Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Access Device FraudRead 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 KAYODE FADAMORO, formerly of Raleigh, NC, to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $35,466.93 in restitution to the defrauded credit issuers.
fadamoro was named in an eight-count Superseding Indictment on February 6, 2019, charging him with conspiracy to commit access device fraud; using unauthorized access devices; and, multiple counts of misuse of a social security number. On June 4, 2019, FADAMORO pled guilty to the conspiracy to commit, pursuant to a plea agreement.
As set forth in the charging document, FADAMORO conspired with others to obtain credit with the use of synthetic identities. FADAMORO’s name and actual date of birth were combined with a social security number not issued to him by the Social Security Administration in order to create a new credit profile, commonly referred to as a CPN. To enhance a CPNs’ credit worthiness, these new profiles are added to other individuals’ credit accounts with positive credit history.
In 2015 and 2016, two CPNs in FADAMORO’s name were used to obtain credit and purchase merchandise in various retail stores, in Raleigh, NC. On July 27, 2016, he was arrested by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department when he attempted to purchase approximately $8,723 in commercial grade equipment. He had submitted an online John Deere credit application using a CPN. According to the Superseding Indictment, persons utilizing CPNs, make purchases with no intention of paying the lenders or issuers for the items and services obtained.
The Fuquay-Varina and Raleigh Police Departments partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration to conduct the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Susan Menzer represented the government.
Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that ADAM RYAN CORNETT faces federal charges for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.
CORNETT was named in a three-count indictment, returned by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The indictment alleges that CORNETT possessed a firearm, after he was subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order that by its terms explicitly prohibited the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against a person that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury whereby CORNETT possessed a firearm. CORNETT was also charged with making false statements when completing forms to purchase firearms on two separate attempts, to which he stated he was not subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order.
If convicted, CORNETT would face up to a maximum term of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine as to each of the three counts, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith represents the government.
Kinston Woman Sentenced to 37 Months for Tax FraudRead 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 ROSALIND JACKSON, of Kinston, NC to 37 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $393,724 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
On July 10, 2019, JACKSON pled guilty to a two-count Criminal Information, charging her with willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for others and filing a false income tax return in her name. JACKSON previously recruited individuals to have fraudulent tax returns prepared by Issac Blount, who operated a tax preparation service in Greenville, known as Enriched Tax Services. For the tax years 2009 through 2014, Blount filed at least 270 fraudulent income tax returns, seeking $1,746,347 in refunds. Blount generated these false refunds with fictitious wage and tax statements, enabling the taxpayers to qualify for the Earned Income and Additional Child Care tax credits. Alicia Jenkins and Kiawanna Langley also worked for Blount. The taxpayers were expected to pay an additional $1,500 in cash out of the fraudulent refund proceeds, which was split three-ways between Blount, Langley and the recruiter. In 2016, Blount, Jenkins and Langley pled guilty to tax charges and were sentenced to imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to the Government’s proffer, after JACKSON disassociated herself from Blount, Jenkins and Langley, she continued to assist others in filing false tax returns in the same fraudulent manner. She took her clients’ files containing manufactured wage and tax statements to other tax preparation businesses or prepared and filed the returns herself, but falsely represented the returns were self-prepared by the taxpayer. Thirteen individuals confirmed that JACKSON had filed tax returns for them for multiple years. Those returns claimed approximately $363,368 in refunds to which the individuals were not entitled.
In addition, JACKSON filed false income tax returns in her own name for the tax years 2011 through and including 2015, seeking approximately $38,419 in refunds to which she was not entitled. Those returns similarly reported false wage income to qualify her for various tax credits.
United States Attorney Higdon commented, “Whenever anyone defrauds the Government by not filing their tax returns, by claiming refunds or monies to which they are not entitled, or, as here, by scheming with others to do those things, they are victimizing every American who works hard and who diligently pays their taxes to support our Government and the programs and services its provides. There is no such thing as a victimless tax fraud case; we are all victims when anyone pulls off a scheme like this one. We are gratified by the Court’s sentence and the message it sends to those who would attempt to defraud the tax system. You’ll be caught; you’ll be prosecuted; and, you’ll be punished.”
“Return Preparer fraud is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation and we have committed many resources to investigating and prosecuting cases just like these,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Let this be a reminder to others seeking to enrich themselves illegally; IRS-CI Special Agents will find you and uncover your fraudulent schemes that will lead you to prison.”
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Susan Menzer represented the government.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment After Police Seize His Cache of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN —United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan, sentenced ISAI SANCHEZ, 23, of Wilmington to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. SANCHEZ was named in a five-count Indictment on May 22, 2018, charging him with receipt and possession of child pornography. SANCHEZ pled guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography on October 18, 2018. As a condition of the plea agreement, SANCHEZ, a native and citizen of Mexico, also agreed to his removal from the United States following the completion of his sentence.
The investigation began in June 2016, when officers of the Arlington Police Department in Arlington, Massachusetts arrested a separate man on child pornography charges. That man admitted to trading child pornography on his KIK Messenger account, and he agreed to allow agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take over the account.
In July 2016, an undercover agent accessed a chat group on KIK titled “Boys” using the account and identified a user that had posted two child pornography videos. Agents were able to identify an IP address for the account that posted the videos and found that it was assigned to SANCHEZ’s residence in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence on May 4, 2017. SANCHEZ was present and agreed to be interviewed. He admitted using his laptop to download child pornography. He retrieved his laptop, which he had hidden under a dresser, and showed agents where he had hidden two hard drives in air vents. Forensic analysis found child pornography on each of the three devices. In total law enforcement recovered over 3,200 individual images and 3,600 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
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 investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Validated Gang Member and Felon Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing Loaded Handgun with Extended MagazineRead the Press Release
NEW BERN — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan, sentenced JENOURI ROBERTS, 29, of Wilmington to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. ROBERTS was named in a three-count Superseding Indictment on May 16, 2018, charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of ammunition by a felon. ROBERTS pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on June 4, 2019.
On January 27, 2018, members of the Wilmington Police Department in Wilmington, North Carolina, conducted a traffic stop on a car with expired plates. Officers made contact with the driver, JENOURI ROBERTS. Officers observed that ROBERTS, a convicted felon and validated gang member, began acting nervously as they checked his information in the computer. Officers decided to conduct a protective frisk for officer safety and asked ROBERTS to step out of the vehicle. While checking the driver’s compartment of the vehicle, officers noticed the outline of the back strap of a pistol between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers detained ROBERTS and retrieved a Glock 19 9mm handgun. The gun, which had been reported stolen, containing a loaded, 15-round magazine. Beneath the gun, officers found an extended 31-round magazine, loaded with 9mm ammunition.
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 Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 66 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead 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 SHAREEM UNIIKE MARSHALL, 31, of Raleigh, NC to 66 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MARSHALL was named in a one count Indictment filed on January 9, 2019 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On July 10, 2019, MARSHALL, pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, on June 14, 2018, officers with the Raleigh Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment in Raleigh. Although MARSHALL’S name was on the lease, he did not stay at the residence. Prior to the officer’s arrival, MARSHALL had come to the apartment to visit his child. While at the apartment, MARSHALL became angry and the victim asked him to leave, but he refused. MARSHALL and the victim got into a verbal and physical altercation at which time the victim called for police assistance.
Sometime after the officers left the apartment, MARSHALL returned to the apartment while the victim was packing her vehicle to go to a family member’s home. The victim observed MARSHALL’S vehicle pull into the apartment parking lot causing her to grab their child and run for her bedroom, locking the bedroom door. MARSHALL entered the apartment through an unsecured door and threatened to shoot through the bedroom door. As MARSHALL was leaving the apartment, he fired multiple gunshots. Officers responded to the apartment and recovered two 9mm shell casings in the lawn near the rear door.
Later that day, MARSHALL was located at his apartment on Dacian Road in Raleigh. Officers found a 9mm firearm under a table to the right of his bed. The firearm was loaded with a 12-round magazine that contained 10 rounds of ammunition.
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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to more than 22 Years for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin in Jacksonville AreaRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced Jordan Ray, 39, of Patterson, New Jersey, to 270 months’ imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release. RAY was one of nine codefendants named in a fifteen-count Indictment on May 7, 2015. The Indictment charged RAY with conspiring to distribute cocaine, marijuana, 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, and 100 or more grams of heroin; two counts of possession with intent to distribute the same drugs; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ray pled guilty to all charges on April 9, 2019.
Ray was the last of the nine men to be sentenced in this case. His eight co-conspirators previously received sentences ranging from 12 to 188 months:
- On June 12, 2019, Christopher Sirmons was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin.
- On November 9, 2016, Christopher Salomon was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following a guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute heroin and 280 or more grams of crack cocaine.
- On April 13, 2016, Anthony Taylor was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and quantities of powder cocaine and marijuana.
- On April 13, 2016, Steven Langley was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and Percocet.
- On March 8, 2016, James Orr was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release, following a guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and quantities of powder cocaine and marijuana.
- On March 8, 2016, Christopher Ray Duncan was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to conspiring to distribute heroin.
- On March 8, 2016, Steven Rolle was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day custody following a guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin.
The investigation began in 2014, when officers of the Jacksonville PD, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service at Camp Lejeune began receiving reports that a group of men led by co-defendant Anthony Taylor were distributing large amounts of heroin in the Onslow, NC area. From January through October of 2014, agents were able to conduct 14 controlled buys of heroin and other controlled substances from Taylor and other co-defendants using confidential informants and undercover officers.
During one of these controlled buys on October 7, 2015, a confidential informant purchased 20 bags of heroin from RAY for $260. RAY told the informant that he was Taylor’s source of supply from New Jersey. Law enforcement subsequently learned that RAY had moved to North Carolina from Patterson, NJ, in approximately August 2014 to avoid arrest on unrelated New Jersey murder charges. Investigators determined that Ray was staying with Taylor and another co-defendant James Orr at a residence in Jacksonville.
On October 16, 2014, officers conducted a traffic stop of a car leaving that residence, in which RAY was a passenger. On RAY’s person, they found small quantities of crack and powder cocaine and well as marijuana. The next day, officers executed a search warrant at the residence. In RAY’s bedroom, they found 4.6 grams of heroin, 58.9 grams of crack cocaine, 47 grams of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, and a loaded 7.65mm semi-automatic firearm. They found an additional 80 grams of heroin in Orr’s and Taylor’s bedrooms.
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 Jacksonville Police Department, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Cocaine BaseRead 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 RASHEEM KIREEM HICKS, 41, of Fayetteville, to 78 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Hicks was named in an indictment filed on August 8, 2018 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (crack) on December 29, 2017. On July 10, 2019, HICKS, pled guilty to both charges.
According to the investigation, on December 21, 2017, the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) received information related to drug trafficking activities occurring at a residence in Fayetteville. During the investigation, the FPD discovered that HICKS lived at the residence where drugs were being distributed. Furthermore, HICKS had an arrest warrant for a violation of a domestic violence protection order.
On December 29, 2017, the FPD attempted to serve the arrest warrant on HICKS at his residence. Upon approaching the home, law enforcement detected an odor of marijuana coming from within the residence. HICKS was present and detained. A search warrant was obtained for HICKS’ residence. The search of HICKS’ residence revealed a stolen, loaded .40 caliber handgun, digital scales with cocaine residue, a marijuana grinder, 1 Oxycodone pill, 13 grams of crack cocaine, 0.5 gram of cocaine, 2.2 grams of marijuana, $1,123 in U.S. currency, and various drug paraphernalia.
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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Ilegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced DAMIAN GUTHARY, 24, of Fayetteville to 70 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
GUTHARY was named in an Indictment filed on April 8, 2019 charging him with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. On June 20, 2019, GUTHARY pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, on March 7, 2019, the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a shooting incident on Murchison Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The investigation revealed that the defendant and another vehicle were involved in a shooting and car chase down Murchison Road that resulted in multiple car crashes, a power outage, and non-life-threatening injuries to innocent bystanders. At the scene, law enforcement recovered a stolen firearm that was used in the shooting in a disabled vehicle associated with the defendant. At the time of the offense, the defendant was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Once detained, the defendant admitted to possessing the firearm and using it in the shooting.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chad E. Rhoades prosecuted the case for the government.
Clayton Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead 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 SERGIO EZEQUIEL ALVEAR, 23, of Clayton, NC to 37 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ALVEAR was named in an indictment filed on March 6, 2019, charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin on December 30, 2018. On July 20, 2019, ALVEAR, with a written plea agreement, pled guilty to count one that charged Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
According to the investigation, on December 30, 2018, deputies with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in Smithfield, North Carolina, attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by SERGIO EZEQUIEL ALVEAR; however, ALVEAR did not pull over. ALVEAR began traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed over the center lane into the left lane, went around three vehicles, lost control of the vehicle, ran off the left side of the road into an open field, struck a fence and crashed the vehicle into a guide wire of a nearby telephone pole. Following the crash, deputies detained ALVEAR. ALVEAR informed the arresting deputies that there was a loaded firearm in the car.
A search of ALVEAR and his vehicle resulted in the seizure of a .380 caliber pistol, 7 rounds of ammunition, 7.2 grams of marijuana, 1 Xanax pill, and 19 bindles (0.38 gram) of heroin.
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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Wilmington Gang Member Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced JACQUEZ HILL, 21, of Wilmington North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
HILL was named in an eleven-count indictment filed on February 13, 2019, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, eight-counts of distribution of heroin and one-count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. On June 11, 2019, HILL pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, distribution of a quantity of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
Between October 2017 and April 2018, the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made ten controlled purchases of heroin from HILL at various locations in Wilmington, North Carolina. During this period of time, HILL was wearing an ankle monitor related to North Carolina State Court convictions for possession with intent to deliver heroin and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. HILL discharged the firearm during a prior drug deal.
On January 17, 2019, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received information that Taveon Nixon was the passenger in a car driven by HILL. Nixon had an outstanding federal arrest warrant. Law enforcement attempted to stop the car at a gas station in New Hanover County in order to arrest Nixon. HILL struck a law enforcement car while Nixon fled on foot. HILL was removed from the car and placed under arrest. Nixon was arrested on federal charges following a foot chase. Raquel Adams, a back seat passenger, was found in possession of a quantity of heroin and United States Currency. Law enforcement found an additional 250 heroin bindles and $2,500 in the car. Nixon was sentenced in federal court last week and received a 10-year prison sentence. More Here Adams was sentenced yesterday and received 37months in federal prison.
On February 19, 2019, agents with ATF and the Wilmington Police Department attempted to arrest HILL near his apartment in the Mayfaire area of Wilmington. HILL observed the officers and fled at a high rate of speed. Agents were able to apprehend HILL later that evening. Following HILL’S arrest, law enforcement found an additional quantity of heroin that HILL had hidden.
These cases are part of an FBI-led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation named “Dodge Ball.” This operation is focused on members of the Nine Trey sect of the United Blood Nation, a violent gang in Wilmington, North Carolina involved in the distribution of heroin, possession of firearms and associated violence. This is a joint investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (Gang Unit), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover Sheriff’s Office. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and ATF utilize resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement in order to efficiently and effectively target and combat criminal gangs and drug trafficking organizations operating in coastal southern North Carolina. A key component of federal task force’s success involves the use of task force officers from local law enforcement who have direct knowledge of the criminal gang activity in their areas.
These cases are 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Charles Edward Harrington Receives 96 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced CHARLES EDWARD HARRINGTON 34, of Wilmington to 96 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
HARRINGTON was named in an indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on February 13, 2019, charging him with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack). On June 11, 2019, HARRINGTON pled guilty to that charge.
On December 22, 2018, investigators assigned to the Mobile Field Force task force with the Wilmington Police Department in Wilmington, North Carolina were patrolling in the area of Rankin Street, Wilmington when they observed HARRINGTON. HARRINGTON had an active warrant for his arrest and law enforcement placed HARRINGTON under arrest. During the course of the arrest, officers discovered a bag of cocaine base (crack) in HARRINGTON’s pocket. HARRINGTON has an extensive history of narcotics related convictions and offenses in New Hanover County.
This case is part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation “Tooth Fairy” with cooperation from the 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, Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated 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.
Wilson Man Sentenced for Distribution of Synthetic CannabinoidRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced AKRAM ABDEL-AZIZ, age 52, of Wilson, North Carolina, to 50 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ABDEL-AziZ was named in a five count Superseding Indictment filed on September 6, 2018 charging him with offenses related to the distribution of 5F-ADB; a synthetic cannabinoid listed as a Schedule I controlled substance. On December 17, 2018, pursuant to a plea agreement, ABDEL-AZIZ pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 5F-ADB and money laundering by structuring.
According to the investigation, between March of 2017 and April of 2018, ABDEL-AZIZ possessed and distributed a large quantity of 5F-ADB, known locally by the label “Black Magic” and other similar names. The substance was sold as a liquid vaporizer product at vape shops in Onslow, Craven, Wilson, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Pamlico counties. The product came to the attention of authorities following dozens of instances in which individuals required medical attention after ingesting the product and suffering from symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, paranoia, and cardiac arrest. The military was particularly hard hit as more than 100 military members fell ill and/or required medical attention after ingesting the substance. Moreover, use of the illegal substance resulted in the administrative separation of a large number of military personnel, negatively impacting the readiness of certain units. ABDEL-AZIZ obtained the 5F-ADB through bulk purchases from co-conspirators elsewhere in the United States using Western Union money orders. To avoid reporting requirements, purchases were made with money orders obtained from several locations in amounts of less than $10,000.
In carrying out the scheme, ABDEL-AZIZ took steps to obscure his identity and that of the 5F-ABD. These actions included using a false alias to make purchases and obtaining “Black Magic” labels printed from a local print shop that he then affixed to individual bottles. Upon arrest, items related to the conspiracy were seized from ABDEL-AZIZ’s possession including bottles, labels, and an amount of 5F-ADB. Additionally, nearly $200,000 in cash was seized from his home.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr, stated, “This sentence highlights the seriousness of unlawful vape products. Our community, and notably our military community, is safer because of this sentence. Illegal narcotics come in all forms, and unlawful vape products are particularly insidious as they convey a less dangerous appearance than other well-known harmful drugs. The work of the investigators on these cases is invaluable and deserves our thanks and appreciation.”
The U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; U.S. Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division; North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; Alcohol Law Enforcement Division; Jacksonville Police Department; Onslow County Sheriff’s Office; Wilson County Sheriff’s Office; Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; Craven County Sheriff’s Office; Wayne County Sheriff’s Office; and, other state and local law enforcement agencies investigated this case.
9 Indicted for Firearms, Drug and Robbery Offenses in Rocky Mount, NCRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the federal indictments of nine defendants from Rocky Mount, North Carolina on charges that include firearm, drug, and robbery offenses. All defendants are currently in the custody of law enforcement.
A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned Indictments against the following individuals for the listed offenses:
- Kelvin Jermaine Davis, 43, of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm)
- Joshua Lamont Deloach, 31 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm)
- Calvin Grant, 40 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm)
- Brandon Shane Reams, 40 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm)
- Cecil Terrance Reams, 40 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm)
- Darrell Demetrius Whitehead, 33 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm)
- Terrence Rosario Wilson, 39 of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in possession of a firearm)
- Aramis Wiggins, 40, of Rocky Mount, NC (Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine)
- Emmanuel Marquise Morris, 25 of Rocky Mount, NC (Interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during robbery)
United States Attorney Higdon commented, “For the last 18 months the United States Attorney’s Office has been working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement as we ‘Take Back North Carolina’ from drug traffickers and violent criminals all across the Eastern District. In the Rocky Mount area we have had strong support and outstanding cooperation among our law enforcement partners. These arrests are the results of that cooperation and are just the next step in our ongoing effort to reduce the crime rate in and around Rocky Mount. We look forward to presenting the cases against these defendants in federal court in short order.”
“I would like to cite the hard work of all the law enforcement agencies that contributed their efforts in this initiative to make the residents of Rocky Mount feel safe,” said Chief George Robinson of the Rocky Mount Police Department. “The successful round up of these violent offenders is an example of outstanding team work with our partners in the ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney's Office, and the District Attorneys Office, as well as U.S. Probation, Rocky Mount Probation and the NC DPS Special Operations.”
If convicted, Davis, Deloach, Grant, Whitehead and Wilson, would face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted, Brandon Reams and Cecil Reams would face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted, Morris would face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted, Wiggins would face a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of 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 indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Mount Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, United States Probation Office and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigations in these matters.
Former Camp Lejeune Marine Pleads Guilty to Distributing Oxycodone and Fentanyl Linked to Fellow Marine’s DeathRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted a guilty plea by Marcos jamie villegas, 24, of St. Charles, Illinois, to distributing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone and fentanyl, and aiding and abetting.
According to the investigation, on April 14, 2017, United States Marine Corporal Mark M. Mambulao and VILLEGAS were visiting at a local residence in Richlands, North Carolina. During the party, VILLEGAS provided Mambulao with pills that he and fellow Marine Sergeant Anthony P. Tognietti had purchased over the dark web. The pills had been advertised as oxycodone laced with fentanyl, a highly powerful opiate that can be lethal in even small doses. In the early hours of April 15, 2017, VILLEGAS discovered Mambulao unresponsive. Mambulao was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and died shortly after his arrival. Mambulao’s autopsy revealed his cause of death as fentanyl overdose and low alcohol content. Mambulao was just 20 years old at the time of his death.
Investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) revealed that just a few weeks later, similar pills were seized from VILLEGAS’s barracks room. The pills were later sent off for testing and came back positive for fentanyl. Examination of VILLEGAS’s cellular phone revealed text messages discussing purchases of drugs. Further coordination by NCIS with the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration linked the pills purchased by VILLEGAS and Tognietti to a manufacturer and dark web distributor in Texas. That man, Alaa Mohammed Allawi, 30, was later charged and pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury and using a gun during a drug crime. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. As part of the deal, Allawi agreed to be sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Tognietti was charged by a Criminal Information filed on March 27, 2019 for distributing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone and fentanyl, and aiding and abetting. On April 17, 2019, he pled guilty to that charge and awaits sentencing in October 2019. Both Tognietti and VILLEGAS face up to twenty years’ imprisonment.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Laura S. Howard represented the government.
Duplin County Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Drug DistributionRead 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 FARUQ ROSE, 43, of Wallace, North Carolina, to 420 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
ROSE was named in a two-count Indictment filed on June 27, 2017, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine (Count One) and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine (Count Two). On February 26, 2019, ROSE was found guilty of Counts 1 and 2 which charged conduct that concluded on June 27, 2017.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Pender County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). As a result of the investigation, ROSE was identified as a member of a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) which utilized overnight shipping companies, such as FedEx, to ship packages containing cocaine from Arizona and California to Eastern North Carolina for distribution.
On October 21, 2016, while conducting drug interdiction at the FedEx hub in Greensboro, North Carolina, DEA officers identified two FedEx packages containing 3,996.3 grams of cocaine, which were scheduled to be delivered to an address in Wallace, North Carolina. Authorities subsequently arranged for the controlled delivery of those packages to the Wallace residence by an undercover law enforcement officer. Shortly after packages were delivered, authorities observed ROSE arrive at the residence, take possession of the packages, and depart in a vehicle driven by ROSE. Moments later, authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, but ROSE accelerated to a high rate of speed, exited the highway, traveled through a business parking lot, and struck an unmarked DCSO vehicle head-on. The vehicle was occupied by a DCSO detective. Following the collision ROSE was placed under arrest.
Immediately following his arrest, ROSE informed authorities that he wanted to speak to them regarding his drug trafficking activities. Thereafter, ROSE participated in an interview where he confessed to being in possession of cocaine and being involved with a major DTO responsible for the distribution of cocaine in the Wallace area. ROSE indicated that he sold kilogram quantities of cocaine for the DTO. According to ROSE, the leader of the DTO, who was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased kilogram quantities of cocaine from an unknown Mexican drug trafficker in California. The leader would then ship the cocaine from California to ROSE for distribution. ROSE acknowledged that over the prior several months, he had received approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from his supplier, and that he subsequently sold another individual the same quantity of cocaine for $38,000 per kilogram. ROSE noted that he received $5,000 per kilogram of cocaine he sold. ROSE informed authorities that after receiving payment for the cocaine from his buyer, he would transport the currency in a secret compartment in his vehicle back to his supplier in the Philadelphia area.
During the interview, ROSE informed law enforcement that there were no drugs, weapons, or large amounts of currency at his residence and consented to a search of his property. A search of ROSE’S vehicle revealed the hidden compartment which ROSE had described. While searching ROSE’S residence, authorities located a large duffle bag containing 2 pounds of marijuana, three digital scales, a vacuum sealer, four boxes of plastic bags, and a FedEx receipt. ROSE acknowledged that he had paid $2,000 per pound for the marijuana. ROSE further noted that the FedEx receipt was from the shipment of marijuana.
Based on the investigation, ROSE is accountable for the possession of 13.9963 kilograms of cocaine and 2 pounds of marijuana. While attempting to flee from law enforcement, ROSE recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person by traveling at a high rate of speed both on marked roads and through a business parking lot. Additionally, ROSE crashed into one of the unmarked police vehicles head-on, creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to the law enforcement officer. Further, ROSE attempted to obstruct justice through both written and telephonic communication wherein he tried to convince a witness to change his/her testimony for his trial.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the Pender County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Knott represented the United States in this case.
Wilmington Gang Member Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TAVEON NIXON, 21, of Wilmington, North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On December 20, 2018, a Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a four-count indictment, charging NIXON with three counts of distribution of heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and quantity of cocaine base (crack). On May 20, 2019, NIXON pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of heroin and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base (crack).
According to the investigation, on November 29 and December 4, 2018, the Wilmington Police Department made two controlled purchases of heroin from NIXON in the area of South 9th Street in Wilmington.
On December 10, 2018, officers with the Security Threat Unit of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety conducted a warrantless probationary search at the NIXON’s residence in Wilmington. NIXON was on probation for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Law enforcement found heroin, crack cocaine, and $1,400 cash. NIXON was arrested as a result. Following this arrest, NIXON removed an ankle monitor in an attempt to evade law enforcement. According to law enforcement, NIXON was a validated gang member.
On January 17, 2019, NIXON had an outstanding federal arrest warrant. Law enforcement received information that NIXON was the passenger in a car with other gang members. Task Force Officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make a traffic stop at a gas station in New Hanover County. The driver struck a law enforcement car, while NIXON fled on foot. NIXON was arrested following a foot chase. Law enforcement found more than 250 bindles of heroin in the car and United States Currency. The driver and another passenger are scheduled to be sentenced in federal court later this month.
This case is part of an FBI-led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation named “Dodge Ball.” This operation is focused on members of the Nine Trey sect of the United Blood Nation, a violent gang in Wilmington, North Carolina involved in the distribution of heroin, possession of firearms and associated violence. This is a joint investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (Gang Unit), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover Sheriff’s Office. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and ATF utilize resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement in order to efficiently and effectively target and combat criminal gangs and drug trafficking organizations operating in coastal southern North Carolina. A key component of federal task force’s success involves the use of task force officers from local law enforcement who have direct knowledge of the criminal gang activity in their areas.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Two Robeson County Men Sentenced for Robbery and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced DANIEL THOMPSON 22, of Fairmont, North Carolina, to 112 months’ imprisonment and ELIJAH MITCHELL 24, of Lumberton, North Carolina, to 125 months’ imprisonment.
THOMPSON and MITCHELL were named in a two-count Indictment on March 6, 2019. Count One charged both men with Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Aiding and Abetting, and Count Two charged both men with Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting. On June 19, 2019, both men pled guilty to both counts.
On September 9, 2018, around 6:30 a.m., THOMPSON and MITCHELL entered a Murphy USA gas station located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. There, THOMPSON approached the store clerk and brandished a firearm at her while demanding money from the cash register. MITCHELL then jumped over the counter and stood by the victim as she removed money from the cash registers. In addition to the money, cartons of cigarettes and other tobacco products were also stolen from the store. Surveillance video captured the robbery, and law enforcement disseminated still shots of the robbery, which ultimately led to identification and arrest of THOMPSON and MITCHELL.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayetteville Police Department and the Fairmont Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Chad E. Rhoades prosecuted the case for the government.
Men Charged for Selling Stolen Military PropertyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal criminal information has been filed charging JARED KENT NUCCI, age 28, of Fayetteville, NC, with one count of shipping stolen property belonging to the United States military overseas in violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). In a separately filed criminal information, JOSE MANUEL ORTIZ-RIVERA, age 32, of Fayetteville, NC, was charged with one count of conspiracy to steal government property.
NUCCI AND ORTIZ-RIVERA conspired with other individuals to steal and illegally sell government property and military equipment. ORTIZ-RIVERA stole military equipment from the United States Army at Ft. Bragg and sold it to others. NUCCI utilized an eBay account to sell and export stolen military equipment to Japan without having first obtained from the Department of State a license for such export or written authorization for such export.
These cases are related to a previous filed indictment charging SCOTT DOUGLAS BROWNING, age 42, of Fayetteville, NC, and a criminal information filed charging Victor Manuel Cortijo, age 39, of Fayetteville, NC. BROWNING was sentenced on August 9, 2019, before Chief Judge Terrance W. Boyle after pleading guilty to two counts including theft of government property and violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. In his plea agreement, BROWNING agreed to make restitution to the U.S. Army in the amount of $1,854,000. On September 16, 2019, CORTIJO pled guilty before Chief Judge Terrance W. Boyle to one count of conspiracy to receive stolen government property. CORTIJO’s plea agreement includes making restitution of $67,500 to the U.S. Army.
If convicted of these charges NUCCI faces maximum penalties of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. ORTIZ-RIVERA faces maximum penalties of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Both NUCCI and ORTIZ-RIVERA are expected to enter guilty pleas in federal court. Their arraignments have not yet been set. The charges and allegations contained in the criminal information’s are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Department of Homeland Security are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel J. Diaz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Former Soldier Sentenced on Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced JOSEPH RUSSEL GRAFF, 39, of Newport, North Carolina to 52 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“The success of our overseas war and reconstruction efforts is tied directly to the trust and respect established with the local populace,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “Corruption in our military operations undermines those efforts and cannot be tolerated.”
GRAFF was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on April 10, 2018 charging him with several offenses, including his unlawful possession of machineguns. On November 19, 2018, GRAFF pled guilty to that firearm offense.
According to Superseding Indictment and information in the public record, GRAFF was a Sergeant First Class (E-7) in the United States Department of the Army assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg. GRAFF was a Special Forces Operator assigned to Operational Detachment - Bravo (“ODB”). His military occupational specialty was a weapons sergeant.
During a search of his residence in North Carolina, law enforcement recovered 8 firearms, six of which were machineguns. GRAFF told law enforcement that he brought the weapons back from Afghanistan, but falsely claimed that he had cleared all the firearms through his Command and U.S. Customs. GRAFF did not have any permits to possess any National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. GRAFF never obtained a permit to import weapons.
During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement also uncovered evidence that GRAFF participated in a scheme to steal government property and have it sold on the black market by Afghan nationals. GRAFF sent the money from the scheme back to the United States in a storage container. GRAFF then used the money to make a down payment on a new home, install an indoor pool, and to buy vehicles for himself and his family. GRAFF agreed to the forfeiture of $151,906.11 in connection with the fraud.
“This sentencing is the product of a thorough investigation and demonstrates the effectiveness of joint investigations by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig, Jr., DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS will continue to vigorously pursue corrupt actors whose actions subvert the mission of our brave service members putting their lives on the line each day.”
“This crime involves a serious breach of trust," said Inspector General John F. Sopko. “SIGAR investigators will tirelessly pursue any crimes involving the abuse of the public trust and misuse of American taxpayer dollars in Afghanistan.”
“Today’s sentencing is a clear example that illegal actions such as this will not be tolerated,” said Frank Robey, director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “Our special agents, who are strategically stationed throughout the world, will continue to aggressively investigate criminal allegations that ultimately affect the readiness of our Army.”
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command - Major Procurement Fraud Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Senior Litigation Counsel Banumathi Rangarajan handled the prosecution on behalf of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Holly Ridge Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced KENNETH WADE REINHOLD, 33, of Holly Ridge, North Carolina to 360 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
REINHOLD was named in an Indictment filed on January 19, 2019 charging him with multiple counts of manufacture of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. On June 12, 2019, REINHOLD pled guilty to manufacturing child pornography.
In June 2018 the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City, Missouri, was investigating the distribution of child pornography on social media sites. An agent working in an undercover capacity found REINHOLD and others exchanging child pornography via Kik Interactive social media site. The undercover agent, in an attempt to gain information about the criminal activities and identity of REINHOLD, said she had two daughters that she was interested in exposing to sexual activity. REINHOLD expressed an immediate interest and began having private conversations with the agent. During those conversations the agent became aware REINHOLD was molesting young children with whom he had contact. Agents identified REINHOLD based on photos and dteremined he lived in Holly Ridge, North Carolina. FBI in Kansas City referred the matter to FBI in Wilmington, North Carolina so immediate action could be taken to protect the children against whom REINHOLD was offending.
The FBI and Onslow County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at REINHOLD’s residence in Holly Ridge and seized multiple digital devices. REINHOLD, after being warned of his Miranda rights, admitted to taking exploitative photos of multiple children. He also admitted to running the chat group on Kik where multiple people were exchanging child pornography.
Forensic analysis of REINHOLD’s digital devices uncovered 185 images and 206 videos of child pornography. Law enforcement also found multiple child pornographic images and videos that REINHOLD himself produced, depicting minor victims under the age of 12.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Onslow County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel, Charity Wilson and Jake D. Pugh.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced FRANKIE LEE JONES, 34, of Fayetteville, North Carolina to 180 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release.
JONES was named in an Indictment filed on July 25, 2018 charging him with multiple counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct and to engage in sexual activity. On July 29, 2019, JONES pled guilty to one count of coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Beginning in late 2016 JONES began communicating with a 13 year child through Kik, a mobile messaging and social media application. The two began an online relationship that extended from internet messaging to texting and speaking on the phone. Law enforcement recovered nearly 7,000 text messages between the victim and JONES. The messages between the two revealed a plan to move in together, get married and continue their relationship. The messages were, at times, sexually explicit in nature. JONES indicated that he knew the child was 13 but said he loved the child and wanted to marry the child. JONES frequently asked for sexually explicit photos and videos of the child.
In March 2017, JONES picked up the child from the Raleigh area and took the child to a hotel in Fayetteville. During the weekend JONES engaged in sexual activity with the child multiple times and took sexually explicit photographs of the child.
After the child disclosed the relationship and sexual activity to family members, law enforcement spoke to JONES. He admitted to sexual activity with the child but denied knowing the child’s true age despite the text messages that showed the contrary.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by Homeland Security and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel, Charity Wilson and Jake D. Pugh.
Federal Jury Finds Alien Guilty of Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that on September 23, 2019, in federal court, MARCIO SANTOS-PORTILLO, 46, of Honduras, was convicted following a trial before United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found the defendant guilty of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
At trial, the evidence showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Wilmington, North Carolina, after having previously been deported from the United States on March 21, 2011, at Houston, Texas. The evidence further showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, who had been previously convicted of felony evading arrest with a vehicle in Harris County, Texas, reentered without having obtained the express permission of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations.
Henderson Pair Charged in Federal Court after Vance County Deputies InjuredRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest of two defendants pursuant to Federal Criminal Complaints for federal narcotics offenses. The arrests occurred after law enforcement attempted to serve a search warrant in Henderson, North Carolina. The defendants injured four Vance County Deputy Sheriffs, in their attempt to flee the area where the search warrant was being executed.
JASMELE ROBINSON, 36, of Henderson, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting. If convicted of these charges, ROBINSON could be sentenced to at least five years’ imprisonment up to life, and up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. KRISHANA WILLIAMS, 30, of Henderson, was charged with maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting. She faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.
The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
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 violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is handling the case for the government.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
WHEN: Friday, September 20, 2019 at 1:00pm
WHERE: Vance County Courthouse
156 Church Street
Henderson, North Carolina
Re: USMS Roundup – Operation 310
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the recently completed fugitive roundup in Vance County that has taken place over the last week, called Operation 310. Coordinated by the United States Marshals Service, in partnership with multiple law enforcement agencies including those listed below, these roundup resulted in the arrest of over 25 fugitives in Vance County and the seizure of numerous firearms and U.S. Currency. More information and details about the results of this operation will be provided during the press conference.
The federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that took part in Operation 310 included: United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Probation Office, Henderson Police Department, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. and United States Marshal Michael East, it is anticipated members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies will be present at this event, along with the District Attorney for Vance County, Michael Waters.
Armed Drug Trafficker Receives 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced ANTHONY WILLIAMS 36, of New Hanover County to 168 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released. On January 15, 2018, WILLIAMS plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of Cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of Crack Cocaine and 5 kilograms or more of Cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On June 6, 2017, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division served a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence in Wilmington, North Carolina. Law enforcement found more than 12 kilogram of Cocaine, 388 grams of Crack Cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, items used to convert cocaine into crack cocaine and $205,000 in cash.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement uncovered that WILLIAMS was responsible for distributing more than 60 kilograms of Cocaine and 4 kilograms of Crack Cocaine.
This case was part of a joint operation between the New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriffs’ Offices and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force. This Task Force uses resources from federal, state and local law enforcement to efficiently and effectively target and combat criminal groups operating in coastal, southern North Carolina. A key component of this task force’s success involves the use of task force officers from local law enforcement who have direct knowledge of the criminal activity in their areas.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force and the New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriffs’ Offices, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the Wilmington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Two Fayetteville Gang Members Sentenced for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TEVON FAYSON 24, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 180 months’ imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised released, and HASAN THOMAS 24, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 130 months’ imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised released.
FAYSON and THOMAS were named in a five-count Indictment on October 18, 2018. Count One charged Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Count Two charged Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Aiding and Abetting, Count Three charged Forcibly Assaulting an Officer or Employee of the United States and Aiding and Abetting, Count Four charged Robbing Personal Property belonging to the United States and Aiding and Abetting, and Count Five charged Brandishing, Carrying, and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting.
On April 16, 2019, FAYSON pled guilty to Counts Two and Four, and on May 20, 2019, THOMAS pled guilty to Counts Two through Five.
On September 5, 2018, as part of an undercover operation, law enforcement arranged a meeting with FAYSON to purchase controlled substances and a firearm. At the time of the controlled purchase, FAYSON was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. On September 7, 2018, law enforcement arranged another meeting with FAYSON to conduct a controlled purchase for controlled substances and firearms. FAYSON and THOMAS then traveled to Murchison Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina where FAYSON and THOMAS went to a residential area to complete the controlled purchase. There, THOMAS, a convicted felon, provided FAYSON with a loaded firearm, which he brandished during the controlled purchase. Audio and video surveillance captured the entire transaction. According to law enforcement, both men are validated gang members.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chad E. Rhoades prosecuted the case for the government.
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm, Passport Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, False Representation of Social Security Number, False Claim of US Citizenship in Order to Register to VoteRead 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 ABONZA BONIFACIO-GARCIA, age 33, of Mexico, and JOSE DIAZ-BRITO, age 40, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned indictments charging JOHNNY ROEL-ROBLEDO, age 42, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of an aggravated felon and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of a firearm, and JORGE ALBERTO CHAVEZ-MORENO, age 38, of Mexico, with passport fraud, aggravated identity theft, false representation of a social security number, false claim to US citizenship in order to register to vote, and fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, BONIFACIO-GARCIA, previously deported and found in Pitt County, and DIAZ-BRITO, 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.
ROEL-ROBLEDO, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of passport fraud, aggravated identity theft, false representation of a social security number, false claim to US citizenship in order to register to vote, and fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents, CHAVEZ-MORENO, found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of 37 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.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Raleigh Investment Advisor Sentenced to 40 Years for Orchestrating Ponzi Scheme, Obstructing the SEC, and Committing Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in the United States District Court in Raleigh, Judge James C. Dever III sentenced STEPHEN CONDON PETERS, 45, of Raleigh, North Carolina, to serve a total term of 40 years in federal prison on charges of Investment Advisor Fraud, Fraud in the Sale of Unregistered Securities, Wire Fraud, Conducting Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The court also ordered that Peters make restitution in the amount of $15,063,624.30 to his numerous victims. The court also ordered forfeiture as part of the sentence.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. stated, “With what is effectively a life sentence for Mr. Peters, the Court in this case gave a clear message: Investment advisors who steal their client’s money with lies, and use it to fund their own greed, will pay for their crimes in decades -- not days, months or years. This office will continue its mission to protect the elderly and others who place their trust in financial professionals.”
"Stephen Peters will spend the next 40 years right where he belongs, behind bars. Peters cheated hundreds of hardworking people out of their life savings so he could fund his own lavish lifestyle. This is a case about greed and abuse of trust. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to ensure this kind of malicious behavior is investigated and those guilty offenders are held accountable,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
At trial and through the sentencing process, the evidence showed that Peters, in his role as a Registered Investment Advisor, defrauded his numerous clients by steering them into investments in which Peters had a direct financial interest. He then compounded his crimes by attempting to defraud the SEC with false documents and statements. According to the Court, Peters’s crimes were “breathtaking,” but were proven with a “tsunami of evidence.” In issuing its 40 year sentence, the Court also noted that Peters “quadrupled down” on the crime by, among other things, perjurying himself at trial.
In addition to its order of restitution, the Court gave potential victims an additional 45 days in which to lodge claims of restitution that were not previously known to the Government. If you feel that you may have been a victim of this offense, and have not already responded to the Government’s requests for information, please contact the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the United States.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
WHEN: Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11:00am
WHERE: Vance County Courthouse
156 Church Street
Henderson, North Carolina
RE: USMS Roundup – Operation 310
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the recently completed fugitive roundup in Vance County that has taken place over the last week, called Operation 310. Coordinated by the United States Marshals Service, in partnership with multiple law enforcement agencies including those listed below, these roundup resulted in the arrest of over 25 fugitives in Vance County and the seizure of numerous firearms and U.S. Currency. More information and details about the results of this operation will be provided during the press conference.
The federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that took part in Operation 310 included: United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Probation Office, Henderson Police Department, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. and United States Marshal Michael East, it is anticipated members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies will be present at this event, along with the District Attorney for Vance County, Michael Waters.
Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead 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 an indictment charging JESUS GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 43, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien subsequent to a Felony Conviction.
GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported three times and found in Franklin County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, GARCIA-HERNANDEZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, 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.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty to Selling Foreign Crab Meat Falsely Labeled as Blue Crab from USARead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA – Capt. Neill’s Seafood, Inc. of Columbia, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Bern, North Carolina, on charges that the company falsely labeled millions of dollars’ worth of foreign crab meat as “Product of USA,” announced G. Norman Acker, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, under authority conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515.
“Seafood mislabeling is consumer fraud that undermines efforts of hardworking, honest fisherman and the free market by devaluing the price of domestic seafood,” said Acting United States Attorney G. Norman Acker III. “In this case, the fraudulent scheme artificially deflated the cost of domestic blue crab and gave Capt. Neill’s Seafood an unacceptable economic advantage over law-abiding competitors.”
“Seafood fraud and mislabeling can affect the economic value of our domestic fisheries,” said Logan Gregory, Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office (NOAA) of Law Enforcement. “Our office is committed to investigating these crimes to help ensure the economic value and sustainability of our fisheries.”
According to information in the public record, Phillip Carawan was the owner, President, and Chief Executive Officer, of Capt. Neill’s Seafood, Inc., a North Carolina company engaged in the business of purchasing, processing, packaging, transporting, and selling seafood and seafood products, including crab meat from domestically harvested blue crab. Carawan previously pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him and Capt. Neill’s with substituting foreign crab meat for domestic blue crab and, as part of his plea, Carawan admitted to falsely labeling more than 179,872 pounds of crab meat with a retail market value of $4,082,841. The falsely labeled crabmeat was then sold primarily to wholesale membership clubs, but also to other retailers.
As part of its guilty plea, Capt Neill’s Seafood admitted that the company could not and did not process sufficient quantities of domestic blue crab to meet customer demands. To make up the shortfall, the company used foreign crab meat to fulfill customer orders. During the periods when the company did not have a sufficient supply of domestic crab, Capt. Neill’s Seafood purchased crab meat (not live crabs) from South America and Asia. The company further admitted that beginning at least as early as 2012, and continuing through June 16, 2015, company employees repacked foreign crab meat into containers labeled “Product of USA,” which Capt. Neill’s then sold to customers as jumbo domestically harvested blue crab.
As part of its plea agreement, Capt. Neill’s Seafood agreed to a criminal fine of $500,000; to pay restitution to recipients of the mislabeled crabmeat; to develop and implement a compliance program; and to be debarred from any federal contracts during the term of probation. The parties will request that the company be placed on probation for a term of five years, the maximum sentence authorized for a corporate defendant for the charge. In order to ensure payment of all monetary penalties, Capt. Neill’s Seafood’s sister corporation, Capt. Charlie’s Seafood, agreed to serve as a guarantor.
As part of the plea agreements entered into by Carawan and Capt. Neill’s, restitution will be made to persons whom the government confirmed purchased Capt. Neill’s jumbo crab meat between 2012 and June 16, 2015. For individuals who wish to see whether they qualify for restitution and for further information on the prosecution, please visit the following site: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/captneillsseafoodvictiminformationpage
This case was part of an ongoing effort by the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Justice, to detect, deter, and prosecute those engaged in the false labeling of crab meat.
The guilty plea took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II in Wilmington, North Carolina. Sentencing will take place in January 2020. The maximum sentence for falsely labeling crab meat by a corporation is five years’ probation and a fine of up to twice the gross gain of the offense, which in this case, is $8,165,682.00
This prosecution is being handled by jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section. The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Banumathi Rangarajan and Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to over 12 Years' Imprisonment on Firearm and Drug 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 Louise W. Flanagan sentenced JESSE BERNALE STINES, JR., 27, of Raleigh to 151 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 18, 2019, STINES pled guilty to one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
The government’s evidence established that on August 28, 2018, a Raleigh Police Department officer was on patrol on N. King Charles Rd. in Raleigh when he saw a white BMW with what appeared to be illegal window tint and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the BMW, identified as STINES, partially rolled down his driver’s side window, and the officer could immediately smell the strong odor of marijuana. At the same time, the officer saw a mason jar with marijuana residue in plain view in the passenger seat.
The officer informed the defendant that he would be doing a probable cause search of the car and asked the defendant if it contained anything illegal. The defendant stated that there was something in the car, then added that there was a firearm and that he was a convicted felon. Officers searched the car and found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun on the floorboard of the rear passenger seat. Near the gun, officers found a baggie of crack cocaine and a digital scale.
The Court at sentencing concluded that STINES qualified as a career offender based on past state convictions, meriting an enhanced sentence. STINES’ prior convictions include a 2016 conviction for possession with intent to sell cocaine, 2014 convictions for possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing with intent to sell cocaine and marijuana, and a 2011 conviction for misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, all in Wake County District Court.
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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Armed Drug Trafficker Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that United States Judge District James C. Dever III sentenced GERICK TURNER, 41, of New Hanover County to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On April 15, 2019, TURNER pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin, a separate count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On September 4, 2018, narcotics officers with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received information that TURNER was transporting narcotics from Charlotte to Wilmington, North Carolina. Detectives performed a traffic stop on his rental car in Wilmington. After a trained K-9 detected the odor of narcotics emitting from the car, TURNER acknowledged to the officer that they were going to find drugs. A search of the vechible resulted in the discovery of more than more than 900 grams of cocaine, 50 grams of crack cocaine and 965 bags of heroin.
On September 5, 2018, New Hanover County Detectives searched TURNER’S residence in Wilmington and found an additional 30 grams of heroin, a loaded .44 caliber handgun and packaging material and a cutting agent used in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This 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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Coastal Carolina Continuing Criminal Enterprise Task Force which includes task force officers from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Division. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud - (866) 720-5721Read the Press Release
RALEIGH – The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
“In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian the affected communities and citizens of Eastern North Carolina should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders.”
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- FEMA fraud;
- Identity theft;
- Contractor fraud;
- Charity fraud; and,
- Impersonation of government officials.
The NCDF reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims. The public is also reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.
Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Dorian, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Tips should be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to [email protected], and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.
Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement from United States Attorney Higdon here. Within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Deputy Criminal Chief Felice Corpening serves as the Disaster Fraud Coordinator. Working with the NCDF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, Deputy Criminal Chief Corpening oversees the federal prosecution and investigation of disaster fraud matters impacting Eastern North Carolina. Violations of North Carolina state disaster fraud laws are handled by the North Carolina Department of Justice’s (NCDOJ) Consumer Protection Division. The NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division may be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226) or by visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.
Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized by fraud are available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Henderson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced JERMILL BLACKNALL, 31, of Henderson, North Carolina, to 81 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On June 6, 2019, BLACKNALL, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On January 21 and 28, 2018, officers of the Henderson Police Department (HPD) conducted controlled purchases of heroin using a confidential informant from BLACKNALL’S residence. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at that location where officers recovered a loaded assault rifle with two extended magazines and a 50-round magazine “drum.” HPD also found raw heroin, a blender with heroin residue, digital scales, and packaging materials.
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.
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 violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
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 Eduardo LOPEZ-Hernandez, age 28, of Mexico, and MIGUEL SALGADO-NARANJO, age 62, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ, who was found in Wayne County, was previously deported nine times, and was previously convicted of illegal entry four times, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
SALGADO-NARANJO, previously deported and found in Johnston County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (sale of cocaine). Therefore if convicted, would face maximum penalties of 20 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.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Wilmington Gang Member Receives More than 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced JOSHUA WRIGHT, 25, of New Hanover County to 151 months’ imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release. On April 8, 2019, WRIGHT pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of heroin.
On May 2, 2018, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from WRIGHT in the parking lot of the Indochine Restaurant. WRIGHT was wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time of this sale because he was on post–supervision release from prison for a prior drug conviction. According to law enforcement, WRIGHT is a validated gang member.
This case is part of a joint Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and WPD operation led by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which focused on gang related heroin distribution in Eastern North Carolina. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations. This investigation is focused on gang related heroin distribution and the violence associated with this gang in Eastern 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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department Gang Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney's Office Partners with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to Roll-Out Phase III of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice InitiativeRead the Press Release
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 August 29, 2019, the Eastern District partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to conduct Phase III of its outreach to approximately 1,300 seniors in the area to raise awareness about DOJ’s Elder Justice Initiative and provide facts about financial scams and how seniors can protect themselves from falling victim.
Below are some facts shared with the community about financial scams:
- Fraud Victimization
- Over 13% of older Americans become victims of financial fraud every year
- Of those who are subject to a fraud attempt, 25% will become a fraud victim
- Oder adults lose more than $3 billion annually to financial scams
- Examples of fraud & scams
- Overcharging for products or services
- Lottery and sweepstakes fraud
- Pretend romantic attention towards an older adult
- Scammers posing as government employees telling you to pay a fee
- Someone posing to be from the information technology field offers to fix a non-existent problem with your computer
- Fraud victims have been approached:
- While in the grocery store
- By knocking at the door
- Through the phone
- Through the internet
- Through the mail
- It’s Your Right
- If someone approaches you in any of these ways, you do not have to respond
- It’s ok to hang up the phone
- It’s ok to not answer the door
- It’s ok to not open an email or a piece of mail
- It’s ok to say, “No, thank you” to someone who approaches you
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.
- Fraud Victimization
Treyton Thomas Sentenced to 262 Months' Imprisonment for Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme and Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced TREYTON LEE THOMAS, age 63, to 262 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and 60 months’ imprisonment for income tax evasion, to run concurrently. Judge Dever also ordered THOMAS to pay approximately $7.3 million in restitution to the victims of the investment and bank fraud schemes, the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Attorney’s Office and to forfeit an additional $7.3 million to the United States.
On November 22, 2016, THOMAS was charged in a 21-Count Indictment with wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. This Indictment charged THOMAS, who represented himself as a successful Harvard educated investment advisor, with defrauding his father’s used car warranty company, NC&VA Warranty of Roxboro, N.C., several of its customers, his wife, and his father-in-law. THOMAS claimed he was conservatively investing their money in U.S. Treasury Bills. Instead, through an on-line brokerage firm, THOMAS used these funds to conduct risky trades in the commodities and futures market. To conceal this fraud scheme, THOMAS provided these victims and various financial institutions with false information and fabricated bank and brokerage statements. To obtain additional funds, the Indictment charged THOMAS with using the same false information and fabricated statements to defraud financial institutions out of approximately 1.9 million dollars in loan proceeds. In addition to losing the victims’ money in risky trades, the Indictment charged THOMAS with spending more than 1.6 million dollars to pay personal expenses.
On March 15, 2018, THOMAS was charged in another Indictment with six counts of income tax evasion for the calendar years 2010 through 2015 and two counts of failing to disclose his interest in and authority over foreign bank accounts. According to court records, THOMAS failed to file United States Income Tax Returns (Forms 1040) or pay taxes for two decades. To conceal his income, THOMAS used offshore entities, in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Nevis, and employed individuals from offshore corporation management companies to act as his nominee in numerous business ventures. These foreigners opened and managed bank accounts through which THOMAS moved the victims’ funds in and out of the United States. Additionally, THOMAS created fake or “ghost” employees to make it appear that he operated a large, successful investment fund. To conceal his own identity, THOMAS used aliases or variations of his given name.
The Court agreed with the Government that THOMAS had attempted to obstruct justice and was not entitled to a reduced sentence for acceptance of responsibility even though he pled guilty. Several victims spoke at the sentencing hearing, describing the financial and emotional toll THOMAS’ crimes had caused.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Menzer and John Harris represented the government in this case.
Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead 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 AKEEM TERON FLOOD, 27, of Durham, North Carolina, to 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by a 5 year term of supervised released.
On December 19, 2018, FLOOD was named in a four-count Indictment and, on April, 2019, FLOOD pled guilty to Count Four, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
In April 2018, Raleigh Police Department (RPD) conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine base (crack) from FLOOD outside his residence in Raleigh. A search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed at FLOOD’s residence in Raleigh on April 21, 2018. The search resulted in the seizure of more than 150 grams of marijuana, more than 22 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, over $5,500 in U.S. currency, ammunition, and a loaded .380 caliber pistol.
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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case for the government.
Man Sentenced for Involvement in Methamphetamine Drug ConspiracyRead 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 BRANDON DUWAYNE WRIGHT, 33, of High Point, North Carolina, to 300 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
WRIGHT was named in an indictment filed on August 28, 2018 charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine; and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 14, 2019, WRIGHT was convicted of both charges after a jury trial.
According to the investigation, WRIGHT traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to Greenville, North Carolina to deliver five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside two large dog food bags and a box of laundry detergent. WRIGHT met a cooperator in a parking lot of a Walmart in Greenville, North Carolina and provided what WRIGHT described as groceries to the cooperator. After receiving the dog food bags, law enforcement immediately noticed the packages had previously been opened as they were resealed with clear plastic tape.
The prosecution of WRIGHT was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) targeting drug traffickers in Greenville, North Carolina. This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s 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.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force consisting of the Greenville Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Winterville Police Department, East Carolina University Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Julio Najera Receives 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence Boyle sentenced JULIO NAJERA, 25, of Sampson County to 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a three-count Indictment against NAJERA on December 12, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. NAJERA pled guilty to all three counts on April 10, 2019.
On the morning of November 9, 2017, law enforcement officials with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 57 grams of crystal methamphetamine from NAJERA at NAJERA’s residence in Sampson County. Later that morning, law enforcement executed a search warrant of NAJERA’s residence. During the course of the search, law enforcement found an additional 283 grams of crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and $3,979 in U.S. Currency from the earlier controlled purchase.
This is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This case is part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) OCDETF operation “Fall of the House of Usher” with cooperation from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation is focused on a drug trafficking organization operating in the Sampson and Duplin County areas 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 investigation of this case was conducted by the DEA, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Murphy Averitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to More than 14 Years for Illegally Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced ANTONIO DEVON WILLIAMS, 42, of Wilmington, North Carolina, to 120 months’ imprisonment, plus an additional 51 months for violating his original term of supervised release for a total of 171 months. WILLIAMS will then serve a term of 5 years of supervised released upon his release from prison.
On January 15, 2019, WILLIAMS was named in a seven-count Indictment, and on June 3, 2019, WILLIAMS pled guilty to two of those counts: Possession with the Intent to Distribute Twenty-Eight (28) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), and a Quantity of Heroin; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
In March 2018, Wilmington Police Department (WPD) received information that WILLIAMS was selling narcotics in the Wilmington area. WPD made three controlled purchases of narcotics from WILLIAMS on August 20, October 17, and October 24, 2018. A search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed at WILLIAMS’ residence and two vehicles on October 26, 2018. The search resulted in the seizure of more than 300 grams of marijuana, over 200 bindles of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, nearly 200 grams of crack cocaine, over $7,000 in U.S. currency, a 9mm firearm, and drug paraphernalia.
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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilmington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case for the government.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead 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 MICHAEL ANTONIO GATLING, 37, of Raleigh, North Carolina, to 57 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
GATLING was named in a three-count Indictment on September 19, 2018. Count One charged Possession of a Firearm by a Felon; Count Two charged Possession of a Firearm With a Removed, Altered, or Obliterated Serial Number; and Count Three charged Possession With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana. On May 20, 2019, GATLING pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
On June 15, 2018, the Raleigh Police Department received information from a concerned citizen alleging that GATLING was selling drugs in front of a laundromat in Raleigh. Additionally, the anonymous source stated that GATLING possessed a firearm either in his vehicle or on his person. Upon arrival at the scene, investigators observed GATLING as described by the source of information. GATLING informed investigators that the vehicle he was beside was his and stated that there was no firearm present. GATLING refused to give consent to search his vehicle. Investigators observed in plain sight the handle of a large knife; a lump under the driver’s side floor mat, which appeared consistent with the shape of a firearm; white powder, believed to be cocaine; and a small amount of marijuana inside of GATLING’S vehicle.
Investigators seized a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 10 rounds of ammunition, 6 grams of marijuana and a knife from GATLING and/or his vehicle. GATLING denied ownership of the firearm. Investigation determined that the firearm had an obliterated serial number and GATLING was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to his prior felony convictions.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Member of Drug Trafficking Organization Receives More than 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States Judge District Terrence W. Boyle sentenced SHAMON “TOE” kINSTON, 41, of New Hanover County to 90 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release
On January 3, 2019, KINSTON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine, distribution of a quantity of heroin and possession with the intent to distribution a quantity of heroin and a quantity of crack cocaine.
On August 20, 2018, law enforcement searched KINSTON’S residence in Wilmington North Carolina. They found 71 grams of heroin, approximately a half an ounce of crack cocaine and more than $6,000 in cash. Prior to the search of the residence, Wilmington Police Officers attempted to perform a traffic stop on KINSTON. KINSTON refused to stop and took police on a high speed chase. KINSTON ultimately wrecked his motorcycle and was arrested. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the items seized were a part of a kilogram of cocaine and 200 grams of heroin that KINSTON had been provided for distribution in New Hanover County.
This case is part of a joint FBI and ATF operation led by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which focused on gang related heroin distribution in Eastern North Carolina. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This 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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
57-Year-Old Pedophile Committed to Federal Custody as a Sexually Dangerous PersonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan committed CHARLES TODD STOKES, 57, to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
STOKES, a former elementary school teacher, has a history of sexually molesting prepubescent and post-pubescent boys in the United States and Thailand. Florida records alleged that between 1994 and 1998, STOKES molested six students or other minors. STOKES denied the allegations and argued that the allegations were “unsubstantiated.” Between 1995 and 1997, STOKES, then in his 30s, engaged in sexual behavior “several times” with the 13 to 15-year-old son of a divorced woman he dated and whose family he befriended prior to the parents’ divorce. The boy’s father filed a complaint with state officials alleging STOKES molested his son, which STOKES denied. The Florida state case was dismissed. STOKES admitted at the civil commitment hearing that when questioned by Florida law enforcement authorities and state education officials after the complaint was filed he denied molesting the boy because he deemed it in his “best interest” to do so.
Florida law enforcement officials arrested STOKES in August 1998 and charged him with two counts of lewd and lascivious assault on a child. The allegations involved STOKES inappropriately touching two nine-year-old boys. STOKES denied the allegations but, in February 2000, pled no contest to simple battery and was sentenced to one year probation. STOKES also surrendered his teacher’s license and teaching certificate.
One month into his probationary period, STOKES applied for permission to resume teaching in Thailand and his request was granted. According to STOKES, he chose to teach in Thailand, in part, because of its “looser sexual mores.” STOKES taught in Thailand between 2000 and 2006. In 2002, STOKES was fired from a school in Thailand after his coworkers reported that he encouraged a young boy to hug and kiss him and after inappropriately touching a young boy in a pool. His coworkers also reported that STOKES was living with a 15 year-old male prostitute. STOKES was not charged with a crime and denied living full-time with a 15-year-old male prostitute but admitted a 15-year-old male prostitute occiasionally lived with him during that period.
Based on the allegations, law enforcement officials in the United States and Thailand began investigating STOKES. A search warrant was executed at STOKES’ residence in October 2003 and numerous items were recovered, including printed photographs of clothed young children, a pair of children’s swimming trunks, a video camera, a video cassette tape, and a digital camera. The digitial camera contained a photograph of a Thai boy, who appeared approximately 10 to 13 years old, lying naked on a bed. STOKES admitted at the hearing that he engaged in sex with the boy the night before the search warrant was executed.
In 2006, law enforcement authorities arrested STOKES in Thailand on unspecified criminal charges and extradited STOKES to the United States approximately one year later. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois initially charged STOKES with three counts of child trafficking but later indicted STOKES on one count of traveling in interstate and foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a person under age 18. STOKES pled not guilty and went to trial on the charge.
Two of STOKES’ victims from Thailand testified at the criminal trial in Illinois. The victims testified that they were 11 years old when STOKES invited them to his home where they would play video games. They further testified that STOKES molested them and took nude photographs of them simulating sexual intercourse. A federal investigator also testified at the criminal trial that she recovered approximately 6,000 images from the electronic devices seized during the execution of the 2003 search warrant. According to the investigator, some of the images depicted prepubescent boys engaged in sexual behavior. Other images depicted STOKES engaging in sex acts with prepubescent or pubescent boys. The investigator estimated that STOKES had molested 60 minors of which 30 were approximately less than 12 years old with the youngest victim appearing to be 7 years old. The jury found STOKES guilty of all counts and the federal judge in Illinois sentenced STOKES to 180 months’ imprisonment, the maximum under law.
During the civil commitment hearing here in Eastern North Carolina, STOKES admitted he molested the victims of the crimes for which he received his federal conviction. STOKES testified, however, that he believed the victims were both 15 years old, the legal age of sexual consent in Thailand. STOKES denied that any of the males depicted in the 6,000 photographs recovered from the various electronic devices were pre-pubescent and that only 12 of the male prostitutes he sought after were under 18 years old.
STOKES was scheduled for release from federal prison on July 19, 2019, but the United States certified him as a sexually dangerous person under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Congress passed this Act in order to provide another powerful legal mechanism for protecting the public from some of the most dangerous sexual offenders. The Act allows the United States to seek civil commitment of sexually dangerous persons who, because of a serious mental illness, abnormality, or disorder, would have serious difficulty refraining from sexually violent conduct or child molestation.
The United States believed that STOKES met every element of that definition. The Court agreed. On August 5, 2019, after a hearing, the Court committed STOKES to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina litigates Adam Walsh Act cases nationwide. All sexually dangerous persons who are committed to federal custody are housed in a federal facility in the Eastern District of North Carolina, where intensive, residential treatment is offered to them. STOKES is the eighty-fourth sexually dangerous person committed under the Adam Walsh Act.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael G. James represented the government in this case.
Raleigh Credit Repair Orchestrator Indicted on Charges of Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that MICHAEL ANTHONY GRIFFIN, SR., 51, of Knightdale, North Carolina, has been charged by a federal grand jury in a five-count indictment. The indictment includes three counts of Wire Fraud, one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, and one count of Access Device Fraud.
The indictment charges that GRIFFIN, operating from his business location in Raleigh and home in Knightdale, accepted fees from clients for alleged credit repair services. The indictment alleges that, in reality, GRIFFIN was creating fictitious credit profiles and fraudulently altering client credit data through the use of fictitious police reports. In doing so, GRIFFIN unlawfully commandeered the identities of his clients by placing their names upon fraudulent police reports without their knowledge.
The indictment also alleges that in 2017 the defendant presented a fraudulent social security card and number to Johnson Automotive to purchase a Hyundai Genesis, a vehicle with a purchase price of more than $72,000.
At a hearing following the search of the defendant’s home, office, and Maserati, and after the defendant’s arrest, the Government presented evidence that the defendant used a front business in North Raleigh to carry out the scheme to the tune of at least one million dollars. Evidence was also presented that the defendant maintained electronic templates for the creation of fraudulent police reports, social security cards, and bank statements. A thumb drive found in the Maserati contained numerous client files, including false police reports and other documents sent to credit reporting agencies.
GRIFFIN has been detained on the charges pending trial.
If convicted, the maximum punishment for committing Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, is not more than 20 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for committing Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), is not less than two years imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. The penalty for Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(1), is not more than 10 years imprisonment.
An indictment is only an allegation of a crime. The defendant is presumed under the law to be innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.
Man Sentenced to 81 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Possessing with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana and FentanylRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced NICHOLAS GARFIELD BAKER, 29, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 81 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
BAKER was named in a three-count Indictment on November 27, 2018. Count One charged Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana and Fentanyl; Count Two charged Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Count Three charged Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
On May 10, 2019, BAKER pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On June 15, 2018, Raleigh Police Department officers encountered NICHOLAS GARFIELD BAKER standing next to a vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel on Plainview Drive in Raleigh. When BAKER noticed the marked patrol vehicle, he began to walk away. Officers made contact with BAKER as he threw an item, later identified as a bag containing 2.79 grams of marijuana, into a trash can. A search of the vehicle that BAKER was standing next to resulted in the recovery of the following from the center console: a jar containing 15.57 grams of marijuana; a loaded .38 caliber revolver; 6.66 grams of fentanyl; plastic bags; a digital scale; and traffic tickets belonging to BAKER.
At sentencing the Court found BAKER responsible for the possessing with the intent to distribute 18.36 grams of marijuana and 6.6 grams of fentanyl. BAKER also possessed a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Husband and Wife Charged for Theft of Military PropertyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that a Federal grand jury in Greenville has returned a three count indictment charging MORRIS COOPER, age 62 of Fayetteville, with bribery and theft of government property.
According to the indictment, COOPER was a purchasing agent assigned to the Operations and Maintenance Division, Directorate of Public Works (DPW), at Fort Bragg, NC and entrusted to purchase HVAC parts for DPW’s HVAC maintenance section. He was named in an indictment filed on August 20, 2019, charging him with stealing government money and conspiracy to do so, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 641, and, as a public official, receiving bribes in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(2). His wife, BEVERLEY COOPER, age 52 of Fayetteville, is also charged with conspiring to steal government property and aiding and abetting COOPER to do so. The indictment charges that COOPER used his position as purchasing agent at DPW, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, to receive cash and gifts from vendors for both he and his wife, BEVERLEY COOPER, in return for steering contracts for supplies to those vendors. Additionally, he at times inflated the prices for items under those contracts beyond market price, increasing both the profits to the vendor and the cash payment made to COOPER and/or his wife. The indictment alleges gross proceeds to COOPER of at least $978,279.00.
“Those who hold government positions with access to the public fisc must act with even greater conviction and accountability than if the monies were their own funds,” said United States Attorney Higdon. “For the public fisc is exactly that–the monies of each member of the public.”
If convicted, COOPER would face up to a maximum term of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine as to each of the three counts, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. BEVERLEY COOPER would face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine as to each of the two counts, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
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.
Investigation of this case is being conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.