District of Minnesota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two St. Paul Men Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging DERWIN IDELL MOORE, 33, and KEVIN KAREEM WHITE, 36, with one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The defendants will be arraigned on November 26, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the allegations in the indictment, on August 11, 2019, MOORE and WHITE were found to be in possession of firearms. MOORE possessed a Canik model TP9DA 9mm semi-automatic pistol and WHITE possessed a Smith & Wesson model M&P Shield 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Because MOORE and WHITE have prior felony convictions, they are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. 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. 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:
DERWIN IDELL MOORE, 33
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
KEVIN KAREEM WHITE, 36
St. Paul, 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
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Attorney General Launches National Strategy to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative places MMIP coordinators in 11 U.S. Attorney’s offices including Minnesota who will develop protocols for a more coordinated law enforcement response to missing cases. The plan also calls for the deployment of the FBI’s most advanced response capabilities when needed, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support local response efforts.
“American Indian and Alaska Native people suffer from unacceptable and disproportionately high levels of violence, which can have lasting impacts on families and communities. Native American women face particularly high rates of violence, with at least half suffering sexual or intimate-partner violence in their lifetime. Too many of these families have experienced the loss of loved ones who went missing or were murdered,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This important initiative will further strengthen the federal, state, and tribal law enforcement response to these continuing problems.”
“The FBI recognizes the violence that tribal communities face and is fully committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to provide support to those impacted by these crimes,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are dedicated to delivering justice and to the FBI’s mission to protect all the people we serve. We reaffirm our focus on allocating resources to serve Native American needs.”
“Minnesota ranks within the top 10 states with the highest number of MMIP cases. This is unacceptable,” said United States Attorney Erica MacDonald. “We are designating an MMIP coordinator who will develop and implement protocols and procedures to respond to MMIP cases. The addition of this critical resource will significantly enhance collaboration between tribal, state, and federal agencies and bring hope to families and communities that have lost a loved one.”
The strategy has three parts:
Establish MMIP coordinators: The Department of Justice is investing an initial $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 request assistance. The states are Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state. MMIP coordinators will work closely with federal, tribal, state and local agencies to develop common protocols and procedure for responding to reports of missing or murdered indigenous people. The first MMIP coordinator is already on board in Montana.
Specialized FBI Rapid Deployment Teams: The strategy will bring needed tools and resources to law enforcement. Upon request by a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency the FBI will provide expert assistance based upon the circumstances of a missing indigenous persons case. FBI resources and personnel which may be activated to assist with cases include: Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) teams, Cellular Analysis Support Teams, Evidence Response Teams, Cyber Agents for timely analysis of digital evidence/social media, Victim Services Division Response Teams, and others. MMIP coordinators will assist in developing protocols.
Comprehensive Data Analysis: The department will perform in-depth analysis of federally supported databases and analyze data collection practices to identify opportunities to improve missing persons data and share the results of this analysis with our partners in this effort.
More broadly, the MMIP Initiative will involve a coordinated effort by more than 50 U.S. Attorneys on the Attorney General’s Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS), the FBI, and the Office of Tribal Justice, with support from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
Today’s announcement follows the August NAIS meeting in New Mexico and OVW listening session in Michigan, where Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and violence against women in Indian country were prevalent topics of discussion by U.S. Attorneys, OVW officials, and tribal representatives.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Mille Lacs Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of TYRONE JAMES NELSON, 39, to 77 months in prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy that targeted the Mille Lakes Indian Reservation and the surrounding communities. NELSON and his seven co-defendants were charged in a 10-count indictment on February 13, 2019. NELSON pleaded guilty on July 19, 2019, and was sentenced today before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, between December 2017 and May 2018, NELSON obtained heroin from individuals in Minneapolis, Minnesota and then transported it to communities in and surrounding the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation. NELSON, who was the main source and distributor of heroin in the Mille Lacs area, befriended enrolled Mille Lacs members and utilized their homes to operate his business.
This case is the result of an investigation led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
TYRONE JAMES NELSON, 39
City of residence unknown
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 77 months in prison
- Four years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Minneapolis Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of two individuals for conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine. GONZALO JIMINEZ-PAZ, JR., 22, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and REY DAVID LUNA-SANTILLANES, 22, was sentenced to 63 months in prison. Both defendants were sentenced by Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
United States Erica MacDonald said, “Mr. Jiminez-Paz ran a significant drug trafficking operation here in Minnesota. He employed a network of distributors, including his co-defendant Mr. Luna-Santillanes, who helped push dangerous drugs into our cities. This type of criminal activity threatens the health and safety of our communities and will be met with lengthy prison sentences.”
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed in court, beginning in January 2019, JIMINEZ-PAZ and LUNA-SANTILLANES entered into an agreement with each other and other individuals to distribute methamphetamine. On March 23, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) executed a search warrant at a residence in the downtown area of Minneapolis. During execution of the search warrant, officers recovered approximately 64 pounds of methamphetamine, a large sum of U.S. currency, three pounds of heroin, a bag containing unidentified blue pills and two loaded handguns. The methamphetamine was found inside two suitcases in a bedroom closet, the heroin was hidden inside of a shoebox, and a large amount of cash was located in a kitchen cupboard.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County VCET, the DEA, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
GONZALO JIMINEZ-PAZ, JR., 23
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 168 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
REY DAVID LUNA-SANTILLANES, 23
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 63 months in prison
- Two years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Former Program Manager of Twin Cities Nonprofit Charged with Fraud, False StatementsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a felony information charging CLARISSA LYNN COMBS, 48, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and false statements. COMBS will make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date. BRIDGIT YVETTE MICHAUD, 54, JALONDA LEEANN COMBS, 37, and AUDREY SEBILETTA HEATH, 34 were also charged via felony information with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in the conspiracy. [1] Five defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to the allegations in the information, 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, 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 fictitious homeless clients. During the course of the investigation of the alleged conduct, COMBS made 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, at the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, in the District of Minnesota.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Assistant United States Attorney Miranda E. Dugi is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
CLARISSA LYNN COMBS, 48
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
- False statements, 1 count
BRIDGIT YVETTE MICHAUD, 54
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
JALONDA LEEANN COMBS, 37
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
AUDREY SEBILETTA HEATH, 34
Woodbury, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Charged with Discharging A Firearm Near Fond Du Lac SchoolRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging SHELBY GENE BOSWELL, 28, a convicted felon, with possessing and discharging a firearm in a school zone.[1] BOSWELL will make his initial appearance today at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the indictment and documents filed in 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 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
SHELBY GENE BOSWELL, 28
Hugo, Minn.
Charges:
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
- Possession of a firearm in a school zone, 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
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Statement from U.S. Attorney MacDonald Addressing Gun Violence in St. PaulRead the Press Release
This afternoon, and at my request, I met with St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell along with the top leaders of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to discuss the pressing gun-violence issue in St. Paul. All agencies present, including the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, BCA, and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office offered their full support and dedicated resources to address the problem. It was the unanimous consensus of the group that reducing violent crime requires more than just enforcement, it also requires plans for treatment and prevention. It is my belief that the joint efforts of these federal, state and local agencies and their combined expertise and resources will ensure that every available resource is brought to bear to stem the violence and protect the community. I will continue to update the public on the progress we make in this coordinated fight to protect the safety of our communities.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Minneapolis Woman Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of LESSIE BEATRICE LINDSEY, 37, to one year and one day in prison for falsely claiming $1,151,585 in tax refunds. LINDSEY, who pleaded guilty on June 17, 2019, was sentenced on October 30, 2019, before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty pleas and documents filed in court, between January 2013 and March 2016, LINDSEY, who operated in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois, charged individual taxpayers a fee to prepare and file their federal income tax returns. LINDSEY routinely falsified information on the federal income tax returns she filed on behalf of her clients, including employment, income, and tax credits, in order to increase the clients’ tax refunds. In total, LINDSEY prepared approximately 192 false and fraudulent personal federal income tax returns which falsely claimed approximately $1,151,585.00 in tax refunds. LINDSEY’s conduct caused the United States Treasury to pay $995,966.00 to LINDSEY’s clients for tax years 2012, 2013, 2074, and 2015.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
LESSIE BEATRICE LINDSEY, 37
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- False claim to the United States, 1 count
Sentenced:
- One year and one day in prison
- Two years of supervised release
- $ 995,966 in restitution
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Minneapolis Gang Member Sentenced to 220 Months in Prison for Violent Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of HAKEEM MALIK DONTAE FLAX, a/k/a “Keem,” 33, to 220 months in prison for crimes related to violent gang activity, including conspiracy, distribution of heroin, and firearms violations. FLAX, who was convicted by a federal jury on February 14, 2019, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. FLAX’s co-defendants DOMONICK DESHAY WRIGHT, BRIAN FUNTANOUS MACK, and JAMES LAVELL BROWN, have also been sentenced following their guilty pleas to conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As proven at trial, FLAX and his co-defendants maintained active membership in the 1-9 Block Dipset Gang with the purpose of making money for the gang through criminal acts, including distribution of heroin. As part of the gang’s heroin distribution scheme, FLAX, WRIGHT, MACK, and BROWN and other members of the gang possessed, used and carried firearms in order to protect themselves from rival gang members and maintain their drug distribution territory.
As proven at trial, members of the 1-9 Block Dipset Gang were involved in a violent gang war with rival North Minneapolis gangs, including the Tre Tre Crips and the Young-N-Thuggin gangs, which resulted in the shooting deaths of gang members on both sides of the conflict. Disputes over gang territories and retaliation for prior acts of violence also contributed to the gun violence. As an example, on August 5, 2017, FLAX shot and killed a member of the rival Tre Tre Crips gang in a parking lot outside of a North Minneapolis restaurant.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
Defendant Information:
HAKEEM MALIK DONTAE FLAX, a/k/a “Keem,” 33
Vadnais Heights, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
- Felon in possession of ammunition, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 220 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
DOMONICK DESHAY WRIGHT, a/k/a “Freaky,” 31
Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 120 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
BRIAN FUNTANOUS MACK, a/k/a “B-Mack,” 34
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 120 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
JAMES LAVELL BROWN, 34
St. Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 60 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Saint Paul Felon Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Violent Attempted Robbery, Drug-Trafficking and Multiple Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of MICHAEL CORTEZ REED, 27, to 110 months in prison for the violent attempted robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy, as well as drug-trafficking and firearms violations. REED, who pleaded guilty to five felony counts on June 21, 2019, was sentenced today before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, on August 27, 2017, REED entered a Walgreens pharmacy in St. Paul, Minnesota, violently assaulted a store employee and forced the employee to open to store’s drug vault in an attempt to steal controlled substances. The employee told REED that the vault was on a time-delay and that it could not be opened. REED ran out of the store when the store manager confronted him. REED also admitted that between September 13, 2017 and September 5, 2018, he was in possession of over 25 grams of methamphetamine, small amounts of heroin and cocaine, and three firearms, including a Ruger model P95DC nine-millimeter semi-automatic firearm, a Phoenix Arms model Raven 25 .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Kahr Arms model P380 .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol. The Ruger firearm was loaded with an extended 30-round magazine attached to it, and the Kahr Arms firearm had been previously reported stolen. Because he is a felon, REED is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm or ammunition at any time.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Saint Paul Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
MICHAEL CORTEZ REED, a/k/a “Hyphy,” 27
St. Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Attempted interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 3 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 110 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
# # #
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Native Mob Gang Member Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the conviction of TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 24, on six counts of drug trafficking and firearm charges. Following a two-day bench trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota, MAURSTAD was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition. Sentencing will be scheduled on a later date.
MAURSTAD’s co-conspirator, MORNINGSTAR WEBSTER, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on March 6, 2019, before Judge Susan Richard Nelson and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on July 25, 2019.
“The defendant has a history of violent crime and possessing firearms,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “This case is another demonstration of how law enforcement is committed to working hand-in-hand to stop dangerous felons intent on bringing drugs into our communities.”
As proven at trial, on August 4, 2016, MAURSTAD was pulled over in Morrison County for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found a loaded .45 caliber handgun and three large plastic bags containing methamphetamine. MAURSTAD is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed the packages contained 334 grams of methamphetamine.
As proven at trial, on January 29, 2018, law enforcement pulled over a black Chrysler 300 for speeding. After MAURSTAD admitted possessing pain killers without a prescription, law enforcement searched the vehicle and found two packages containing 446 grams of methamphetamine.
As proven at trial, 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.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 24
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
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Former Hennepin County Employee and Husband Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of ROBERT ANTHONY COLEMAN, 46, to one year and one day in prison and YOLANDA YVETTE COLEMAN a/k/a YOLANDA YVETTE PITTMAN, 51, to six months in prison for conspiring to defraud multiple government social services programs over the course of several years. The defendants, who pleaded guilty on May 8, 2019, were sentenced on October 23, 2019, before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed with the court, from 2002 through December 2016, PITTMAN was employed by the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD). From at least October 2009, PITTMAN’s job duties gave her access to computer databases used in processing applications for government benefits intended to assist low-income persons with food, medical, and other living expenses, including Medical Assistance and SNAP food stamp benefits. During this time, PITTMAN became romantically involved with COLEMAN, who was a HSPHD client prior to and continuing into their relationship. PITTMAN and COLEMAN were married on August 17, 2014.
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed with the court, from October 2010 through August 2018, PITTMAN and COLEMAN conspired to fraudulently obtain Section 8 rental housing assistance subsidies, SNAP benefits, Medical Assistance benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration, and other public assistance, by concealing information and submitting false applications to the government entities responsible for implementing these programs. For example, PITTMAN and COLEMAN failed to disclose that they resided together while COLEMAN received Section 8, SNAP, Medical Assistance, and SSI public assistance benefits. PITTMAN also acted as COLEMAN’S Personal Care Attendant (PCA) for several years, with COLEMAN’S Medical Assistance benefits paying for these PCA services. The total loss amount was $248,838.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General, Hennepin County Fraud Investigations Unit, and the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hudleston and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ROBERT ANTHONY COLEMAN, 46
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, 1 count
Sentenced:
- One year and one day in prison
- Three years of supervised release
YOLANDA YVETTE COLEMAN, a/k/a YOLANDA YVETTE PITTMAN, 51
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, 1 count
Sentenced:
- Six months in prison
- Two years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Three Individuals with A FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of DILLON GEORGE TAYLOR, 21, for assaulting three individuals with a firearm. TAYLOR pleaded guilty on October 22, 2019, before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2020.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on November 22, 2018, during a confrontation with two individuals, TAYLOR pointed a firearm at one of the individuals and threatened his life. When the two individuals left the scene in a vehicle driven by a third individual, TAYLOR pursued them and shot at the vehicle multiple times. When the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a casino located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, TAYLOR continued his pursuit, firing a shot towards the entrance of the casino where the three individuals and casino personnel were standing.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
DILLON GEORGE TAYLOR, 21
Red Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Owner of Duluth Dental Practice Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of GARY JAMES HEDIN, 41, former owner of Downtown Dental Care LLC, a dental practice located in Duluth, Minnesota, for failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. HEDIN, who was charged on September 30, 2019, entered his guilty plea on October 22, 2019, before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2020.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, HEDIN failed to file required tax returns and pay employment taxes withheld from the wages of his employees for tax years 2012 through 2017. HEDIN instead used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including vacations, adult entertainment, memberships in private social clubs, and jewelry purchases. HEDIN admitted that he owes $158,958 in unpaid taxes to the IRS for the relevant tax years.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle E. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
GARY JAMES HEDIN, 41
Duluth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Failure to account for and pay over employment taxes, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Sauk Rapids Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of ADAM M. LASHINSKI, 41, to 15 months in prison for filing false tax returns. LASHINSKI, who pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, was sentenced on October 21, 2019, before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, LASHINSKI, who falsely claimed to be a certified public accountant, prepared and filed dozens of fraudulent federal and state individual income tax returns for his acquaintances between 2013 and 2015. LASHINSKI admitted to repeatedly filing returns in the names of the taxpayers that omitted taxable income and claimed false adjustments, deductions, and business expenses, which resulted in larger refunds than what the taxpayers were actually entitled to receive. The total tax loss was $208,550.00
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Lewis prosecuted this case.
Defendant Information:
ADAM M. LASHINSKI, 41
Sauk Rapids, Minn.
Convicted:
- Filing false tax returns, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 15 months in prison
- One year of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Justice Department Awards over $273.4 Million to Improve Public Safety, Serve Crime Victims in American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded over $273.4 million in grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
“Violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities remain at unacceptably high levels, and they demand a response that is both clear and comprehensive,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We will continue to work closely with our tribal partners to guarantee they have the resources they need to curb violence and bring healing to the victims most profoundly affected by it.”
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “Here in the District of Minnesota, the Department has awarded more than $4.6 million to five tribes in response to their most pressing public safety needs, including violence against women, opioids, and substance abuse. As U.S. Attorney, I am committed to working with our tribal leaders and law enforcement partners to address these very issues. Our Native American communities deserve to thrive in safety and stability.”
Five Tribes in the District of Minnesota were awarded a total of $4,655,998 in funding. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will receive a total of $810,821, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will receive a total of $624,180, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians will receive a total of $1,544,538, the Upper Sioux Community will receive a total of $243,008, and the White Earth Reservation Tribal Council will receive a total of $1,433,451.
Nationwide, 236 grants were awarded to 149 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (“CTAS”), a streamlined application for tribal-specific grant programs. Of the $118 million awarded via CTAS, just over $62.6 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, about $33.1 million from the Office on Violence Against Women and more than $23.2 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. A portion of the funding will support tribal youth mentoring and intervention services, help native communities implement requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and provide training and technical assistance to tribal communities. Another $5.5 million was funded by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide training and technical assistance to CTAS awardees.
The Department also announced awards and other programming totaling $167.2 million in a set-aside program to serve victims of crime. The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims by supporting programming and technical assistance. About $25.6 million of these awards were awarded under CTAS and are included in the $118 million detailed above.
CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs. The awards cover 10 purpose areas: public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; violent crime reduction; and tribal youth programs.
The Department also provided $6.1 million to help tribes to comply with federal law on sex offender registration and notification, $1.7 million in separate funding to assist tribal youth and nearly $500,000 to support tribal research on missing and murdered indigenous women and children and other public safety-related topics.
Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
A listing of today’s announced CTAS awards is available at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/awards. A listing of all other announced tribal awards are available at: https://go.usa.gov/xVJuE.
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Glenwood Postal Service Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $100,000 in Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of LISA ANN SCHAFER, 57, for stealing $108,490.47 in federal disability benefits. SCHAFER, who was charged via felony information on September 24, 2019, entered her guilty plea before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from September 18, 2015, through May 3, 2019, SCHAFER, at the time an employee of the United States Postal Service, knowingly claimed Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) benefits by falsely asserting that a work-related injury prevented her from working in a full-time capacity. SCHAFER reported to her doctor that her medical condition required her to rest most of the day and that she could tolerate only sedentary work. SCHAFER’s doctor accordingly limited her to no more than two hours of office work a day, enabling SCHAFER to collect FECA benefits due to her purported work-related injury. However, during this time period, SCHAFER was observed participating in 30-40 dog-agility competitions where she is seen running, bending quickly at the waist, and using large arm movements to navigate dogs through a variety of exercises. In total, SCHAFER stole $108,490.47 in FECA benefits that she knew she was not entitled to receive.
Special Agent-in-Charge John D. Masters, Western Area Field Office, USPS Office of the Inspector General said, “The American public trusts that U.S. Postal Service employees will obey the law. When an employee of the Postal Service violates that trust, the Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) investigates those matters. Today’s plea sends a clear message that workers' compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG, along the U.S. Attorney's Office, remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the workers’ compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
LISA ANN SCHAFER, 57
Glenwood, Minn.
Convicted:
- Theft of government funds, 1 count
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Minnesota Organizations Awarded More Than $4.5 Million in Federal Grant Money to Support Victims of Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that more than $4.5 million in federal grant funds have been awarded to organizations throughout the state of Minnesota to combat human trafficking and provide support services to victims of trafficking. In announcing the grant awards, U.S. Attorney MacDonald also released a new human trafficking public service announcement aimed at raising awareness and reaching victims.
U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “Eradication of human trafficking is one of my top priorities as the United States Attorney. Here in Minnesota, we are attacking the problem of human trafficking strategically, through aggressive prosecution, strong multidisciplinary partnerships, and robust community outreach and education. This grant money will aid tremendously in our work. We must continue to speak up and speak out to help end human trafficking.”
Funding will be used to enhance the quality and quantity of services available, including to provide developmentally and culturally appropriate and tailored programming to best fit the needs of victims. Funds will also be used to strengthen statewide human trafficking policy and programming.
Grantee
Amount Awarded
Regents of the University of Minnesota
$500,000
The Link
$590,847
Minnesota Department of Health
$1,499,999
Young Men’s Christian Association of the Greater Twin Cities
$446,685
Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition
$550,000
Young Men’s Christian Association of the Greater Twin Cities
$922,870
In 2019, the Department of Justice awarded more than $80 million in funding to support public safety efforts throughout the State of Minnesota. A full list of Minnesota grant awards is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mn.
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Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of JEREMIAH KINGBIRD, 39, to one count of second degree murder. KINGBIRD, who was indicted on February 20, 2019, entered his guilty plea earlier today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in Bemidji, Minnesota.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “Domestic violence is one of the biggest challenges facing our tribal communities and Native American women, in particular, experience this type of violence at a disproportionately high rate. During the month of October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor the survivors of domestic violence and recommit our efforts to bring perpetrators like Mr. Kingbird to justice.”
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.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
This case is being 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
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Saint Paul Felon Convicted at Trial for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the conviction of MARCUS ANTHONY MATTOX, 25, for illegally possessing a firearm. The jury found MATTOX guilty following a four-day trial before Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
As proven at trial, in the early morning hours of September 22, 2018, police officers heard a volley of gunshots in the area of Lexington Avenue and University Avenue in St. Paul, followed by a second volley of gunshots. Thereafter, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex on Concordia Avenue. Officers recovered from the apartment complex’s parking lot ten discharged.40-caliber bullet casings and a 9mm firearm. Officers also noticed a fresh blood trail leading from near the front doors of the apartment building through the parking lot. Officers followed the blood trail, and along its path they found a loaded Desert Eagle .50-caliber semiautomatic pistol. The hammer of the firearm was cocked back in the firing position and it had blood on the handgrips, the trigger guard, and the trigger. While officers were investigating the scene, they learned that MATTOX had been taken to Regions Hospital with non-life threatening gunshot wounds to his face and foot. Officers responded to Regions Hospital and collected MATTOX’s bloody clothing.
As proven at trial, while reviewing the surveillance video from the apartment building, officers observed a male exit the apartment building, wearing clothing that matched MATTOX’s clothing collected from the hospital, approach another male in the parking lot and exchange gunfire with that male before falling to the ground, getting back up and running from the scene along the same path as the trail of blood officers found at the scene. A subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that MATTOX’s blood was on the Desert Eagle .50-caliber pistol.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the 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 U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez tried the case.
Defendant Information:
MARCUS ANTHONY MATTOX, a/k/a “Marcus Anthony Maddox,” a/k/a “M-Nutt”, 25
St. Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Felon in possession of a firearm - armed career criminal, 1 count
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Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald announced the guilty pleas of OTIS RAY MAYS, 26, to charges of wire fraud and receipt of child pornography. MAYS, who was charged in two separate indictments on March 12, 2019, entered his guilty plea on October 3, 2019, before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. A sentencing date for MAYS has not yet been scheduled.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, in May of 2017, a husband and wife went to the Hennepin County Government Center to seek advice about how to evict tenants from a rental property they owned. MAYS approached the couple and falsely stated that he was a lawyer and offered to help them with the eviction of tenants. MAYS later told the couple that their son, a college student, had downloaded to his computer videos that had been “pirated.” In exchange for a $305,000 payment to the owner of the rights in those videos, MAYS claimed he could resolve any legal difficulties arising from the allegedly pirated videos. The victim couple, at MAYS’s direction, purchased a $305,000 cashier’s check, payable to a Minneapolis lawyer, who in turn paid MAYS. MAYS also impersonated a lawyer on other occasions, and in total stole more than $340,000 from the victim couple.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on November 20, 2017, and on December 1, 2017, MAYS transferred to his laptop computer a total of nine video files depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
These cases are the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bloomington Police Department, and the Richfield Police Department.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Docherty.
Defendant Information:
OTIS RAY MAYS, 26
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Wire fraud, 1 count
- Receipt of child pornography, 1 count
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Federal Jury Finds Armed Career Criminal Guilty on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the conviction of NORRIS DESHON ANDREWS, 34, for illegally possessing a firearm. The jury found ANDREWS guilty following a ten-day trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
As proven at trial, on May 15, 2018, police officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 25th and Girard Avenue North in Minneapolis. Witnesses described the shooter’s vehicle as an older model blue Chevrolet Tahoe. Officers recovered 13 discharged bullet casings from the scene. A little over an hour later, two individuals were shot and wounded in a parking lot near Plymouth Avenue North. Surveillance footage from a nearby security camera showed the shooter, who was later identified as ANDREWS, driving up to the scene in a blue Tahoe. ANDREWS and another individual got out of the vehicle and had a verbal altercation with several individuals standing on the sidewalk before ANDREWS pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and fired four shots, hitting two victims. ANDREWS then got back in the blue Tahoe and fired two more shots as he fled the scene. Hours later, officers located ANDREWS and took him into custody.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Minneapolis 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 U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey S. Paulsen and Samantha H. Bates tried the case.
Defendant Information:
NORRIS DESHON ANDREWS, 34
City of residence unknown
Convicted:
- Felon in possession of a firearm - armed career criminal, 1 count
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Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Assault of A MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of TIMOTHY JAMES LAJEUNESSE, 28, for assaulting a minor on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. LAJEUNESSE, who was indicted on May 21, 2019, pleaded guilty today before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5, 2020.
According to LAJEUNESSE’s guilty plea, in the early morning hours of January 13, 2019, after a night of drinking, LAJEUNESSE returned to his residence on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. LAJEUNESSE initially went to sleep, but upon waking up, he grabbed a minor, who was also sleeping in the residence, and attempted to strangle her. In the course of the assault he punched and kicked her. As a result of the assault, the minor sustained a large bruise on her forehead, smaller bruises throughout the rest of her body, and marks on her neck that are consistent with attempted strangulation.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Department of Public Safety and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Angela M. Munoz-Kaphing is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
TIMOTHY JAMES LAJEUNESSE, 28
Red Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Assault resulting in substantial bodily injury, 1 count
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Two Individuals Charged with Illegally Purchasing A Firearm Used in Three ShootingsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against SEQUANA CIGOLO, 38, and JASON LYNNDROTTI WINSTON, 48, for their roles in illegally supplying a firearm that was used in multiple shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois. CIGOLO and WINSTON were arrested on September 25, 2019. They will make their initial appearances today at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on September 18, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois, while walking to lunch, “Individual A,” was shot in the back with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol by “Individual B,” leaving her paralyzed. Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officers responded, collected evidence, and subsequently identified Individual B as the suspect. On September 21, 2019, CPD Officers located Individual B and attempted to take him into custody. Individual B shot a CPD Officer three times using a 9mm semi-automatic pistol before fleeing. Hours later, CPD Officers again located Individual B and while attempting to take him into custody, Individual B fired several shots. CPD Officers exchanged gunfire with Individual B, wounding him and subsequently taking him into custody.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, an urgent firearms trace by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicated that the 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was recovered during Individual B’s arrest, was purchased by CIGOLO on July 11, 2019, from Bill’s Gun Shop in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Law enforcement agents learned that CIGOLO’s brother was the victim of a shooting on July 28, 2019. A forensic comparison of the ballistic evidence from all three crime scenes (two in Chicago and one in Minneapolis) revealed that the firearm used in the Minneapolis shooting was the same 9mm semi-automatic pistol used in the Chicago shootings, and was the same firearm CIGOLO purchased on July 11, 2019.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on September 24, 2019, during an interview with law enforcement, CIGOLO admitted to purchasing a firearm for her ex-boyfriend’s cousin, WINSTON, who had asked her to do so because he was a convicted felon and therefore could not legally purchase a firearm himself. CIGOLO admitted to lying on the ATF Form 4473, stating that she was purchasing the firearm for herself, when in fact she was not. After purchasing the 9mm semi-automatic pistol, CIGOLO gave the firearm to WINSTON, who paid her approximately $250.00. That same day, law enforcement interviewed WINSTON at his residence, where they found a pistol box and the original pistol safety lock for a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and a magazine loaded with 9mm rounds of ammunition. WINSTON admitted to transferring the 9mm semi-automatic pistol to the individual who was charged in Hennepin County with the July 28, 2019, shooting of CIGOLO’s brother.
“The Chicago Police Department works tirelessly on a daily basis to stem the flow of illegal firearms into the city. Prohibited persons and those who supply firearms to those individuals will be held accountable and brought to justice,” said Superintendent Eddie Johnson of the Chicago Police Department. “I would like to extend my gratitude to the special agents of the ATF Chicago and St. Paul Field Divisions and the officers of the Minneapolis Police Department who worked hand in hand with our officers over the course of this investigation.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Chicago Field Division, the Chicago Police Department, the ATF St. Paul Field Division, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan H. Nelson.
Defendant Information:
SEQUANA CIGOLO, 38
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Making a false statement to acquire firearms (straw purchase of a firearm), 1 count
JASON LYNNDROTTI WINSTON, 48
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Making a false statement to acquire firearms (straw purchase of a firearm), 1 count
- Aiding and abetting felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
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The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pierz Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the guilty plea of JEFFREY LAWRENCE KLOSS, 38, to one count of tax evasion. KLOSS, who was charged on August 2, 2019, entered his guilty plea on September 24, 2019, before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, KLOSS owned and operated a tree trimming business in Pierz, Minnesota. From January 2014 through at least December 2017, KLOSS cashed checks from customers payable to his tree trimming business and failed to include those funds as business income on his federal income tax returns. KLOSS failed to report a total of approximately $467,555 in income for calendar years 2014 through 2017. As a result, KLOSS evaded assessment of a total of approximately $152,923 in federal income taxes for calendar years 2014 through 2017.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
JEFFREY LAWRENCE KLOSS, 38
Pierz, Minn.
Convicted:
- Tax evasion, 1 count
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Brooklyn Center Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JUSTIN THOMAS CHAPMAN, 38, to 180 months in prison for distributing child pornography. CHAPMAN, who pleaded guilty on May 8, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, from March 2017 through August 10, 2018, CHAPMAN moderated and participated in online chatrooms where participants distributed, traded, and received child pornography. CHAPMAN and other participants also used the chatrooms to express their preferences in child pornography as well as discuss means to avoid detection by law enforcement. As a chatroom moderator, CHAPMAN communicated and enforced the “rules” of the chatrooms, including limits on content, the way child pornography could be shared, and a code of conduct for the chatroom members.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, after the execution of a search warrant at CHAPMAN’S residence, CHAPMAN obstructed the FBI’s investigation by warning others in the chatrooms that the FBI was aware of their activities.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manda M. Sertich and Alexander D. Chiquoine.
Defendant Information:
JUSTIN THOMAS CHAPMAN, 38
Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Convicted:
- Distribution of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 180 months in prison
- Ten years of supervised release
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Brooklyn Park Tax Preparer Known as "Papa Eric" Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of ERIC WILLOR, 70, to two years in federal prison. WILLOR pleaded guilty on May 21, 2019, to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. WILLOR was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric C. Tostrud in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed with the court, WILLOR, also known as “Papa Eric,” ran a tax preparation business called WILLOR’s Tax Preparation and Planning out of his home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. WILLOR regularly prepared and filed tax returns using false and fraudulent itemized deductions in order to fraudulently obtain large tax refunds to which his clients were not entitled. Specifically, WILLOR regularly prepared and filed returns falsely claiming that his clients had significant tax-deductible charitable contributions, medical expenses, and educational expenses. In reality, WILLOR knew that these claimed deductions were fraudulent. Between 2012 and 2017, WILLOR prepared and filed approximately 100 fraudulent tax returns that fraudulently claimed a total of approximately $316,000 in tax refunds to which his clients were not entitled.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
Defendant Information:
ERIC WILLOR, 70
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Convicted:
- Aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 24 months in prison
- 3 years supervised release
- $316,979 in restitution
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600St. Thomas Student Charged for Hoax Bomb Threats Against the University's St. Paul CampusRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal criminal complaint against RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 20, for calling in bomb threats to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.[1] PERSAUD was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance today at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on April 17, 2019, PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and said there was a bomb on campus, specifically mentioning McNeely Hall. PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas three times that morning making bomb threats. As a result, the University evacuated and closed its entire St. Paul campus, including a child care center located in one of the buildings. The FBI determined that the calls came from a Voice Over Internet Protocol, or “VOIP,” telephone number serviced by TextMe, an app that allows users to have multiple telephone numbers. On August 20, 2019, PERSAUD again called the University of St. Thomas via TextMe and said there was a bomb in the John Roach Center, a classroom building on the St. Paul campus, which was subsequently evacuated and closed for the day. On September 17, 2019, PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas again, through a different VOIP app, and stated that there were bombs in the O’Shaughnessy Science Center, the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, and the Facilities Design Center. All four buildings were subsequently evacuated. Investigators were able to trace the origin of the September 17, 2019, calls to PERSAUD’s home address in Blaine, Minnesota.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Saint Paul Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Docherty.
Defendant Information:
RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 20
Blaine, Minn.
Charges:
- Using an instrumentality of interstate commerce to make a threat to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual, and to damage or destroy any building, by means of fire and explosive, 1 count
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[1] The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Serial Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DAMIEN JAMES McDONALD, 41, to 110 months in prison. McDONALD pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019, to two counts of armed bank robbery. He was sentenced earlier today by U.S. District Court Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on April 14, 2018, the defendant brandished and pointed a firearm at two tellers working at a local U.S. Bank branch and demanded they fill a plastic Aldi’s grocery shopping bag with money from their teller drawers. On June 6, 2018, the defendant robbed at gunpoint a credit union in Eagan. Again, he pointed a firearm at the tellers, demanding that they fill his bag with cash. Surveillance video captured the defendant stopping in front of the credit union in a Mazda CX-7 SUV then leaving in the same Mazda at the conclusion of the robbery. Upon execution of a search warrant on vehicles and at a residence associated with McDONALD later that day, law enforcement recovered clothing and sneakers that matched the clothing and sneakers worn by the robber, a bandana worn by the robber to partially cover his face, and thousands of dollars in cash hidden inside the residence. Additionally, cash that matched marked bills taken from the credit union were found on McDONALD.
This case is a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including its Cellular Analysis Survey Team and Computer Analysis Response Team, the Eagan Police Department, and the Roseville Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
Defendant Information:
DAMIEN JAMES MCDONALD, 41
St. Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Bank robbery (armed), 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 110 months in prison
- 5 years Supervised Release
- $12,261 in restitution
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Native Mob Gang Members Arrested for Assault in Aid of Racketeering, Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal indictment charging ROBIN LEE LUSSIER, 30, WILLARD DUANE REED III, 24, and JOSHUA ADAMS HANKS, 24, with distribution of methamphetamine and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity.[1] LUSSIER and REED made their initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. They were ordered detained pending a detainment hearing scheduled for Thursday September 26, 2019 at 2:45 pm.
As alleged in the indictment, from December 1, 2015 through January 1, 2019, LUSSIER and REED conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that LUSSIER and HANKS were members of the Native Mob gang, a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engage and have engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault. Finally, the indictment alleges that members and associates of the Native Mob meet regularly to discuss, among other things, acts of violence and crimes committed against rival gang members, gang rules and by-laws, law enforcement interactions, and to share with one another the identities of individuals who might be cooperating with law enforcement and propose actions to be taken against those individuals.
As alleged in the indictment, on December 5, 2018, LUSSIER and HANKS committed an assault resulting in serious bodily injury to individual, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing positions in the Native Mob gang.
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 Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Red Lake Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley Endicott are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ROBIN LEE LUSSIER, a/k/a Ratchet, 30
Red Lake, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity, 1 count
WILLARD DUANE REED, III, a/k/a Left, a/k/a Leftfield, 24
Bemidji, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
JOSHUA ADAM HANKS, a/k/a Souless, 24
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Iranian Citizen Sentenced for Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers and United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Negar Ghodskani, 40, to 27 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to facilitate the illegal export of controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2019, was sentenced this morning before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, Ghodskani assisted in establishing and operating Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (Green Wave) a Malaysian company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since its incorporation in 2009, Green Wave operated as a front company for Fanavar Moj Khavar (Fana Moj), an Iran-based company that specializes in both broadcast communications, microwave communications as well as in the production of digital video broadcasting equipment. Fana Moj supplies microwave radio systems and wireless broadband access in Iran. Fana Moj’s principal customer was the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which is owned by the Government of Iran.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from 2008 until 2011, Ghodskani, who was based in Tehran, falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. Companies in order to acquire unlawfully sensitive export controlled technology from the United States on behalf of Fana Moj. In order to accomplish these acquisitions, Ghodskani and her co-conspirators concealed the ultimate unlawful destination and end users of the exported technology through false statements, unlawful financial transactions, and other means. Further, as part of the conspiracy, the defendant’s co-conspirators would contact producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicit purchase agreements, and negotiate the purchase and delivery of the goods with the seller.
Both the IRIB and Fana Moj have been designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRGC).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Iranian Citizen Sentenced for Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers and United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Negar Ghodskani, 40, to 27 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2019, was sentenced this morning before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, Ghodskani assisted in establishing and operating Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (“Green Wave”) a Malaysian company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since its incorporation in 2009, Green Wave operated as a front company for Fanavar Moj Khavar (“Fana Moj”), an Iran-based company that specializes in both broadcast communications, microwave communications as well as in the production of digital video broadcasting equipment. Fana Moj supplies microwave radio systems and wireless broadband access in Iran. Fana Moj’s principal customer was the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which is controlled by the Government of Iran.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from 2008 until 2011, Ghodskani, who was based in Tehran, falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. Companies in order to acquire unlawfully sensitive export controlled technology from the United States on behalf of Fana Moj. In order to accomplish these acquisitions, Ghodskani and her co-conspirators concealed the ultimate unlawful destination and end users of the exported technology through false statements, unlawful financial transactions, and other means. Further, as part of the conspiracy, the defendant’s co-conspirators would contact producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicit purchase agreements, and negotiate the purchase and delivery of the goods with the seller.
Both the IRIB and Fana Moj have been designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRGC).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Defendant Information:
NEGAR GHODSKANI, 40
Citizen of Iran
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 27 months in prison
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600Attorney General William Barr Appoints U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald to Serve on Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney General William P. Barr announced the appointment of the following nine U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): Erica H. MacDonald, District of Minnesota; David Anderson, Northern District of California; Scott Brady, Western District of Pennsylvania; Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Halsey Frank, District of Maine; Christina Nolan, District of Vermont; Zach Terwilliger, Eastern District of Virginia; Tom Kirsch, Northern District of Indiana; and Nicholas Trutanich, District of Nevada.
“I am pleased to appoint these nine outstanding U.S. Attorneys to this key advisory committee. I am confident that they will serve with distinction,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “The U.S. Attorneys who comprise the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee play a critical role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s important work, including its efforts to reduce violent crime, combat the opioid crisis, protect the most vulnerable, and enforce the rule of law.”
U.S. Attorney MacDonald said, “I am honored to have been chosen to serve on this important Committee, which helps guide programs and policies for the Department of Justice. The work of the AGAC is vital to furthering our priorities of reducing violent crime, confronting our drug epidemics, and protecting public safety for all Minnesotans and Americans. I want to thank the Attorney General for this opportunity and responsibility to serve the Department and the Attorney General in this capacity.”
The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Louis Franklin, Middle District of Alabama; Robert Higdon, Eastern District of North Carolina; John Huber, District of Utah; Rob Hur, District of Maryland; Jeff Jensen, Eastern District of Missouri; Andrew Lelling, District of Massachusetts; Joshua Minkler, Southern District of Indiana; Richard Moore, Southern District of Alabama; Bryan Schroder, District of Alaska; and David Weiss, District of Delaware.
Chaired by U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jessie K. Liu, the AGAC represents the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
Attorney General Barr also announced that U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox, a current member, will replace U.S. Attorney John Huber as the Vice Chair of the AGAC.
The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of LORENZO EUGENE HEARD JR., 38, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. HEARD entered his guilty plea on September 19, 2019, before Judge David S. Doty, in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on May 1, 2018, while driving in Rochester, HEARD crashed his vehicle and fled the scene, leaving a loaded Cobra semiautomatic .380 caliber pistol in the vehicle. HEARD has been previously convicted of multiple violent offenses, including armed robbery, assault and drug charges, which prohibit him, under federal law, from owning or possessing a firearm.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Rochester Police Department and the ATF.
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 Bradley M. Endicott is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
LORENZO EUGENE HEARD JR., 38
Rochester, Minn.
Convicted:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1 count
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Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison, Lifetime Supervised Release for Producing Child Pornography on SnapchatRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of BARTON GEORGE SCOTT, 36, a registered sex offender, to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography. SCOTT, who pleaded guilty on February 6, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “Mr. Scott is a convicted sex offender and a sextortionist. He terrorized his victims by hacking into their Snapchat accounts to access highly sensitive and private pictures. He then taunted his victims and threatened to disseminate their private pictures if they didn’t comply with his demands. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that sextortion is a serious crime that will be met with serious consequences.”
“A case like this really underscores the FBI’s proactive approach to identifying people who exploit children with pornography,” said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “Our agents are vigilant and continue their active role to ensure that children are protected and that sexual predators are removed from children’s lives.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between April 30 and August 8, 2017, SCOTT gained unauthorized access to the Snapchat accounts of dozens of victims, including minors between 14-16 years of age. In several cases, SCOTT used threats and extortionate tactics in an attempt to obtain sexually explicit images and videos from the victims.
Based on the evidence obtained in this case, authorities believe there may be additional victims of this alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI at (763) 569-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
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 FBI, the New Richmond Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, the Stillwater Police Department, the Spring Green Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine T. Buzicky prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
BARTON GEORGE SCOTT, 36
City of residence unknown
Convicted:
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
- Penalties for registered sex offenders, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 300 months in prison
- Lifetime of supervised release
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Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Prison for Heroin Trafficking, Resulting in the Shooting Deaths of Two Individuals on the Red Lake ReservationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of BRYAN BOARDMAN, a/k/a “Boon,” 25, to 78 months in prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy that resulted in the shooting deaths of two individuals. BOARDMAN, who pleaded guilty on April 23, 2019, was sentenced before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota. BOARDMAN’s co-defendants FRANKLIN JACKSON, 23, was sentenced on September 11, 2019, to 21 months in prison, and KRISTOPHER SULLIVAN, 24, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2019.
“Today’s sentence underscores our message that drug trafficking and gun violence will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “Combatting violent crime in our Native American communities remains a top priority for my office. We are committed to working with our tribal law enforcement partners to improve public safety in Indian Country.”
“This defendant and his co-conspirators are in prison thanks to the good work of the Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force,” said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “This task force in northern Minnesota targets, disrupts and dismantles violent crime of all kinds including the sale and distribution of heroin. The FBI and its task force partners will continue to work these cases with urgency,” she said.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between October 1, 2018, and October 21, 2018, BOARDMAN, JACKSON, and SULLIVAN conspired with each other to distribute heroin on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. In the early morning hours of October 21, 2018, BOARDMAN, JACKSON, and SULLIVAN met in a trailer home on the Red Lake Indian Reservation belonging to JACKSON’s girlfriend. The three defendants made preparations to sell heroin later that day, including contacting potential customers to let them know that heroin was available for sale at the trailer home. The defendants’ drug trafficking activities were interrupted at approximately 6:30 a.m. that morning when three armed, masked men broke into the trailer home in an apparent armed robbery. BOARDMAN drew a 9 millimeter pistol and fired eight shots, killing two of the intruders. The third intruder was wounded in the leg by the gunfire and fled from the scene.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey S. Paulsen and Julie E. Allyn are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
BRYAN BOARDMAN, a/k/a “Boon,” 25
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 78 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
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Federal Jury Convicts Coon Rapids Man for His Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the conviction of JAMES FLAHERTY HILL, a/k/a “Whitey,” 36, for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. HILL was found guilty following a seven-day trial before Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota. HILL’s co-defendants JAMES LEE JOHNSON, JUSTIN MICHAEL DRECHSEL, JERE DG ERICKSON, ANTHONY JAMES LANSING, CHELSEY ELIZABETH NELSON, and NICHOLE ROSE WOODWORTH each pleaded guilty to count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and as proven at trial, HILL’s co-defendant, JOHNSON, led a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine throughout the state of Minnesota. From November 2016 through August 2018, investigators with the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted an extensive investigation of the DTO. On November 14, 2016, law enforcement observed a DTO co-conspirator travel to HILL’s Coon Rapids residence, then travel to a truck stop, and then return to HILL’s residence. When the co-conspirator again left HILL’s residence, Blaine police officers initiated a traffic stop and found, inside the vehicle, several packages wrapped in plastic containing approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine. Later that day, agents observed HILL attempting to remove items of contraband from his from his home, some of which were later seized from a co-conspirator’s vehicle, including multiple pounds of marijuana, one pound of methamphetamine, one pound of cocaine, four handguns and a rifle. By that night, law enforcement executed a search warrant at HILL’s residence and recovered various items consistent with a drug distribution operation, including scales, multiple burner phones, and multiple additional firearms.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Blaine Police Department, and the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.
Defendant Information:
JAMES FLAHERTY HILL, a/k/a “Whitey,” 36
Coon Rapids, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
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Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in Connection with the State's Largest Methamphetamine SeizureRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of PETER MARTIN, 35, for conspiring to distribute approximately 191 pounds of methamphetamine. MARTIN and co-conspirators FERNANDO RAMOS-MEZA, 34, JAVIER LOPEZ-LOPEZ, 47, and JUAN DANIEL VALDEZ-MENDOZA, 24, were indicted on November 7, 2018. MARTIN pleaded guilty today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2020.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on September 11, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at RAMOS-MEZA’s residence in north Minneapolis. During the search of the residence, officers located several items of contraband, including a 12-gauge sawed-off pump shotgun, and approximately 191 pounds of methamphetamine (with packaging).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Cannon River Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
PETER MARTIN, 35
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
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Otsego Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of NICHOLAS SCOTT CAMPBELL, 37, to 28 years in prison for producing child pornography involving two minors. CAMPBELL, who pleaded guilty on April 8, 2019, to one count of production of child pornography, was sentenced today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“The sexual exploitation of children is a despicable and vile crime. This defendant, who preyed on and exploited vulnerable children for years, will now be held accountable for his actions, locked away in prison for decades,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald.
"It is unthinkable, but every single year thousands of children become victims of crimes like this," said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge, Jill Sanborn. "The FBI's Violent Crimes Against Children program takes these crimes seriously and commits significant resources to provide rapid, proactive and comprehensive response to get defendants like this off the streets and into prison for a very long time."
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, in February 2017, the FBI began investigating CAMPBELL because he was using a peer-to-peer file-sharing platform to distribute child pornography. Following the execution of a federal search warrant at CAMPBELL’s residence, agents seized a large volume of electronic evidence. Upon review of the evidence by the FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), agents determined that CAMPBELL had produced sexually explicit images and videos of two minors. As part of his guilty plea, CAMPBELL admitted to creating the images and videos, and to engaging in a pattern of prohibited sexual conduct with the minors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney Katharine T. Buzicky prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
NICHOLAS SCOTT CAMPBELL, 37
Otsego, Minn.
Convicted:
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 336 months in prison
- 25 years of supervised release
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City of St. Paul Receives $750,000 in Federal Grant Money to Address Gun-Related Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that $750,000 in grant funds have been awarded to the City of Saint Paul to expand its use of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Saint Paul Field Division. Specifically, the grant provides funding for a crime analyst, a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) technician, a CGIC prosecutor, and training.
The Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative, administered by the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, in partnership with the ATF, is a competitive grant program that provides funding to state, local, and tribal government entities that are experiencing precipitous increases in gun-related violent crime. Saint Paul is one of eight local law enforcement jurisdictions across the country to receive this funding.
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald said, “These funds will allow for greater partnership between the Saint Paul Police Department and the ATF by expanding the Crime Gun Intelligence Center, focused solely on reducing gun-related violent crime. Keeping Minnesotans safe from violence is my top priority and partnerships such as this are key to identifying and prosecuting individuals who bring gun violence to our communities.”
Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell said, The Saint Paul Police Department is doing everything in its power to reduce gun violence in the city of Saint Paul. This grant money will allow us additional resources to enhance our partnership with the ATF and stop the violent criminals.”
“Given the recent increase in violence in the City of St. Paul, this grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge William “Terry” Henderson, of the Saint Paul Field Division. “This funding will help to increase the crime-gun intelligence capacity for the city and its police officers. Crime-gun intelligence allows for improved, coordinated efforts amongst law enforcement working within the city to identify, investigate, and prosecute violent offenders. Congratulations to the City of St. Paul and the police department on this monumental opportunity. ATF is committed to continuing our great partnership with the St. Paul Police Department to rid the city of violent crime.”
For more information on the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative, please visit https://www.bja.gov/funding/CGIC19.pdf
As the only crime gun ballistic network in the United States, NIBIN compares images of cartridge casings recovered at crime scenes and firearms recovered by law enforcement to connect shooting incidents and identify shooters. More information on NIBIN is available at https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-national-integrated-ballistic-information-network.
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Indiana Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for String of Twin Cities Drugstore RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of MICHAEL IMAN WHITE, 20, to 120 months in prison for the robbery and attempted robbery of multiple Walgreens pharmacies. WHITE and his codefendant JAVONN T. LEWIS, 24, were charged in a superseding indictment on November 20, 2019. WHITE, who pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019, was sentenced today before Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. LEWIS, who pleaded guilty on May 22, 2019, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2019.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, during a four-month period, between April and July of 2018, WHITE used force, violence, and fear of injury to rob or attempt to rob five Walgreens Pharmacies in St. Paul and Edina, Minnesota. WHITE terrorized numerous store employees by pointing actual or replica firearms at them and sometimes restraining them with zip ties. In total, WHITE and his accomplices stole more than $75,000 worth of narcotics and other controlled substances.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce. If convicted, WHITE faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Edina Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department, and the Bloomington Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
MICHAEL IMAN WHITE, 20
Muncie, Ind.
Convicted:
- Interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
Sentenced:
- 120 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $84,740 in restitution
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Two Duluth Men Charged in 15-Count Indictment Alleging A Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a 15-count federal indictment charging ERIC ANTOINE BLACK, a/k/a “J,” 36, and OTIS JASON WEAVER, a/k/a “O,” 39, in a heroin distribution conspiracy. BLACK was also charged with possession of cocaine and firearms violations. BLACK and WEAVER will be arraigned on these charges before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court at a later date.
According to the allegations in the indictment, between March 20, 2019, through May 30, 2019, BLACK and WEAVER conspired with each other and others to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin. According to the indictment, BLACK and WEAVER distributed heroin on several occasions between those dates. BLACK was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on May 30, 2019, BLACK illegally possessed a firearm, namely, a Glock model 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Because he has prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois and LaPorte County, Indiana, BLACK is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm or ammunition at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Duluth 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 U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ERIC ANTOINE BLACK, a/k/a “J,” 36
Duluth, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 9 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 1 count
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
OTIS JASON WEAVER, a/k/a “O,” 39
Duluth, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 9 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
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The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Red Lake Woman Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Assaulting BoyfriendRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of MISHAUN ARYN NEADEAU, 30, to 46 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. NEADEAU, who pleaded guilty on May 28, 2019, was sentenced before Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on November 11, 2018, NEADEAU called her boyfriend into the home in which they were staying and shot him twice with a handgun, once in his arm and once in his back. After law enforcement was notified of the assault, officers with the Red Lake Tribal Police Department found NEADEAU walking alone on a road carrying a plastic bag containing a scale and 27 grams of methamphetamine. NEADEAU was arrested and taken to the Red Lake Jail where she wrote two letters, one to the victim and the other to a relative of the victim. In those letters, which were intercepted by Red Lake Jail staff, NEADEAU asked that the victim sign an affidavit advocating that the Red Lake Tribal Court charges against NEADEAU be dropped. NEADEAU expressed her concern that otherwise, the “FEDS” might take on her case.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander D. Chiquoine and Deidre Y. Aanstad prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
MISHAUN ARYN NEADEAU, 30
Red Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Assault resulting in serious bodily injury, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 46 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Nearly 40 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of ZACHARY JAMES WITRY, 29, to 472 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography. WITRY, who pleaded guilty on April 17, 2019, was sentenced yesterday before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in United States District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. When announcing the sentence, Judge Brasel commented that Mr. Witry’s goal was to meet teenage girls and to rape them. She further expressed concern with his escalating criminal conduct, his inability to comply with previous court supervision for similar child exploitation offenses, and the manipulative tactics that he used to get what he wanted from the minor victims.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald stated, “The defendant, a registered sex offender, has a history of preying on young victims. I thank the Court for recognizing his extreme danger to our children and sentencing him accordingly.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, WITRY used various social media platforms such as SnapChat and MeetMe to created fake accounts and profiles, including posing as a 15-year-old boy, to make contact with teenage girls ranging from 13 to 17 years old. WITRY engaged in extensive grooming of his victims and solicited multiple sexually explicit videos and photographs from minor girls. In a two month period in March and April 2017, WITRY made contact with over 210 minor girls with the goal of obtaining sexually explicit images. WITRY met three of the minors in person and sexually assaulted each of them. WITRY exchanged approximately 1,665 text messages with one of the minors and, prior to soliciting sexually explicit photographs from her, WITRY told the minor that he loved her, wanted to marry her, and have children with her.
WITRY has two previous state court convictions for solicitation of a child, one in Sherburne County in 2012, and one in Wright County in 2015.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Shakopee Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela M. Munoz-Kaphing and Alexander D. Chiquoine prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ZACHARY JAMES WITRY, 29
Buffalo, Minn.
Convicted:
- Child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 472 months in prison
- Lifetime of supervised release
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Former U.S. Probation Officer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DENNIS EDWARD BRESNAHAN, 56, a former United States Probation Officer, to 30 months in prison for making false statements to the FBI regarding his sexual exploitation of probationers. The sentence reflects a significant upward departure from the advisory sentencing guideline range of zero to six months in prison. BRESNAHAN, who pleaded guilty on March 1, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Robert W. Pratt in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Before handing down the sentence, Judge Pratt remarked that this case “exemplifies public corruption and disrespect for the law,” and defined BRESNAHAN’s inappropriate sexual conduct as “loathsome and appalling.”
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald stated, “Mr. Bresnahan abused the trust of the Court, the probation office, and the community when he sought to gratify his own sexual desires at the expense of the probationers under his supervision. His deplorable actions brought harm not only to his victims, but also violated the public’s trust and undermined the integrity of the judicial system.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Allyn said, "The defendant’s despicable conduct would never have come to light but for the women who courageously spoke out about what they endured. Today the Court sent a strong message that those who would abuse their protected position of power will still be held accountable under the law."
This case demonstrates a reprehensible misuse of public trust that could have been hard to detect without the assistance of the victims,” said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Division of the FBI. “This is an example of why public corruption is a top criminal priority for the FBI as it erodes public confidence and undermines the strength of our democracy. We are grateful to the victims for bravely coming forward to help us in this investigation,” she said.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, for more than twenty-five years, and until August 22, 2016, BRESNAHAN was employed as a United States Probation Officer for the District of Minnesota. In his role, BRESNAHAN was responsible for supervising and maintaining communication with defendants on federal pretrial and supervised release. BRESNAHAN also had access to medical records, financial records, email accounts, home addresses, and other personal information belonging to individuals under his supervision. Beginning in early 2015, BRESNAHAN began engaging in sexually inappropriate conduct with an individual (identified as “Witness A”) under his supervision, including repeated phone and email discussions of a sexual nature.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on August 22, 2016, FBI agents interviewed BRESNAHAN regarding both his sexually inappropriate conduct in his role as a United States Probation Officer and his relationship with Witness A. BRESNAHAN admitted to engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior and to receiving one topless photograph from Witness A. When FBI agents asked BRESNAHAN whether he had asked for additional sexual photographs from Witness A, BRESNAHAN lied and said that he had not. FBI agents then asked BRESNAHAN if he had engaged in any similar inappropriate sexual conduct with other probationers, including asking for sexual photographs, to which BRESNAHAN again lied and claimed that he had not. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that BRESNAHAN had in fact asked for sexual photographs from other probationers, specifically an individual identified as Witness B. Witness B was under BRESNAHAN’S supervision from July 2013 until approximately February 2014. During that time, BRESNAHAN engaged in multiple email exchanges of a sexual nature with Witness B, including extremely explicit conversations about specific sex acts and asking for sexual photographs. Subsequent investigation by the FBI revealed additional individuals previously supervised by BRESNAHAN, since approximately 1994, with whom he was sexually inappropriate.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie E. Allyn and Allen A. Slaughter prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
DENNIS EDWARD BRESNAHAN, 56
Forest Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Making false statements or representations to an agency of the United States, 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 30 months in prison
- Two years of supervised release
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Iranian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald, Assistant Director John Brown of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn of the FBI Minneapolis Division today announced the guilty plea of Negar Ghodskani, 40, for her participation in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who was indicted on Dec. 8, 2015, arrested in Australia in 2017, and made her first appearance in District Court on July 22, 2019, entered her guilty plea today before Judge Joan N. Ericksen in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, from 2008 until late 2011, Ghodskani was a Tehran-based employee of Fanavar Moj Khavar (Fana Moj), a company located in Tehran, Iran. In 2009, Ghodskani, along with co-defendant Alireza Jalali and others, established Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (Green Wave), a company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that operated as a front for Fana Moj. As part of the conspiracy, Ghodskani falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. companies in order to acquire export-controlled technology from the United States. To accomplish these acquisitions, Ghodskani, Jalali and others concealed the ultimate destination and end users of the exported technology.
As part of the conspiracy, Ghodskani contacted producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicited purchase agreements, and negotiated the purchase and delivery of the goods with the U.S. seller. When received by Green Wave in Malaysia, the goods were repackaged and unlawfully exported from Malaysia to Fana Moj in Tehran, Iran. In 2017, Fana Moj was designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Co-defendant Jalali pled guilty in November 2017 and was sentenced in March 2018.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Iranian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of NEGAR GHODSKANI, 40, for her participation in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled technology from the United States to Iran. GHODSKANI, who was indicted on December 8, 2015, arrested in Australia in 2017, and made her first appearance in District Court on July 22, 2019, entered her guilty plea today before Judge Joan N. Ericksen in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, from 2008 until late 2011, GHODSKANI was a Tehran-based employee of Fanavar Moj Khavar (Fana Moj), a company located in Tehran, Iran. In 2009, GHODSKANI, along with co-defendant ALIREZA JALALI and others, established Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (Green Wave), a company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that operated as a front for Fana Moj. As part of the conspiracy, GHODSKANI falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. companies in order to acquire export-controlled technology from the United States. To accomplish these acquisitions, GHODSKANI, JALALI and others concealed the ultimate destination and end users of the exported technology.
As part of the conspiracy, GHODSKANI contacted producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicited purchase agreements, and negotiated the purchase and delivery of the goods with the U.S. seller. When received by Green Wave in Malaysia, the goods were repackaged and unlawfully exported from Malaysia to Fana Moj in Tehran, Iran. In 2017, Fana Moj was designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Co-defendant JALALI pled guilty in November 2017 and was sentenced in March 2018.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Defendant Information:
NEGAR GHODSKANI, 40
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to defraud the united states, 1 count
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Worthington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Social Security Benefits from Vulnerable AdultsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58, to one year and one day in prison for stealing thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits from vulnerable adults. BERGER, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on April 1, 2019, was sentenced yesterday by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from March 2013 through April 2015, BERGER was acting as the President and CEO of Prairie Payee Services, Inc., an organizational representative payee for vulnerable adults who were Social Security beneficiaries. Between March 2013 and September 2014, BERGER stole $49,651.78 in Social Security benefits administered by Prairie Payee Services, Inc. and fees collected from the Social Security Administration.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58
Worthington, Minn.
Convicted:
- Theft of government funds, 1 count
Sentenced:
- One year and one day in prison
- Two years of supervised release
- $49,651.78 in restitution
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Two Duluth Men Sentenced to Prison for Sex Trafficking A 15-Year-OldRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of ANDRE MATHIS, JR., a/k/a Isaac Brown, 33, AMOS KIPROP KOECH, 44, for sex trafficking a 15-year-old minor. MATHIS, who pleaded guilty on January 10, 2019, was sentenced to 292 months in prison. KOECH, who was convicted by a federal jury on January 22, 2019, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. Both defendants were sentenced yesterday before Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court in Duluth, Minnesota.
“The significant prison sentences handed down are a just punishment for the heinous crimes these individuals committed against a vulnerable young girl,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “This is a sad, but very real, example of how child sex trafficking can occur in any city or community. My office, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out this type of predatory conduct.”
According to evidence presented at trial and admissions made as part of MATHIS’s guilty plea, from June 17 through July 7, 2017, MATHIS recruited and solicited a 15-year-old minor to engage in commercial sex. MATHIS physically and sexually abused the minor, he provided her with street drugs and alcohol, told her how she could make money in exchange for sex, and promised her clothes and a better life. MATHIS took sexually suggestive photographs of the minor, which he used to attract prospective commercial sex buyers. MATHIS also monitored the minor’s communication with her parents and instructed her to tell them that everything was fine.
According to evidence presented at trial and admissions made as part of MATHIS’s guilty plea, MATHIS sold the minor to KOECH on one or more occasions. As part of the conspiracy to traffic the minor, MATHIS and KOECH negotiated with each other regarding the amount MATHIS would charge for a commercial sex act with the minor. The trafficking ended when law enforcement found the minor hidden in a bedroom closet while MATHIS was also present in the apartment.
MATHIS was also charged in St. Louis County with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which he pleaded guilty to as part of the global plea agreement filed with the U.S. District Court.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Duluth Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Holets.
Defendant Information:
ANDRE MATHIS, JR., a/k/a Isaac Brown, 33
Duluth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Sex trafficking of a minor, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 292 months in prison
- 20 years of supervised release
- Restitution ordered – amount to be determined at a later date
AMOS KIPROP KOECH, 44
Duluth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, 1 count
- Sex trafficking of a minor, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 130 months in prison
- 10 years of supervised release
- Restitution ordered – amount to be determined at a later date
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Rochester Man and Woman Charged with Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal indictment charging STEVEN ALLEN LINDQUIST, 30, and TIFFANY MARIE GAUTHIER, 24, with distribution and possession of methamphetamine. LINDQUIST was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson and ordered detained pending trial.
According to the indictment, from November 2018 through May 29, 2019, LINDQUIST and GAUTHIER conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. LINDQUIST also possessed hydrocodone, oxycodone, alprazolam, clonazepam, MDMA, and marijuana, which are all controlled substances under federal law. Law enforcement in Goodhue County seized from the defendants $17,920 in cash and approximately 55 pounds of methamphetamine from a vehicle linked to LINDQUIST.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA, the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, and other members of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
STEVEN ALLEN LINDQUIST, 30
Rochester, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 2 counts
TIFFANY MARIE GAUTHIER, 24
Rochester, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.