibited at any time from possessing a firearm or ammunition.  

This case is the result of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the South West Hennepin County Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

TYRONE ANTHONY LAMAR STEWART, 35

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Possessing a firearm as a felon, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 120 months in prison
• 3 years supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging ANDREW ALBERT COMEAUX, 37, with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. COMEAUX, who is in custody on state charges in Rice County, made his first appearance today before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson, in U.S District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. A detention and arraignment hearing is currently scheduled for August 31, 2020, at 3:00 pm.

According to allegations in the indictment and documents filed with the court, on June 15, 2020, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at COMEAUX’s residence. During the search, law enforcement found a .22 caliber rifle and a Mosin-Nagant 7.62x54R caliber rifle. Because COMEAUX has a prior felony conviction in Le Sueur County and multiple prior felony convictions in Blue Earth 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, and Firearms, the South Central Drug Task Force, the Cannon River Drug Task Force, Rice and Steel County Sheriff’s Offices, the Faribault and Owatonna Police Departments, Metro SWAT, and the St. Paul Bomb Squad, with coordination from the Rice County Attorney’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

ANDREW ALBERT COMEAUX, 37

Fairbault, 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

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30, to 97 months in prison. WALLACE, who pleaded guilty on February 27, 2020, to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, known as the Hobbs Act, was sentenced yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, WALLACE agreed, under the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, to make restitution to these businesses, as well as to three other business that were robbed between April and September 2019.

“The defendant was responsible for a string of robberies throughout the metro that terrorized employees, business owners, and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “This case is another example of Minnesota's strong law enforcement partnerships and our commitment to the fight against violent crime.”  

"Solving crime like this violent robbery spree is and always will be a top priority for the FBI," said Michael Paul, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis field office. "The lengthy sentence for this defendant should remind those who violently prey on our communities that the FBI and law enforcement partners will not tolerate dangerous behavior and violent perpetrators will be brought to justice."

"Our thoughts are with the victims today as this sentencing is made," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. "Armed robbery is a terrifying experience that no one should ever have to go through. Our hope is that this sentencing can bring some healing to those affected by these criminal acts. We're lucky to work with great law enforcement partners who did a tremendous job in investigating these violent crimes."

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between June 14, 2019, and October 10, 2019, WALLACE, while armed with a dangerous weapon that appeared to be a firearm, robbed, in violation of the Hobbs Act, eight separate Twin Cities businesses that were engaged in interstate commerce, including Starbucks, Speedway, Wendy’s, Shuang Hur Supermarket, McDonald’s, and Spitz restaurant. During the robberies, WALLACE used actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury against victim employees to steal over $20,000 cash belonging to the businesses and employees.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, ATF, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department, the Saint Louis Park Police Department, and the West Saint Paul Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30

West St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 8 counts

Sentenced:

• 97 months in prison
• Restitution of $20,868.23 to businesses for 11 robberies
• 3 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of FORNANDOUS CORTEZ HENDERSON, 32, to one count of aiding and abetting arson. HENDERSON entered his plea today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson, in U.S. District Court, in St. Paul, Minnesota. HENDERSON’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

According to HENDERSON’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, HENDERSON and GARRETT PATRICK ZIEGLER[1] (co-defendant) constructed multiple Molotov cocktails. In the early morning hours of May 29, 2020, HENDERSON and the co-defendant went to the Dakota County Western Service Center (the ''WSC") located at 14955 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The WSC houses state and local agencies and organizations, including Dakota County court facilities, as well as a U.S. Passport center. Using baseball bats, HENDERSON and the co-defendant broke multiple windows at the WSC and threw in multiple, lit Molotov cocktails. Some of these devices successfully ignited and caused fire damage to the WSC.

According to HENDERSON’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, HENDERSON and the co-defendant also started and attempted to start other fires at the WSC by pouring ignitable liquids and throwing unlit Molotov cocktails in and around the broken windows, then attempting to start the fluids on fire.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Apple Valley Police Department, and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander D. Chiquoine and Chelsea A. Walcker.

Defendant Information:

FORNANDOUS CORTEZ HENDERSON, 32

Savage, Minn.

Convicted:

• Aiding and abetting arson, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

[1] The charges against co-defendant Garrett Patrick Ziegler are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of ADAM LEE REITZ, 30, to 324 months in prison for producing child pornography. REITZ, who pleaded guilty on October 29, 2019, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. REITZ’s co-defendant SHAHLA MARIE THOMPSON, 28, pleaded guilty on July 13, 2020, to one count of receipt of child pornography.

“The sexual abuse of children is among the most abhorrent criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “When it comes to protecting society’s most vulnerable, we will not relent. As demonstrated in today’s sentence, justice will be served.”

“Those who sexually exploit children do serious lasting harm, and the manufacture and trade of child pornography cruelly perpetuates this damage,” said Michael Paul, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “The FBI and its partners are committed to finding such predators, locking them up, and ensuring those they've victimized are safe and well-supported.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on May 11, 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted the Rochester Police Department to an online communication between REITZ and THOMPSON appearing to contain a depiction of child pornography. Law enforcement searched the defendants’ electronic accounts and found multiple images depicting a minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct with an adult male. Based on distinctive tattoos, law enforcement was able to identify REITZ as the adult male in the video.

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.

If you know of any child who may have been a victim of exploitation, please call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit NCMEC’s web site at www.missingkids.com.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Rochester Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie E. Allyn prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

ADAM LEE REITZ, 30

Rochester, Minn.

Convicted:

• Production of child pornography, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 324 months in prison
• 25 years of supervised release

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of Tnuza Jamal Hassan, 22, to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qa’ida).  Hassan entered her guilty plea this morning before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, in March of 2017, while a freshman student at St. Catherine University (SCU) in St. Paul, Minnesota, Hassan drafted a letter encouraging others to join a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, al-Qa’ida (AQ), and anonymously delivered the letter to two other students at SCU for the purpose of recruiting those individuals to join AQ.  During a subsequent interview with FBI agents, Hassan denied authoring or delivering the recruitment letter.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on Sept. 18, 2017, Hassan purchased a round-trip airline ticket from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and purchased a second round-trip ticket from Dubai to Kabul, Afghanistan.  Hassan later admitted that she planned to travel from Dubai to Kabul where she hoped to join AQ and that she had no intentions of returning to the United States.  On Sept. 19, 2017, Hassan boarded a flight and traveled from MSP to Dubai, but was prevented from traveling to Kabul because she failed to secure a travel visa allowing her to enter the country.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on Jan. 17, 2018, Hassan, who at that time was living in a SCU dorm lounge without the university’s permission, attempted to set several fires on the SCU campus.  Hassan admitted that she attempted to burn SCU buildings as a retaliatory act against the United States for its opposition to AQ in Afghanistan.

Hassan has been charged in Ramsey County District Court with one count of first-degree arson.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, St. Paul Police Department, and arson investigators from the St. Paul Fire Department. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of TNUZA JAMAL HASSAN, 22, to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qa’ida). HASSAN entered her guilty plea this morning before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, in March of 2017, while a freshman student at St. Catherine University (SCU) in St. Paul, Minnesota, HASSAN drafted a letter encouraging others to join a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, al-Qa’ida (AQ), and anonymously delivered the letter to two other students at SCU for the purpose of recruiting those individuals to join AQ. During a subsequent interview with FBI agents, HASSAN denied authoring or delivering the recruitment letter.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on September 18, 2017, HASSAN purchased a round-trip airline ticket from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (“MSP”) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and purchased a second round-trip ticket from Dubai to Kabul, Afghanistan. HASSAN later admitted that she planned to travel from Dubai to Kabul where she hoped to join AQ and that she had no intentions of returning to the United States. On September 19, 2017, HASSAN boarded a flight and traveled from MSP to Dubai, but was prevented from traveling to Kabul because she failed to secure a travel visa allowing her to enter the country.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on January 17, 2018, HASSAN, who at that time was living in a SCU dorm lounge without the university’s permission, attempted to set several fires on the SCU campus. HASSAN admitted that she attempted to burn SCU buildings as a retaliatory act against the United States for its opposition to AQ in Afghanistan.

HASSAN has been charged in Ramsey County District Court with one count of first-degree arson.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, St. Paul Police Department, and arson investigators from the St. Paul Fire Department. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter.

Defendant Information:                                                                                                                     

TNUZA JAMAL HASSAN, 22

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (al-Qa’ida), 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24, BYRCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26, and BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23, with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON and WOLFE, were previously charged via federal criminal complaint with aiding and abetting arson. WILLIAMS was previously charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit arson. Formal detention and arraignment hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on May 28, 2020, ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE each went to the Minneapolis Police Department’s 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. ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE, along with unidentified other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the Third Precinct building.

According to the allegations in the indictment, ROBINSON, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit an incendiary device 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. WILLIAMS and TURNER, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit a Molotov cocktail, which was taken into the Third Precinct building by TURNER and used to start a fire. WOLFE pushed a barrel into a fire at the entrance of the Third Precinct building to accelerate an existing fire.

The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

This case is 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.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22

Brainerd, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

BRYCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26

Staples, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600