Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 132 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (crack).
According to court documents, Matthew Darnell Pittman, 29, possessed with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (crack) in July 2017. Pittman, who has been convicted of multiple prior drug distribution offenses, also possessed a firearm. Pittman was found to be a Career Offender and was given credit for thirty months he had already served in the state on related charges.
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. Law enforcement agents from the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the Rocky Mount Police Department, and Nash County Sheriff’s Office 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 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-102-D.
Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 262 months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm during a March 23, 2018 shooting incident.
According to court documents, Brian Lee Dunlow, 46, was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on October 9, 2019 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts), possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence protective order. Dunlow pled guilty to the first count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon on January 24, 2020.
On March 23, 2018 officers with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Spring Hope, NC in response to a shots fired call. Dunlow came home unexpectedly and found his girlfriend moving out, with the assistance of four men from her church who had volunteered to help pack and load a moving truck. Dunlow became upset, pulled a gun and pointed it at the face of one of the men from the church. Dunlow fired a shot at close range but missed. The man, a former corrections officer who was licensed to carry, drew his own gun and returned fire, wounding Dunlow.
Several weeks later, on May 5, 2018, officers from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to a call from the home of Dunlow’s mother, where Dunlow was living at the time, while recovering from the injuries he suffered during the March 23, 2018 shooting. Officers learned that Dunlow had stolen a firearm from his mother’s bedroom and held his mother and his wife hostage for approximately four hours. During the incident, Dunlow threatened his wife and struck her in the face and head with a cane, and caused a cut on his mother’s arm. Dunlow fled in his mother’s car, but was apprehended soon after, with a loaded revolver in the car.
Due to an extensive criminal history that includes qualifying predicate convictions, Dunlow was determined to be an armed career criminal and thereby subject to an enhanced sentence under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 924(e).
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the plea and sentenced Dunlow. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity Wilson and Bryan Stephany are 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. 4:18-CR-48-D1.
###
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.
Southern Shores Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Southern Shores, NC man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute five (5) kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Herndon Hunt Outlaw Riddle, III, 40, conspired with his codefendant Adolphus McClain to distribute five (5) kilograms of cocaine. McClain previously pled guilty to the charge and is awaiting sentencing.
Riddle pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute five (5) kilograms or more of Cocaine and faces not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced during the court’s September 8, 2020 term.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Gates accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kitty Hawk Police Department, and the Hialeah, Florida Police Department assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes 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. 2:19-cr-00016-D-1.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Interstate Transportation of Stolen Cooking Oil and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Alvaro Mendez-Flores, age 39, of Mexico, was sentenced today to 41 months imprisonment and over $4,000,000 in restitution, for conspiring to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering.
According to court records, Mendez-Flores and his co-conspirators stole vast amounts of used cooking oil from numerous restaurants, arranged for the stolen oil to be transported to the northeast, and laundered the proceeds.
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, used cooking oil, historically viewed as a waste product, has become a valuable recycled commodity over the past decade. The majority of the recycled cooking oil sold is used for biofuel, fluctuating with market demand. It can also be used as a nutritional additive to animal feed and pet food, or in the production of many consumer and industrial products.
Legitimate businesses, known as renderers, collect used cooking oil from restaurants in exchange of compensation and sell it to refineries so that it can be processed and recycled. The rendering industry estimates that there is an annual loss of approximately $45-75 million dollars from the theft of used cooking oil.
United States Attorney Higdon emphasized, “These crimes rob hardworking citizens and restaurant owners of valuable income necessary to their livelihood and it will not be tolerated.”
“Used cooking oil has become a sought-after commodity by biodiesel companies, and restaurants use the sale of this oil as another source of revenue,” said Ronnie A. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, North Carolina. “This organized group of co-conspirators had an elaborate scheme to steal thousands of gallons of cooking oil for their own profit in violation of several U.S. laws.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever III.
The case was investigated by HSI.
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-00220-D-21.
Man Sentenced in Seizure of 80 Kilograms of Cocaine and $2 MillionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A California man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting.
According to court documents, Andrew Richard Rodarte, 73, was observed driving a semi-truck to a home under investigation in Littleton, North Carolina. Rodarte was observed meeting with individuals at that home that unloaded duffle bags from the semi-truck. After leaving the home, Rodarte drove to a nearby truck stop. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home where they located Luis Enrrique Arroyo-Jimenez and seized duffle bags containing a total of 80 kilograms of cocaine. Officers located Rodarte at a truck stop in Halifax County and searched Rodarte’s semi-truck where they found $2,055,141 in United States currency located in a hidden compartment.
On September 24, 2019, Rodarte pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting. On November 7, 2019, Arroyo-Jimenez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and will be sentenced in June 2020.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dena King 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-48-D.
Four Oaks Man Sentenced in Seizure of 1 Kilogram of Heroin in Nash CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Four Oaks, NC man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute one (1) kilogram or more of heroin, aiding and abetting.
According to court documents, Luis Octavio Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 32, was the driver of a car stopped in Nash County for traffic violations. Officers immediately observed marijuana in the car and Gonzalez-Gonzalez and his two passengers gave conflicting stories about where they had traveled. Upon a search of the trunk of the vehicle, officers located over 1,400 grams of heroin.
On September 24, 2019, Gonzalez-Gonzalez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute one (1) kilogram or more of heroin, aiding and abetting.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dena King 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-48-D.
###
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.
Cumberland County Woman Charged in Conspiracy to Collect Federal Student Aid Funds Using Fake TranscriptsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, BRENDA JOYCE HALL, 51, of Godwin, NC, had an initial appearance on an indictment charging her with, among other things, Conspiracy to Commit Student Loan Fraud and Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
United States Attorney Higdon stated, “This defendant is charged with helping to orchestrate a long-standing fraud upon one of our institutions of higher learning by fabricating high school transcripts. A scheme that is alleged to have resulted in in substantial federal education funding being used by Hall for her own personal interests and gain.”
“Per the indictment, Ms. Hall seems to have viewed Federal student aid as a private slush fund rather that what it is – funding to help students make their dream of a higher education a reality,” said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Southern Regional Office. “As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education, we are committed to fighting student aid fraud and ensuring that those who steal student aid or game the system for their own selfish purposes are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions.”
The Indictment alleges that HALL and various others resided at a place referred to as “The Ranch” in Cumberland County, that was owned and operated by a tent revival preacher. According to the Indictment, The Ranch consisted largely of several related families, but outsiders and their children were also invited to, and did, reside there over time. The owner of The Ranch also owned various fish markets in the same area. HALL, who is alleged to have worked at The Ranch and at the fish markets, also operated a non-public home school, known as “Halls of Knowledge”, from The Ranch.
The Indictment further alleges that HALL and others carried out a scheme to fraudulently acquire hundreds of thousands of dollars in Federal Student Aid to fund the operations of the Ranch, the fish markets, and to make other purchases. To carry out the scheme, Hall and others would approach individuals residing on the Ranch and solicit their enrollment in an online course of college-level studies at Wake Tech. The individuals solicited are referred to in the Indictment as the “Student Participants.”
To attend the online course of college level studies at Wake Tech, the Student Participants were required to have successfully completed their high school level of education. But most of the Student Participants never graduated from high school, and none completed their high school education through HALL’s home school, the Halls of Knowledge. Many of the Student Participants had no genuine desire nor intention to attend college courses and graduate from Wake Tech. None had the financial means to attend college without federal student aid.
Nevertheless, the Indictment charges that HALL and others provided various assurances to the Student Participants to get them to agree to be enrolled at Wake Tech. For example, various Student Participants were told: (1) they would receive a high school diploma; (2) would receive a laptop or would get to keep some money; (3) they would not have to actually do the coursework; or (4) they would not be responsible for the student loans.
The Indictment then alleges that HALL fabricated high school transcripts for the Student Participants. The transcripts represented that each of the Student Participants successfully completed four years of high school education through Halls of Knowledge. The transcripts also fraudulently represented, for each year of study, the courses allegedly taken by the Student Participant, and the grade the Student Participant received in each course. HALL directed another resident of The Ranch to notarize these transcripts.
The Indictment alleges that HALL assisted the Student Participants to become enrolled at Wake Tech by, among other things, causing the fake transcripts and other documents to be delivered to Wake Tech. In addition to becoming enrolled in Wake Tech by fraud, Federal Student Aid was also awarded to the Student Participants based on the fraud. As much as $700,000 in federal student aid was awarded based on the fake transcripts.
The Indictment alleges that funds left over after the payment of tuition were supposed to support other educational costs for the students. But the students were not permitted by HALL and the Ranch owner to keep all of the funds. Instead, the Student Participants were directed, in some instances, to cash out the remaining funds and pay them over to The Ranch. The remaining student aid monies were then used to fund the operations of the Ranch, the fish markets, and other ventures.
The Indictment further alleges that after the Student Participants were enrolled at Wake Tech, the Students did not, in fact, attend all of the courses in which they were enrolled. Instead HALL, and others at The Ranch, would fraudulently attend and complete online courses for the Student Participants. This allowed the scheme to go on, undetected, for several years.
For her role in the conduct, HALL is charged with various federal offenses, carrying different maximum penalties. Conspiracy to Commit Student Loan Fraud, and Student Loan Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and Title 20, United States Code, Section 1097(a), are punishable by up to five years in prison. Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1343, are punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), is punishable by not less than 2, nor more than two, years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
An indictment is an allegation of a crime. The defendant is presumed under the law to be innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation of this case is being conducted by the United States Department of Education Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.
New York Man Indicted on Transmitting a Threat in Interstate Commerce to N.C. Judicial BranchRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man from Warren County, New York, with transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.
According to the Indictment, Frederick Eli Knapp, age 51, transmitted from New York to North Carolina communications via Facebook and e-mail to the North Carolina Judicial Branch and employees with the Administrative Office of the Courts. As alleged in the Indictment, Knapp stated that he would kill judges, court employees, and people in courthouses.
If convicted, Knapp faces a maximum imprisonment term of 5 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. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marshal’s Office of the Supreme Court of North Carolina are investigating 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.
###
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 Inmate Sentenced to Additional Year in Prison for Possession of Narcotics at Federal Prison in Butner, North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal inmate incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner was sentenced to 12 months in prison and an additional two-year term of supervised release for possession of the opiate buprenorphine, a Schedule III narcotic commonly referred to by the brand name Suboxone. The 12-month term of imprisonment is in addition to, and consecutive to, his current term of imprisonment, and the two-year term of supervised release is in addition to and consecutive to his 3-year term of supervised release on his current sentence.
According to court documents, while Aaron Trujillo, 57, was serving a federal sentence for multiple bank robbery convictions, he was found in possession of multiple sublingual film strips containing buprenorphine. The Bureau of Prisons’ investigation also revealed a large cache of stamps and a debt ledger suggesting that he was involved in the sale and distribution of buprenorphine for several months.
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. Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Agents investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bredenberg 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-00429-BO.
###
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.
New Bern Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Convenience Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A New Bern man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for two armed robberies of New Bern convenience stores.
According to court documents, Kenneth Earl Moore, 49, first robbed the Five Points Mini Mart convenience store during the early morning hours of December 4, 2018. Moore wore a black mask and gloves, and carried a black bag with distinctive markings. Moore pulled a gun on the clerk and, after taking approximately $500, fled on foot.
A few weeks later, Moore convinced a female co-defendant to help him commit another robbery, in exchange for drugs. Early on December 23, 2018, the co-defendant drove Moore to a Speedway convenience store in New Bern. Moore again wore the black mask and gloves, and carried the same black bag – all of which were found in his residence. Moore entered, pointed a gun at the clerk, took $622, and fled in the co-defendant’s car.
At his arraignment on September 19, 2019, Moore plead guilty but was allowed to remain in a substance abuse treatment program after claiming he had been a Navy Seal. Investigators later discovered that while Moore did serve in the Navy as a machinist, he was never a Navy Seal. At sentencing, Moore was forced to admit he had not been honest with the Court about his service record.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Bern Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany 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-00033-BO.
###
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 Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 48 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, a Quantity of Cocaine, and 28 Grams of More of Cocaine Base (Crack); and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, a Quantity of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack), and Aiding and Abetting.
According to court documents, in July 2018, investigators learned that Rashaan Lakim Williams, 42, was distributing controlled substances in the area of Fayetteville. From July 2018 until January 2019, agents conducted controlled purchases of 69.57 grams of cocaine and 41.07 grams of cocaine base (crack) from Williams. Investigators obtained a warrant to search two residences associated with Williams. From those two residences, agents seized approximately $30,000 in United States currency, 522.74 grams of cocaine, 25.6 grams of cocaine base (crack), 13.62 grams of heroin, and 74.4 grams of marijuana.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fayetteville Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon 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-00190-BO.
###
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.
Pitt County Man Indicted on Naturalization Fraud, Passport Fraud, and Use and Possession of Fraudulent DocumentsRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man, who is a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Jamaica, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and use and possession of fraudulent documents.
According to the superseding indictment, Anthony Morris McFarlane, 53, of Pitt County, allegedly failed to disclose during his naturalization proceeding that he had committed the crime of attempted first-degree sexual abuse of a child less than 11 years old. McFarlane thereafter was naturalized as a United States citizen and fraudulently obtained and used multiple United States passports.
If convicted, McFarlane faces a maximum penalty of 90 years in prison, a $2,250,000 fine, and the revocation of his citizenship.
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 assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, pursuant to Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship are investigating 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.
###
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.
Christian Ruffin of Raleigh Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with nine counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Christian Ruffin, 23, allegedly received at least nine images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on November 14, 2019, Ruffin was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Ruffin would face a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime 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. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is 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 initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
***
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.
Cameron Hayes of Raleigh Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with three counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Cameron Hayes, 33, allegedly received at least three images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on January 7, 2020, Hayes was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Hayes faces a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime 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. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is 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 initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
***
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.
Rap Video Shoot Gets Gang Member 55 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced to 55 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge.
According to court documents, Officers with the Raleigh Police Department found Andrea Farrington, Jr., 23, a validated member of the G-Shine (Gangsta Killer) set of the United Blood Nation, with a semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine during a rap video shoot on May 3, 2019. This incident took place 2 days after Farrington pled guilty to his fourth felony possession of cocaine conviction in a Wake County District Court. At the time of his arrest, Farrington was under judicial supervision for 5 separate state criminal convictions, including 3 felony possession of cocaine convictions and two misdemeanor convictions for child abuse.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case is also 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. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. 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.
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) and the Raleigh Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney J.D. Koesters prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
###
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. Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Higdon will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
United States Attorney Higdon stated “Today, and every day, hundreds of law enforcement officers all across the Eastern District of North Carolina headed out of their homes, often facing uncertainty, but dedicated to protecting our communities. They have given their lives to serve us and to ensure our safety and security. As part of the National Police Week observance I ask every citizen in the Eastern District of North Carolina to join with me in thanking these brave public servants for their selfless service to us all.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including one deputy here in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Federal Inmates Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Inciting a Mutiny or Riot and Assault on Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina (“FCI Butner I”) with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, as well as inciting or participating in a mutiny or riot within a federal penal institution.
According to the indictment, on April 22, 2020 Rene Moreno-Castillo and Javier Tijerina allegedly assaulted, resisted, or impeded federal officers during the performance of their official duties at FCI Butner I. Specifically, Moreno-Castillo is alleged to have pulled a fire extinguisher from the wall during an open disagreement with staff about housing assignments, and sprayed them with its chemical contents. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on the same day, prior to the discharge of the fire extinguisher, Tijerina, expressing the same perceived disagreement, incited and attempted to cause or assisted in a mutiny or riot within FCI Butner I by openly yelling, gesturing, and threatening “action” by the inmates if housing assignments did not change.
According to the indictment, after spraying staff, inmate Moreno-Castillo barricaded the unit door with lockers which he ripped from the wall and slid against the door, tied the door shut with a bed sheet, and continued to spray the fire extinguisher, filling the unit with the powder contents. FCI Butner I staff, including a tactical Complex-wide Quick Response Force, were emergently called to the scene to regain control of the unit.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented: “Effectively managing a federal prison is a complex and difficult job but is one that is critical to the enforcement of our criminal laws and to ensuring the safety of people in every community across the country. The men and women who serve us from behind the walls of facilities like those at Butner deserve our support and swift enforcement when prisoners take any action that impedes their work or, as here, threatens the security of those officers and risks the proper order and management of the prison. This indictment deals with the offenders who tried to incite a riot within the Butner facility but is also designed to send a message to anyone else who might consider this type of action; there will be consequences if you jeopardize the security of our prisons or endanger the brave officers and employees who serve us from within the facility.”
Moreno-Castillo is charged with violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 and 18 U.S.C. § 1792. If convicted, he faces a maximum potential penalty of eight or ten years in prison, respectively. Inmate Tijerina is charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1792, he faces a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Higdon made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
***
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 Nine Years for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County man was sentenced today to 115 months in prison for one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
According to court documents, Roger Bryant Locklear, 30, and a friend on July 21, 2018, traveled from Lumberton to Raleigh to purchase drugs. Locklear and his friend picked up the would-be supplier who gave them a sample of the drugs and instructed them to drive to a location on Beauty Ave. The transaction turned into an attempted robbery and shots were fired by both Locklear and the would-be supplier. Both men suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds, were treated at a local hospital, and ultimately arrested.
Locklear already had a substantial criminal record, having amassed 19 prior criminal convictions, including 6 felonies. At least 3 of Locklear’s prior felony convictions involved violent firearm offenses, including two prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and a prior conviction for discharging a firearm into a vehicle that was occupied by four people.
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. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany is prosecuting the case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department conducted the investigation of this case.
***
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.
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-00191-D
Raleigh Man Receives Concurrent Life Sentences for Heroin Overdose Death and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to two life terms in federal prison for Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in Death of a Person, and Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute One Kilogram or More of Heroin. United States District Judge James C. Dever III, ordered that Jayson McNeil, 28, serve the life sentences concurrently, along with 30 years’ imprisonment for Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, and 10 years imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. In addition, McNeil was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,826.64 for the victim’s funeral expenses.
McNeil was convicted, following a four-day trial, on January 28, 2020. The evidence at trial showed that McNeil operated a long-standing heroin organization in the city of Raleigh, distributing heroin and fentanyl to numerous individuals – resulting in multiple overdoses. (More here.) Despite McNeil’s own recent experience snorting fentanyl and overdosing, and despite his knowledge that his customers were overdosing on the drugs he provided to them, he continued to sell the substance to customers who would inject it intravenously.
The overdoses culminated on May 30, 2018 with the overdose death of a 27-year-old man in the Raleigh area. The man, an expectant father, had struggled with addiction to powerful opiates. The deadly dose was provided to him by McNeil.
At trial, one of McNeil’s customers testified that he, too, bought heroin and fentanyl from McNeil, and that he overdosed in a bathroom within days of May 30, 2018. That man survived his overdose only through the administration of multiple doses of Narcan. Another customer, a friend of the deceased, testified that when he confronted McNeil about his friend’s death, McNeil responded by providing him with free heroin. That customer, in the depths of his own addiction, used the drugs.
At sentencing, the Court heard from the deceased’s family members, who described a loving family in disbelief of what occurred, the wife and children left behind, and the countless family events that this young man will never have an opportunity to share in and witness.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented:
“I join the Court in the message it clearly expressed today – anyone that is a heroin dealer, particularly those who cut it with fentanyl, is playing with death. Mr. McNeil was fully aware of the deadly power of the substance he was distributing – indeed, he had his own personal wakeup call when he overdosed. He knew that his customers were overdosing. Undeterred by either, he continued to show zero regard for this community by spreading this poison on our streets. As the Court stated, ‘Death is fundamentally different, when it is fundamentally preventable.’ Mr. McNeil will have a lifetime in federal prison to reflect upon this.
I was proud to stand with the victim’s family in Court today. They have endured the nightmare shared by some 70,000 families a year whose loved ones are taken from them by drug overdoses, many involving opioids like fentanyl. Drug dealers, like Mr. McNeil, and the drug abuse they fuel are devastating families and robbing North Carolina of the potential and promise of our citizens. So long as this continues, we will continue our fight.”
A co-conspirator, Destin McLean, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute one (1) kilogram of heroin before trial. McLean is awaiting sentencing.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Sandling and Thomas L. Crosby prosecuted this 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-00120-D.
###
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 is Sentenced for Fraud for More Than $464,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) Committed While on ProbationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Warsaw man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for SNAP fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $464,385.60 and to forfeit criminal proceeds and property used in the crimes.
According to court documents, Fernan Sanchez, 52, previously pled guilty to making material false statements in connection with the on-going federal crop insurance fraud investigations in Eastern North Carolina. On April 9, 2010, the Court granted the government’s motion for a departure based on substantial assistance and sentenced Sanchez to 5 years’ probation.
Sanchez’s 2010 felony conviction made him ineligible to participate in SNAP and he was permanently disbarred from the program. Notwithstanding his debarment, Sanchez recruited another person who, at Sanchez’s direction, created a business entity known as Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store, opened a bank account in the name of Selena’s Mexican Products, and submitted an electronic SNAP vendor application that contained false and misleading information. Based on the application, the co-conspirator received authorization to be a SNAP vendor in August 2013. The co-conspirator opened up a bank account, listing Sanchez on the account.
From August 30, 2013, through September 24, 2017, Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store received approximately $464,385.60 in SNAP benefits. During that period, Sanchez trafficked SNAP EBT benefits, allowing individuals to exchange benefits for cash or ineligible purchases.
Sanchez and/or another person, through Selena’s Mexican Products, also caused the transfer of $464,385.60 SNAP funds to Selena’s Mexican Products business account at First Bank. Sanchez transferred a portion of the money to an account controlled exclusively by him. He withdrew or otherwise spent the remaining SNAP funds in the Selena’s Mexican Products business account.
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 II. Assistant U.S. Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is prosecuting the case.
The United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation in this matter. Special thanks to the Warsaw Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
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-00120-D.
###
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.
Prominent Physician of Dunn, North Carolina, Agrees to Pay up to $8.8 Million to Resolve Allegedly Fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid ClaimsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced today that Dr. Ibrahim Oudeh, his wife Teresa Sloan-Oudeh, and Dr. Oudeh’s medical practice agreed to relinquish approximately $3,300,000 worth of assets and further agreed to a conditional consent judgment in the amount of $5,500,000 to settle civil False Claims Act liability for allegedly false Medicare and Medicaid claims.
The United States and the State of North Carolina alleged that Dr. Oudeh, Ms. Sloan-Oudeh, and the practice were liable for more than 40,000 fraudulent claims that were systematically submitted to Medicare and Medicaid between 2010 and 2017.
Specifically, the Governments argued that Defendants falsely obtained approximately $1,900,000 from Medicare for over 37,000 diagnostic tests, an astronomical number of tests for a solo practitioner in a small North Carolina town. Defendants profited handsomely from them. They allegedly short-changed the outside physicians who interpreted those tests by paying them less than the practice’s Medicare reimbursement, and then pocketed the difference, all in violation of the federal Anti-Markup Rule. To boot, the Governments asserted that the vast majority of the more-than-37,000 tests were medically unnecessary.
The Governments also alleged that Defendants falsely billed for office visits. In some of those instances, Defendants billed more than twenty-four hours’ worth of supposed visits with one physician in a single day. In others, the evidence showed that the visits were for medication refills rather than for the complex, labor-intensive examinations that Defendants claimed. Either way, the Governments alleged that Defendants could not have provided the level of patient care for which they sought reimbursement.
Finally, the Governments contended that Defendants falsely obtained approximately $640,000 from Medicare and Medicaid after Dr. Oudeh certified almost 4,300 nerve-conduction studies that, by his own admission, he was unqualified to interpret. Dr. Oudeh also admitted to the Governments that he used the nerve-conduction studies as mere screening tools, in direct contravention of Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements.
“The United States takes healthcare fraud very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “Federal healthcare programs are designed to help patients in need. They are not boundless coffers that entrepreneurial fraudsters like the Oudehs can pilfer to maximize their fortunes. Our office will continue to dedicate resources to rooting out and pursuing those who would rob American taxpayers to satiate their greed. Such abuse will not be tolerated.”
This case is not Dr. Oudeh’s first run-in with government authorities. The North Carolina Medical Board previously entered a consent decree finding that Dr. Oudeh’s medical recordkeeping was deficient and revoking his ability to prescribe certain controlled substances.
The federal and North Carolina False Claims Acts mandate that the Governments recover triple the money falsely obtained, plus substantial civil penalties for each false claim submitted.
It should be noted that the claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, and that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability.
This matter was handled between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office (“MID”), including Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and MID Financial Investigators. Assistant United States Attorneys Neal Fowler and John Harris represented the United States. Special Deputy Attorney General Lareena Phillips, who also serves as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, represented the United States and the State of North Carolina.
***
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 Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Possessing a Firearm After Mental Health AdjudicationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted MATTHEW SCOTT THOMAS, 34, of Henderson for possessing a firearm after having been adjudicated mentally defective and committed to a mental institution and for making a false statement during the transfer of firearms.
The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2018, THOMAS made false statements on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) form during the attempted transfer of firearms. Specifically, THOMAS is alleged to have falsely indicated that he had never been adjudicated mentally defective and not committed to a mental institution, when in fact he had. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on December 4, 2019, THOMAS possessed a firearm after having been so adjudicated. If convicted, he faces up to ten years imprisonment and three years of supervised release on each count.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
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.
“Godfather” of North Carolina United Blood Nation Sentenced to Four Consecutive Life Sentences for Rico Conviction and Gang Related MurderRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DEMETRICE R. DEVINE, a/k/a “Respect,” 37, of Garner, NC, to four consecutive terms of life imprisonment followed by a term of 240 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release for Conspiracy to Participate in a Pattern of Racketeering (RICO conspiracy), Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Murder with a Firearm During and in Relation to a crime of Violence, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. The court also recommended that the defendant serve his life sentences at the “Supermax" Federal Prison in Colorado.
On October 24, 2019, DEMETRICE R. DEVINE and BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM, a/k/a “B-Easy,” 31, of Knightdale, NC, were found guilty of all charges after a two-week jury trial. (More here.) Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that DEMETRICE R. DEVINE was the leader or “Godfather” of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization. The BMG/DGF are sets of the “Bloods” gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh and especially in the area of Haywood Street. BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM was another high-ranking member of BMG/DGF. BMG/DGF members committed acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline, both within the gang and against non-gang members. Members committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assaults, in order to maintain their positions within the gang and to be promoted within the leadership structure of the gang.
U.S. Attorney Higdon commented, “For the better part of two decades, members of the United Blood Nation, known locally as the Black Mob Gangstas or the Donald Gee Family, have operated and virtually controlled and terrorized the law abiding citizens who live in the Haywood Street area of downtown Raleigh, not more than a mile from our federal courthouse. Last October, during the trial of Mr. Devine and his co-defendant, Brandon Mangum – the jury heard the chilling testimony and saw the uncontroverted evidence presented by the Government of Devine’s role – indeed, his absolute leadership – in a murderous, violent, drug dealing gang of thugs who terrorized Raleigh and the Eastern District for far too long. These street gangs will stop at nothing to attempt to maintain their violent way of life without consequence. Mr. Devine’s multiple life sentences exemplify the consequences for those who join gangs and commit crimes in the Eastern District of North Carolina.”
BMG/DGF, including its leadership, members and associates, constituted an “enterprise” as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 1961(4), that is, a group of individuals’ associated-in-fact. The enterprise constituted an ongoing organization, whose members functioned as a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the enterprise. The enterprise was engaged in, and its activities affected, interstate and foreign commerce. The purpose of the BMG/DGF enterprise included the following:
a. Preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation, respect, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder;
b. Promoting and enhancing the enterprise and its members’ and associates’ activities, including, but not limited to, murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug distribution and other criminal activities;
c. Keeping the community and rivals in fear of the enterprise and its members and associates through violence and threats of violence;
d. Providing financial support and information to gang members, including those incarcerated in the United States;
e. Providing assistance to other gang members who committed crimes for and on behalf of the gang; and,
f. Hindering, obstructing, and preventing law enforcement officers from identifying, apprehending, and successfully prosecuting and punishing members of the enterprise.
BMG/DGF also held gang meetings to communicate gang information, to recruit members, issue punishment and collect gang dues from each BMG/DGF member for the benefit of the BMG/DGF organization. A portion of the dues were saved and utilized locally in what was referred to as a “community rent box” while another portion was sent up the chain of command to gang leadership in Virginia and New York. BMG/DGF members were permitted to earn their money for dues through various methods, including, but not limited to, robberies, fraud schemes, and drug distribution. The monies were used locally for loans to gang members, for drug purchases, for firearm purchases, for gifts, and cellular telephones for high-ranking members who were in jail. DEVINE ordered that individuals selling narcotics in and around Haywood Street who were not BMG/DGF members were also required to pay gang dues in order to continue their drug sales in territory controlled by BMG/DGF. Individuals who did not pay gang dues risked being robbed, assaulted, or murdered.
In his leadership position, DEVINE directed members of his gang to shoot a 16 year old rival gang member, Adarius Fowler, who died from gunshot wounds. He also ordered a gang member to shoot a person who provided information to law enforcement regarding the murder of Fowler. While this person was recovering from those gunshot injuries in the hospital, DEVINE ordered that the person be killed.
DEVINE presided over a “beat-in” gang initiation of a BMG/DGF gang member and personally assaulted another gang member whose loyalty he questioned. DEVINE conspired with other gang members to silence and threaten gang members that had been provided subpoenas to testify in a federal proceeding.
MANGUM will be sentenced in May 2020 and also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The prosecution of DEVINE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) targeting violent gang members and drug traffickers in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification, United States Marshal’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assistant United States Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon prosecuted this case with Christina Taylor with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
***
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.
Media Advisory Press AvailabilityRead the Press Release
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 between Noon and 3:00 PM (following sentencing hearing)
WHERE: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are giving the press several options to participate. The United States Attorney will be available by video teleconferencing following the sentencing hearing, telephone or in person at the United States Attorney’s Office located at:
150 Fayetteville Street
Suite 2100
Raleigh, NC 27601
Re: Raleigh Gang Leader Sentenced for RICO Charge and Related Murder
The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press availability to discuss the sentencing of Demetrice R. Devine. The sentencing hearing for Devine is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 am before United States District Judge James C. Dever III.
Devine, along with co-defendant, Brandon Jowan Mangum, were convicted of all charges after a two-week trial on October 24, 2019. More here. Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that Devine was the North Carolina leader of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization. The BMG/DGF are sets of the Bloods gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh, particularly in the area of Haywood Street.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to participate. Please RSVP by emailing Don Connelly at [email protected]. Let him know your preferred method if interviewing the United States Attorney with your RSVP.
Former Election Campaign Consultant Indicted on Social Security Fraud and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging LESLIE MCCRAE DOWLESS JR., age 64, of Bladen County, with one count of theft of government property, two counts of social security fraud, and one count of false statements.
According to the publically filed indictment, DOWLESS is alleged to have unlawfully obtained Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Title II Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB) by failing to notify the Social Security Administration of his income while receiving those benefits. Specifically, between in or around March 2017, and in or around November 2018, DOWLESS received over $100,000 in payments related to work he performed during the 2018 Midterm Election. During that time, DOWLESS continued to receive SSI as well as RIB while concealing his work activity and earnings from the Social Security Administration. As a result of his concealment, the Social Security Administration overpaid DOWLESS more than $14,000 in benefits.
If convicted of the charge of theft of government property, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the charges of social security fraud, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of making false statements, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Each count in the indictment also subjects the defendant to a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. His initial appearance is tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2020, at 9:30 am, in Wilmington.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tamika Moses. Ms. Moses is an attorney with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the General Counsel, designated to prosecute federal crimes involving Social Security in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
***
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.
Escapee ArrestedRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that, RICHARD R. CEPHAS, of Wilmington, Delaware, was arrested on April 20, 2020 by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). CEPHAS turned himself in at the Federal Courthouse in Delaware, approximately eighteen days after he is alleged to have escaped from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020.
Yesterday, CEPHAS had an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in Delaware. He waived all preliminary hearings and was remanded to the custody of the USMS. CEPHAS is currently pending transfer back to the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC) to face escape charges. As alleged in a federal Criminal Complaint, signed by United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II on April 17, 2020, CEPHAS is charged with escaping from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020. The USMS led the investigation of CEPHAS’ alleged escape. More here.
U.S. Attorney Higdon said the following, “We are grateful for our dedicated law enforcement officers, particularly the United States Marshals Service, who investigated Mr. Cephas’ alleged escape over the past several weeks. They pursued this case in the face of the heightened risk presented by the pandemic in order to ensure the public’s safety – an example of the critical role that law enforcement plays in protecting us every day. Mr. Cephas will be extended his Constitutional rights when he appears in Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, including the presumption of innocence and the requirement that the Government prove the escape case against him beyond a reasonable doubt. We look forward to presenting our case before the Court.”
At the time of his alleged escape, CEPHAS was serving the remainder of his prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Butner, NC. In 2017, CEPHAS was sentenced by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to a term of 66 months in federal prison – for his violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The conviction and sentence resulted from a long-term High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) federal wiretap investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drug Trafficking Task Force in Delaware. More about that investigation here.
The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
U.S. Attorney Higdon commented: “Helping and supporting the victims of crime is central to the mission of the Department of Justice and to the work of my office. Every year we have the sad privilege of coming alongside them as we work to help them restore their lives and overcome the effects of the crimes committed against them. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to reduce crime in the Eastern District so we reduce the number of our citizens who are victimized. But we also renew our commitment to support and assist those who are victimized. And, we honor the dedication and work of victim advocates and members of the law enforcement community who lead the fight for the victims of crime.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Convicted Drug Trafficker Charged with Escaping Custody of Federal Bureau of PrisonsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that today, RICHARD R. CEPHAS, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged in a federal Criminal Complaint with escaping from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020. The Criminal Complaint was authorized by United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II, and supported by the sworn affidavit of a Deputy United States Marshal. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) has been investigating CEPHAS’ alleged escape since he was discovered missing on April 2.
In June 2017, CEPHAS was sentenced by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to a term of 66 months in federal prison – for his violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The conviction and sentence resulted from a long-term High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) federal wiretap investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drug Trafficking Task Force in Delaware. More about that investigation here.
As alleged in the publicly filed affidavit attached to the Criminal Complaint, CEPHAS had been serving the remainder of his prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Butner, NC. On April 2, 2020, CEPHAS was placed in an escape status by the BOP following his absence from a bed count conducted by staff at the Butner facility. At the time of his absence, CEPHAS was not authorized to be away from the Federal Prison Camp. He remains in an escape status and law enforcement is working to determine his whereabouts.
U.S. Attorney Higdon issued the following statement:
“This morning, members of my office obtained a criminal complaint charging Richard R. Cephas with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 751(a), escape from the custody of a facility to which he was confined at the Direction of the Attorney General.
The complaint alleges that Mr. Cephas began planning his escape as early as March 30. At that time, he had email communication with at least one family member. Two days later, Mr. Cephas contacted another family member regarding his plan to escape. When a head count was conducted later that day, and again very early in the morning of April 2, Mr. Cephas was missing. A search of the entire prison complex resulted in a determination that Mr. Cephas had escaped.
Media reports surfaced late yesterday afternoon in which an individual identifying himself as Richard Cephas during a recorded video interview explained that he escaped from Butner because of health concerns related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and his belief that he is particularly vulnerable because of an ongoing chronic health condition. This, he explained, justified his escape and warrants a modification to his underlying sentence. He also argued that it requires the Justice Department to overlook and tolerate his escape.
Let me be clear, Mr. Cephas is a convicted drug trafficker who was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy which imported cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. He was convicted in federal court in Delaware and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which he was serving at the Butner facility. Mr. Cephas’ decision to escape federal custody is nothing more than an opportunistic move to use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to cut his prison term short. He is a fugitive from justice and federal law enforcement will find him and bring him to Court here in the Eastern District to answer these charges.
Should Mr. Cephas choose to turn himself in, he may do so at any law enforcement office; to the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina (call 919-856-4153); or to the United States Marshal in any federal district in which he is currently located (call 877-WANTED-2). Otherwise, federal agents will pursue his arrest.
Mr. Cephas will, of course, be extended his Constitutional rights when he appears in Court, including the presumption of innocence and the requirement that the Government prove the escape case against him beyond a reasonable doubt. We look forward to presenting our case before the Court.
In the meantime, the public should assume that Mr. Cephas is dangerous and they should take caution if they encounter him. The public should also know that anyone who knowingly harbors or assists Mr. Cephas in avoiding arrest may be in violation of federal law as well.
I want to thank the law enforcement officers who have been tasked with investigating this case and pursuing Mr. Cephas’ arrest. His decision to escape has increased their already heavy workload and has raised the risk of illness and harm to them by drawing them out into the community at this difficult time. This is another example of the dedication of law enforcement who serve us no matter the circumstances.”
The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
Three Indicted on Passport Fraud, Naturalization Fraud, Making False Statements in an Immigration Proceeding, and Violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging MARIO SOTELO, age 48, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Mexico, with passport fraud and possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and ZAW LIN LAY, age 42, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Burma, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and making false statements in an immigration proceeding.
Additionally, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging HECTOR DANERI REGALADO, age 44, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Honduras, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
If convicted of passport fraud, SOTELO, of Wake County, could face maximum penalties of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of naturalization fraud, and making false statements in an immigration proceeding, LAY, of Craven County, could face maximum penalties of 85 years’ imprisonment, a $2,500,000 fine, a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and the revocation of his citizenship.
If convicted of naturalization fraud, passport fraud, possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, REGALADO, of Sampson County, could face a maximum imprisonment term of 85 years, a $2,500,000 fine, a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and the revocation of his citizenship.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations pursuant to Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship, are investigating the cases.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to Stop Coronavirus (COVID-19) FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina continues to promote the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) throughout the Wake County area. On April 14, 2020, the Eastern District partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to conduct outreach to approximately 1,300 seniors in the area to raise awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) fraud.
Below are some facts shared with the community about how to protect against becoming a victim of COVID-19 scams:
- Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
- Verify information. Contact trusted sources to confirm information is correct. For the most up to date information about Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.
- Know from whom you are buying. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they do not.
- Do not click on links from sources you do not trust. They could download malware onto your computer or device.
- Do your homework. Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, do not do it.
If you believe you are a victim of a scam, call local law enforcement and file a complaint online or by phone:
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): (866) 720-5721
www.IC3.gov (cyber)
www.cdc.gov
www.coronavirus.gov
www.FDA.gov
www.ftc.gov/coronavirus
www.justic.gov/usao-ednc
The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate DOJ’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and scams that target our nation’s seniors by promoting justice for older adults; helping older victims and their families; enhancing state and local efforts through training and resources; and supporting research to improve elder abuse policy and practice.
For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. You can also contact the Victim Connect Hotline between 9am-6pm, Monday through Friday, at: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-4842846), or contact the Elder Justice Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina at (919) 856-4530.
***
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 ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JEOVANY AMILCAR RIBAS-NAVARETE, age 40, of El Salvador, and LEONEL AGUIRRE-GIRON, age 36, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry, RIBAS-NAVARETE, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
AGUIRRE-GIRON, previously deported twice and found in Sampson County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Southern District of Texas. Therefore, if convicted, he would face maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.
***
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.
Former Navy Civilian Employee Charged with False Statements to Obtain Workers’ CompensationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, DAVID BURLEY, 67, Bayboro, Nc was named in a Criminal Information filed on April 6, 2020 charging him with False Statement or Fraud to Obtain Federal Employee’s Compensation. If convicted, he faces up to one-year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.
The Criminal Information charges BURLEY with failing to report income from 2015-2018 for work he performed in that time.
The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) is part of the Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). OWCP monitors the program by mailing an annual self-certification form to a FECA beneficiary that requests information about the beneficiary’s work activities during the past 15 months. The beneficiary is required to certify that the beneficiary’s responses are true, complete and correct. The beneficiary is required to report all employment for which the beneficiary received a salary, wages, income, or payment of any kind. The beneficiary is also required to report all volunteer work, self-employment or involvement in business enterprises, and to report any work or ownership interest in any business enterprise even if the business lost money or profits or income were paid to others.
OWCP uses the employee’s responses to reevaluate, confirm the amount of, or entitlement to, benefits. Recipients of workers’ compensation benefits have an obligation to immediately report any change in employment to OWCP.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), in conjunction with the Marine Corps Eastern Area Counsel Office and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation in this matter.
***
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.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Law enforcement at every level remains on duty and vigilant in the Eastern District, even in the face of this contagious illness,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. “These funds made available through the Department of Justice will provide critical support to our vital law enforcement partners.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
***
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Visa Fraud, and False Representation of a Social Security Number, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging MAURICIO HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ, age 37, of Mexico, and OMAR HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, age 30, of Mexico with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictment charging SANTOS MILENY TORRES-DIAZ, age 31, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry, Visa Fraud, False Representation of a Social Security Number, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
If convicted of illegal reentry, HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction, HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, previously deported nine times and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry, visa fraud, false representation of a social security number, and aggravated identity theft, TORRES-DIAZ would face maximum penalties of 24 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.
***
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 Higdon Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“As our health care professionals and first responders work tirelessly to defeat COVID-19, we can be certain that criminals will attempt to profit from the fears of the public and will take advantage of this dangerous pandemic for their personal gain. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting, investigating, and aggressively prosecuting those who commit this wrongdoing. As we fight to address COVID-19 related fraud that is unfortunately emerging across the country – we want to raise awareness and forewarn those who might otherwise fall victim to these scams,” said United States Attorney Higdon.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Eastern District of North Carolina’s Fraud Coordinator is Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Preventing violence in our schools is critical to the safety and security of all of our communities,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These funds made available by the Department of Justice will be used to better prepare school faculty, students and law enforcement to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“The trafficking of human beings is one of the most outrageous and shocking crimes committed. The victims are often terrorized day after day after day – manipulated through violence, drugs, emotional abuse, and by depriving them of any independent means of support. Sadly, there are many of these cases and we are committed to aggressive investigation and prosecution wherever we find them, but we need the public’s assistance. The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing and preventing this horrendous crime,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future:
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“As we struggle to come to grips with the enormity of the opioid threat in our state and in our nation, we recognize that we must employ a ‘whole-of-government approach’ to end this crisis. The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing the scourge of opioid abuse,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Money supporting reentry programs is critical to the success of organizations working to reintegrate offenders back as productive members of society. Since the vast majority of those in prison will one day be released, these funds will help that transition and reduce or eliminate the risk that the offender ends up back in the criminal justice system. This, in turn, will reduce the numbers of those victimized by crime and the strain on the prisons across our District,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Support of Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., stands in support of law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stated:
“As the country grapples with the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and as daily activities are altered or discontinued, we know that your work remains unchanged. If anything, your efforts to deal with violent crime, drug trafficking and scams against our citizens will become more intense.”
“I want you to know that the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office here in the Eastern District remain on duty and fully able to partner with you as you enforce federal criminal laws and work to keep all of Eastern North Carolina safe and secure. We will continue to work alongside you and to proudly stand with you in the federal courts all across this District. Our commitment to you, and to the mission we share, is unaffected by the health challenges the country faces. And, we renew our commitment to work with you to “Take Back North Carolina” from the criminals and wrong doers who would victimize our communities.”
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced DUSTIN LEE BISHOP, 32, of Raleigh, NC to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by an eight-year term of supervised release. BISHOP was also ordered to pay more than $19,000 in restitution to known child pornography victims identified through the investigation. BISHOP pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on November 12, 2019 to one count of receipt of child pornography.
In September 2017, investigators with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Google regarding a user account that had uploaded multiple files of child pornography. The cyber tip was forwarded to the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (NCICAC) task force and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Raleigh Police Department.
Investigators confirmed that that the account identified in the cyber tip belonged to BISHOP and later obtained a search warrant for BISHOP’s residence that was executed on February 20, 2018. Investigators with the FBI executed the warrant and seized 19 electronic devices and 6 DVDs from BISHOP. A forensic review was conducted and revealed over 9,300 images and more than 840 videos containing child pornography. BISHOP agreed to speak with investigators at the time of the search and admitted to receiving, trading, and possessing child pornography.
This case is 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 initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina and the Raleigh Police Department conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany represented the government.
Two Indicted on Federal Charges Stemming from Twelve Robberies in Six CountiesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Greenville indicted two individuals on numerous robbery and firearm offenses, stemming from a string of armed robberies of local businesses across six counties in July of 2019.
JACOB EVANS, 23, of Gates, and JEQUAYVES BRITT, 19, of Sharpsburg, were each indicted on twelve counts of interference of interstate commerce by robbery and twelve counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that EVANS and BRITT robbed or attempted to rob twelve separate businesses in Nash, Wilson, Halifax, Edgecombe, Pitt, and Greene counties in July of 2019. In each instance, EVANS and BRITT are alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of the robbery. If convicted, EVANS and BRITT face penalties of up to life imprisonment.
These cases are 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 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.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rocky Mount Police Department, Wilson Police Department, Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Sharpsburg Police Department, Pine Tops Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigations in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney J.D. Koesters is prosecuting the case for the government.
Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced to 77 Months Imprisonment on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced JERMAINE HALE, 30, of Roanoke Rapids to 77 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. HALE was named in a three-count Indictment on March 17, 2017, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On December 2, 2019, he pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute the drugs, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to the investigation, on November 10, 2016, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents were investigating drug complaints in Lincoln Heights Community of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. They noticed a car that abruptly pulled into a driveway as they drove in its direction, as if the driver was attempting to evade law enforcement. The agents circled back to conduct surveillance. The driver again started to pull out of the driveway only to pull back into the driveway when the agents revealed themselves. The agents approached and saw the driver, later identified as HALE, appear to place something under his seat. As they came up to HALE, they noticed a strong odor of marijuana from his person. HALE attempted to walk away, and plastic baggies began falling from his pants leg. Agents attempted to detain him, but he resisted and began to reach toward his waistband. One of the agents then deployed a taser and subdued him.
Agents searched HALE’s clothing and concealed inside his pants found a plastic bag containing 13 grams of crack cocaine, 17 grams of powder cocaine, and 29 grams of marijuana. They searched HALE’s car and found a Sig Sauer .45 caliber handgun loaded with 7 rounds sitting underneath the driver’s seat.
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.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Kinston Man Sentenced for Human-Trafficking-Related OffenseRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced KORTNEY DONNELL CREWS, 32, of Kinston, North Carolina to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
CREWS was named in an Indictment filed on April 19, 2019, charging him with, among other offenses, transportation across state lines for prostitution (Mann Act). On September 9, 2019, CREWS pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, CREWS prostituted numerous women across the United States. He lured them by promising big money, and then took most or all of their earnings. CREWS threatened or intimidated many of his victims and physically assaulted and emotionally abused one victim for years.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Crews’ actions, his abuse of these women, is a form of human trafficking. He used threats, intimidation, and physical abuse to force these women to humiliate and degrade themselves. And the Court’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this crime.”
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel and Bryan Stephany represented the government.
Henderson Man with Prior Manslaughter Conviction Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison After ShootingRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced QUINDARIUS DANTE RAINEY 30, of Henderson to 7 years imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
RAINEY was named in an Indictment filed on July 31, 2019, charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. On November 12, 2019, RAINEY pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, during the early morning hours of August 26, 2018, RAINEY was captured on video surveillance shooting a handgun with an extended magazine multiple times at another man. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the 85 Bar & Lounge in Henderson. The victim attempted to flee and RAINEY continued to shoot at the man while chasing him. RAINEY then entered his vehicle and fled the scene. The victim was not injured, but several nearby businesses and cars sustained property damage.
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.
The Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. Dodson and John Parris prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges and False Representation of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging VICTOR CHAPOL-AMBROS, age 27, of Mexico, JORGE VALENCIA-ROMERO, age 30, of Mexico JOSE ISAIAS MONTIEL-MARTINEZ, age 33, of El Salvador and FRANCISCO JAVIER CONTRERAS-VILLAVERDE, age 40, of Mexico with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging GERARDO LOPEZ-MARCIAL, age 38, of Mexico, with illegal reentry and false representation of a social security number.
If convicted of illegal reentry, CHAPOL-AMBROS, previously deported twice and found in Wake County and VALENCIA-ROMERO, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction (attempted breaking and entering of a building), MONTIEL-MARTINEZ, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
CONTRERAS-VILLAVERDE, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (robbery). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry and false representation of a social security number, LOPEZ-MARCIAL, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 7 years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.
***
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.
Four Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers Indicted by Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted four correctional officers employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for making false statements surrounding three unrelated inmate deaths that occurred at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina in 2019.
TYLER ROBISON, 41, ADAM COCKERHAM, 31, LONNIE FAIRLCOTH, 54, all of Creedmoor, and ERIC STEPHENSON, 37, of Angier, were each indicted on one count of making a false statement. The respective indictments allege that ROBISON, COCKERHAM, and STEPHENSON, in unrelated incidents involving the death of an inmate, made false entries on government forms documenting that they had completed rounds in an inmate housing unit when they had not. FAIRCLOTH is alleged to have made a false statement to an Office of Inspector General Special Agent during the course of the investigation. If convicted, they each face up to five years imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation in this matter.
***
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 96 Months in Federal Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced JAMES EARL RUTLAND III, 34, of Wilmington, North Carolina, to 96 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
RUTLAND was named in an Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on May 31, 2019, charging him with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin on July 20, 2018, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of tramadol, on October 29, 2018, and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of heroin on January 23, 2019. On December 11, 2019, RUTLAND pled guilty to count three of the Indictment charging possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of heroin on January 23, 2019.
According to the investigation, on July 20, 2018, following a controlled purchase of heroin from RUTLAND, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on RUTLAND’s hotel room. Officers found multiple bags of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in the hotel room and 9mm ammunition in RUTLAND’s car. On October 29, 2018, law enforcement officers were notified by a confidential source that RUTLAND was “selling dope”. Law enforcement officers approached and searched RUTLAND and recovered 79 bindles of a heroin, fentanyl and tramadol mixture. Finally, on January 23, 2019, officers with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from RUTLAND using a confidential informant and subsequently recovered additional bags of heroin and cocaine hidden by RUTLAND in a Wilmington mini-mart in the area of the controlled purchase. RUTLAND has an extensive history of narcotics related convictions and offenses in New Hanover County.
This case is part of the FBI Investigation Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Dodgeball” with cooperation from the ATF, Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. This operation is focused on a drug trafficking organization operating in the New Hanover County area of North Carolina.
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.
The FBI, ATF, Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation of this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Mr. Averitt is a prosecutor with the Prosecutorial District 6 District Attorney’s Office encompassing New Hanover County. District Attorney Ben David has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.
***
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.
Elizabeth City Felon Found with Handgun After Roadside Domestic Dispute SentencedRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced LEMEYON WALKER, 30, of Elizabeth City to 41 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. WALKER was named in a single-count Indictment on October 10, 2019, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On November 15, 2019, he pled guilty to a Criminal Information that alleged the same charge.
According to the investigation, at around 2:30 a.m. on December 3, 2017, a Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office Deputy spotted a black Dodge Journey parked on the side of the highway. The car appeared to have been disabled, so the deputy stopped to conduct a welfare check.
He identified WALKER as the driver and a female passenger. WALKER stated that they had run out of gas and he was working on contacting someone to bring some more. WALKER’s hands were trembling and the deputy could smell burnt marijuana.
After a second deputy arrived, officers deployed a K-9, which alerted for the presence of drugs in the car. Deputies then conducted a search, finding a small built-in compartment on the rear passenger side floor. Inside, they found 51 rounds of Winchester .40 caliber ammunition. Elsewhere in the car, they found drug paraphernalia and a folded dollar bill that contained suspected cocaine.
When deputies asked WALKER and the passenger about who was responsible for the cocaine, WALKER stared at his passenger, seeming to suggest that she should accept responsibility. She responded angrily, yelling at him that he knew the drugs were not hers. She then blurted out, “that’s okay, he has a gun.” She told deputies the gun was either on his person or was placed under the hood when they broke down.
Within the engine bay of the car, deputies found a silver and black KAHR Firearms CW40 .40 caliber pistol, wrapped in a rag. WALKER and the passenger were arrested and transported to the station. While being processed, the passenger explained that she and WALKER had been fighting before the deputy had arrived. WALKER had struck her in the face, causing an abrasion on her left upper lip. He had then pulled out the handgun and fired a round outside the window to scare her.
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.
The Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
***
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.
Warren County Man Sentenced to 6 Years Imprisonment on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced MICHAEL WYATT COLLIUS, 23, of Norlina, NC to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. COLLIUS was also ordered to pay more than $68,000 in restitution to known child pornography victims identified through the investigation. COLLIUS pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on November 13, 2019 to one count of receipt of child pornography.
In September 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, assisted the Spanish National Police Cyber Child Pornography Group II, Technology Investigation Unit, with an investigation into Dropbox users sharing child pornography. Investigators were able to determine that one of the accounts responsible for sharing child pornography belonged to COLLIUS.
Following additional investigation, a search warrant was obtained for COLLIUS’ residence. On May 3, 2018, investigators with the FBI and Warren County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant and seized COLLIUS’ phone. A later forensic review recovered over 800 images and over 200 videos containing child pornography. COLLIUS agreed to speak with investigators at the time of the search and admitted to receiving, sharing and possessing child pornography.
This case is 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 initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, conducted the investigation of this case with assistance from the Spanish National Police Cyber Child Pornography Group II, Technology Investigation Unit and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany represented the government.
***
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.