Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
High Ranking Gang Member Receives More Than 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today United States District James C. Dever sentenced ANTWINE “Big World” LUCAS, 37, of New Hanover County to 188 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 21, 2019, LUCAS pled guilty to Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and distribution of a quantity of heroin.
LUCAS’ residence on North 5th Street served as a base of operation for members of the Nine Trey Sect of the United Blood Nation in Wilmington, North Carolina. The home was used to distribute heroin and store firearms. According to law enforcement, the gang was not only involved in the distribution of heroin, but also acts of violence.
The FBI used a Title III wiretap on the phone of another member of this organization to assist in the investigation of this gang.
On August 21, 2018, wire intercepts provided law enforcement with information about the potential for acts of violence associated with this gang. Law enforcement was able to stop a car that had left the area of LUCAS’ residence. A gang member fled the car and discarded two handguns while being pursued by law enforcement. That person is awaiting sentencing on federal charges. Another passenger had a stolen hand gun on his person.
On August 29, 2018, LUCAS sold a quantity of heroin to someone acting at the direction of law enforcement from his residence.
On August 31, 2018, a federal search warrant was served at the residence. LUCAS and another high ranking gang member were arrested. Law enforcement found a handgun and fentanyl during the search of the home and surrounding area.
LUCAS had been released from prison in June 2018. According to law enforcement, upon returning from prison, LUCAS occupied a position of leadership in the gang.
This case is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The investigation is focused on members of the Nine Trey sect of the United Blood Nation, a violent gang with members in Wilmington, North Carolina involved in the distribution of heroin, possession of firearms and associated violence.
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, the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Bank Manager is Sentenced for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court TONY MCELVEEN, SR., was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, to 51 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of Supervised Release. He was also sentenced to pay full restitution and ordered to forfeit $107,390. On May 30, 2019, MCELVEEN pled guilty to Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
According to the investigation, MCELVEEN used his position as BB&T branch manager, in Rowland, North Carolina, to steal the personal identifiers of two elderly customers to fraudulently obtain loans and credit cards in their names. The loan proceeds and credit cards were used for his personal benefit to pay for, among other things, rental cars, a home security system and hotel rooms in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition, MCELVEEN closed a $50,000 certificate of deposit owned by one of the elderly victims, without her knowledge, and used most of the proceeds to make a large payment toward his delinquent residential mortgage.
MCELVEEN attempted to conceal his criminal activity through the use of his position as pastor for the Greater Faith World Outreach Church, in Florence, South Carolina. MCELVEEN deposited some of the fraudulently obtained proceeds into the Church’s operating account and used his signatory authority on that account to withdraw funds for his personal benefit. Additionally, he opened a BB&T account in the Church’s name through which he similarly laundered fraud proceeds. MCELVEEN even made it appear that one of the initial loan withdrawals for $28,500 was a charitable donation made by one of the elderly victims to the Church’s building fund.
Mr. Higdon commented: “This defendant took advantage of vulnerable, elderly individuals by abusing his position of trust as a Pastor. His crime is simply despicable! And it’s happening all too often across our country. We must remain vigilant and help our older citizens remain aware of those targeting them as fraud victims.”
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative is designed to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect financial fraud and scams that target our nations’ seniors. For more information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at: elderjustice.gov.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Susan Menzer represented the government.
Hoke County Man Sentenced to Forty 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 TIM THACKER, 56, of Raeford, North Carolina, to 480 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
THACKER was named in a two-count Indictment filed on June 26, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Count One) and one count of distribution of a of methamphetamine (Count Two). On February 5, 2019, THACKER pled guilty to charges.
In 2017, agents began investigating THACKER based on information that he was a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Fayetteville area and beyond. Agents interviewed witnesses and other individuals who have been convicted of Federal drug trafficking crimes from North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Nevada – all of whom identified THACKER as a large scale, proactive methamphetamine dealer for the previous decade.
As the investigation progressed, THACKER became linked to individuals who were already being prosecuted by Federal Law Enforcement (DEA and ATF) that had not been previously linked to THACKER. Evidence ultimately linked THACKER to multiple drug trafficking operations throughout the United States. These operations ranged in location from Oklahoma, California to the East Coast. THACKER utilized a local, private airport to enhance his own drug trafficking organization and to open Eastern North Carolina to out of state, large scale methamphetamine suppliers.
After THACKER’S arrest for the Federal charges, law enforcement agents uncovered further drug trafficking crimes committed by THACKER even after he was in custody. On multiple occasions, THACKER arranged for methamphetamine to be disguised in various forms and shipped into jail. Once received, THACKER would distribute the methamphetamine to various inmates. Additionally, law enforcement confirmed that THACKER directed the drug trafficking activities of others from inside jail regularly, whether connecting sources of supply of methamphetamine to various individuals within Eastern North Carolina, or customers to drug dealers who worked for THACKER.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Tim Thacker might fairly be called a drug kingpin. And he has now received a kingpins sentence. His sentence reflects the large scale nature of his organization, its vast reach and the level of harm he brought to the people of the Eastern District. We are very pleased to see his criminal activity stopped.”
At sentencing, Judge Dever stated that the scale of THACKER’S operation, the persistence in THACKER’S distribution, and the urgent need to protect the public were just some of the reasons for the sentence imposed.
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.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick County Sherriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Brad Knott represented the United States in this case.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 80 Months for Illegally Receiving Child PornographyRead 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 Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MICHAEL AHMED, 33, of Raleigh to 80 months’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised released.
On January 29, 2019, AHMED, pursuant to a Waiver of Indictment and with a written Plea Agreement, pled guilty to a Criminal Information which charged AHMED with Receipt of Child Pornography that concluded on March 14, 2018.
On December 3, 2017, officers with the Cary Police Department (CPD) in Cary, North Carolina, were conducting an online investigation on the BitTorrent1 network searching for individuals sharing child pornography (CP). Officers identified an IP address sharing CP, and they successfully downloaded 83 files of suspected CP. Officers continued to connect to the IP address on multiple occasions through February 18, 2018, and successfully downloaded several files of known CP. Officers were able to determine that the IP address was assigned to a residence in Apex, North Carolina, owned by the parents of AHMED. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was contacted and HSI agents obtained a search warrant for the residence.
On March 14, 2018, HSI agents and members of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) in Raleigh, North Carolina, executed a search warrant of AHMED’s Apex residence. During the search, agents seized a Dell desktop computer, an LG cellphone, multiple hard drives, and micro SD cards. AHMED was present and agreed to speak with law enforcement. During the interview, AHMED admitted to downloading CP using BitTorrent. AHMED stated he was aware BitTorrent was a file sharing program; however, he never intentionally shared CP. AHMED stated he preferred girls ages 14 and older and admitted to using the search terms “young and teen” when searching for CP online. AHMED stated he would download CP, save it to a file on his computer, and then delete it from his computer by placing it in the recycling bin.
An HSI forensics agent analyzed AHMED’s hard drives and found 2,463 image files and 93 video files which depicted CP. Multiple files contained sadistic or masochistic conduct, bestiality, prepubescent minors, and infants/toddlers. Multiple videos in the defendant’s collection were more than 5 minutes long. The recovered images were sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for identification. NCMEC identified 101 known series in AHMED’s collection. AHMED’s collection contained a total of 9,438 image files of CP.
Based on the investigation, AHMED used BitTorrent, a peer to peer file sharing program, on his computer to receive CP. As such, by using BitTorrent he is also responsible for distributing CP. Additionally, AHMED’s collection of CP contained images and videos which depicted sadistic/masochistic conduct, bestiality, prepubescent minors, and infants/toddlers. AHMED is accountable for the possession of 9,438 image files of CP.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cary Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced SAMUELLE BRESHAUN CORBETT 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina, to 32 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On September 6, 2018, CORBETT was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 25, 2019, CORBETT pled guilty to the sole count.
On June 20, 2018, an officer with the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) approached a vehicle that was parked in the Ugly Monkey Bar’s parking lot. As the officer approached, he observed the vehicle’s front passenger, CORBETT, reach toward the floorboard. The officer also detected an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed a .22 caliber revolver at CORBETT’S feet. CORBETT was removed from the vehicle and placed into custody. The revolver was loaded with 3 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 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.
Bladenboro Man Sentenced to 7 Years’ Imprisonment After Confronting Police with a Semi-Automatic RifleRead 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 Marcus Theodore Hill, 30, of Bladenboro to 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. HILL pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on March 18, 2019.
The evidence established that during the evening of February 22, 2018, state probation officers were conducting a search of a residence with assistance from a Bladen County Sheriff’s Office detective. During that search, the detective had stepped outside to retrieve items from his truck when he heard someone yell, “Hey, who is that.” Looking up, he saw a man’s silhouette under a street lamp. The detective identified himself as law enforcement, and the man, later identified as the defendant MARCUS HILL, pulled an assault rifle style firearm from behind his back. In response, the detective drew his weapon, and HILL turned and ran. The detective and one of the probation officers pursued HILL, who they found crouching with the rifle at a nearby tree line. Hill gave himself up, and officers seized the firearm, a Norinco SKS 7.62mm semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine.
HILL’s federal conviction follows multiple state felony convictions. In total, he has accrued seven felony drug convictions in Virginia and North Carolina, with multiple convictions in each of the years 2014, 2015, and 2016.
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 Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Former Sergeant for Gates County Sheriff's Office Sentenced for Stealing Firearms and Drugs from Criminal CasesRead 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 Louise W. Flanagan, sentenced BRANDON SCOTT HAWKS, 35, of Ayden, North Carolina, to 48 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On February 12, 2019, HAWKS, pled guilty to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. An investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) revealed that between roughly 2014 and 2017, HAWKS stole firearms and drugs from traffic stops that he made while employed as a Sergeant with the Gates County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, HAWKS stole or mishandled various types and amounts of illegal drugs including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, methamphetamine, buprenorphine, alprazolam, morphine, cathinone, and marijuana. Investigators discovered many of these drugs in his house and patrol car.
Mr. Higdon commented: “There is nothing more discouraging or disruptive to the proper enforcement of the law than an officer who violates the public trust by engaging in criminal conduct. But, that is just what Brandon Scott Hawks did; and his sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime. Fortunately, however, the vast majority of our officers understand and honor their commitment to abide by the law themselves. And our prosecution of law enforcement officers who fail to do so serves to preserve the reputation of all the others and to strengthen the public’s confidence in our law enforcement system.”
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 State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
U.S. Attorney's Office Writes Article for Meals on Wheels Newsletter to Promote Elder Justice InitiativeRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to promote the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) by writing an article for The Meal Times, the official newsletter for Meals on Wheels of Wake County. The monthly newsletter is distributed to approximately 10,000 older adults. The article discussed the following scams and tips on how seniors can protect themselves from becoming a statistic.
ROMANCE SCAMS where scammers use dating websites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to meet people. They create fake profiles to build online relationships – some even fake wedding plans - and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love.
- Be cautious of individuals who claim the romance was destiny or fate, or that you are meant to be together.
- Be cautious if an individual tells you he or she is in love with you and cannot live without you but needs you to send money to fund a visit.
- Fraudsters typically claim to be originally from the United States (or your local region) but are currently overseas, or going overseas, for business or family matters.
IRS IMPERSONATION SCAMS where criminals generally accuse victims of owing back taxes and threatens to sue, arrest or deport you if immediate payment is not made by certified check, credit card, electronic wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card.
- The IRS WILL NEVER call a taxpayer to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed a bill to the taxpayer.
- THE IRS WILL NEVER demand that a taxpayer pay taxes without giving him or her the opportunity to question or appeal the amount claimed to be owed.
- THE IRS WILL NEVER ask for a credit or debit card number over the phone.
- THE IRS WILL NEVER threaten to send local police or other law enforcement to have a taxpayer arrested.
- THE IRS WILL NEVER require a taxpayer to use a specific payment method for taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
GRANDPARENT SCAMS where scammers pose as a grandchild calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately for rent, bail, car repair, to leave a foreign country, etc. These scammers play on your emotions, swear you to secrecy, and insist you wire the money right away!
- Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
- Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer.
- Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.
- Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
- DON’T WIRE MONEY - or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
SWEEPSTAKES/JAMAICAN LOTTERY SCAMS where fraudsters generally contact victims by phone or through the mail to tell them they have won or have been entered to win a prize. Scammers then require the victims to pay a fee to either collect their supposed winnings or increase their odds of winning the prize.
- Legitimate sweepstakes don’t make you pay a fee or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning – that includes paying “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges,” or “processing fees” to get your prize.
- There is no reason to give someone your check account or credit card number in response to a sweepstakes promotion.
- DO NOT WIRE MONEY to “insure” delivery of the prize. The same goes for sending a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier, or putting money on a prepaid debit card.
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.
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging ALFONSO BRAVO-BANUELOS, age 56, of Mexico, JORGE LUIS RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ, age 36, of Mexico, and SALOMON MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, age 41, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictments charging REY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, age 33, of Mexico, with illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of ammunition, and JOSE PEREZ-ARELLANO, age 44, of Mexico, with illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, BRAVO-BANUELOS, previously deported and found in Granville County, and RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ, who was previously convicted of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired, deported three times and found in Craven County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, previously deported two times and found in Granville County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Middle District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of ammunition or firearm, HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, and PEREZ-ARELLANO, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 10 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.
La Grange Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an eleven-count indictment charging Jeremy Dwight Lane, age 38, of La Grange, North Carolina, with ten counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown and ending on June 12, 2017, LANE received at least ten images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on June 12, 2017, Lane was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of these charges, LANE would face a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of 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 case is being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case for the government.
Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty to Selling Foreign Crabmeat Falsely Labeled as Blue Crab from the U.S.Read the Press Release
Phillip R. Carawan of Columbia, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Bern, North Carolina, on charges that his company, Capt. Neill’s Seafood Inc., at Carawan’s direction, falsely labeled millions of dollars’ worth of foreign crabmeat as “Product of USA.”
“Today’s plea helps to ensure that American fishermen and consumers are not defrauded,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and NOAA in bringing this case.”
“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 U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker III for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “In this case, the fraudulent scheme artificially deflated the cost of domestic blue crab and gave Carawan 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, 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 crabmeat from domestically harvested blue crab. Carawan pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him and Capt. Neill’s with substituting foreign crabmeat for domestic blue crab and, as part of the plea, Carawan admitted to falsely labeling more than 179,872 pounds of crabmeat 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. Charges have also been filed against Capt. Neill’s and a hearing is set for Sept. 11, 2019.
As part of his guilty plea, Carawan admitted that he and his company could not and did not process sufficient quantities of domestic blue crab to meet customer demands. To make up the shortfall, Carawan and his company used foreign crabmeat to fulfill customer orders. During the periods when the company did not have a sufficient supply of domestic crab, Carawan and Capt. Neill’s purchased crabmeat (not live crabs) from South America and Asia.
As part of the guilty plea, Carawan further admitted that beginning at least as early as 2012, and continuing through June 16, 2015, he directed company employees to repack foreign crabmeat into containers labeled “Product of USA,” which Capt. Neill’s then sold to customers as jumbo domestically harvested blue crab.
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 crabmeat 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 or http://justice.gov/largecases.
This case was part of an ongoing effort by NOAA’s 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 crabmeat.
The plea took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones Jr. in New Bern. Sentencing will take place in January 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The maximum sentence for falsely labeling crabmeat is five years in prison 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 the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Banumathi Rangarajan and Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner.
Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty to Selling Foreign Crabmeat Falsely Labeled as Blue Crab from USARead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Phillip R. Carawan of Columbia, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal court in New Bern, North Carolina, on charges that his company, Capt. Neill’s Seafood Inc., at Carawan’s direction, falsely labeled millions of dollars’ worth of foreign crabmeat as “Product of USA.”
“Today’s plea helps to ensure that American fishermen and consumers are not defrauded,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and NOAA in bringing this case.”
“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 U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker III for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “In this case, the fraudulent scheme artificially deflated the cost of domestic blue crab and gave Carawan 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, 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 crabmeat from domestically harvested blue crab. Carawan pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him and Capt. Neill’s with substituting foreign crabmeat for domestic blue crab and, as part of the plea, Carawan admitted to falsely labeling more than 179,872 pounds of crabmeat 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. Charges have also been filed against Capt. Neill’s and a hearing is set for Sept. 11, 2019.
As part of his guilty plea, Carawan admitted that he and his company could not and did not process sufficient quantities of domestic blue crab to meet customer demands. To make up the shortfall, Carawan and his company used foreign crabmeat to fulfill customer orders. During the periods when the company did not have a sufficient supply of domestic crab, Carawan and Capt. Neill’s purchased crabmeat (not live crabs) from South America and Asia.
As part of the guilty plea, Carawan further admitted that beginning at least as early as 2012, and continuing through June 16, 2015, he directed company employees to repack foreign crabmeat into containers labeled “Product of USA,” which Capt. Neill’s then sold to customers as jumbo domestically harvested blue crab.
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 crabmeat 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 or http://justice.gov/largecases.
This case was part of an ongoing effort by NOAA’s 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 crabmeat.
The plea took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones Jr. Sentencing will take place before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan in January 2020. The maximum sentence for falsely labeling crabmeat is five years in prison 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 the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Banumathi Rangarajan and Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner.
Federal Jury Convicts New Bern Medical Doctor for Unlawfully Distributing Oxycodone, Money Laundering and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, SANJAY KUMAR, 53 of New Bern, North Carolina, was convicted after a 26-day jury trial before United States District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan. The jury found KUMAR, who was a licensed medical doctor at the time of the offenses, guilty of five (5) counts of Unlawful Distribution of Oxycodone outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, five (5) counts of Money Laundering by Concealment, and three (3) counts of Attempt to Evade and Defeat Tax.
The evidence at trial showed that KUMAR was a licensed medical doctor who operated a sports medicine and rehabilitation practice in New Bern, North Carolina from 2004 until June 21, 2016, when his ability to prescribe controlled substances was limited by the North Carolina Medical Board. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte-based Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating KUMAR when they were notified by local pharmacies about the number and frequency with which KUMAR was writing prescriptions for opioid narcotics. A multi-agency investigation was initiated in early 2014 by the DEA, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Bern Police Department.
At trial, the evidence showed that KUMAR prescribed oxycodone and other controlled substances with little or no medical examination. Multiple witnesses testified that KUMAR operated a cash-only practice, there was no additional staff in the office, and the patients received a prescription from KUMAR at every visit without distinction based on their history of prior medications, prior treatment, and medical diagnoses. The evidence showed that KUMAR wrote approximately 9,500 opioid prescriptions between the years of 2011 to 2016.
KUMAR is scheduled to be sentenced in January of 2020.
Mr. Higdon stated: “The United States Department of Justice is aggressively moving against all individuals who illegally distribute opioids and prescription drugs. Whether those illegally pushing these drugs are on the street or operating from a doctor’s office, we will pursue you, charge you and convict you for the crimes that are putting our citizens at risk.”
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.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistance was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the New Bern Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation, Diversion and Environmental Crime Unit, and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hulbig and Nick Miller represented the government in this case.
Raleigh Business Owner Charged with Defrauding Protein Powder ConsumersRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury has returned a 41-count Indictment, charging ABHISHEK KRISHNAN, owner of American Pure Whey, LLC, of mail fraud, introducing adulterated and misbranded foods into interstate commerce, and money laundering. The Indictment seeks forfeiture of approximately six million dollars and several Raleigh, North Carolina real properties.
According to the Indictment, American Pure Whey sold protein powders in bulk to other dietary supplement manufacturers and in retail quantities to the public. Other dietary supplement suppliers purchased American Pure Whey products, but packaged them with their own labels, similarly reflecting high protein and low carbohydrate content. The American Pure Whey products were manufactured and packaged in New Bern, North Carolina.
KRISHNAN promoted the products on the website, www.americanpurewhey.com, which claimed the company followed strict quality control standards to produce the highest quality protein powder. In a single 33 gram serving, the website represented that the protein powder products contained as high as 29 grams of protein and as low as 1.58 grams of carbohydrates. The labels affixed to the products manufactured by American Pure Whey also represented the high protein and low carbohydrate amounts.
The Indictment alleges, however, that contrary to the representations on American Pure Whey’s website and on the product labels, the protein powder products manufactured and sold by American Pure Whey contained markedly lower protein and significantly higher carbohydrate contents in order to fraudulently increase the companies’ profit margin. The Indictment further alleges that between August 2015 and December 2018, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agents acting in an undercover capacity and posing as consumers made six purchases on American Pure Whey’s website of various types of protein powder products. FDA analysis for protein and carbohydrate contents revealed significantly less protein and substantially more carbohydrates per serving than represented on the respective labels. For example, the 100% Whey Protein Isolate, cake batter flavor, purchased in December 2018, contained only ten grams of protein when the label declared 29 grams per serving. Further, there was 27 grams of carbohydrates when the label represented just 1.58 grams per serving.
The Indictment also alleged that contrary to KRISHNAN’S statements about American Pure Whey’s strict quality control standards, APW lacked basic quality control procedures in the manufacturing, packaging and labeling of APW products. The Indictment further describes KRISHNAN and American Pure Whey’s past interactions with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which conducted three regulatory inspections of American Pure Whey’s facilities between September 2015 and July 2019. At the close of each inspection, the FDA observed and noted numerous deficiencies in American Pure Whey’s manufacturing processes and procedures, including repeated issues with APW’s master manufacturing and batch production records. In addition, the FDA sent a Warning Letter to KRISHNAN in May 2016, informing him that all of American Pure Whey’s protein powder products were adulterated because they were manufactured under conditions that did not conform to current good manufacturing practice, and at least one product was misbranded because FDA analysis revealed that the product contained less than half the amount of protein declared on the label. KRISHNAN repeatedly responded to the FDA stating that he would take corrective actions to address the deficiencies.
Mr. Higdon commented: “This case is about honesty and integrity when offering a product to the public. And those principles are critical when a manufacturer offers food and dietary products. The FDA and the Justice Department are committed to ensuring that the public knows what it is getting when it purchases products of this sort. And we are committed to prosecuting those who willfully ignore the law.”
“American consumers rely on the FDA to ensure that their foods, including dietary supplements, are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. When criminals manufacture and sell adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements, they not only cheat consumers, but also place the U.S. public health at risk,” said Justin C. Fielder, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “FDA remains fully committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who ignore the law.”
Investigation of this case was conducted by the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Homeland Security. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Susan B. Menzer and Special Assistant United States Attorney and FDA Associate General Counsel Shannon M. Singleton.
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.
Saint Pauls Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Drug DistributionRead 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 STANLEY JAMAR RAGIN, 46, of Saint Pauls, North Carolina, to 96 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
RAGIN was named in a three-count Superseding Indictment filed on May 2, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin (Count One) and two counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin (Counts Two and Three). On January 7, 2019, RAGIN pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and distribution of a quantity of heroin (Counts One and Two).
In 2016, agents began investigating RAGIN based on information that he was a large-scale heroin supplier in the Fayetteville area. On December 19, 2016, agents conducted a controlled purchase of 27.51 grams of heroin from RAGIN for $1,700. On December 22, 2016, agents conducted a controlled purchase of 26.89 grams of heroin from RAGIN for $1,870.
Agents also interviewed witnesses who stated that RAGIN had been actively selling heroin from at least 2014. One witness had repeatedly received large amounts of heroin from RAGIN, which the witness then further distributed to others. In total, RAGIN was held accountable for between 400 and 700 grams of heroin.
Additionally, a witness stated that while he and the Defendant were detained in this case, RAGIN made threatening statements to the witness.
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.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon represented the government.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to More Than 32 Years for Child Exploitation OffensesRead 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 PEDRO JAIME ENSENAT, 44, of Raleigh, North Carolina to 390 months’ imprisonment.
ENSENAT was named in an Indictment filed on August 16, 2017, and pleaded guilty on April 2, 2018, to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
On November 5, 2014, while executing a search warrant at ENSENAT’s residence, Raleigh Police Department officers and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents discovered images of child pornography involving a ten-year-old victim. Later analysis confirmed the identity of the victim and discovered other images of child pornography involving the victim and other children. The victim later disclosed that ENSENAT was sexually abusing her.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Blondel handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Man Arrested 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 BRYAN ALLEN faces federal charges of theft of government property.
ALLEN was named in an indictment filed on August 6, 2019, charging him with theft of military property and conspiracy to steal such property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 641, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. The indictment charges that ALLEN used his position as property book officer for the 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, to decrease the number of items shown in the possession of specific companies, which reduced the number of those items expected to be located in a physical inventory of those items. In a two and a half year period from December 2016 through June 20, 2018, it is alleged ALLEN stole more than $2 million of military property. The stolen property included 43 enhanced night vision goggles, a U.S. military sensitive item made to military specifications, which require “demilitarization” and disposal/destruction in accordance with Department of Defense policies.
If convicted, ALLEN would face up to a maximum term of 19 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine as to each of the four 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.
Investigation of this case is being conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, and the Department of Homeland Security, Investigations.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Warren County North Carolina Board of Education to Enforce the Employment Rights of United States Army ReservistRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County) that resolves a federal lawsuit brought under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) on behalf of Dwayne Coffer, a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the Army Reserve. In its complaint, the United States alleged that Warren County violated USERRA by eliminating Sergeant Major Coffer’s employment position while he was on active duty with the military and failed to re-employ him in a comparable position when he returned.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Warren County will reinstate Coffer to the position of Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School, and provide him with back pay and pension benefits. The reinstatement position is the one that Coffer held before his period of active duty with the Army.
“Command Sergeant Major Coffer was called upon to leave his civilian employment and serve our nation, and we are grateful for his service,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement with Warren County Resolves the USERRA claims brought by the United States and serves as a reminder that our servicemembers, like CSM Coffer, deserve fair and lawful reemployment following their returns from active military duty.”
“Members of our Reserves, like Command Sergeant Dewayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security our nation depends on,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon of the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These citizen servicemembers should never face losing their jobs or be forced to accept an inferior position when they answer that call. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects these brave men and women, and, as this lawsuit demonstrated, the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing it when it is violated.”
USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed servicemembers to return to their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations and protect servicemembers from discrimination on the basis of their military obligations. This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). After resolution failed, VETS referred the complaint to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. This lawsuit was handled by Deborah Birnbaum and Brian McEntire in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section and https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Warren County (North Carolina) Board of Education Brought to Enforce the Employment Rights of United States Army ReservistRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County) that resolves a federal lawsuit brought under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) on behalf of Dwayne Coffer, a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the Army Reserve. In its complaint, the United States alleged that Warren County violated USERRA by eliminating Sergeant Major Coffer’s employment position while he was on active duty with the military and failed to re-employ him in a comparable position when he returned.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement (attached), Warren County will reinstate Coffer to the position of Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School, and provide him with back pay and pension benefits. The reinstatement position is the one that Coffer held before his period of active duty with the Army.
“Command Sergeant Major Coffer was called upon to leave his civilian employment and serve our nation, and we are grateful for his service,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement with Warren County Resolves the USERRA claims brought by the United States and serves as a reminder that our servicemembers, like CSM Coffer, deserve fair and lawful reemployment following their returns from active military duty.”
“Members of our Reserves, like Command Sergeant Dewayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security our nation depends on,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon of the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These citizen servicemembers should never face losing their jobs or be forced to accept an inferior position when they answer that call. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects these brave men and women, and, as this lawsuit demonstrated, the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing it when it is violated.”
USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed servicemembers to return to their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations and protect servicemembers from discrimination on the basis of their military obligations. This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). After resolution failed, VETS referred the complaint to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. This lawsuit was handled by Deborah Birnbaum and Brian McEntire in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section and https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Drug DistributionRead 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 MIGUEL ANGEL GIERBOLINI, 27, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 84 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
GIERBOLINI was named in an Indictment filed on May 8, 2018, and on August 7, 2018, he pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine and a quantity of Heroin.
Investigators with the Fayetteville Police Department, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation identified members of a Puerto Rican drug trafficking organization (DTO) that were shipping kilograms of cocaine locations in Cumberland and Sampson counties, North Carolina via the United States Postal Service. Surveillance, wiretap interceptions, and confidential sources of information (CSIs) were used to identify multiple drug traffickers working in connection with the DTO. Indicted members of the DTO include Luis Joel Robles Latorres; Wilmer Luis Mejias; Luis Morales; Wayne Williams; Carlton Roy Hughes; and Miguel GIERBOLINI.
The investigation showed that the DTO shipped more than 100 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to North Carolina, with a total street value of approximately $3.5 million. Agents also seized multiple firearms from DTO members pursuant to search warrants. Luis Joel Robles Latorres was identified as the head of the DTO. Wilmer Mejias assisted in the distribution of cocaine and the collection of drug proceeds. Wayne Williams, Carlton Hughes, and Luis Morales were also large-scale drug distributors in North Carolina.
The investigation also identified GIERBOLINI as one of the suppliers within the DTO. He worked with DTO leader Luis Joel Robles Latorres, who was sentenced to 162 months imprisonment on June 18, 2019.
Agents began receiving information about the DTO from CSI #1. Specifically CSI #1 identified Latorres as the individual responsible for arranging cocaine shipments from Puerto Rico. Latorres was also responsible for collecting drug proceeds and sending them back to the DTO in Puerto Rico.
GIERBOLINI was identified as Latorres’ drug business partner by a cooperating defendant (CD#1). CD#1 stated that between the fall of 2015 through January 2016, CD#1 received between 4 and 9 ounces of cocaine per week from Latorres. CD#1 also noted that GIERBOLINI was his heroin source of supply, and he purchased 3 ounces of heroin from GIERBOLINI in the summer of 2017. Furthermore, CD#1 noted that Latorres and GIERBOLINI possessed firearms. Specifically, Latorres possessed a handgun during several of the drug transactions, and GIERBOLINI wore a gun in a holster during drug transactions. CD#1 advised he purchased cocaine directly from GIERBOLINI on four occasions. The total amount of cocaine purchased directly from GIERBOLINI during the drug transactions was 18 ounces (510.3 grams).
A second cooperating defendant (CD#2) identified GIERBOLINI as Latorres’ “right hand man,” and the witness noted that all of the cocaine received from Puerto Rico went to GIERBOLINI for “safekeeping” after it was inspected by Latorres. Specifically, CD#2 noted that at any given time, GIERBOLINI stored between 1 and 4 kilograms of cocaine at his residence in Fayetteville for Latorres. GIERBOLINI also kept firearms and large amounts of U.S. Currency at his home.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) named Operation La Vida Loca. 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.
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.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon represented the government.
Roxboro Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation OffensesRead 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 ANDRE ALAN THORPE, 36, of Roxboro, North Carolina to 480 months’ imprisonment, followed by lifetime of supervised release.
THORPE was named in an Indictment filed on May 16, 2018, and pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019, to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
From around 2013 until April 29, 2016, THORPE sexually abused a minor boy. Using his position as a leader of a church pantomime group, THORPE developed a relationship with the victim and then used drugs and manipulation to groom and control the victim. The victim’s family eventually moved out of state in part to escape THORPE. In 2015, THORPE arranged for the victim to return to North Carolina, where he continued to sexually abuse the then-fifteen-year-old. The victim returned home, but THORPE again transported the victim back to North Carolina in February 2016. On April 25, 2016, while participating in a church event in Raleigh, THORPE took the victim to a Raleigh residence, where he had sexual contact with the victim and photographed it. The victim, age sixteen, was recovered in THORPE’s company on April 29, 2016. Law enforcement subsequently recovered the images of child pornography from THORPE’s cellular phone.
Mr. Higdon commented: “We are very pleased that the Court saw fit to sentence Andre Alan Thorpe to some 40 years in federal prison. The victim in this case – and the victim’s family – have been terrorized. As the result of the Court’s sentence this defendant’s life as a predator stops now!”
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Blondel handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced MARCUS ANTONIO LUCAS 42, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina to 72 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
LUCAS was named in a five-count Indictment filed on February 6, 2019 charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin from January 24, 2018 until February 9, 2018; distribution of a quantity of heroin; distribution of a quantity of heroin, aiding and abetting; and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, aiding and abetting. On May 2, 2019, LUCAS pled guilty to the conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, aiding and abetting, charges.
According to the investigation, LUCAS was a part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Law enforcement utilized a confidential informant and undercover officer to make several controlled buys of multiple bricks of heroin from LUCAS. One brick of heroin consists of 50 individual bags or dosage units. On February 9, 2018, officers attempted to stop LUCAS’ vehicle after he traveled to Henderson, North Carolina. LUCAS led officers on a chase in Nash County, North Carolina. Officers had to deploy stop sticks in order to get LUCAS to stop. LUCAS eventually jumped from his car and fled on foot. LUCAS was apprehended and officers located eight bricks of heroin, approximately 400 individual dosage units, in his car.
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. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug TraffickingRead 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 NATHANIEL CLEVESTER CLARK, 28, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
CLARK was named in a five-count Indictment filed on September 11, 2018 charging him with distribution of a quantity of cocaine base (crack); distribution of twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of a quantity of cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine. On May 2, 2019, CLARK pled guilty to distribution of twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base (crack).
According to the investigation, CLARK was a part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine base (crack) and cocaine in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Law enforcement utilized a confidential informant and undercover officer to make several controlled buys of numerous ounces of cocaine base (crack) and cocaine from CLARK. On January 3, 2018, officers attempted to arrest CLARK before he was about to sell four ounces of cocaine. Upon seeing officers, CLARK ran into a convenience store and placed the drugs on a shelf in the store. Officers seized the drugs which were examined and determined to be over 110 grams of cocaine.
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 case was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Tarboro Police Department, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Erwin Woman Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Illegally Possessing with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead 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 TONYA RENEE HARTMAN, 39, of Erwin, North Carolina, to 150 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On November 7, 2018, HARTMAN was named in a two-count Indictment charging her with Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine (Actual) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. On March 21, 2019, HARTMAN pled guilty to both counts.
On August 24, 2018, an officer with the Erwin Police Department (EPD) in Erwin, North Carolina, received information from a credible and reliable source of information (SOI), who advised that within the last 72 hours the SOI observed HARTMAN selling methamphetamine to others from her residence in Erwin. Additionally, the SOI stated that the narcotics and a firearm were kept in the residence.
On the same date, officers with the EPD; Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Lillington, North Carolina; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at HARTMAN’S residence. Forced entry was made into the residence, and officers made contact with HARTMAN. Officers seized from HARTMAN’S bedroom 42.02 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded semi-automatic firearm with six rounds of ammunition, an unknown quantity of Oxycodone and Adderall pills, $3,045 U.S. currency, a set of digital scales with powder residue, and a video surveillance system.
On the same date, HARTMAN provided a statement to law enforcement. HARTMAN advised that she sells methamphetamine out of her residence and that she purchased and sold 1 to 2 ounces of methamphetamine every two weeks for a little less than a year (conservatively considered 623.7 grams of methamphetamine).
Based on the proceeding, between September 2017 and August 24, 2018, HARTMAN is accountable for 56.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine or “ICE” and 659.55 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, HARTMAN was in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. She also maintained a premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance.
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 Erwin Police Department, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. to Take Part in 36th Annual National Night OutRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at the City of Jacksonville, North Carolina’s celebration beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“For 36 years, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon.
“For law enforcement to be effective, it must have the support of the people it serves. We are truly fortunate to have the support of this community,” stated Police Chief Mike Yaniero, Director of Public Safety for the City of Jacksonville. “National Night Out cements the importance of the partnership that is key to successful policing. This is a night to celebrate that.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.
Robeson County Man Sentenced to 25 Years After String of Fayetteville RobberiesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced Michael Devonte Hill, 26, of Robeson County to 300 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. On April 30, 2019, HILL pled guilty to five counts: three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
The government’s evidence established that in July 2017, HILL robbed three Fayetteville-area convenience stores. On July 25, 2017, HILL entered the Circle K on Rosehill Road and jumped the counter while brandishing a handgun. He collected $205 from the teller and ran from the store. As he fled, he fired a round in the parking lot in an apparent attempt to scare a witness who had driven into the lot. Law enforcement recovered the spent shell casing for ballistic testing.
Three days later, on July 28, 2017, HILL and another man entered a Circle K on Yadkin Road in Fayetteville just before midnight. They robbed the store of $246 dollars. In the process, HILL struck the cashier with a firearm.
Finally, on July 30, 2017, HILL and another man robbed another Circle K, this time on Owens Drive in Fayetteville. HILL struck the clerk with a firearm and threatened to kill them, before taking off with $114. HILL’s face was covered in each robbery, but the surveillance video confirmed that he wore the same shoes and possessed the same firearm each time.
Ballistic testing revealed that the July 25 shell casing matched a Taurus 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen out of Fayetteville earlier in July. The theft victim identified HILL as the person who had taken the gun. Based on this information, officers arrested HILL, who was found to still be in possession of the same Taurus handgun.
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. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department, the Sanford Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
U.S. Attorney's Office Continues to Promote Elder Justice Initiative by Partnering with Meals on WheelsRead 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 July 22, 2019, the Eastern District partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to conduct Phase II 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 exploitation and how seniors can protect themselves from falling victim.
Below are some facts shared with the community about financial exploitation:
- Examples of financial exploitation include:
- Using ATM cards without permission
- Forging a signature on a check or property title (wills, deeds)
- Using a power of attorney to benefit oneself rather than the older adult
- Unauthorized sales, such as a family ring or the family farm
- Threats to harm precious property if money is not handed over
- How to protect yourself from financial exploitation
- Check your financial statements each month
- Store financial materials in a locked drawer or out of sight
- Talk to your bank about age-friendly banking options
- Contact a civil legal attorney before signing documents
- Visit ftc.gov every year to get your free credit reports
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.
- Examples of financial exploitation include:
Henderson Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Heroin and Gun ConvictionRead 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 DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS, 31, of Henderson to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On March 12, 2019, WILLIAMS pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. On March 17, 2018, the Norlina and Warrenton Police Departments conducted a joint-agency license check on U.S. Highway 1 South in Warrenton, NC. As a part of that license check, a car occupied by WILLIAMS was stopped and officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of WILLIAMS revealed 10 bindles of heroin in his pocket. A search of the car revealed a loaded 9mm handgun which had been reported stolen.
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 Warrenton Police Department, and the Norlina Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
High Ranking Gang Member Receives 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Terrence Boyle sentenced ANDRE HALL, 31, of New Hanover County to 151 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
HALL was charged in a one-count indictment which was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina on December 30, 2018. The indictment charged HALL with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. HALL pled guilty to those charges on April 2, 2019.
On December 2, 2018, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by HALL near the 600 block of Nixon Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. The front passenger fled from law enforcement. The backseat passenger attempted to flee but was apprehended and found to be in possession of a stolen firearm with altered serial numbers. HALL refused to comply with law enforcements commands. HALL broke a deputy’s nose and finger while he was attempting to flee. HALL was found in possession of 45 bags of heroin. According to law enforcement HALL is a validated high ranking gang member.
This case is part of an FBI lead OCDETF operation “Dodge Ball”. This is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This investigation is focused on gang members involved in the distribution of heroin, possession of firearms and associated violence.
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, 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.
Drug Trafficking and Firearms Conviction Gets Henderson Man 192 Months in Federal PrisonRead 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 MARK ANTHONY CRUDUP, 27, of Henderson to 192 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On April 15, 2019, CRUDUP, pled guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. On October 29, 2015, CRUDUP, a convicted felon, was located at a residence in Henderson where a search was executed and was found in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol.
In an unrelated incident, on September 15, 2018, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by CRUDUP who fled from the officer at speeds of 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. While fleeing, CRUDUP tossed a large bag containing approximately 474 grams of marijuana from the vehicle. Then, CRUDUP jumped and ran from the vehicle on foot while holding a firearm with an extended magazine. The pursing HPD officer gave chase and caught up with CRUDUP and a struggle ensued during which he bit the officer’s arm. Throughout the struggle, CRUDUP remained armed with the loaded firearm and when he and the officer fell to the ground, CRUDUP’S firearm was pointed at the officer. CRUDUP also pulled at the officer’s duty belt. Additional officers arrived and officers placed CRUDUP into custody at which point they found heroin laced with fentanyl in his pocket. The firearm was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen.
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 Henderson Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department..
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
41-Year-Old Child Molester Committed to Federal Custody as a Sexually Dangerous PersonRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard committed Jeremy E. Durkin, 41, to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
DURKIN has an extensive history of sexually molesting minors and failing to comply with the terms of incarceration and supervision. During his teenage years, DURKIN sexually molested multiple children, including a toddler as young as two years old. For years, DURKIN avoided detection of these assaults.
During his early twenties, DURKIN sexually molested a young boy on multiple occasions when the boy was between the ages of six and nine. DURKIN instructed the boy not to tell anyone about the assaults. These assaults were reported to law enforcement, and when DURKIN learned of this, he fled from the state of his residence and lived on the run for approximately four months. He was ultimately apprehended, prosecuted by the State of Idaho, convicted, and sentenced to serve three (3) to ten (10) years in the Idaho Department of Corrections.
In June 2009, DURKIN was released on parole. Within approximately six months of his release—and while on probation— DURKIN was at it again. He used his work computer to contact a fifteen-year-old boy in another state via Facebook, and the two began communicating via email, U.S. mail, and telephone. These conversations swiftly became sexual in nature, and by early January 2010—less than seven months after being released from prison—DURKIN was sending nude and sexually provocative photos to the boy and receiving similar images in return. During this period of parole, DURKIN also viewed child pornography on his work computer at a hotel front desk and began using methamphetamine, a drug he had used regularly before his prison sentence. After just fifteen months in the community, DURKIN was sent back to a prison for an unrelated parole violation, but his sexual communications with the teenaged boy had not yet been detected. Even while back in Idaho prison, DURKIN continued to send sexually charged letters to the fifteen-year-old boy. When these communications were discovered, DURKIN was federally prosecuted and convicted of using interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor. He was sentenced to 81 months and 8 days in federal prison.
While in federal custody, DURKIN continued to engage in problematic behavior demonstrating his inability to control his sexual behavior. DURKIN was discovered to possess material containing images of children, summaries of books and movies about children, and references to sexually explicit material and websites. Just two weeks after this discovery, DURKIN was again discovered with magazines depicting images of children with exposed torsos, newspapers containing images of children, and hand-written notes containing sexually suggestive comments. Prison staff received multiple allegations that he was having inappropriate sexual contact with other inmates while in a sex-offender treatment program. Ultimately, he was expelled from treatment for his failure to comply with program requirements. During a recent psychological evaluation performed by a court-appointed psychologist, DURKIN admitted to having continuing sexual fantasies involving children while in federal prison.
DURKIN was scheduled for release from federal prison on December 4, 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 DURKIN met every element of that definition. On July 18, 2019, and based on clear and convincing evidence presented during a bench trial, Judge Howard agreed. He committed DURKIN to the custody of the Attorney General as a sexually dangerous person.
In a written order, Judge Howard explained how the government had proven that DURKIN was sexually dangerous. At trial, three separate expert witnesses concluded that DURKIN is sexually attracted to young children due to a serious mental disorder known as pedophilic disorder. DURKIN himself admitted that he was sexually attracted to children. Furthermore, Judge Howard found that DURKIN'S history of sexually offending against children, his difficulties in sex offender treatment, his sexual exploitation of a teenaged boy while on parole supervision, while being investigated for molesting his own son, and while back in state custody, as well as his possession of prohibited child-focused material while in a sex offender treatment program in prison together demonstrated that DURKIN would have serious difficulty refraining from sexually violent conduct or child molestation if released. The Court also explained that DURKIN inappropriately rationalizes and minimizes his sexual abuse of children, including claiming, as DURKIN did at trial, that he molested his victims because the victims, some as young as nine years old, wanted to engage in sexual behavior with him.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina litigates all Adam Walsh Act cases for the entire country. All sexually dangerous persons who are committed to federal custody are housed in a federal facility in that district, where intensive, residential treatment is offered to them. DURKIN is the eighty-fourth sexually dangerous person committed under the Adam Walsh Act.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Lockridge and Assistant United States Attorney John E. Harris represented the government in this case.
Rocky Mount Tax Return Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Refund ClaimsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that today in Federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced AMBER GERNELL PORTER, 32, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release. PORTER was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,738.00.
PORTER was named in a Criminal Information filed on October 10, 2018 which charged her with making and presenting a false, fictitious and fraudulent claim for Federal income tax refund. On November 14, 2018, PORTER pled guilty to the charge.
According to the IRS investigation, PORTER was a tax return preparer at the now-defunct “Everyday Taxes” and “T & T Taxes” in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Between approximately 2011 and 2015, PORTER and other tax preparers prepared fraudulent tax returns by using false income, withholdings, education credits, and dependents for the purpose of artificially inflating the tax refund amount. In addition, PORTER used her mother’s identity to illegally obtain and use a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Investigation of this case was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan prosecuted the case for the government.
Raleigh Man Indicted on 4 Narcotics Distribution and 6 Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JAVITS WILLIAMS, age 39, of Raleigh, with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, possession of ammunition by convicted felon, three counts of possession of firearm and ammunition by convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), WILLIAMS would face a minimum of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the other drug counts, he would face a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of each felon in possession count, WILLIAMS would face a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of both firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking counts, he would face a minimum of 5 years imprisonment on each separate count, each separate count to run consecutively to any other count of conviction, up to a maximum punishment of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of 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.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), City/County Bureau of Investigation, Apex Police Department, Raleigh Police Department, Garner Police Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Nash County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Crosby is prosecuting the case for the government.
Jacksonville Man Indicted on Child Pornography and Enticement ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a twelve-count indictment charging Morgan Jeffrey Shepard, age 32, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, with one count of producing child pornography, three counts of enticing a minor to engage in a sexual activity, seven counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or around September 2016, and continuing through in or around November 2016, SHEPARD persuaded and enticed a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating child pornography. During the same dates, SHEPARD is alleged to have enticed the same minor victim to engage in sexual activity that constituted sexual exploitation of a child under North Carolina state law. The indictment alleges that between April 23 and April 27, 2018, SHEPARD enticed two additional minor victims to engage in criminal sexual activity. It further alleges that beginning at a time unknown and ending on July 13, 2017, Shepard received at least seven images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lastly, the indictment alleges that on July 13, 2017, Shepard was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of these charges, SHEPARD would face a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment. He also would face up to a lifetime of 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.
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 case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case for the government.
Captain Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Coast Guard InvestigationRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, before United States District Judge James C. Dever III, WILLIAM JUEL, 51, of Little River, South Carolina entered a guilty plea to obstructing a Coast Guard investigation at sea in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2232 and 2.
According to information in the public record, JUEL was the Captain of the commercial fishing vessel Island Runner. On November 30, 2017, while on routine partrol, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant approached the Island Runner in federal waters to conduct a boarding. As the Cormorant approached the Island Runner, Coast Guard servicemembers observed and videotaped JUEL and his mate throwing fish overboard. Further investigation revealed that JUEL illegally harvested the fish and was discarding the fish in order to prevent the Coast Guard from seizing the catch. The illegally harvested fish, which had also been gutted, included primarly Snowy Grouper as well as small amounts of Yellow Edge Grouper, Wreckfish and Amberjack. Five months before the boarding, on June 22, 2017, NOAA Fisheries imposed a commercial closure on the harvest of Snowy Grouper because the quota had been reached for the year. JUEL was aware of the closure at the time of the offense.
“This prosecution make clear that efforts to obstruct investigations and to circumvent laws regulating commercial fishing -- which are implemented to sustain the species for the benefit of future generations – will be enforced vigorously,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.
“The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant partnered closely with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA LE) on this case.” said Captain John Reed, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “This case highlights the Coast Guard’s continued commitment to, and the value of, at-sea enforcement of fisheries regulations, in order to preserve our vital marine resources. Our cutters work to ensure a level playing field for all, as the majority of fishermen abide by the regulations and expect that their competitors will as well.”
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for the Court’s October 21, 2019, term of court. JUEL faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release.
Investigation of this case was conducted by Coast Guard Investigative Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration – Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is representing the government.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Partner with Cumberland County Council on Older Adults to Promote Elder Justice InitiativeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina is promoting the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) throughout the Cumberland County area. On July 22, 2019, the Eastern District partnered with the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults to conduct outreach to approximately 600 seniors in the area to raise awareness about DOJ’s Elder Justice Initiative and provide facts about elder abuse. Elder abuse includes physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment, and financial abuse.
Below are some facts shared with the community about the impact of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation:
- Elder abuse triples the risk of premature death and causes unnecessary illness, injury, and suffering.
- Victims of elder abused are four times more likely to be admitted to a nursing home and three times more likely to be admitted to a hospital.
- Financial exploitation causes large economic losses for businesses, families, elders, and government programs, and increases reliance on federal and state health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
- Older adults with cognitive incapacity suffer significantly greater economic losses than those without such incapacity.
- As a result of providing care for an older adult, some caregivers experience declines in their own physical and mental health.
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.
North Carolina Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
A Raleigh, North Carolina, resident pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Garvey Imhotep conspired with others to file false tax returns for the tax years 2011 through 2014 for clients of Tax Kings, Two Brothers Tax Service, and Taxes Done Right. Imhotep and his co-conspirators filed returns claiming false education expenses and other fraudulent items in order to increase clients’ tax refunds. Imhotep used tax preparer identification numbers, associated with other individuals, in order to conceal his involvement and avoid detection by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Sentencing is scheduled for October 2019. Imhotep faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces substantial monetary penalties, supervised release and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Higdon commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
31 Individuals Charged in Cigarette Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced today that on June 19, 2019, a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a sealed, eight-count indictment charging 31 individuals and one business entity with a scheme to defraud the federal government, the State of North Carolina, the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Virginia, of millions of dollars in tax revenues from the sale of cigarettes.
This investigation, entitled Operation Southern Lights, is an effort to end large scale tax fraud and to hold these defendants accountable for the millions in lost tax revenue as the result of their illegal scheme. The individuals charged are:
- Justin Brent Freeman, 36
- Malek Hamoud Alsaidi, 40
- Ibrahim Ahmed Alsaidi, 43
- Sadek Dahan Shahbain, 38
- Ayed Yahya Ali Alsham, 37
- Alshami Yahya Ali Alshami, 35
- Mohamed Hafed Abdou, 39
- Mohamed E Ould El Bechir, 43
- Akram Ali Amer, 32
- Mohamed Yeslem Ould Izid Bih, 40
- Mohammed Saaid Darweesh, 30
- El Hassen Hamadi, 42
- Musheer Mohammed Hezam Al Naqeb, 21
- Ali Mohammed Mashli Al Qadhi, 41
- Mohamed Mounir, 39
- Aied Awad Shibli, 50
- Shibli Abu Issa Shibli, 51
- Manar Mohammed Talal-Mustafa, 40
- Mohammed Nael Mahmou Khalayfa, 28
- Saleh Mohammed Abdeljawad, 39
- Kaid Mohamed Addailam, 32
- Amr Mousa Alhalemi, 22
- Ahmed Khalayfa, 21
- Rawhi Abdel Jabbar Khams Awad, 62
- Ali Aied Shibli, 26
- Amchad Rawhi Khamis Awad, 31
- Wachdi Rawchi Khamis Awad, 33
- Abdallahi Mohamed Elhafedh, 43
- Ahmed Elhoussein, 54
- Dedde Cheikh, 39
- Arafat A. I. Abuhammoud, 34
In Count One, the grand jury alleges that the 31 individuals and the one business entity listed in the indictment, had been engaged in a conspiracy, beginning in 2018 and continuing until at least the time the indictment was returned, to ship, transport, receive, possess, sell, distribute and purchase cigarettes, in quantities exceeding 10,000 cigarettes (as required by the relevant statute), which bore no evidence of the payment of applicable State or local cigarette taxes in the state and locality where they were found. The object of the conspiracy was to profit from the purchase of cigarettes with cash in North Carolina, drive those cigarettes to the northeast, and sell them without paying the applicable sales tax. This is all alleged to be in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2342 (a) (which prohibits the trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, the general conspiracy statute.
It is alleged in the indictment that members of the conspiracy would repeatedly purchase large quantities of cigarettes from Justin Brent Freeman, age 37, of Hope Mills, North Carolina, through a business he operated named Freeco, Inc. in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as well as from other cigarette wholesalers in Fayetteville, Raleigh and Goldsboro, and then transport those qualities of cigarettes to storage locations for future shipment to New York City. After purchasing the cigarettes from Freeman and Freeco, Inc., or from one of the other retailers, members of the conspiracy would then prepare for transporting the cigarettes to the Northeast by using a full size van or rental truck and cross into the Commonwealth of Virginia and travel to either Richmond or Alexandria. In Virginia, the cigarettes would be transferred to another member of the conspiracy who would continue the transportation to Syracuse, New York. There, additional members of the conspiracy would transfer the cigarettes to an as yet unknown individual for transportation and distribution in the New York City area.
Counts Two through Seven allege six specific instances where the individual named in those counts (and who were part of the conspiracy charged in Count One) knowingly shipped, transported, received and possessed contraband cigarettes (in amounts greater than 10,000) which bore no evidence of the payment of applicable state cigarette taxes in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each of these instances is alleged to be in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2342(a), as well.
Last, Count Eight alleges that all 32 defendants – the 31 individuals and Freeco, Inc. – were engaged in a conspiracy to launder money in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h). In this count, the grand jury alleges that members of the conspiracy (a) conducted and attempted to conduct financial transaction affecting interstate commerce which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, that is, cigarette trafficking, with the intent to further the goals of that crime, and that they knew that the property involved in the crime was in fact the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity; and (b) that, again, while they conducted or attempted to conduct the specified unlawful activity – again, cigarette trafficking – that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership and control of the proceeds of the unlawful activity. So, in sum, the money laundering conspiracy count alleges that the members of the conspiracy were trying to either further the goals of the crime or to conceal the crime by using the proceeds of the crime in some way, or do both those things.
If convicted of Count One, the general conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 or both; if convicted of Counts Two through Seven, each defendant named therein faces up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000, or twice the gain obtained, whichever is greater, or both; and, if the defendants are convicted of money laundering as alleged in Count Eight, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, or both.
In addition, the grand jury included a forfeiture notice in the indictment. That section of the indictment provides notice to each defendant that the items of property listed in that notice, and any other property which is the proceeds of or involved in the crime, is forfeitable to the United States. The forfeiture notice conservatively calculates the gross proceeds of the crimes alleged in the indictment at $12,322.943 and designates that amount as forfeitable to the United States as well.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. An Indictment is a formal written accusation originating with the United States Attorney and issued by a grand jury against a party charged with a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, Robseson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
WHEN: Monday, July 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
4710 Corporation Drive
Fayetteville, NC
Re: Operation “Southern Lights” Press Conference
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the indictment and arrests of multiple defendants in an ongoing investigation into a multi-state organization on the east coast engaged in cigarette trafficking and money laundering. The organization was based in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The following agencies took part in Operation Southern Lights: Homeland Security Investigations, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., it is anticipated members of Homeland Security Investigations, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service to be present at this event.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend. For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at [email protected]. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners with AARP and FBI to Promote DOJ’s Elder Justice InitiativeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina partnered with the FBI and AARP to promote the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Iniative by conducting outreach and educating older adults about the latest scams so they do not fall victim. Approximately 2,500 seniors in the Eastern District dialed-in to an interactive telephone town hall to learn about the latest financial scams affecting seniors.
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Iniative aims to combat the financial exploitation of our senior citizens by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid getting ripped off by scammers; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.
According to statistics collected by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center victims lost $2.71 billion dollars to fraud in 2018, and victims over the age of 60 lost $649,227.724.
Some examples of financial fraud targeting seniors dicussed during the telephone townhall were:
- Affinity Fraud – in which the scammer pretends to have some connection to the senior or a basis for establishing trust, such as being a member of the same cultural, racial, ethnic, or religious community.
- Prize Scam – also known as “lottery scam” in which the scammer claims you won a prize or lottery money but you have to pay a “processing fee” or taxes before you can claim the prize.
- Grandparent Scam – where the scammer convinces seniors that their grandchild is in trouble and needs money to pay rent, bills, unexpected car repairs, or even money for bail.
- Tech Support Scam – in which seniors may be surfing the internet and a pop-up appears claiming the computer is infected with a virus and is designed to get access to your computer.
- Romance Scam – which scammers start an online romatic relationship and lull victims into believing they need funds for a visit to the U.S. or some other purpose.
Some tips shared with the participants on how to avoid falling victim to a financial scam were:
- Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
• Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.
• Don’t click on pop-up ads or messages.
• Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls.
• Don’t send gift cards, checks, money orders, wire money, or give your bank account information to a stranger.
• Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or a lucrative business deal.
• If a scammer approaches you, take the time to talk to a friend or family member.
• Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.
• Remember, it’s not rude to say, “NO.”
• A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
Robert J. Higdon, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, notes “the elderly are some of the most vurnerable people in our society and we are committed to arming them with the proper knowledge to recognize the signs of financial fraud schemes so they will not become a victim. This is a priority of the Department of Justice and of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.”
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.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of Social Security Number, and Document FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging JORGE ALBERTO NATIVI, age 29, of Guatemala, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictment charging SEBASTIAN CORONEL-LEON, age 29, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien, false representation of social security number and document fraud.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, NATIVI, previously deported and found in Granville County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
CORONEL-LEON, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, if convicted, would face a maximum imprisonment term of 17 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.
Ahoskie Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession Near SchoolRead 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 TIO ANTWIONE BISHOP, 43, of Ahoskie, North Carolina to a total of 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BISHOP was named in an eight-count Indictment filed on Occtober 10, 2018, charging him with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and cocaine base (crack), as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. On February 19, 2019, BISHOP pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base (crack), as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the investigation, BISHOP sold cocaine on five occasions in 2018 from his home, which was located within 1,000 feet from an elementary school. On March 16, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at BISHOP’s home where they located a loaded .410 shotgun, a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, cocaine, crack cocaine, pills, digital scales and over $7,000 in currency. BISHOP received a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a home for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing controlled substances.
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. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Down East Drug Task Force, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Ahoskie Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Wilson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Second Federal Drug Conspiracy ConvictionRead 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 JEFFREY BERNARD MOORE, also known as “COOKIE MAN,” 49, of Wilson, North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release.
The prosecution of MOORE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) entitled Operation Bobcat, which resulted in the arrest of several defendants for outstanding federal and state charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. The investigation focused on cocaine base (crack) and cocaine trafficking in Wilson County.
MOORE was named in an eleven-count Indictment filed on August 28, 2018 charging him with a drug conspiracy running from at least 2013 until the date of the indictment on August 28, 2018. Specifically, MOORE was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine; as well as five counts of distribution of a quantity of cocaine. On November 6, 2018, MOORE pled guilty.
According to the investigation, MOORE was a part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine throughout Wilson County. As part of the investigation, law enforcement purchased cocaine directly from MOORE at various locations in Wilson, including MOORE’s home. MOORE also maintained premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance and utilized other individuals to sell drugs on his behalf.
On June 3, 1997, MOORE was sentenced to 240 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base within the Eastern District of North Carolina. Based upon this prior conviction, the Government sought and received an enhanced penalty for MOORE in the instant case.
On December 6, 2018, KENNETH RAY BARNES, also known as “KENNY,” 49, of Wilson was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release and on February 5, 2019, TONY LYNN WINSTEAD, 61, of Wilson was sentenced to probation for their involvements in the drug conspiracy with MOORE.
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. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Wilson Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Men Sentenced for Manufacturing Methamphetamine in New Hanover CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced JOSHUA SKUTT, 41, of New Hanover County to 168 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 21, 2019, SKUTT pled guilty to one-count of Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine and one-count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine and Aiding and Abetting. Additionally, JOSHUA REGISTER, 34, of New Hanover County was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 14, 2019, REGISTER pled guilty to one-count of Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine and one-count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine and Aiding and Abetting.
Beginning in February 2018, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) received information that SKUTT, REGISTER, and four others were working together to manufacture methamphetamine in the McGregor Road area of New Hanover County. Detectives received information that methamphetamine was being “cooked” at both 212 and 215 McGregor Road. They also received information that SKUTT was having people purchase pseudoephedrine in order to cook methamphetamine, and that SKUTT and others used burn pits at the residences to conceal evidence and destroy the methamphetamine cooking components. The investigation also uncovered that SKUTT taught REGISTER how to cook methamphetamine.
On February 21 and March 2, 2018, the Sheriff’s Office conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from REGISTER at 210 McGregor Road.
On March 20, 2018, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Clandestine Lab Response team, along with Sheriff’s Office Clandestine Lab certified detectives, executed search warrants on three residences - 210, 212 and 215 McGregor Road. Law enforcement found the following items: 210 McGregor Road (items associated with the cooking/manufacturing of methamphetamine), 212 McGregor Road (19 grams of methamphetamine and items associated with the manufacturing/cooking of methamphetamine), and 215 McGregor Road (144 grams of liquid methamphetamine). Law enforcement found REGISTER at 210 McGregor Road and SKUTT at 212 McGregor Road.
The Court found that based upon the nature of the manufacturing by both SKUTT and REGISTER that it created a substantial risk of harm to human life. At the time of this offense, SKUTT was on federal supervised release.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo represented the government.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Narcotics and Firearms CrimesRead 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 ALLEN WENDELL MCNEIL, 36, of Fayetteville, North Carolina to 114 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MCNEIL was named in an Indictment filed on November 7, 2018 charging him with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On February 5, 2019, MCNEIL pled guilty to those charges.
On September 20, 2018 officers with the Fayetteville Police Department conducted a knock and talk at MCNEIL’S residence. Law enforcement had received reliable information that MCNEIL was engaged in the distribution of narcotics. When officers arrived at the home, MCNEIL was in an outbuilding that was furnished as an apartment with surveillance equipment. Based upon a strong odor of marijuana the officers applied for a search warrant. Upon execution of the search warrant officers found 174 grams of marijuana, a gram of cocaine, $4,400 in United States currency, drug paraphernalia and three firearms. MCNEIL had previously been convicted of a felony which prohibited him from possessing firearms. MCNEIL admitted to selling marijuana to supplement his income and admitted to having the firearm for protection.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Faytteville Police Department as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces today that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced JERRY LATWAN HARRIS, JR., 26, of Raleigh, North Carolina, to 48 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On November 7, 2018, HARRIS was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. On April 8, 2019, HARRIS pled guilty to the charge.
On July 4, 2018, an officer of the Raleigh Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a truck driven by HARRIS. The officer suspected HARRIS was intoxicated, and he was detained. The officer located two bottles of liquor on the passenger-side floorboard, one of which was partially consumed. Inside the center console, the officer located a .40 caliber handgun, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, which was reported stolen from Cary, North Carolina.
During an unprotected statement to officers, HARRIS advised he consumed two or three beers earlier in the day. Preliminary breathalyzer examinations indicated HARRIS had a .13 blood alcohol concentration on two separate occasions. HARRIS was arrested without incident. Further investigation revealed HARRIS was on post-release supervision for several felony convictions, including two counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.
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. For more information about this initiative please 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Hope Mills Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years on Gun 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 James C. Dever, III, sentenced Xavier Dominique Garris, 26, of Hope Mills to 162 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On April 8, 2019, GARRIS pled guilty to one count each of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
On May 20, 2017, Fayetteville Police Department officers stopped GARRIS for speeding on Ireland Road in Fayetteville. GARRIS, stepped out of the vehicle, briefly spoke with police, and then ran to a nearby wooded area. Officers pursued and caught GARRIS. They searched him and found a digital scale, roughly three ounces of marijuana, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun. The handgun had been reported stolen. GARRIS’s state criminal record includes six prior felony drug convictions and three prior firearm-related 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.
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. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Elm City Man Sentenced to 13 Years for 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 RODNEY DURRELL THOMAS, also known as “LIL BRUH,” 21, of Elm City, North Carolina to 156 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The prosecution of THOMAS was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF), entitled Tri County Hook Up, announced by the United States Attorney’s Office earlier this summer, which resulted in the arrest of several defendants for outstanding federal and state charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. The investigation focused on heroin and cocaine trafficking in Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson counties.
THOMAS was named in an eleven-count Indictment filed on June 13, 2018 charging him with a drug conspiracy running from at least August 1, 2017 until mid-June of 2018. Specifically, THOMAS was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one hundred (100) grams or more of heroin, a quantity of marijuana, twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine; as well as possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of cocaine. On February 15, 2019, THOMAS pled guilty to those charges.
According to the investigation, THOMAS was a part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine, cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana throughout the Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson counties. As part of the investigation, law enforcement recorded telephone calls where THOMAS discussed the drug conspiracy with his co-defendants and made arrangements for further drug transactions. THOMAS sold 10 bricks of heroin each, which is approximately 1000 individual bags, on two occasions from his home in Elm City, NC. THOMAS frequently possessed firearms in connection with the drug conspiracy and received a firearm sentencing enhancement. Additionally, THOMAS fled from law enforcement in a reckless manner and received a sentencing enhancement for reckless endangerment.
On December 13, 2018, the Court sentenced Michael Speight, 26, of Elm City, North Carolina to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release; MARCUS ANTWAN WILEY, also known as “MARK,” 29, of Elm City, North Carolina was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release; and TRAVIS KWYMAINE RUFFIN, 29, of Wilson, North Carolina was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release for their roles in the drug conspiracy. At the time of the instant offense, WILEY was on supervised release resulting from a 2009 federal conviction of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and the use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. After WILEY admitted to the criminal activity, his term of supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to an additional 37 months’ imprisonment to be served at the conclusion of his sentence for the drug conspiracy. On January 28, 2019, MARQUICE QUASHAWN MCCOY, 30, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release for his involvement in the drug conspiracy. On March 4, 2019, DE’ANDRE ANTHONY LUCAS, 29, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release for his involvement in the drug conspiracy. On April 17, 2019, SHAQUANDRA MCALLISTER, 28, of Wilson, North Carolina was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release for her involvement in the drug conspiracy.
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. For moe information about this intiative please click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Probation Office, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, Tarboro Police Department, Spring Hope Police Department, Nashville Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Elizabeth City Man Sentenced for Convenience Store RobberyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced RASHEEN JEROME ARNOLD, 24, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina to 114 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ARNOLD was named in an Indictment filed on July 25, 2018 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On January 22, 2019, ARNOLD pled guilty to those charges.
On April 25, 2018 ARNOLD approached victims outside of Friendly Check Cashing in Edenton. ARNOLD demanded money and when they said they didn’t have any, he pulled a firearm from his pocket and said he would kill them if they did not give him money. One victim went into Friendly Check Cashing and returned with $12. ARNOLD said that wasn’t enough and demanded more. This time when the victim went into the check cashing business the victim called 911 and reported that he was being robbed. Officers with the Edenton Police Department responded to the area and ARNOLD ran when he saw the officers. The officer detained ARNOLD after a brief foot chase and a firearm was recovered from ARNOLD’S pants pocket. ARNOLD is a previously convicted felon.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the Edenton Police Department as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson.
Benson Man Sentenced to 30 Years Imprisonment After Soliciting Child Pornography from Minors on the InternetRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced Andrew Jonathan Bowles, 28, of Benson to 360 months’ imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Bowles pled guilty to one count of manufacturing child pornography on January 24, 2019.
In July 2017, the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department conducted an undercover investigation that identified an online profile out of North Carolina that was posting on internet forums about a desire to have sex with children. Metro PD referred the investigation to the FBI in North Carolina, who reached out to the target profile using an undercover investigator. In November of 2017, the target profile repeatedly expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the undercover persona’s supposed 10-year-old daughter. The target also distributed child pornographic files to the FBI’s undercover persona.
Through undercover conversation and legal process, the FBI was able to identify the target profile as belonging to the defendant Andrew BOWLES. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at BOWLES’ Benson residence on December 6, 2018. They seized multiple electronic devices, which were found to contain over 2,600 images and 1,200 videos of child pornography. BOWLES agreed to be interviewed and admitted to downloading and sharing child pornography.
Further forensic examination of BOWLES cellphone revealed that he had communicated online with children under 16 years old in an attempt to convince the children to send him sexual photographs. On two occasions, BOWLES was successful, convincing minors to produce and send to him photographs depicting their genitals. FBI agents were able to identify the victims and confirm their interactions with BOWLES.
Mr. Higdon commented: “I want to commend the FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. for their quick action and effective work targeting the defendant’s dangerous and predatory conduct. Their work saved many young people unspeakable anguish. We are also mindful of the harm to the actual victims who were identified in this investigation. The Court’s sentence recognized that harm and, we hope, will be a part of the healing process for these vulnerable victims.”
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 Raleigh Police Department, the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Belle Kessler and Jake D. Pugh represented the government.