Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence Boyle sentenced Sydney Crandon, age 24, of Orlando, Florida to 133 months imprisonment followed by a term of 5 years supervised release.
Crandon was named in an Indictment filed July 31, 2019 for Sex Trafficking of a Minor. On July 23, 2020 she entered a plea of guilty to that charge.
In June, 2017 Crandon reached out to a minor child, age 14, and encouraged the child to join Crandon in engaging in prostitution in the Raleigh area. Crandon sent an uber to the child’s residence to take the child to a local hotel. Once at the hotel, Crandon photographed the child in the hotel room for her online prostitution advertisement. Crandon set up multiple clients for the child to meet to engage in sexual activities. Over two days Crandon prostituted the child from two different hotels in Raleigh.
“The key word in this announcement is ‘child,’ stated Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “This defendant enticed, lured, and sexually exploited a ‘child,’ one of our most vulnerable citizens and one of our most valuable resources. She stole the child’s innocence, sacrificed her future and risked her life for gratification and profit. And we are gratified by the Court’s sentence and the strong message it sends to the defendant and others who would do the same thing to other children among us.”
This investigation was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel and Charity Wilson represented the government.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00296-BO.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Court Orders North Carolina Pharmacy, Pharmacy Owner, and Pharmacist-in-Charge to Pay More Than $1 Million and to Cease Dispensing Opioids or Other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina entered a consent judgment and injunction requiring a North Carolina pharmacy, Seashore Drugs, Inc., its owner John D. Waggett, and its pharmacist-in-charge Billy W. King II, to pay $1,050,000.00 in civil penalties and to cease dispensing opioids or other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced.
The consent order resolves a complaint filed by the United States alleging that Seashore Drugs, Waggett, and King repeatedly filled prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The United States alleged that, for years, defendants ignored well-known “red flags” of drug diversion and drug-seeking behavior when filling prescriptions for controlled substances. These prescriptions often involved well-known, highly addictive, and highly abused painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, along with other “potentiator” drugs—drugs that heighten the euphoric effects of opioids, like carisoprodol (i.e., Soma) and alprazolam (i.e., Xanax).
“The Department of Justice continues to use all tools at its disposal to combat the opioid crisis,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Reports indicate that COVID-19 has exacerbated many of the opioid crisis’s underlying causes. As a result, the Civil Division, DEA, and other law enforcement partners have redoubled efforts to ensure that pharmacies that fail to uphold their obligation to dispense controlled substances lawfully will be held accountable.”
“Opioid addiction and abuse have devastated communities across our nation, and eastern North Carolina is no exception,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As the last line of defense between these dangerously addictive substances and our communities, pharmacists and pharmacies play a critical role in stemming the tide of the opioid epidemic. Seashore, Waggett, and King ignored that responsibility and, instead, made matters worse. Today’s order demonstrates our office’s continued, unwavering commitment to hold responsible all who had a role to play in this crisis — from distributors, to prescribers, to the pharmacies who ultimately put the pills in patients’ hands.”
“These pharmacists abandoned their code of ethics,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA. “If diversion of controlled substances is suspected, pharmacists must investigate and resolve any red flags before filling a prescription. These steps are necessary to comply with the law and to protect patient health. We will not hesitate to use all federal resources necessary to ensure that members of the health care industry follow the law.”
As alleged in the complaint, which included several patient examples, many prescriptions raised multiple red flags, but Seashore Drugs, Waggett, and King failed to take the required steps to resolve those red flags and ensure the prescriptions’ legitimacy before filling them. The red flags allegedly ignored by Seashore Drugs, Waggett, and King were numerous and included, among others:
- Combinations of controlled substances that were highly unlikely to serve a legitimate medical purpose and/or were known “cocktails” favored by drug abusers, including numerous “cocktails” written by a physician whose prescribing privileges ultimately were suspended by the North Carolina Medical Board for improper opioid prescribing;
- Extremely high doses of opioids dispensed for years on end, including high-dose opioid prescriptions written by a prescriber located in another state hundreds of miles away and written for members of the same family; and
- Repeated early fills of prescriptions allowing individuals, over time, to receive many extra doses of opioids and other controlled substances.
As set forth in the complaint, this conduct led Seashore to develop a reputation in the local pharmacy community as a place that filled prescriptions other pharmacies refused. And within the pharmacy, King often filled prescriptions for customers his own pharmacists, no longer on shift, previously refused to fill. As a result, Seashore attracted drug seekers, including individuals with histories of prescription-drug and illicit-drug abuse. Seashore staff even reported to King that individuals were exchanging recently dispensed drugs on the bench outside the pharmacy, but King took no action. Multiple customers who filled opioid prescriptions at Seashore died from prescription-drug overdoses within days after Seashore dispensed their pills.
The defendants have not admitted the allegations in the complaint, but the parties agreed to resolve the case without further litigation. The court adopted the parties’ agreement and entered a consent order that, among other things:
- Permanently prohibits Waggett from dispensing opioids or other controlled substances;
- Prohibits King from dispensing Schedule II controlled substances, including most opioids, for 180 days and then requires King to submit to further DEA monitoring for 3 years; and
- Permanently prohibits Waggett and King from serving as a manager, owner, operator, or pharmacist-in-charge of any entity, including a pharmacy that administers, dispenses, or distributes controlled substances.
The investigation and prosecution of this case were a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Consumer Protection Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Drug, Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys C. Michael Anderson and John E. Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney James W. Harlow of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch represented the United States. Additional investigatory assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
- Combinations of controlled substances that were highly unlikely to serve a legitimate medical purpose and/or were known “cocktails” favored by drug abusers, including numerous “cocktails” written by a physician whose prescribing privileges ultimately were suspended by the North Carolina Medical Board for improper opioid prescribing;
Alien Indicted on Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Leonel Deleon-Cuellar of Mexico, age 23, with possession of a firearm by an illegal and unlawful alien.
If convicted, Deleon-Cuellar, found in Nash County, faces a maximum imprisonment term of not more than ten years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Department of Justice Recognizes U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for its Work with Project Safe NeighbhorhoodsRead the Press Release
Take Back North Carolina Receives National Award as the Outstanding Overall Partnership/Task Force
RALEIGH – The Department of Justice has recognized the Take Back North Carolina initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina with its Outstanding Overall Partnership/Task Force Award in support of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Initiative.
“We are extremely gratified and humbled by the Attorney General’s recognition of the important work being done by federal, state and local law enforcement, our partners in the District Attorneys’ Offices and by the men and women of my office as we seek to drive down crime rates and deliver safer communities to all the citizens of the Eastern District.” Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said. “When I took office as the United States Attorney, the President and the Attorney General made it clear that job one in our District was to reduce crime rates and to attack drug trafficking organizations operating here. We have taken that task very seriously and, because of the hard work of so many, we have seen those crime rates decline as we have removed the drivers of those crime rates from our cities and towns. This award honors a sustained effort by many, many dedicated public servants and it is a privilege to accept this award on their behalf.”
In early 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina launched Take Back North Carolina in an effort to drive down spiraling crime rates and to attack drug trafficking organizations - specifically violent crime and drug activities caused by gangs and other national and transnational organizations. Through the initiative, teams of Assistant United States Attorneys and legal support staff were deployed across the 44 counties of the Eastern District focusing on six broad geographic areas. Each team was tasked with building strong relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement operating in those areas and they worked in close coordination with the 15 elected District Attorneys who prosecute state crimes in North Carolina courts in the eastern half of the State. Building on these relationships, our prosecutors worked to identify the individuals who are driving the crime problem in the communities in their assigned area and with charging and prosecuting those individuals in an effort strategically designed to reduce violent crime rates and disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations across the District.
Since the Initiative’s inception, more than 1600 individuals have been prosecuted as part of this Initiative, representing a more than 50% increase in the number of defendants charged by this office over those charged in 2016 and 2017. But, more importantly, due to the strategic targeting of the drivers of our violent and drug crime problems, many communities have seen measurable - and in some cases dramatic - reductions in the violent crime rates. For example, based on data analyzed and provided by our research partners at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, the following cities saw significant reductions in crime rates during 2018 and 2019[1] while participating aggressively in the Take Back North Carolina Initiative:
-Jacksonville - 50% reduction in homicides; 42% decrease in robberies; 83%
reduction in aggravated assaults;
-Henderson - 60% reduction in robberies; 21% decrease in aggravated assaults;
-Greenville - homicides down 60%; robberies reduced by 15%.
And, these results have been replicated in communities of all sizes all across the Eastern District. We have also seen the prosecution of the leadership of numerous sects of violent, drug-trafficking gangs across the District. Targeting the leadership of the various Bloods organizations, the Take Back North Carolina Initiative has worked to disrupt and dismantle their operations in this federal district.
Drugs fuel gun violence and the opioid crisis is no exception. Aside from increasing the number of deaths resulting from heroin overdose cases prosecuted, TBNC has also focused on educating the public about the heroin epidemic through the establishment of the USAO Heroin Education Action Team (USA-HEAT). USA-HEAT works to reduce the growing harm to North Carolina families caused by heroin/opiate abuse, partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement, community health professionals, and family members who have lost a loved one to a drug overdose. In the last six months, the USAO has conducted 17 training events, each lasting 1-3 hours with content tailored to that audience (e.g., first responders and community groups). Other prevention efforts include the Educating Kids about Gun Violence (EKG) program – part of the Fayetteville Police Department’s Operation Ceasefire, created in 2002 under the umbrella of PSN and USAO-EDNC. In the past 5 years, 25,241 students in Fayetteville have been educated through EKG. Overall violent crime for this age group has decreased 10% city wide since EKG began. Other PSN sites – Goldsboro, Pasquotank County, Kinston, and Vance County have adopted the EKG program. Other prevention efforts include re-entry programs, and an outdoor movie series to engage the community and create public awareness about gun violence. In 2019, 1,425 people attended 6 movie nights in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
TBNC PSN sites have worked hard to develop an effective public messaging strategy for each community utilizing press releases, press conferences, and advertising campaigns highlighting the penalties for committing federal crimes. In the last two years, the USAO-EDNC issued over 250 press releases highlighting PSN cases and has held numerous press conferences highlighting TBNC success stories. The USAO has produced hundreds of posters for PSN sites to help spread public awareness and has worked with the Executive Office for United States Attorney’s to develop multiple Public Service Announcements (PSA) focusing on violent crime and opioids. These PSA’s have been widely distributed across EDNC for use by the media and communities.
Revitalized in 2017, PSN is a critical piece of the Department’s crime reduction efforts. PSN has focused on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
[1] These are the most recent statistics currently available.
High Point Man Convicted of Planning and Aiding and Abetting the Armed Robbery of Jewelry Stores in Elizabeth City and GarnerRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a High Point man Friday on charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence and witness tampering.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Charles Walker, Jr., a/k/a “Supreme,” 56, was convicted after a 5-day trial in New Bern. The case involved two Hobbs Act robberies at Kay Jewelry stores, one in Elizabeth City and one in Garner. The robbers were able to get away with almost $600,000.00 worth of jewelry. These were violent robberies as firearms were brandished during both robberies. During one of the robberies, a store employee was handcuffed behind her back and left in a backroom of the store. During the trial, the defendant took the stand and admitted during cross-examination that he is closely associated with a high-ranking blood member in Greensboro.
Walker is an extremely violent and dangerous individual. He was previously convicted of first-degree murder. He ultimately won a new trial and pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and accessory after the fact to murder after he had served 17 years in prison.
Walker faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on February 26, 2021. Walker’s co-defendants – Christopher Brown, Malik Maynard, and Byron Sparks previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Another co-defendant, Joey Chambers, has already been sentenced by Judge Flanagan to 144 months in prison.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the verdict. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Garner Police Department, and the Greensboro Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Dodson and Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-00037-FL.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wilmington Woman Receives 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC woman was sentenced yesterday to a total of 168 months in prison for distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Crystal Denise James, 30, was stopped by Wilmington Police Department officers on August 13, 2018 in a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit. Officers searched James and found several bindles of heroin in her front pocket. James reached into her back pockets and removed more bindles of heroin. A total of 57 bags of a heroin and fentanyl mixture were seized.
From April 25, 2019 to June 6, 2019, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department used a confidential informant to make three controlled purchases of heroin and a mixture of heroin acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl from James. Following the June 6, 2019 controlled purchase, law enforcement searched James’ residence. During the course of the search, law enforcement found 5,639 bags of heroin (some of which contained acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl), $5,183, 86 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle and other manufacturing and packaging materials.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case. Mr. Averitt prosecutes matters in federal court as the result of funding provided by the New Hanover County Commission.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00153-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Jury Finds Guilty Former U.S. Marine for Illegal Exportation of Firearms and Controlled EquipmentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today in federal court, Jacques Yves Sebastien Duroseau, age 34, a former U.S. Marine born in Haiti and a naturalized citizen of the United States, residing in Onslow County, was found guilty following a three-day trial before United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The jury found the defendant guilty of conspiracy to illegally export and smuggle firearms and controlled equipment from the United States to Haiti, as well as transporting firearms without a license to the Haitian Army. Additionally, the jury decided that the firearms and equipment should be forfeited.
At trial, the evidence showed that Duroseau, at the time an active duty U.S. Marine with the rank of sergeant, and a co-conspirator, impersonated high ranking military officers and pretended to be on military business in order to facilitate the illegal transportation of eight firearms, including a Ruger model Precision Rifle 300WIN MAG and a Spike’s Tactical model ST15, as well as copious ammunition, riflescopes, and body armor, via commercial aircraft to Haiti. The evidence further showed that Duroseau’s purpose was to train the Haitian Army with the firearms and equipment in order to engage in foreign armed conflict.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, stated, “This office remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of our citizens here in the Eastern District, and likewise, citizens residing elsewhere – whether that be within or without the United States. The Defendant’s conduct here violated our firearms laws, particularly in relation to export and licensing, but it additionally posed concerns about our citizens unliterally acting in relation to the government of a foreign country. Such conduct will not be tolerated.”
“Duroseau, who previously held a position of trust within the Marine Corps, betrayed his service and deserves to be held accountable for his illicit attempt to smuggle weapons from the United States to Haiti for the purpose of training the Haitian military,” said NCIS Special Agent in Charge of the Carolinas Field Office Sean Devinny. “NCIS extends its gratitude to Homeland Security Investigations for their collaboration and partnership during this investigation.”
“Federal firearm laws exist to ensure weapons crossing international borders are properly accounted for to preserve public safety and to keep them out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Ronnie Martinez. “This case shows the significant consequences awaiting individuals who attempt to illegally smuggle weapons and ammunition across U.S. borders as well as HSI’s commitment to holding accountable persons who violate federal law.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Homeland Security Investigation. Additional assistance was provided by the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and Directorate of Trade Controls, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-00003-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wilmington Man Receives More Than 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC man was sentenced on Friday, December 4th to 151 months in prison for the distribution of a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of heroin.
According to court documents, Percy Parker, 40, sold a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant on September 17, 2019. Parker committed the sale of a quantity of cocaine base (crack) while on supervision after having been released from state custody in August 2019. Court documents indicate that Parker had an extensive criminal history with the State of North Carolina and at least two prior sentences for Possession with the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Controlled Substances that carried a sentence in excess of one year. As a result, Parker qualified as a career offender.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department, Coastal Criminal Enterprise Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00185-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Robeson County Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County man was sentenced today to 195 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine and 280 Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
According to court documents, Michael Anthony Locklear, 39, was charged at the conclusion of an investigation which revealed that he was a significant drug distributor in the Rowland, North Carolina area. After receiving numerous complaints from members of the community regarding suspected drug sales at Locklear’s residence, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office conducted multiple search warrants at that location to recover cocaine, cocaine base, items used to package drugs for sale, and numerous firearms. Further investigation revealed that Locklear had been involved in dealing kilograms of cocaine and cocaine base (crack) between 2016 and August of 2019.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline L. Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00196-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Raleigh Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 88 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Antoine Joseph Harris, 29, possessed two firearms on January 23, 2019, in Johnston County, North Carolina. Both firearms were loaded. Harris had multiple prior felony convictions. At the time of this offense, he was on supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack). Harris received a 72 months sentence on the new charge and a 16 months consecutive sentence in prison for the revocation of the supervised release.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Brown prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-204.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Felon Charged with Possessing Firearm in Shooting Incident on Bragg BoulevardRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Earnest Demonte Smith with knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Smith, aged 22, was traveling by car in the area of North Bragg Boulevard and Manchester Road in Spring Lake, North Carolina on May 18, 2020. Smith saw a man in another vehicle, whom he recognized because of a prior dispute, and began repeatedly shooting into that vehicle with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. The vehicle into which Smith fired carried a total of 4 passengers, including a 2-year-old child. No one was injured in the shooting.
Smith is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If Smith is deemed by the Court to be an Armed Career Criminal, he will face a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment, upon conviction for the offense charged in the Indictment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, Spring Lake Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Rikhye is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Singaporean Shipping Company Fined $12m in a Multi-District Case for Concealing Illegal Discharges of Oily Water and Garbage and a Hazardous ConditionRead the Press Release
New Bern – Pacific Carriers Limited (“PCL”), a Singapore-based company that owns subsidiaries engaged in international shipping, was sentenced today in federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Louise Flanagan in New Bern, North Carolina, after pleading guilty to violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, Obstruction of Justice, and for a Failure to Notify the U.S. Coast Guard of a Hazardous Condition on the Motor Vessel (“M/V”) Pac Antares.
PCL pleaded guilty to a total of eight felony offenses across three judicial districts – the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Southern District of Texas, and the Eastern District of Louisiana. PCL was sentenced to pay a fine of $12,000,000.00, placed on probation for a period of four years, and ordered to implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan as a special condition of probation.
In pleading guilty, PCL admitted that crew members onboard the M/V Pac Antares, a 20,471 gross-ton, 586-foot ocean-going commercial bulk carrier, knowingly failed to record in the vessel’s oil record book the overboard discharge of oily bilge water and oil waste without the use of required pollution-prevention equipment, from approximately April 2019 until the vessel arrived in Morehead City, North Carolina, on September 29, 2019. PCL also admitted that the crew discharged oily garbage and plastic overboard and falsified the garbage record book.
PCL also admitted that a large space along the keel of the vessel, known as the duct keel, was being used to store oily waste which constituted a hazardous condition under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and it should have been immediately reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. The Chief Engineer, Wenguang Ye, pleaded guilty to falsifying the oil record book, and was sentenced to a fine of $5,500 and banned from entering the United States for one year after choosing to cooperate in the investigation. In 2008, the M/V Pac Antares was involved in another prosecution in Wilmington, North Carolina, for concealing the overboard discharge of oily bilge water and assessed a total criminal penalty of $2,100,000.
“This kind of deliberate evasion of our pollution control laws will not be tolerated,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Environmental Crimes Section proudly works hand-in-hand with U.S. Attorneys Offices and law enforcement partners around the country to investigate and prosecute the intentional violation of our laws that protect our oceans by commercial ship owners, operators, and personnel. It’s also essential that we demand the safe operation of ships in our ports.”
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. said: “The defendants in this case knowingly, intentionally and illegally discharged oily waste and other garbage into the waters along the North Carolina coast. That coastline is among the great natural treasures of this country and we are committed to its protection. To that end we will hold companies and individuals responsible when they fail to follow federal law designed to protect these valuable resources.”
“U.S. Attorneys all over the country work together enforcing federal laws,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “Some laws, like environmental crimes, can impact multiple districts at the same time. Foreign ships, because of corruption, incompetence or parsimony that dump their sewage or oil bilge in our waters will be held accountable. The Houston ship channel is a vital engine to the world’s economy and it requires all vessels to respect our laws if they want access to our port.”
“Safeguarding the environment is one of the highest priorities for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continue working with its federal partners to investigate and hold entities accountable when they neglect their professional and legal obligations and threaten the environment, which places the public and the ecosystem in Southeastern Louisiana at risk.”
“The Coast Guard remains dedicated to preserving the marine environment and protecting our living marine resources,” said Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, Coast Guard Fifth District Commander. “The results of this case showcase the commitment and meticulous efforts of our marine safety professionals, pollution responders and Coast Guard agents in North Carolina, and the great partnership we share with the Department of Justice.”
According to the plea agreement, PCL is the parent company of two other companies that owned and operated the M/V Pac Antares. On Sept. 29, 2019, the M/V Pac Antares arrived in Morehead City, North Carolina. A crewmember walked off the ship and informed a Customs and Border Protection officer that he had information about illegal discharges that had taken place on the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard was sent that information and conducted an inspection and examination. Examiners discovered and seized a large trove of evidence that oily waste and garbage had been discharged from the vessel to include a configuration of drums, flexible hoses and flanges to bypass the vessel’s oily water separator.
Examiners also discovered that oily waste had been discharged through a laundry sink which subsequently discharged directly overboard or through the vessel’s sewage system. Examiners discovered the sewage system was contaminated with oil. Crewmembers also admitted that bags filled with oily rags were thrown over the side of the ship. These discharges were knowingly not recorded in the M/V Pac Antares’s oil record book and garbage record book when they were presented to the U.S. Coast Guard during the vessel’s inspection. The examiners also found over 60,000 gallons of oily water being stored in the “duct keel” which took several days and a third-party contractor to properly clean out.
Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth Nelson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan of the Eastern District of North Carolina, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammal of the Southern District of Texas, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service – Wilmington Office, Marine Safety Detachment Fort Macon, and Coast Guard Sector North Carolina.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced for RobberiesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for several robberies.
According to court documents, Antonio Devon Lynch, 34 of Rocky Mount, NC, was named in an Indictment, filed on June 3, 2020 charging him with four counts of interfering with commerce by robbery. On August 27, 2020, Lynch pled guilty to two of those counts.
According to the investigation, on September 27, 2019, Lynch robbed the Fuel Doc Citgo gas station located on Cokey Road in Rocky Mount using a knife to threaten the cashier. On September 30, 2019, Lynch robbed the Sheetz gas station located on Benvenue Road in Rocky Mount using a gun to threaten the cashier and Sheetz employees. Crime Stoppers tips from citizens and the investigation by law enforcement officers led to Lynch’s arrest for the crimes. Officers later determined that the gun used by Lynch was a pellet gun.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Rocky Mount Police Department conducted the investigation. The District Attorney’s Office for Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson Counties also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-00053-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Derrick Devon King, age 33, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for Conspiring to Commit Bank Fraud and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
According to court documents, from May 2015 through June 2017, King and others used synthetic identities to obtain credit cards and finance automobile purchases. King and others created new credit profiles by combining their names and dates of birth with nine-digit numbers resembling social security numbers, but which had not been issued to them by the Social Security Administration. In addition to using these new credit profiles, King and others misrepresented employment information in credit applications to make it appear they had the ability to repay loans. King and his co-conspirators, however, had no intention to pay.
On June 14, 2017, King was also found to be in possession of a firearm and a trafficking amount of marijuana. He also pled guilty to that offense.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan B. Menzer prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-00124-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Latwon M. James of Wilmington Receives 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington, NC man was sentenced today to a total of 288 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). In addition, James was sentenced for the distribution of a quantity of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol, possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and more than twenty-eight (28) grams of cocaine base (crack). James was sentenced to 264 months imprisonment on the underlying convictions and an additional 24 months for a violation of the terms of his federal supervised release from a prior conviction.
According to court documents, Latwon M. James, 40, on multiple occasions, sold quantities of substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, a quantity of methamphetamine, a quantity of a substances containing detectable amounts of heroin and methamphetamine and a quantity of a substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and tramadol to confidential informants in New Hanover County, NC. In addition, James possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). The conduct took place from July 2018 to July 2019.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case.
This is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This case is part of an FBI led OCDETF operation “Tiny Toon Adventures” with cooperation from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and Wilmington Police Department and law enforcement associated with the Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00152-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Greenville Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – A Greenville man was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Sherrod Farico Jones, Jr., 28 of Greenville, North Carolina was named in an Indictment filed on February 6, 2020 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On June 30, 2020, Jones pled guilty to that charge. Jones’ was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison to run consecutive to his state conviction for trafficking fentanyl.
In March of 2019, Greenville Police Officers responded to a call involving a suspicious person walking in the middle of the street while impaired. The officers found Jones impaired and disoriented while leaning against a car at the location. When officers attempted to pat down Jones for weapons, Jones began to resist and attempted to reach towards his pants. Officers restrained Jones and located a loaded revolver in his right pants pocket. Jones had previously been convicted of trafficking in Fentanyl in Pitt County Superior Court.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Greenville Police Department conducted the investigation. The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigated of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-00009-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Greenville Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge After Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jerome Little of Greenville was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Among other crimes, Little was previously convicted of armed bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the charge arose from a long-term investigation that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted using an undercover warehouse in Kinston, NC. During the investigation, agents used the location—outfitted with audio and video monitoring equipment—to make controlled purchases of firearms and drugs from multiple individuals.
In August 2018, a confidential informant notified ATF that the defendant Jerome Little was interested in selling a rifle that resembled an AR-15. Undercover officers and Little negotiated a price and arranged a meeting. On August 22, 2018, Little arrived at the warehouse carrying a suit bag. He contacted the undercover agent and unzipped the bag to reveal a loaded Mossberg .22 rifle and 325 rounds of ammunition. On a recorded video, Little sold the rifle to the agent.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-0005-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Oxford Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge After Attempting to Flee from PoliceRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Xavier Santonio Bobbitt of Oxford man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. No stranger to federal courts, this was Bobbitt’s third conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 21, 2020, an officer of the Oxford Police Department was traveling along College Street in Oxford, North Carolina, when he observed a silver 2005 Buick LeSabre improperly pass another vehicle at high speed. The LaSabre continued at a high speed as the officer pursued. The vehicle eventually came to an abrupt stop. The driver, later identified as Xavier Bobbitt, jumped from the vehicle and ran. Officers apprehended Bobbitt on foot shortly thereafter.
A nearby witness advised law enforcement that someone threw two firearms from the passenger side window of the vehicle as it stopped. Officers recovered the firearms, a Springfield .45 caliber pistol loaded with 29 rounds in an extended magazine and a Stag Arms 5.56 caliber rifle loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition. Both had been reported stolen. In the car’s trunk, officers found a black mesh bag that contained various caliber ammunition, two loaded pistol magazines, and a loaded drum magazine.
Bobbitt was transported to Oxford PD, where he waived his Miranda Rights and was interviewed. He said he bought the firearms off the street and had instructed his passenger to throw them out the window when he realized they were going to be stopped by the police.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Oxford Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-0089-BO.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Kinston Man Arrested on Federal Charges for Carjacking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Kinston man was arrested today on charges of carjacking and firearm offenses in relation to a shooting that occurred on November 19, 2020 in Kinston, NC.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence disturbance call at a residence. When officers arrived, Robert Lee Strother, 30, turned around, opened fire, striking one officer in the neck. The round shot at the officer proceeded through another occupied residence. The following day, Strother shot an individual then carjacked their vehicle at gunpoint. The vehicle was later recovered but Strother remained at large. On November 21, law enforcement received a tip concerning Strother’s location. They responded to that location and urged Strother to surrender. Strother exchanged gunfire with law enforcement where he was shot several times. Strother was found to have an AR rifle along with several rounds of ammunition.
Strother is charged with carjacking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Lenoir County, Craven County, and the US Marshals are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Boykin is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.4:20-MJ-1237-KS.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Durham Attorney Charged in Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Durham Attorney Tiffany Dawn Russell, age 41, had her initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging her, Rahne Cooper, age 31, and Darius Hinton, age 31, with conspiring to commit bank fraud and other related offenses.
According to the indictment, Russell, Cooper and Hinton applied for loans and credit cards with social security numbers that were not issued to them by the Social Security Administration. By doing so, the indictment alleges they created new credit profiles or synthetic identities for themselves to open financial accounts and make purchases from retailers without any intention of paying for the items and services obtained. The indictment alleges, among other things, that Cooper, Hinton and Russell conspired to use fraudulently obtained Care Credit cards from Synchrony Bank to make payments to Dr. Curves, who performed Russell’s 2016 plastic surgery. In addition to using a synthetic identity, the indictment also alleges that Russell falsely represented on credit applications that she resided in Florence, South Carolina when she was residing in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Cooper, Hinton and Russell were also charged with multiple counts of bank fraud. According to the indictment, Cooper and Russell used their synthetic identities to finance the purchase of vehicles and Hinton used his synthetic identity to purchase John Deere lawn equipment from Quality Equipment and electronics from Conn Credit Corporation. Each was charged with unauthorized use of access devices and multiple counts of misuse of social security numbers.
If convicted, they face statutory maximum penalties for the conspiracy and each substantive bank fraud count of 30 years’ in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, restitution and forfeiture.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, and Raleigh Police Department have jointly investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Menzer is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Shallotte Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – A Shallotte man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack) and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack).
According to court documents, Malcolm Lamont Jackson, 47, pleaded guilty to the charges on May 11, 2020.
In 2018, investigators with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office received information that Jackson was selling large amounts of cocaine base (crack) and cocaine in Brunswick County, North Carolina.
On May 29, 2018, investigators received information that Jackson was going to be traveling to Whiteville, North Carolina to be re-supplied with cocaine. Investigators conducted a traffic stop of Jackson, and he was found in possession of marijuana, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, alprazolam (Xanax) pills, currency, and two cell phones. Jackson admitted that he had been selling cocaine base (crack) for more than four months.
On December 6, 2018, agents observed Jackson driving at a high rate of speed in Brunswick County. Jackson then stopped suddenly, causing agents to have to make an evasive lane change to avoid a collision. Jackson then made a U-turn and fled in the opposite direction before turning into a driveway, opening the door, and starting to flee. Agents ordered Jackson to stop, and he finally complied. On Jackson’s person, agents found 8.07 grams of cocaine base (crack) and marijuana. Jackson then admitted he had been selling cocaine.
On February 14, 2019, agents were at a gas station in Shallotte when they detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from a nearby vehicle, and they noticed Jackson standing by it. Jackson entered the vehicle and departed the gas station. Agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Jackson attempted to elude officers by turning down a dirt road. As he drove, Jackson threw objects from his car window, which were later recovered and determined to be cocaine base (crack), cocaine, and marijuana. Agents also found currency in Jackson’s vehicle. Jackson was arrested.
Information from additional witnesses determined that Jackson had been selling cocaine base (crack) since at least January 2017.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-CR-113-BO-1.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Violating Fair Housing Act and Threatening a Family Because of Their RaceRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Justice Department announced today that Douglas Matthew Gurkins, 34, was sentenced to 28 months in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for using threats of force against an African American family because of the family members’ race and because they were renting a dwelling.
On August 6, 2020, Gurkins pled guilty to one count of criminal interference with the Fair Housing Act. At his guilty plea hearing, Gurkins admitted that in December 2014, he drove to the home of an African American family and yelled racial slurs at the family. The defendant told the family that they did not belong in their home and then threatened to shoot the family, to include four minor children, and any other African American that came onto the property. After making this threat, the defendant brandished a metal rod in a threatening manner. The family moved out of the neighborhood a few days after this incident. Within the next four years, the defendant engaged in similar criminal conduct toward two other African American families living in the same neighborhood.
“Part of what makes the United States free is the guarantee that we can live anywhere in this country without regard to the color of our skin and without murderous threats directed at us and our children,” said Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “This defendant terrorized an entire family by threatening to kill African American parents and their four children and others because of their race. This kind of cruel terror has no place in the United States of America, and the U.S. Department of Justice will remain vigilant in prosecuting anyone who interferes with any families’ housing rights.”
“This defendant threatened citizens of this District - a mom and her four children - because of their race. This is not who we are as Americans and prejudice of any kind is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The defendant’s threats violate the laws designed to ensure fair and equal treatment for us all and I am pleased we could bring this matter to federal court to vindicate those rights and to stand with this mom and her children to see that justice is served.”
"There is no way to undo the damage Gurkins did to these families with his hateful, repulsive, and violent behavior,” said Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. “The FBI hopes today's prison sentence can provide them some sense of comfort. No one should ever be targeted or threatened because of the color of their skin, especially in their own homes."
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte Division, Greenville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorneys Shan Patel and Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Violating Fair Housing Act and Threatening a Family Because of Their RaceRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Douglas Matthew Gurkins, 34,was sentenced to 28 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, for using threats of force against an African American family because of the family members’ race and because they were renting a dwelling.
On Aug. 6, 2020, Gurkins pled guilty to one count of criminal interference with the Fair Housing Act. At his guilty plea hearing, Gurkins admitted that in December 2014, he drove to the home of an African American family and yelled racial slurs at the family. The defendant told the family that they did not belong in their home and then threatened to shoot the family, including four minor children, and any other African American that came onto the property. After making this threat, the defendant brandished a metal rod in a threatening manner. The family moved out of the neighborhood a few days after this incident. Within the next four years, the defendant engaged in similar criminal conduct toward two other African American families living in the same neighborhood.
“Part of what makes the United States free is the guarantee that we can live anywhere in this country without regard to the color of our skin and without murderous threats directed at us and our children,” said Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “This defendant terrorized an entire family by threatening to kill African American parents and their four children and others because of their race. This kind of cruel terror has no place in the United States of America, and the U.S. Department of Justice will remain vigilant in prosecuting anyone who interferes with any families’ housing rights.”
“This defendant threatened citizens of this district - a mom and her four children - because of their race. This is not who we are as Americans and prejudice of any kind is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The defendant’s threats violate the laws designed to ensure fair and equal treatment for us all and I am pleased we could bring this matter to federal court to vindicate those rights and to stand with this mom and her children to see that justice is served.”
“There is no way to undo the damage Gurkins did to these families with his hateful, repulsive, and violent behavior,” said Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. “The FBI hopes today's prison sentence can provide them some sense of comfort. No one should ever be targeted or threatened because of the color of their skin, especially in their own homes.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte Division, Greenville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorneys Shan Patel and Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case.
Man and Woman Sentenced for Operating Interstate Prostitution RingRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Chief Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Daniel Phillip Griffin, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release for leading an interstate prostitution ring. Griffin previously pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a victim interstate to prostitute her. Judge Boyle previously sentenced Griffin’s codefendant, Starlett Lehti, 41, to 25 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release for her role. Both defendants also were ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.
Griffin and Lehti recruited three vulnerable women in Cleveland, Ohio, to prostitute for them. They manipulated the women to begin working for them, then transported the women to multiple states, ending up in Raleigh. Griffin and Lehti used a combination of methods to keep the victims prostituting for them. Griffin often misled victims to believe their relationship was romantic. He and Lehti promised big money and belonging to a “family.” In reality, Griffin took all victims’ earnings. He often threatened or intimidated victims, telling one victim, when she said that she was done, “You’ll be done when I say you’re done.” Other victims called police in a bid to escape.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, stated, “Daniel Griffin and Starlett Lehti exploited some of our most-vulnerable citizens for their greed. They falsely promised victims the good life; in reality, they did not care what emotional scars they left in their wake. This case is part of our office’s ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and related offenses and to ensure justice for victims.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Leader of International Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 15 YearsRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 180 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (Count One); and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and aiding and abetting (Count Two).
According to court documents and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bernave Millan-Rascon, also known as “Berna,” 40 years old, was one of two leaders of an international cocaine trafficking organization based in Mexico. Millan-Rascon directed the shipment of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico into Texas, and then into other parts of the United States, including the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Agents conducted a wiretap investigation and seized 16 kilograms of cocaine, $173,100, and two firearms in Benson, North Carolina and Willow Spring, North Carolina. During the wiretap, agents recorded phone calls in which the Defendant directed the shipment of large amounts of cocaine into North Carolina. The Defendant was extradited from Colombia, South America for prosecution in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Three co-conspirators have previously been convicted and sentenced: Carlos Miranda Lopez (120 months’ imprisonment); Francisco Javier Rascon-Millan (12 months and 1-day imprisonment); and Malcolm Jamar Hird (120 months’ imprisonment).
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Millan-Rascon. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Wilson Police Department, the Raleigh Police Department, the Rocky Mount Police Department, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-CR-425-BO-1.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Jacksonville Man Convicted of Distribution of Drugs Resulting in Death and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Jacksonville man on charges of distribution of heroin resulting in death, two counts of possessing a firearm while a felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, three counts of distribution of heroin and/or crack, and three counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Randon Austin Jenkins, 37, provided heroin to a victim who died shortly thereafter of a heroin overdose. After the victim was discovered, detectives located bags of heroin marked with a unique stamp in the victim’s bedroom. Detectives utilized informants, cell phone evidence, and other evidence to connect Jenkins to those stamped heroin bags. They were able to search Jenkins house just two weeks later and located those same stamped heroin bags in his house. Detectives also located guns and other drugs in the house as well as conducted multiple controlled purchases of drugs from the defendant over the course of the ensuing months.
Jenkins faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment due to the severity of his criminal history when sentenced during the week of February 22, 2021.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after United States District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. Jacksonville Police Department, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Howard prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No 7:18-CR-0006-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Group with Ties to White Supremacy Including One Current and Two Former Marines Charged with Illegally Manufacturing FirearmsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – This week, Paul James Kryscuk, 35, Liam Collins, 21, Jordan Duncan, 26, and Justin Wade Hermanson, 21, were charged via a superseding indictment obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Collins and Duncan are former Marines assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to court documents, Collins, Kryscuk, and Duncan conspired to manufacture, transport, and sell hard to obtain firearms and firearm parts in a manner that would hide these purchases from the federal government. From May 2019 to the present, Collins made multiple money transfers through his personal account to Kryscuk to purchase firearms to include a 9mm pistol and suppressor and a short barrel rifle. In turn, Kryscuk purchased items from vendors to manufacture the firearms and suppressors. In furtherance of the crime, Kryscuk, using an alias, mailed the manufactured weapons from Idaho to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kryscuk also shipped the short barrel rifle, not registered as required by the federal government, to Collins. Duncan, a military contractor, and Hermanson, currently a U.S. Marine, were aware of and participated in the conspiracy.
The indictment alleges that Collins and Kryscuk were members of and made multiple posts on the “Iron March” forum, a gathering point for young neo-Nazis to organize and recruit for extremist organizations, until the forum was closed in late 2017. Collins and Kryscuk met through the forum and expanded their group using an encrypted messaging application as an alternate means of communication outside of the forum. Collins and Kryscuk recruited additional members, including Duncan and Hermanson, and conducted training, including a live-fire training in the desert near Boise, Idaho. From video footage recorded by the members during the training, Kryscuk, Duncan, and others produced a montage video of their training. In the video, the participants are seen firing short barrel rifles and other assault-type rifles, and the end of the propaganda video shows the four participants outfitted in skull masks giving the “Heil Hitler” sign, beneath the image of a black sun, a Nazi symbol. The last frame bears the phrase, “Come home white man.” Prior to their arrests, Collins and Duncan had recently relocated from North Carolina and Texas, respectively, to Boise to be near Kryscuk.
All four are charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate; Collins, Kryscuk and Hermanson are additionally charged with violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3) and 2, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and Collins and Kryscuk with violations of 26 U.S.C. § 5841, 5861(j), and 5871 and 2, interstate transportation of a firearm not registered as required. Collins and Kryscuk each face a maximum penalty of a combined 20 years in prison if convicted; Hermanson, a maximum penalty of a combined 10 years in prison if convicted; and Duncan, charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate (18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3)), faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.
An indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation field offices in Salt Lake City and Charlotte with assistance from field offices in Boston, New York, and Newark, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case for the government with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Idaho, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, the District of Rhode Island and attorneys from the National Security Division.
This case falls within the purview of the Attorney General’s Task Force to Combat Violent Anti-Government Extremism. Launched in June 2020, the Task Force is dedicated to supporting the investigation and prosecution of any person or group who commits violence in the name of an anti-government ideology.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Visa Fraud and False Representation of a Social Security Account NumberRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned indictments yesterday charging Reymundo Camero-Castaneda, age 32, of Mexico and Elmer Antonio Murillo-Villatoro, age 42, of El Salvador, with illegal reentry charges, visa fraud and false representation of a social security account number.
If convicted of illegal reentry, Camero-Castaneda, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Murillo-Villatoro, previously deported five times and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to a felony conviction (assault inflicting serious bodily injury), visa fraud and false representation of a social security number. Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than 50 years, a $750,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to Nine Years for String of Wake County RobberiesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for robbing multiple businesses in Wake County in early 2019.
According to court documents, Tevan Immanuel Ferguson, 21, was named in an eight-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on January 24, 2020. Counts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 charged Interference of Commerce by Threats or Violence (Hobbs Act Robbery) on February 21, 2019; February 22, 2019; February 24, 2019; February 25, 2019; and February 26, 2019, respectively, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951. Counts 4, 6, and 8 charged Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence on February 24, 2019; February 25, 2019; and February 26, 2019, respectively, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Ferguson committed Hobbs Act Robberies at the Game Stop, 3023 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, on February 21, 2019, Han-Dee Hugo’s Gas Station, 3525 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, on February 22, 2019 and February 24, 2019, La Quinta Inn located at 2610 Westinghouse Blvd. in Raleigh, on February 25, 2019, and the Super 8 Hotel at 3801 Capital Blvd. in Raleigh, on February 26, 2019. Additionally, Ferguson possessed a firearm in furtherance of three of the aforementioned robberies.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00050-BO.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
North Carolina Return Preparer Indicted for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Greenville, North Carolina, returned an indictment charging a North Carolina tax preparer with conspiracy to defraud the United States and with preparing false returns for clients, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to the indictment, from at least January 2016 through March 2016, Hildares Kinkesha Parker-Greene managed a tax return preparation business located in Kinston, North Carolina. Parker-Greene allegedly conspired with another tax preparer to fraudulently inflate clients’ tax refunds by claiming false wages, federal income tax withholdings, and dependents. This conduct allegedly caused clients to receive refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment also charges that from 2017 through at least 2018, Parker-Greene operated a tax preparation business out of her home where she allegedly continued to assist in the preparation of clients’ false tax returns.
If convicted, Parker-Greene faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each filing false returns charge. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Higdon, Jr. commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Michael L. Jones and Terri-Lei O’Malley of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Business Owner Who Orchestrated $13 Million Fraud Upon North Carolina Medicaid Program from Las Vegas Pleads Guilty, Forfeits Private JetRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Las Vegas, Nevada resident pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and Aggravated Identity Theft, and further agreed to forfeit the proceeds of her crimes. These proceeds included up to $13,396,921.64, a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A Aircraft, a 2017 Aston Martin DB 11 sports car; a 2016 Ford F-150 Super-Crew pickup truck; real property held in the name of Assured Healthcare Systems in Hertford County, North Carolina; real property located in Charles County, Maryland; as well as various other items of designer jewelry and luxury items seized from the defendant’s penthouse condominium in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, Latisha Harron, also known as Latisha Reese Holt, 44, originally from Eastern North Carolina, admitted to conspiring with her husband to carry out a massive fraud upon the North Carolina Medicaid Program (“NC Medicaid”) by billing the government for fictitious home health services. Harron admitted to then working with her husband to launder the proceeds of the fraud into, among other things, a private jet, luxury jewelry and clothing, and properties in Ahoskie and Rich Square, North Carolina.
According to the charges, Harron created, and was operating, Agape Healthcare Systems, Inc. (“Agape”) an alleged Medicaid home health provider, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. As charged, to enroll Agape as a Medicaid provider, Harron fraudulently concealed her prior felony conviction for Identity Theft. In 2012, Harron moved out of North Carolina to Maryland. Despite that move, Harron continued to bill NC Medicaid as though Agape was providing home health services to North Carolina recipients.
As charged, in May of 2017, Latisha Harron moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with codefendant Timothy Mark Harron, and that the two were married in 2018. The indictment alleges that Timothy Harron was also a previously convicted felon, and that this fact was concealed from the NC Medicaid on enrollment documents. Harron pleaded guilty to allegations that Harron and her husband then worked together to expand the Agape fraud upon NC Medicaid, by fraudulently billing the program for more than $10 Million, just in the period between 2017 and 2019.
As charged, Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud by exploiting an eligibility tool that was entrusted only to NC Medicaid providers. Specifically, Harron and her husband searched publicly available sources, such as obituary postings on the internet by North Carolina funeral homes, to locate recently deceased North Carolinians. Harron admitted that the two would then extract from the obituary postings certain personal information for the deceased, including their name, date of birth, and date of death. Then, utilizing the extracted information, the defendants would then query the NC Medicaid eligibility tool to determine whether the deceased individual had a Medicaid Identification Number. If the deceased North Carolinian had a valid Medicaid Identification Number and was otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage during their life, the defendants would use that individual’s identity to “back-bill” NC Medicaid, through Agape, for up to one year of fictitious home health services that were allegedly rendered prior to the death of the individual. NC Medicaid then disbursed millions to Agape, all of which flowed into accounts controlled by the Harron and her husband.
Harron admitted that she and her husband carried out the fraud via the internet from locations around the globe, including their corporate office building in Las Vegas, their penthouse condominium in Las Vegas, a corporate office in North Carolina, and from various hotels and luxury resorts in and outside of the United States.
Harron further pled guilty to laundering the proceeds of the Agape fraud into various luxury items. These expenses included a $900,000 wire for the purchase of a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A private jet, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Tiffany & Co. and Brioni clothing and jewelry, thousands of dollars on Eastern North Carolina business properties, and thousands of dollars in gym equipment.
Latisha Harron pleaded guilty to (1) Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, which carries a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison, (2) one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A, each of which carry a maximum punishment of not less than, nor more than, 2 years in prison consecutive to other sentences, and (5) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h), which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Investigations Division, are all investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore is the prosecutor on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Harris represents the United States with respect to forfeiture aspects of the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00005-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces Latest Results of Operation False Haven: Convicted Sex Offender Arrested in Guilford County on Naturalization Fraud and Passport Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Guilford County man arrested on charges of naturalization fraud, and passport fraud had an initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge James E. Gates in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A federal grand jury had returned an indictment charging Simbala Gory, age 44, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Mali, residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, with naturalization fraud and passport fraud.
According to the indictment, Gory knowingly failed to disclose during his naturalization proceedings in 2016 that he had committed the crime of sex offense in a parental role and had forced a minor child under 18 years of age to engage in vaginal intercourse in 2009, in Guilford County, North Carolina. Gory was thereafter naturalized as a U.S. citizen on July 26, 2016.
Gory is charged in a seven-count indictment with naturalization fraud and passport fraud. If convicted of naturalization and passport fraud, he faces up to a maximum imprisonment term of 25 years per count, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. A conviction for naturalization fraud also carries an automatic revocation of U.S. citizenship.
The North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry states in its public website that Gory was convicted of a sexual offense with certain victims on September 28, 2020. Gory, according to the Registry, committed the offense on June 1, 2009, and was sentenced to 84 months confinement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Agents with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, are investigating the case as part of Operation False Haven. Operation False Haven is an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute egregious felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of a FelonRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Calixto Rodriguez-Betancourt, 26, of Mexico, illegally present in the United States and residing in Wilson County, North Carolina, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
On August 3, 2020, Rodriguez-Betancourt pled guilty to one count of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction. Rodriguez-Betancourt was previously deported from the United States on November 27, 2013 at Laredo, Texas, after being convicted of a felony, larceny of a firearm. He was deported again on November 13, 2015 at Del Rio, Texas.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Wilson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Diaz prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00181-H.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Goldsboro Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced today to 204 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Obrien Devon Kornegay, 38, was arrested in Duplin County on June 26, 2019, after he delivered four ounces of crystal methamphetamine to a confidential informant. When Kornegay was arrested, he also had two grams of crack cocaine and 2 grams of heroin in his pockets. Further investigation revealed that Kornegay had been involved in dealing kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine between December 2018 and his arrest in June 2019.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura S. Howard prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-00024-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Fayetteville’s Market House Arson Defendants Plead Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Two Fayetteville men pled guilty to charges stemming from the burning of Fayetteville’s Market House during the period of civil unrest in May 2020.
According to court documents, Charles Anthony Pittman, 32, and Andrew Salvarani Garcia-Smith, 32, took part in the burning of Fayetteville’s Market House, a National Historic Landmark. As recorded by several media outlets, Pittman carried a gasoline container to the second story of the Market House and waived it to the crowd before pouring gasoline onto the floor inside. As the gasoline-soaked area caught ablaze, a City of Fayetteville employee saw Pittman run out of the building.
Investigators discovered the identity of Garcia-Smith after a social media post went viral. As reported by local and national media outlets, the video showed Garcia-Smith picking up a bottle filled with flammable liquids and throwing it into the Market House. The liquid spilled back onto Garcia-Smith, setting his clothes and hair on fire. Investigators found Garcia-Smith in a local burn center, where Garcia-Smith admitted to being the individual in the video.
On September 29, 2020, Pittman pled guilty to two charges of the malicious burning of a building and inciting a riot. On November 5, 2020, Garcia-Smith pled guilty to one charge of malicious burning of a building. Both Pittman and Garcia-Smith face mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years’ imprisonment for their actions. Pittman and Garcia-Smith’s sentencings are scheduled for the January 2021 and February 2021 terms of court, respectively.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.D. Koesters and Chad Rhoades are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:20-CR-305-M and 5:20-CR-304-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wilmington Man Sentenced for Pointing Gun at Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to 92 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, James Edward Clarida, Jr., 29, was indicted in May 2019, for possession of a firearm by felon. On March 31, 2019, Clarida was the passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation by officers with the Wilmington Police Department. As the car came to a stop, Clarida jumped from the car and ran from officers. An officer immediately ran after Clarida. During the foot pursuit, Clarida turned and pointed a handgun at the officer. The officer took cover behind a parked vehicle and lost sight of Clarida. Other officers responded to the area and, with the assistance of the K9 unit, tracked Clarida, who was hiding under a nearby residence. He was placed under arrest and the path of Clarida’s flight was searched. Officers located a loaded .45 caliber handgun along that path. Clarida was a convicted felon at the time of his possession of the firearm.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Wilmington Police Department along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-CR-91-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced in Federal Court to 24 Years in Prison for Conduct Stemming from the Armed Robbery of Man and DaughterRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 288 months in prison for possessing a firearm while a felon during the course of an armed robbery at the home of a man and his daughter.
According to court documents, Mark Leon Andrews, 44, and another man, Joshua Montraze Stephens, who was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on September 10, 2019, laid in wait outside of the Fayetteville home of a man and his then-14-year-old daughter. When they arrived home on the evening of April 5, 2018, Andrews and Stephens confronted them at gunpoint and forced both victims into the home. Andrews bound the father with zip-ties, while Stephens held the girl at gunpoint. They then began to search the house for money and guns. Members of the Fayetteville Police Department were called out to the scene and spoke with the victim outside, while Andrews and Stephens held the daughter at gunpoint in the bathroom of the home. Shortly thereafter, the daughter was able to escape and officers moved in. They located Andrews and Stephens, hiding in the master bedroom closet. Andrews was still in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol, along with the victim’s jewelry, money, and car keys. The revolver that Stephens had been using was recovered from inside the closet.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura S. Howard prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-cr-00208-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Robeson County Man Pled Guilty to Illegal Gambling ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – On November 2, 2020 Keaton Chamers Oxendine, age 26, of Robeson County, pled guilty to aiding and abetting an illegal gambling business in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1955 and 2.
According to the indictment, from in or around 2018, and continuing up to on or about July 23, 2018, Oxendine did unlawfully conspire with others to conduct an illegal gambling business involving video gambling devices and slot machines, in violation of the laws of the State of North Carolina, to wit, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14‑306.4 (sweepstakes through entertaining display), § 14‑306.1A (video gaming machines), and § 14-292 (gambling). The illegal gambling business allegedly managed by Oxendine involved five or more persons, remained in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days, and had a gross revenue exceeding $2,000.00 in any single day.
Oxendine faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Department of Homeland Security, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE), and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes is prosecuting the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Goldsboro Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, Daniel Lamar Young, 26, possessed two firearms on March 26, 2019, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Both firearms were loaded, and both had been stolen. Young had multiple prior felony convictions. At the time of this offense, he was on post-release supervision for a state conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Brown prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-59.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Alien Sentenced for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Santos Mileny Torres-Diaz, 31, of Honduras, illegally present in the United States and residing in Duplin County, North Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.
On July 28, 2020, Torres-Diaz pled guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. From April 20, 2015 through January 13, 2020, Torres-Diaz, did knowingly use the identity of another person, including, name, date of birth, and Social Security number, which she knowingly purchased for $1000 from a fraudulent document vendor. Torres-Diaz was previously deported from the United States on June 23, 2009 at San Antonio, Texas.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Diaz prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-cr-00049-M.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces $403,972 to Combat Violent Crime in Eastern District of North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. today announced $403,972.00 in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
“These two grants are critical to our ongoing effort to ‘Take Back North Carolina’ from the violent criminals, drug traffickers and gangs plaguing many of our communities.” Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented. “Law enforcement in Henderson has been a strong partner with the Department of Justice for the last three years as the work to rid that community of those who use and carry guns illegally. Funding for their Crime Gun Intelligence Center will help them to further strengthen their efforts and to know how guns are being used or by who. And funds for the Gang Investigation Association add resources to an organization that is laser focused on one of our most wide-spread crime problems and illegal gang activity.”
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The following organizations received funding:
- Henderson Police Department $215,919 FY 20 Crime Gun Intelligence Center
- North Carolina Gang Investigators Association $188,053 FY20 Project Safe Neighborhoods EDNC
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Announces Latest Results of Operation False Haven: Convicted Child Molester Arrested in Fayetteville on Naturalization Fraud, Document Fraud and False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man arrested on charges of naturalization fraud, document fraud, and making false statements in naturalization proceedings had an initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Brian S. Meyers in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A federal grand jury had returned an indictment charging Abdelfatah Khadir, age 44, a naturalized citizen of the United States, born in Morocco, residing in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with naturalization fraud, document fraud, and making false statements in naturalization proceedings.
According to the indictment, Khadir knowingly failed to disclose during his naturalization proceedings that he had committed the crime of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. Khadir was thereafter naturalized as a United States citizen on March 25, 2016.
Khadir is charged in a six-count indictment with naturalization fraud, document fraud, and making false statements in naturalization proceedings. If convicted of naturalization and document fraud, he faces up to a maximum imprisonment term of 25 years per count, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. A conviction for naturalization fraud also carries an automatic revocation of United States citizenship. If convicted of false statements in naturalization proceedings, he faces up to a maximum imprisonment term of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry states in its public website that Khadir was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a 9 year old victim on March 25, 2019. Khadir, according to the Registry, committed the offense on April 9, 2017, was sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment of 19 to 32 months and placed on probation for 60 months.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Agents with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, are investigating the case as part of Operation False Haven. Operation False Haven is an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute egregious felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Raeford Woman Had Initial Appearance on Wire and Mail Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raeford woman self-surrendered on charges of wire and mail fraud.
According to court documents, Tracey Cathey McNeill, Age 50, devised a scheme and artifice to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management by obtaining disability, retirement, and life insurance payments issued by those agencies for the benefit of W.R., an individual in McNeill’s care at the time of the alleged scheme. The documents allege that between April 2015 and February 2017, McNeill received over $90,000 in benefits from the agencies.
McNeill is charged with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. She faces a maximum penalty of 240 months in prison if convicted.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General and U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamika Moses is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-cr-474-D.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Henderson Man Who Injured Deputies While Fleeing Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Henderson man was sentenced today to 189 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Included in this sentence is 24 months in prison for violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2019, Jasmele Robinson, 37, fled from deputies of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office when they attempted to serve a search warrant at his residence. Deputies obtained a search warrant after they utilized a confidential informant to purchase heroin from Robinson at his Henderson residence. When deputies arrived to serve the warrant, Robinson fled the residence in a car. Deputies attempted to block his car with their patrol vehicles and Robinson rammed their cars and drove away before striking a tree. Robinson continued to struggle with deputies after he wrecked his vehicle and threw a bag underneath the wrecked car. When deputies recovered the bag, they found a quantity of heroin. Upon Robinson’s arrest, he was found with a loaded firearm, which had been stolen from Granville County. Four deputies’ sustained injuries in the incident, two of them suffering serious injuries, which required hospitalization and surgery. At the time of the incident, Robinson was on federal supervised release following a prior conviction in federal court for felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Henderson Police Department, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-500-BO.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
North Carolina Highway Patrolman Named International Association of Chiefs of Police and Motorola Solutions 2019 Trooper of the YearRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Yesterday, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Motorola Solutions named Trooper Daniel Harrell from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as the IACP/Motorola Solutions 2019 Trooper of the Year. He was chosen from among four very worthy finalists serving state and provisional agencies in the United States and Canada.
In the announcement, the IACP and Motorola described Trooper Harrell’s bravery and dedication to serving the people of North Carolina:
“On Monday January 14, 2019, at approximately 5:21 p.m., Trooper Daniel Harrell, a five-year veteran of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, was patrolling his assigned area of Wilson County. As Trooper Harrell was finishing a traffic stop, he observed a vehicle traveling north bound on US301 improperly towing another vehicle. Trooper Harrell conducted a traffic stop, made contact with the driver and passenger, and informed the driver of the infraction. Both the driver and passenger were unable to produce their licenses or identification and drove off in an attempt to escape Trooper Harrell. A short chase ensued, then the driver pulled over. As Trooper Harrell was preparing to exit his patrol car, the driver leaned out of his vehicle and opened fire. The suspect fired approximately four shots, striking Trooper Harrell twice in the face. Trooper Harrell was able to immediately return fire and continued to stay engaged while providing vital information to the communications center. The suspect then drove away and Trooper Harrell continued to pursue the suspect. After a short chase, the suspect stopped to disconnect the towed vehicle. Trooper Harrell engaged the suspect with gunfire, however the suspect drove off again. The suspect then realized that they could not outrun Trooper Harrell. At this time, the suspect made a U-turn with the vehicle and collided head on with Trooper Harrell’s vehicle. The collision disabled Trooper Harrell’s patrol car. Despite this, Trooper Harrell continued to engage the suspect with gunfire again before the suspect was able to flee on foot. Thanks to the description Trooper Harrell provided, the involved suspects were located and arrested the night of the incident and no further persons were injured.”
United States Attorney Higdon commented: “Trooper Daniel Harrell is truly a hero; a dedicated public servant who laid his life on the line to enforce the Rule of Law and to protect the citizens of North Carolina. He represents the selfless men and women of the North Carolina Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies all across North Carolina who give their all to keep our communities safe every day. The United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office congratulate Trooper Harrell as he receives this great honor and we thank him for his service every day.”
The individual who attempted to kill Trooper Harrell was prosecuted for firearms violations here in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He received a sentence of ten years. See here for more details. Charges related to the attempted murder of Trooper Harrell are pending the North Carolina state court system.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00304-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Illegally Manufacture FirearmsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – On Oct. 20, 2020, three co-conspirators were arrested on the federal charge of conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture, possess, and distribute various weapons, ammunition, and suppressors. Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and Paul James Kryscuk, 35, recently of Boise, Idaho, were charged via an indictment, while Jordan Duncan, 25, currently residing in Boise, was charged via a complaint, both obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Collins and Duncan are former Marines assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to court documents, Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and his co-defendant, Paul James Kryscuk, 35, from Boise, used the conspiracy to enrich themselves and others by manufacturing and selling hard to obtain firearms and firearm parts in a manner that would hide these purchases from the federal government. From May 2019 to the present, Collins made multiple money transfers through his personal account to Kryscuk to purchase firearms to include a 9mm pistol and suppressor and a short barrel rifle. In turn, Kryscuk purchased items from vendors to manufacture the firearms and suppressors. In furtherance of the crime, Kryscuk, using an alias, mailed the manufactured weapons from Idaho to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kryscuk also shipped the short barrel rifle, not registered as required by the federal government, to Collins. Duncan was aware of and participated in the conspiracy.
Collins and Kryscuk are charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate, 18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3) and 2, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and 26 U.S.C. § 5841, 5861(j), and 5871 and 2, interstate transportation of a firearm not registered as required. They each face a maximum penalty of a combined 20 years in prison if convicted; Duncan, charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate (18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3)), faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.
Probable cause and detention hearings for defendant Duncan are scheduled before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho on October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. mountain time; detention hearing for Kryscuk is scheduled to follow at 11:30 a.m. The Public may listen at 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 160 127 6280 Passcode: 998153. Public Shall MUTE their end during hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition under federal law and Local Rule 83.1 against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The announcement of the charges was made by Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina following the unsealing of the charges.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case for the government with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Idaho.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Illegally Manufacture FirearmsRead the Press Release
On Oct. 20, 2020, three co-conspirators were arrested on the federal charge of conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture, possess, and distribute various weapons, ammunition, and suppressors. Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and Paul James Kryscuk, 35, recently of Boise, Idaho, were charged via an indictment, while Jordan Duncan, 25, currently residing in Boise, was charged via a complaint, both obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Collins and Duncan are former Marines assigned previously to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to court documents, Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and his co-defendant, Paul James Kryscuk, 35, from Boise, used the conspiracy to enrich themselves and others by manufacturing and selling hard to obtain firearms and firearm parts in a manner that would hide these purchases from the federal government. From May 2019 to the present, Collins made multiple money transfers through his personal account to Kryscuk to purchase firearms to include a 9mm pistol and suppressor and a short barrel rifle. In turn, Kryscuk purchased items from vendors to manufacture the firearms and suppressors. In furtherance of the crime, Kryscuk, using an alias, mailed the manufactured weapons from Idaho to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kryscuk also shipped the short barrel rifle, not registered as required by the federal government, to Collins. Duncan was aware of and participated in the conspiracy.
Collins and Kryscuk are charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate, 18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3) and 2, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and 26 U.S.C. § 5841, 5861(j), and 5871 and 2, interstate transportation of a firearm not registered as required. They each face a maximum penalty of a combined 20 years in prison if convicted; Duncan, charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship them interstate (18 U.S.C. § 922(a) (3)), faces a maximum of five years in prison.
Probable cause and detention hearings for defendant Duncan are scheduled before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho on October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. mountain time; detention hearing for Kryscuk is scheduled to follow at 11:30 a.m. The Public may listen at 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 160 127 6280 Passcode: 998153. Public Shall MUTE their end during hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition under federal law and Local Rule 83.1 against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The announcement of the charges was made by Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina following the unsealing of the charges.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case for the government with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Idaho.
Onslow County Man Receives 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. –John Michael Gray, 33, of Onslow County, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine and heroin.
On August 8, 2019, an Onslow County Sheriff’s Detective conducted a traffic stop of Gray in the area of Pony Farm Road in Jacksonville. Law enforcement found a quantity of high purity methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin in the car.
During an on-going investigation, agents uncovered that Gray had been involved in an assault of someone involved with him in the distribution of methamphetamine. This drug trafficking organization had a reputation for violence. The assault was mentioned as a warning to other involved not to cross them. Gray was involved in the distribution of more than 700 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was part of OCDETF Operation Fighting JellyFish. An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. This OCDETF focuses on a Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization and Gang Activity that has been responsible for the distribution of large quantities extremely pure methamphetamine throughout the United States.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the jury verdict before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Onslow, Duplin and Craven Sheriff’s Offices and the Beaufort and Kinston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00160-FL.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wake County Man Arrested on Naturalization Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wake County man was arrested on naturalization fraud charges and had an initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge James E. Gates in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A federal grand jury had returned an indictment charging Edgar Daniel Cruz-Magallanes, age 29, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Mexico, residing in Wake County, North Carolina, with naturalization fraud.
According to the indictment, Cruz-Magallanes knowingly failed to disclose during his naturalization proceedings that he had committed the crime of indecent liberties with a child. Cruz-Magallanes was thereafter naturalized as a United States citizen.
Cruz-Magallanes is charged in a 4-count indictment with naturalization fraud. If convicted, he faces up to a maximum imprisonment term of 25 years per count, a $250,000 fine per count, a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and the revocation of his citizenship.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Agents with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, are investigating the case as part of Operation False Haven. Operation False Haven is an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Previous media coverage on this case is located here: Click here
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces $332,876 in Justice Department Grants to Support Gun Prosecutor in Wake CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. today announced $332,876 in Department of Justice funding to hire a Special Assistant United States Attorney to try federal firearms cases originating in Wake County. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country. In the Eastern District of North Carolina, that initiative is called Take Back North Carolina.
“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”
Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”
“We are pleased that the Department of Justice has provided this additional and critically needed funding in support of our efforts in the Eastern District to fight violent crime and return our communities to law-abiding citizens,” said United States Attorney Higdon. “Adding this prosecutor to our team will have real and immediate positive effect in our community.”
A grant to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts for the Wake County District Attorney’s Office will support the hiring of a full-time Special Assistant United States Attorney who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court. Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives - like the Take Back North Carolina Initiative - led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
The Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina is an initiative that emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.