Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, STERLIN KOREN WHITTED, 40, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III to 66 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
WHITTED was named in an Indictment on September 12, 2017 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On November 13, 2017, WHITTED pled guilty to the charge.
On April 14, 2017, an officer from the Fayetteville Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by WHITTED. Upon approach, the officer observed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. A search conducted of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber handgun, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, and one round of 9mm ammunition.
Further investigation determined the handgun had been reported stolen. WHITTED admitted to owning the gun for a few months.
On September 14, 2017, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance on WHITTED’s residence in Fayetteville in an attempt to arrest WHITTED for an outstanding felony warrant in the above-referenced incident. Whitted exited the passenger side of a vehicle and approached the residence. He was apprehended shortly thereafter. A search of WHITTED revealed he was wearing a firearm holster. WHITTED then admitted that a handgun was located in the living room of his apartment. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber handgun, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition; six rounds of 9mm ammunition; a box of .40 caliber ammunition. The investigation determined that the handgun seized fit the holster WHITTED was wearing. Based on the investigation, WHITTED is accountable for the unlawful possession of two firearms, one of which was 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Man Sentenced for Falsely Pretending to be a General in the U.S. ArmyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that CHRISTIAN GERALD DESGROUX, age 58, of Raleigh, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to 6 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. On June 26, 2018, DESGROUX pled guilty to pretending to be a United States Army Lieutenant General in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.
On November 6, 2017, DESGROUX, while dressed in a military battle dress uniform (BDUs) with U.S. Army rank and insignia, disembarked a private helicopter that landed at the headquarters of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) located in Cary, North Carolina. SAS security officers approached DESGROUX who claimed that he was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army and was authorized by the President of the United States to land the helicopter there in order to pick up a female employee of SAS for a classified debriefing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After the female and the defendant entered the helicopter, they flew around the area, refueled at a local airport, and returned to SAS.
When questioned by law enforcement, the female stated she was unaware that DESGROUX would be picking her up via helicopter. She believed that although they were not in a romantic relationship, DESGROUX was trying to impress her by flying her around. Her understanding was she would be meeting with the defendant to assist with a design project, but she had no knowledge of DESGROUX’s claims of a debriefing or joint special assignment involving the U.S. President. Investigation revealed DESGROUX had never been in the U.S. military.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Kellhofer and Eleanor Morales prosecuted the case for the government.
Federal Court Awards Nearly $3 Million in Damages and Penalties for Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that a federal court awarded a nearly $3 million judgment against Compassionate Home Care Services, Inc., Carol Anders, and Ryan Santiago for their participation in a fraud on the North Carolina Medicaid program in violation of the federal and North Carolina False Claims Acts.
The evidence at trial showed that between 2008 and 2013, Compassionate Home Care Services, Inc. billed the North Carolina Medicaid program $585,082.73 in fraudulent claims, including not only claims for services provided in violation of Medicaid policies, but also claims for services that were never provided at all. Anders ran the company and was responsible for the false billings. Worse, when the government began investigating, Anders and her son, Santiago, falsified hundreds of documents in an effort to conceal the fraud.
The federal and North Carolina False Claims Acts mandate that the government recover three times the damages caused by the fraud, plus civil penalties for every false or fraudulent claim. Applying those provisions and other applicable law, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III awarded the government a judgment of $2,921,248.19.
Before the trial, Chief Judge Dever found that the defendants were liable for their participation in the scheme, concluding that the defendants “knowingly billed for services not rendered, knowingly billed for certain services provided to patients by unlicensed, non-certified aides, and knowingly billed for services provided to patients by close family members.” Chief Judge Dever also found that the defendants “falsified documents to conceal their obligation to repay the government and used false documents to support false claims previously submitted.”
“These defendants,” U.S. Attorney Higdon stated, “defrauded taxpayers of this State and this Country out of more than $500,000. They bilked a Medicaid program that is designed to protect children, the elderly, and the poor.” Mr. Higdon warned that “we will not tolerate providers who seek to fill their coffers with funds allotted to help people in need. We will not allow providers to undermine the solvency of our government programs to satiate their greed. We will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to aggressively pursue health care fraud, and to recover the taxpayer dollars lost to it.”
“When North Carolina’s taxpayers pay into the Medicaid program, they expect that money to be used correctly for people’s health care,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “Instead, these defendants defrauded taxpayers by charging for services that were not provided. My office takes Medicaid fraud seriously, and we will continue to fight against misuse and waste.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by Financial Investigators and sworn agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assigned to the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Department provided substantial assistance in the investigation. The investigation and prosecution of this matter was handled in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Special Deputy Attorney General Stacy Race and Assistant Attorney General Lareena Phillips, both of whom also serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Anderson, represented the United States of America and the State of North Carolina in this case.
Two Men Arrested for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the arrest of KENDRICK MARCEL CAMPBELL, 25 of Lillington, North Carolina and DEMETRIUS SAMUEL KING, 31 of Raleigh, North Carolina on firearms-related charges.
CAMPBELL and KING are charged in a two-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, CAMPBELL and KING face not more than 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 indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging YOSIMAR GONZALEZ-LEAL, age 23, of Mexico, FERNANDO REBOLLAR-ECHEVERRIA, age 35, of Mexico, and ROBERTO HERNANDEZ-ALDAMA, age 38, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, REBOLLAR-ECHEVERRIA, found in Wake County after having been previously deported three times, faces a maximum imprisonment term of two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
GONZALEZ-LEAL, found in Wake County after having been previously deported and convicted of felonious possession of marijuana, and HERNANDEZ-ALDAMA, found in Sampson County after having been previously deported eleven times and convicted of illegal reentry, would each face a maximum imprisonment term of ten 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 Immigration and Custom Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Raleigh Man Indicted on Mail and Wire Fraud 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 BILL BAEZ, JR., age 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina, with six counts of Mail Fraud and six counts of Wire Fraud.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or around October 2017, and continuing until in or around January 2018, BAEZ engaged in a scheme to defraud his employer by stealing over $40,000 worth of its medical equipment and selling the items on eBay for his own profit. BAEZ mailed the stolen medical equipment to his buyers via the United States Postal Service. When law enforcement arrested BAEZ on January 30, 2018, they recovered several pieces of stolen medical equipment. Some of those items had been packaged for mailing.
If convicted of all counts, BAEZ could face a maximum penalty of twenty years 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.
The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement.
Wilson County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead 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 SEAN TRENT BARNES, 44 from Lucama, North Carolina, to 360 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
BARNES was named in a ten-count Indictment filed on May 17, 2017. On August 21, 2017, BARNES pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of More of Methamphetamine.
The investigation revealed that BARNES distributed marijuana and crystal methamphetamine in the Wilson and Johnston County, North Carolina, area for more than twenty (20) years. BARNES stored ounce quantities of crystal methamphetamine and distributed it from a home he shared with his girlfriend and her nine-year-old son in Lucama, North Carolina. He also stored methamphetamine and firearms at his father’s home in Lucama. The methamphetamine supplied to BARNES was imported into the United States from Mexico. BARNES recruited a homeless methamphetamine addict to live in his home and provided him with methamphetamine in exchange for distributing methamphetamine for BARNES. Numerous other individuals also sold methamphetamine for BARNES. In May 2016, the Wilson Police Department (WPD) and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) initiated an investigation into BARNES’ drug activities based upon information provided by a confidential informant (CI). Subsequently, the WPD, WCSO and assisting law enforcement agencies utilized the CI to make controlled purchases from BARNES, seized methamphetamine from BARNES, and obtained historical statements from government witnesses.
On June 28, 2016, the CI negotiated with BARNES to purchase two ounces of methamphetamine at a location near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. While enroute to deliver the methamphetamine to the CI, law enforcement authorities conducted a traffic stop of BARNES on Interstate 95 South in Johnston County. BARNES and his passenger were arrested after authorities located 43 grams of methamphetamine in the trunk of BARNES’ car. A subsequent search of BARNES’ home in Lucama found an additional 5.2 grams of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
From the investigation, law enforcement determined BARNES trafficked 623.7 grams of actual methamphetamine and 756.5 grams of marijuana from 2013 to September 7, 2016. BARNES was a leader or organizer of an otherwise extensive criminal activity that involved five or more participants. BARNES also possessed firearms in furtherance of his methamphetamine-trafficking activities. While BARNES maintained premises from which he distributed methamphetamine, the premises from which he distributed methamphetamine served as his primary residence and the primary residence of his father.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Sean Trent Barnes has been poisoning the streets of Wilson County for more than two decades. But now, with the imposition of a 30 year sentence, those communities can begin to recover from the effects of his crime. The Court’s lengthy sentence gives these communities that opportunity and we are very pleased that the United States Justice Department could play a role in achieving that result. I want to commend the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wilson Police Department, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for their excellent work in this case.”
The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter and was investigated by the Wilson Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Knott prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Announces the Appointment of Three New Federal ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today the appointment of three new Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). Each were sworn in today by Mr. Higdon.
Gabriel J. Diaz, is a former intern of the United States Attorney’s Office and was an Assistant District Attorney with the Alamance County (NC) District Attorney’s Office from 2015 until his appointment as AUSA. AUSA Diaz is a graduated of Florida International University and the Campbell University School of Law. AUSA Diaz will be assigned to the National Security Section within the United States Attorney’s Office.
Robert Dodson comes from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) where he has served as legal counsel since 2013. During his time with BOP, he served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney handling criminal prosecutions arising out of the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina. AUSA Dodson is a graduate of North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Central University School of Law. He will be assigned to the Violent Crime Section, handling a variety of cases in conjunction with Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ reinvigoration of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program which targets violent criminals in an effort to reduce violent crime. He will also become a part of the United States Attorney’s Office “Take Back North Carolina” initiative.
Lucy Partain comes from the Cherokee County (Georgia) District Attorney’s Office where she served as an Assistant District Attorney. Prior to that she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Terrence W. Boyle, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Ms. Partain is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Duke University Law School. Ms. Partain will be assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Task Force Unit and will handle drug trafficking cases, including opioid prosecutions.
“It’s my privilege to lead an office filled with incredibly talented and dedicated people who work tirelessly to carry out our mission of justice and fulfill our promises to the people of the Eastern District to reduce violent crime and reduce drug trafficking levels,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “We are proud to welcome these fine individuals to our office. I know they will make an immediate impact in our District and serve the citizens of the United States with honor and distinction.”
Wilson County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead 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 CRYSTAL MARIE PATE, 32 from Lucama, North Carolina, to 138 months in prison, followed by 5 years of federal supervised release. PATE was part of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Wilson and Nash County region. On February 20, 2018, PATE pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a Quantity of Heroin; and one count of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime while Aiding and Abetting another.
In 2015, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) identified a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) led by PATE and her co-defendants. Shortly after identifying the suspects, the investigation into the DTO began.
The investigation consisted of the use surveillance, seizures, controlled PURCHASES of multiple types of drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, and assorted pills. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant resulting in the recovery of drug packaging materials, quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
The Court determined that PATE was responsible for the distribution of 10.38 grams of heroin and 23.81 grams of methamphetamine, and the possession of a firearm in furtherance of her drug trafficking activity – specifically a .44 Caliber Charter Arms handgun.
The case was investigated by the Wilson County Sherriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Knott prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Federal Jury Convicts Wilson County Man of Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that in Federal court, ROBERT LEE HOLDEN, JR., a 50-year-old resident of Wilson, was convicted following a two-day trial before United States District Chief Judge James C. Dever III. The jury found HOLDEN guilty of Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2018. HOLDEN faces up to life imprisonment.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 5, 2016, Officers of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call. Officers responded to the scene and discovered HOLDEN on the the front porch of his residence. After inviting the officers to search his home for firearms, the officers discovered a .357-caliber revolver on a leather ottoman, only a few feet from where HOLDEN was standing. The revolver had one spent shell casing inside its cylander. Addtionally, officers determined that the firearm was a stolen firearm taken from the home of HOLDEN’S uncle who lived nearby.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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.
The case was investigated by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). James J. Kurosad prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms Goodall's Life Sentence in Kidnapping Case of Wake Forest ManRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - First Assistant United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction and sentence of SHAMEIKA GOODALL, a/k/a Donna Diva, 32, of Covington, Georgia, who was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III in June 2017 to life imprisonment for kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
This case involved a conspiracy to kidnap relatives of attorneys that Kelvin Melton, a founding leader of the United Blood Nation, blamed for his conviction and life sentence on two charges pertaining to a 2011 gang-related shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina. In March and April 2014, from the maximum security unit at Polk Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, Melton dispatched three kidnapping teams whose intended targets were family members of the state prosecutor who worked on his case and his state defense counsel. He intended to use the attorneys’ relatives as hostages to extort the dismissal of his life sentence.
On April 5, 2014, one of the kidnapping teams violently abducted Frank Janssen, the state prosecutor’s father, from his home in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and transported him to an apartment in Southeast Atlanta. There, Mr. Janssen remained bound to a chair and held in a small closet until the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team rescued him at 11:55 p.m. on April 9, 2014. Just hours before the rescue, Melton called and instructed the kidnapping team (including the member recruited by GOODALL) to find a location, dig a hole, kill Mr. Janssen, and then bury him.
GOODALL appealed her conviction and sentence to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the district court erred when it admitted at trial evidence of other bad acts, when it applied certain enhancements at her sentencing, and when it sentenced her to life imprisonment. The Fourth Circuit rejected each of GOODALL’s arguments. With respect to GOODALL’s lifetime term of imprisonment, the Fourth Circuit noted that “numerous conspirators involved in this case each received a lengthy sentence for their individual role in the conspiracy, thus Goodall’s life sentence was not unusually disproportionate.” The Court further recognized that Goodall elected to go to trial and maintains her innocence, unlike some of her coconspirators who “assisted the FBI in rescuing the victim, decided to plead guilty, cooperated in the investigation, and testified against Melton and Goodall at their trials.”
First Assistant United States Attorney, G. Norman Acker, III, commented: “This crime was monstrously cruel to the victim and his family and a clear attack on our criminal justice system. Those who strike at the peace and security of our community will be held accountable. The affirmance of Goodall’s sentence and conviction reflects this reality. We will continue our efforts to ensure that convicted prisoners cannot reach out from their cells to threaten others and conduct criminal enterprises.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte, FBI Atlanta, the Wake Forest Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation with assistance by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police Department, Durham Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Garner Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, RDU Police, City County Bureau of Investigation, the Cobb County Police Department, Alpharetta Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina handled the prosecution and appeal of this case.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears appeals from the nine federal district courts located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, as well as from federal administrative agencies. More information about the Court can be found on its website, http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov. The Court’s opinion in this case can be found at: http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/174383.U.pdf, and the United States Attorney’s previous press releases regarding this case can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/goodall-found-guilty-kidnapping-case-wake-forest-man and https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/goodall-sentenced-life-prison-kidnapping-case-wake-forest-man.
United States Forfeits $765,850.27 in Video Sweepstakes Gaming Proceeds Seized from Southern Pines Convenience Store OperatorsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced the forfeiture of $765,850.27 seized from Southern Pines residents Mukesh and Daxaban Patel and their company, Shree Zapesvari, Inc., doing business as Jay’s Food Mart 1 and 2. Under the terms of a Settlement Agreement filed on July 13, 2018 in the United States District Court in the Middle District of North Carolina, $100,000 of the total of $865,850.27 seized from the Patels will be returned to them, with the remainder forfeited.
In a Complaint filed on December 23, 2016, the United States alleged that the cash seized from the Patels’ convenience stores was the proceeds of illegal gambling in violation of state and federal law. As alleged in the Complaint, an undercover investigation revealed that the Patels operated several illegal electronic gaming machines and games of chance at both Jay’s Food Mart 1 and 2, machines owned by a third-party, with whom they split the proceeds. The machines, which contain a display similar to slot machines, contained gaming software provided by a gaming software provider. Patrons who won received payoffs on site.
“A segment of the gaming industry continues to foist illegal games of chance on the people of North Carolina,” says United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., “particularly on those least able to afford this addictive and destructive habit – this in spite of clear directives from both the North Carolina General Assembly and Supreme Court of North Carolina barring such games. This case represents one way in which we will seek to limit the reach of this lucrative yet pernicious industry.”
Homeland Security Investigations Resident Agent in Charge Timothy P. Stone says that “as these segments of the gaming industry continue to pedal games of chance onto the public of North Carolina, an environment ripe for illegal behavior is created, one that preys on the livelihood of many while costing others their lives.” Stone says that “the success of the investigation would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, and the Office of the United States Attorney, all critical in helping bring the individuals and businesses of this industry to justice.”
Assistant United States Attorney Steve West represented the government in this matter.
Williamston Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that THOMAS WAYNE GODARD, 25, of Williamston, North Carolina was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 384 months imprisonment, followed by five years’ supervised release after the term of imprisonment.
GODARD was named in a ten-count Indictment on April 27, 2016 with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, the subsequent robbery and various firearm offenses. On August 17, 2017, GODARD pled guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and aiding and abetting.
Two co-defendants had already been sentenced for their role in the offense. On November 15, 2016, Tremaine Anderson pled guilty to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and aiding and abetting. On February 21, 2018, Anderson was sentenced to 67 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and $675 restitution.
On January 23, 2018, Keanan Dequez Bond pled guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and aiding and abetting. On May 23, 2018, Bond was sentenced to a total term of 384 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and $167,460.83 restitution.
This investigation arose following the robberies of businesses in Beaufort, Nash and Martin counties.
During the robbery at the Family Dollar in Williamston, GODARD and his co-defendants wore masks, pointed guns at the store clerks, placed their guns at the back of the clerks while attempting to learn where the store safe was located. During this robbery, a customer entered the store, and one of the robbers asked where he was parked, and subsequently went to the car, pointed a gun at the victim’s wife and child, demanding her cell phone and money.
During the robbery of the Dollar General in Jamesville, North Carolina, GODARD and his co-defendants again wore masks and pointed guns at the store clerk and demanded to know the safe’s location. During the robbery four customers came into the store and each were taken at gunpoint to the office and ordered to sit on the floor with their heads down.
Mr. Higdon commented: “This case and the sentence imposed on this defendant exemplify why the Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office is so focused on the prosecution of violent crime. GODARD robbed businesses and endangered employees and customers in a way that puts fear in all our hearts. It could have been anyone in the Eastern District of North Carolina working or shopping in these businesses and facing those violent criminal acts and the firearms being brandished. This is why we will continue to pursue violent criminals and those who illegally possess and use firearms in our effort to reduce and eliminate violent crime.”
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Williamston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney J. Frank Bradsher prosecuted this case.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety Agrees to Pay Civil Penalty of $190,000 to United StatesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that the United States and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety have signed a civil settlement agreement resolving the State’s liability for civil penalties stemming from recordkeeping violations relating to the dispensing of controlled substances to inmates at the Central Prison Healthcare Complex and the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women. The State agreed to pay $190,000 rather than contest a potential fine that could have been as high as $880,000.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Unit conducted an audit of the Central Prison Healthcare Complex (CPHC) and the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women (NCCCW). Investigators found that on at least 88 occasions during the period of September 2, 2014 through October 4, 2016 medical staff at CPHC and NCCCW failed to properly document the dispensing and disposal of controlled substances at CPHC and NCCCW. While no unlawful use of controlled substances was detected, the substandard recordkeeping provided fertile ground for improper diversion.
In addition to payment of the civil penalty, because of the investigation State officials initiated their own investigation and took remedial measures. Included among such measures were changes in existing policies and procedures, implementation of better and more effective employee education and training, and the development of better monitoring, reporting, and compliance processes.
“The handling of prescription controlled substances inside our prisons poses some unique challenges,” says U.S. Attorney Higdon, “and yet given the possibility of illegal diversion to inmates and others, scrupulous recordkeeping and tracking of controlled substances is essential. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. This matter underscores the continued need for robust regulatory and enforcement measures against all medical providers to stop diversion of controlled prescription drugs and end the lax recordkeeping environments which may be fertile ground for diversion.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division stated, “DEA and its law enforcement partners will continue to expend time, energy and resources in an effort to stem the tide against the growing opioid epidemic. The spirited level of cooperation by the N.C. Board of Pharmacy and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, made this investigation a success.”
Assistant United States Attorney Steve West represented the government in this matter.
Clayton Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JAMIE BROOKS FRANKLIN, 37, of Clayton to 180 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release for the Receipt of Child Pornography (CP). FRANKLIN pled guilty to the charge on January 23, 2018.
On September 19, 2014, Xoom.com, an online international money transfer service, notified Yahoo! that a number of Yahoo! accounts were engaged in the sale of material depicting child exploitation. A Xoom.com Cybertip Report was forwarded to Yahoo!’s Electronic Crimes Investigative Team (ECIT). The ECIT conducted an investigation and observed that several Yahoo! electronic accounts operating in the Philippines were involved in the sale of materials portraying the sexual abuse of minors. Based on the investigation, search warrants were obtained for the seller accounts and executed in February 2015. The search uncovered a chat conversation between a seller and a buyer using an email account later identified to be FRANKLIN’S. They discussed the sale of pictures, videos, and live webcam shows depicting minors engaged in sexual activity. The seller and FRANKLIN exchanged emails as a means of communication. In September 2014, the seller sent FRANKLIN multiple images which depicted the sexual exploitation of minors. The images were provided to FRANKLIN for his consideration when making a purchase. The seller also provided the FRANKLIN with 26 additional images of child pornography which included bestiality.
Agents learned that several of the login IP addresses utilized by FRANKLIN were assigned to Time Warner Cable (TWC). On December 10, 2015, Yahoo! notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the defendant’s account received at least one video depicting child pornography (CP) in November 2015. The video depicted two nude prepubescent females between the ages of 12 and 15 engaged in sexual activity with each other. As the investigation progressed, at least six seller accounts were identified as being associated with and used by FRANKLIN to purchase CP. FRANKLIN received CP from sellers through his email and Dropbox accounts.
A search warrant was obtained and executed at FRANKLIN’S residence on November 9, 2016. Prior to the search, FRANKLIN made an unprotected statement to investigating agents. Specifically, the defendant advised he began viewing CP approximately five years earlier, and he preferred females between the ages of 8 and 9 to adulthood. The defendant acknowledged currently possessing a “couple of hundred” images and videos of CP in his Dropbox account. FRANKLIN also acknowledged utilizing his Yahoo! email and Kik Messenger, an instant messenger application for mobile phones, to locate like-minded individuals and share CP. Once a like-minded individual was located, the defendant and the individual exchanged Dropbox URLs to gain access to each other’s collection of CP. FRANKLIN also acknowledged utilizing Skype, a video chat program, to watch live sex shows with other adults.
The investigation recovered at least 42,610 images of CP, many of which depicted nude prepubescent minors engaged in explicit sexual conduct. Many of the images and videos depicted prepubescent children less than 12 years of age and several of the images and videos portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Today the Court imposed a 15 year sentence on a defendant who preyed upon numerous of our most vulnerable citizens. Through the collection and distribution of child pornography the defendant victimized our children in the most degrading and base way. The sentence imposed by the court is extremely appropriate and should be a warning to others who would threaten our children in this way. We will seek sentences like this in other cases in our unwavering effort to stop this type of behavior and to protect our children. I want to thank the investigators with the FBI and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding work.”
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes.
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.
Ocracoke Man Arrested for Cultivating Marijuana on Federal PropertyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that JAMES DANIEL GARRISH, III was arrested today, July 10, 2018.
GARRISH was named in an Indictment filed on May 2, 2018, charging him with cultivating marijuana on federal property, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. If convicted of that charge, he would face a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Additionally, GARRISH was charged with introducing plants into the park ecosystem, littering, trespassing, and defacing and damaging real property. Each of these charges carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, up to one year supervised release, and/or up to 5 years’ probation.
Mr. Higdon stated: “Criminal acts which blemish the beauty of our public seashore and the safety of its visitors will not be ignored,” and he reinforced the committment of his office to partnering with all law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District of North Carolina to keep its communities safe.
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 National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Smith is representing the government.
New York Man Indicted on Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Producing/Passing Fictitious Obligations, Access Device Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that a Federal grand jury in Wilmington returned a seven-count indictment charging GIANNI ARMANI VINCENT, age 20, of Brooklyn, New York, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, two counts of Producing/Passing Fictitious Obligations, two counts of Access Device Fraud, and two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or around September 2016, and continuing until in or around March 2018, VINCENT and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud financial institutions out of money by producing and depositing counterfeit checks into conspirator bank accounts. Additionally, VINCENT is alleged to have been involved in access device fraud by possessing numbers that granted him access to the bank accounts of unsuspecting consumers. According to evidence and testimony presented at VINCENT’s recent detention hearing, when the Cary Police Department and United States Secret Service encountered VINCENT on December 1, 2017, he was in possession of over two-hundred counterfeit checks, a computer with check-writing software, approximately twenty-five counterfeit cards, and more than fifty account numbers, among other things.
If convicted on all counts, VINCENT could face a maximum penalty of sixty-seven years imprisonment, a $1,750,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. His arraignment is currently scheduled for September 2018.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service.
Henderson Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, AQUILLA BROWN, 27, of Henderson, North Carolina, was sentenced by Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 105 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BROWN was named in an Indictment on June 27, 2017 charging him with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon. On February 15, 2018, BROWN pled guilty to the charge.
On March 15, 2017, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic infractions. BROWN was a passenger in that vehicle. After obtaining identification from the driver and BROWN, the HPD became aware of the frequent alleged drug-trafficking activities by BROWN. Based on this information, a K-9 unit responded to the scene and made a positive alert to the presence of narcotics on BROWN’S side of the vehicle. BROWN stated that he smoked marijuana prior to entering the vehicle. As both occupants exited the vehicle, law enforcement observed the driver attempt to hide an object in her boot which was discovered to be a firearm. BROWN acknowledged ownership of the firearm, a .38 caliber revolver, which was loaded at the time.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Five Aliens Indicted on Charges for Illegal Reentry, Unlawful and Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, and Other Mutltiple Federal OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging ABEL CARLOS ANGELES-MORALES, age 31, of Mexico, BERNARDO VILLALBA-QUITERIO, age 29, of Mexico, and OSCAR OBDULIO LOPEZ-GARCIA, age 53, of Guatemala, with illegal reentry of a deported alien. Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned superseding indictments charging FAOZI SALEH ALAYAH, age 32, of Yemen, with unlawful and illegal alien in possession of a firearm and false statement in an immigration proceeding, and MIGUEL RAIMUNDO RODRIGUEZ, age 45, of Cuba, with misuse of a Social Security account number, false claim of United States citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment and obtain a benefit or service in the United States, and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, ANGELES-MORALES, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, and VILLALBA-QUITERIO, previously deported twice and found in Tyrrell County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction (sale of a controlled substance), LOPEZ-GARCIA, previously deported four times and found in Lenoir County, 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 unlawful and illegal alien in possession of a firearm and false statement in an immigration proceeding, ALAYAH, found in Halifax County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of misuse of a Social Security account number, false claim of United States citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment in the United States and obtain a benefit or service, and aggravated identity theft, RODRIGUEZ, found in Cumberland County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of 36 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments and superseding 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.
Greensboro Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Extensive Bank Lien Theft Scheme, Money Laundering, & Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced XAVIER MILTON EARQUHART, 31, of Greensboro, NC to serve 32 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release on ten counts of Bank Fraud, two counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions Involving Criminally Derived Property and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft and Aiding and Abetting. EARQUHART was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $1,570,561.86, and to forfeit a stash of gold bullion, cash, and studio equipment previously seized by law enforcement. Today’s sentencing follows a three-day jury trial in March in which a jury convicted EARQUHART on all counts.
The evidence at trial showed that, in one bank fraud scheme, the defendant forged a deed on a property owned by an out of state landowner, and then channeled the property ownership through fictitious individuals and a holding company before personally taking title to the property. The defendant then attempted to secure $495,000 in home equity loans using the property as collateral, becoming successful on three such attempts.
In a second scheme, the evidence showed that the defendant forged bank lien releases on 8 properties, in some instances, by stealing the identities of bank employees, and in other instances, using fictitious notaries. The defendant created Delaware holding companies to conceal his activities. The defendant then sold the properties off to unknowing third parties. At trial, the evidence showed that because of the defendant’s actions, some homeowners lost the funds that they had invested into the properties. Other victims were left uncertain as to the ability of their families to remain in the homes due to the cloud upon their title.
Lastly, the evidence at trial included evidence from law enforcement concerning the tracing of the defendant’s fraudulent gains. Law enforcement used a note and key found in the defendant’s Prius to uncover a hidden trove of $300,000 worth of gold, concealed in a storage unit in Spring, Texas. Law enforcement also seized various items of valuable recording studio equipment.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. stated: “This was a crime that hurt not just banks, but also individuals and families who feared they would lose their homes through no fault of their own. The defendant will have plenty of time to think about the harm he has caused during the next 32 years in prison. I want to recognize the great work of IRS Criminal Investigation who tracked down and seized the defendant’s treasure chest filled with hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bullion which will now benefit the victims in this case.”
"Today's announcement exemplifies the intense focus our Special Agent’s engage in when unraveling complex schemes such as this one orchestrated by Xavier Earquhart,” said Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, Matthew D. Line. “Earquhart’s scheme was driven by insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on innocent victims. Be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those who engage in similar behavior fully accountable."
The investigation of this case was conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General, and the Wake County Register of Deeds. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the government in this case.
Henderson Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Obstructing Justice and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that CHARLIE O’BRYANT TERRY, 33, of Henderson, North Carolina was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt to 240 months imprisonment, 24 months on a revocation of supervised release followed by 3 years’ supervised release after the term of imprisonment.
TERRY was named in a six-count Superseding Indictment on June 15, 2017. On September 25, 2017, TERRY pled guilty to Obstruction of Justice and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. At the time of the offense to which he pled guilty, TERRY was actively being supervised by the United States Probation Office for a prior firearm conviction.
On January 10, 2017, TERRY attempted to sell a vehicle to two people for $3,000.00. While driving the potential buyers to retrieve the money, the check engine light came on in the vehicle. After an examination of the car at AutoZone, the potential buyer advised TERRY that he did not want to purchase the vehicle because it had too many issues. Instead, of returning the man to his home, TERRY who was angry, drove the man and woman to a rural area in Vance County, stopped the car, pulled the male from the car and repeatedly hit him with a firearm. TERRY then pulled the female from the vehicle, and placed the pistol in her mouth. TERRY subsequently took the victim’s cellular telephone and $3,000 before leaving them both on the side of the road. The male victim was hospitalized as a result of the assault and required staples to close a laceration to his head. The victims reported the assault and robbery to law enforcement.
TERRY was arrested on April 3, 2017, by deputies with the United States Marshals Service based on a warrant issued for violating the conditions of his supervision. While making the arrest at TERRY’S girlfriend’s residence, officers observed his girlfriend’s 14-year old daughter with an odd bulge in her pants. A subsequent search of the juvenile revealed a .22 caliber Taurus semiautomatic firearm loaded with 9 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.
Following his arrest on April 3, 2017, TERRY also was served with outstanding arrest warrants related to the assault and robbery of the two victims mentioned above. While detained at the Vance County Jail, TERRY encountered in the jail, one of the victims TERRY assaulted over the car incident. On April 6, 2017, while in custody, TERRY approached that individual and told him to change his statement. TERRY told him that he needed to meet with TERRY’s attorney and tell the attorney that TERRY did not pistol whip him, that they only got into a fight. The man refused because of the injuries TERRY inflicted on him. TERRY threatened him if he did not change his statement.
Following TERRY’s federal arrest, agents seized and subsequently executed a search warrant on TERRY’s cellular telephone. A review of the pictures on the phone revealed that TERRY had taken several “selfies,” or photographs of himself with a Smith and Wesson .223 caliber AR-15 semiautomatic firearm on April 2, 2017. The firearm had been reported stolen and subsequently was recovered on April 10, 2017, at a residence in Henderson.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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 Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Crime Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted this case.
A Message from the Attorney General on Independence DayRead the Press Release
July 4, 2018
Colleagues—
Two-hundred forty-two years ago today, the Second Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain. Thirteen colonies became “one people” with “separate and equal station” to the nations of the world.
It was a bold experiment whose outcome was uncertain. But today we see that it has proven the most successful political experiment in world history.
That success has been due in no small measure to the dedicated and principled men and women who have served in our legal system over the centuries.
Our Founding document states clearly the purposes of government and it gives us a standard by which to measure our success. “Governments are instituted” to secure and protect the God-given, inalienable rights of their citizens in order to enable their “safety and happiness.”
That is our work every day. We are servants of the people.
And so—whether you’re a litigator in court fighting for civil rights, an investigator finding evidence of crime, law enforcement officers protecting your community, or you provide support to the women and men performing these crucial functions—you play a valuable role in this noble mission. Indeed, I believe it is the highest secular calling that there is.
I am grateful for your contribution to the mission of the Department of Justice, and I want to wish you all a very Happy Independence Day.
Jeff Sessions
Attorney General
Blood Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 17 Years After Conviction for Felon in Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced BAKARI MAURICE TEACHEY aka “Double R”, 27 a Rocky Mount resident, to 210 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. On February 9, 2018, TEACHEY was convicted in a three-day jury trial of 3-counts of Possession of a Firearm and/or Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.
The evidence at trial showed that TEACHEY pistol-whipped a man on May 9, 2017, and the victim received medical treatment. Two days later, TEACHEY was found in possession of a stolen Ruger 9mm pistol during a traffic stop by the Rocky Mount Police Department. On August 4, 2017, Rocky Mount Police Officers executed a search warrant on the home that TEACHEY shared with his fiancée after a reported shooting on South Vyne Street in Rocky Mount. The officers located numerous firearms and ammunition including a Smith and Wesson M&P AR 15 rifle, a Century Arms 7.62x39 AK 47 rifle, a Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, a .357 Taurus revolver, and assorted ammunition including ammunition for the caliber of firearms recovered and other ammunition. The officers also located drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and counterfeit U.S. currency.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Rocky Mount Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette represented the government in this case.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging RICARDO NOEL AYALA-AMAYA, age 32, of Honduras, and JOSE ANTONIO DANIA-MALDONADO, age 35, of the Dominican Republic, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, AYALA-AMAYA, found in Wake County and previously deported three times, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
DANIA-MALDONADO is alleged to have been deported from the United States subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (conspiracy to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance). If convicted, DANIA-MALDONADO, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Falsely Pretending to be a General Officer in the U.S. ArmyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that CHRISTIAN GERALD DESGROUX, age 57, of Raleigh, pled guilty today to pretending to be a United States Army Lieutenant General engaged in transporting a person for a classified briefing and under such guise having asserted authority to land a helicopter at Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) headquarters, located in Cary, North Carolina – all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.
At sentencing, set for the July 23, 2018 term of court, DESGROUX faces maximum penalties of 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Kellhofer and Eleanor Morales are prosecuting the case for the government.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced LEWIS ALEXANDER HINES, 26, of Wilmington to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
HINES was named in a five-count Superseding Indictment filed on July 25, 2017. On October 5, 2017 HINES pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.
In January 2017, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force (FBI) and the Wilmington Police Department Gang Unit (WPD) initiated an investigation into the drug distribution activities of HINES. A confidential source (CS) advised authorities that he/she could purchase drugs from HINES. Between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017 the CS at the direction of law enforcement made four undercover purchase of drugs from HINES. The CS purchased 251 bindles of heroin (5.02 grams of heroin) for $1,120, 147 bindles of heroin (2.9 grams of heroin) for $675, 29 grams of cocaine base (crack) for $1,400 and 14 grams of crack cocaine for $700. All of the sales occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina.
On February 6, 2017, law enforcement served a search warrant at HINES’ residence. The search uncovered 36 grams of crack cocaine, digital scales, 1 Glock magazine, various rounds of ammunition, and empty bindles of heroin.
HINES has prior convictions in North Carolina State Court for discharging a weapon into an occupied property and possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine and a prior Federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The investigation was conducted by the Wilmington Police Department Gang Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Street’s Task Force which is comprised of the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office,
Jacksonville Police Department, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Hyde County, North Carolina Men Plead Guilty to Waterfowl Baiting ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces DAVID CAHOON 59, JOHNATHAN BULL 47, JOHNATHAN PARKER WILLIAMS 52, and TIMOTHY CAHOON 49, recently plead guilty to charges of aiding and abetting others to take migratory waterfowl with the use or aid of bait, and hunting migratory waterfowl over an area that was baited.
During the 2016-2017 waterfowl season, Federal Wildlife Officers observed, on several occasions, multiple people engaged in the baiting of the Cahoon impoundments. On December, 17th 2016, Federal and State Wildlife Officers observed multiple hunters enter both baited impoundments and actively hunt migratory waterfowl.
Evidence suggested that DAVID CAHOON, allowed a family member to hunt his waterfowl impoundment even after knowing the impoundment contained fresh shelled corn that was purposely placed to attract migratory waterfowl for the purpose of hunting. The impoundment is located adjacent to the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. DAVID CAHOON, plead guilty to aiding and abetting others to hunt on or over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $9000.00 fine.
Evidence suggested TIMOTHY CAHOON, hunted on opening morning within the baited impoundment. TIMOTHY CAHOON, plead guilty to hunting over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $2500.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
In an adjacent impoundment JOHNATHAN BULL and a group of hunter’s, hunted migratory waterfowl while knowing the impoundment was baited with bird seed and sunflower seed purposely placed to attract migratory waterfowl into the impoundment. This impoundment is also located adjacent to the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. BULL, plead guilty to hunting over a baited area and aiding and abetting others to hunt over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $4000.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
PARKER WILLIAMS, plead guilty for his involvement by aiding and abetting others to hunt over bait and was ordered to pay a $4000.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge law Enforcement and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Life Sentence Imposed on Leaders of Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, ANTOINE DEWAYNE MYLES a/k/a “Twan”, 42, of Dunn, North Carolina, LEMONT JERRONE WEBB, 44, of Godwin, North Carolina, and HARRY MYLES, SR., 63, also of Dunn, were sentenced by United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. ANTOINE DEWAYNE MYLES was sentenced to life imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release, WEBB was also sentenced to life imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release and HARRY MYLES, SR. was sentenced to 64 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
WEBB and HARRY MYLES, SR. were convicted following a four-day trial on January 20, 2018. WEBB was convicted of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), and several money laundering offenses. HARRY MYLES, SR. was found guilty of money laundering offenses. ANTOINE DEWAYNE MYLES was convicted on March 8, 2018, after a three-day trial, of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the Intent to Distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack), and money laundering conspiracy.
The evidence at trial showed that from 2011 until their arrest on June 5, 2015, ANTOINE DEWAYNE MYLES and his brother LEMONT WEBB, were leaders in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) responsible for the distribution of kilogram quantities of crack cocaine in Godwin, North Carolina. The evidence showed that ANTOINE MYLES and WEBB hired other people to work shifts selling crack cocaine from a trailer in Godwin, NC, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. In October 2014, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office obtained an injunction against the trailer used to distribute the crack cocaine, but MYLES and WEBB continued their operation, selling crack cocaine from a Winnebago across the street from the original trailer.
The evidence at trial established that HARRY MYLES, SR., the father of LEMONT WEBB and ANTOINE MYLES, played an integral role in the operation of the DTO by allowing multiple properties used to store and distribute crack cocaine, to be placed in his name in order to conceal the true source of the illegal funds used to purchase the properties, and to frustrate law enforcement’s efforts to seize the properties. Additionally, the trial evidence established that HARRY MYLES, SR. and LEMONT WEBB purchased tow trucks and started a towing business which was utilized to launder illegal drug proceeds. Moreover, ANTOINE MYLES and LEMONT WEBB both purchased multiple vehicles with illegal drug proceeds and titled the vehicles in the names of other persons to frustrate any efforts by law enforcement to seize and forfeit the vehicles.
At sentencing, LEMONT WEBB was found responsible for the distribution of over 125 kilograms of cocaine base (crack) over the life of the drug conspiracy and ANTOINE MYLES was found responsible for the distribution of over 40 kilograms of cocaine base (crack) during his involvement in the drug conspiracy. HARRY MYLES, SR. was found to have been involved in the laundering of over $175,000 in illegal drug proceeds.
Additionally, 15 other defendants have been convicted of various drug and money laundering charges arising from this investigation.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Antoine Myles, his father Harry Myles, and Lemont Webb have finally been brought to justice. For years they have victimized the small community of Godwin and turned it into a virtual open-air drug market. Collectively they distributed nearly 300 pounds of cocaine. As law enforcement tried to stop them, they thumbed their noses, adjusted their operation and carried on. Today, that stops! The sentences handed down in these cases are clear warnings to drug traffickers that we are Taking Back North Carolina from the drug dealers and violent criminals. And removing these defendants from Godwin, North Carolina is a great start.”
"Today, Justice is served and not only are criminals going to jail for their crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture. The role of IRS-CI in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. One of the government's most powerful weapons is the ability to seize through asset forfeiture the assets associated with narcotics-related crime,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. “IRS-CI is proud to provide its financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice."
Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West said, “He would like to thank the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and our Federal Law Enforcement partners for dismantling this Drug Trafficking Organization that was a blight on our community. The Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office looks forward to continuing to partner with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat drug traffickers in Cumberland County.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the United States Marshal’s Service. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence Cameron represented the government in this case.
Federal Drug and Violent Crime Enforcement Operation Nets 18 Defendants Wanted for Guns, Drugs and Other ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – As part of Take Back North Carolina Initiative, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that several cocaine and heroin centered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operations (OCDETF), as well as, violent crime enforcement operations resulted in the arrest of eighteen (18) defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. Also, at least one defendant related to this operation was found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections and will now face federal prosecution. A federal detainer has been filed against this subject.
In addition to the federal arrests, thirteen (13) defendants were arrested for outstanding state charges in connection with this operation.
This operation was conducted as part of the Eastern District of North Carolina Take Back North Carolina Initiative which brings the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, and Pitt Counties in partnership with The District Attorney’s Office as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement.
The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment. The individual charges for each defendant is contained in the parenthesis following the personal information.
- Marquavious Harold Carr, 29, of Elm City, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute One Hundred (100) Grams or More of Heroin, Twenty-Eight (28) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), and a Quantity of Cocaine and Marijuana)
- Angelo McKinley Cooper, 29, of Rocky Mount, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Ronnie Renault Foreman, 39, of Greenville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Aiding and Abetting)
- Terance Earl Foreman, 33, of Greenville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Aiding and Abetting)
- Cohn Deangelo Hinton, 48, of Rocky Mount, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred (500) Grams or More of Cocaine, One Hundred (100) Grams or More of Heroin, and a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana)
- Keyonta Tarezze Langley, 30, of Greenville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- De’Andre Anthony Lucas, 28, of Wilson, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Heroin)
- Shaquandra McAllister, 28, of Wilson, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Twenty-Eight (28) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), and a Quantity of Cocaine and Heroin)
- Marquice Quashawn McCoy, 30, of Rocky Mount, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Heroin)
- Trawn Joval Rodgers, 38, of Greenville, NC (Distribution of Cocaine)
- Kendrick Dequan Rogers, 25, of Raleigh, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred (500) Grams or More of Cocaine, Twenty-Eight (28) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), One Hundred (100) Grams or More of Heroin, and Marijuana)
- Travis Kwymaine Ruffin, 28, of Wilson, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Heroin)
- Michael Speight, 26, of Elm City, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))
- Rodney Durrell Thomas, 20, of Elm City, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute One Hundred (100) Grams or More of Heroin, Twenty-Eight (28) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack), and a Quantity of Cocaine and Marijuana)
- Monte Marquis Thorne, 42, of Rocky Mount, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Cocaine Base (Crack); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Brendon Rashad White, 20, of Wilson, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred (500) Grams or More of Cocaine, One Hundred (100) Grams or More of Heroin, and a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana)
- Jazmein Jaquae Wiggins, 39, of Rocky Mount, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition)
- Marcus Antwan Wiley, 29, of Elm City, NC (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin)
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 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, Greenville Police Department, Greenville Regional Drug Task Force, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Seventh Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Probation Office.
Enforcement Operation Nets Multiple Federal Drug & Violent Crime DefendantsRead the Press Release
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Nash County Commissioners Room
120 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
Re: Enforcement Operation Nets Multiple Federal Drug & Violent Crime Defendants
Take Back North Carolina Initiative Results in 17 Arrests by the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, Greenville Regional Drug Task Force & Other Partners
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the results of a warrant enforcement operation centered on cocaine and heroin distribution and violent crime in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, and Pitt Counties. These Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and violent crime enforcement operations are part of the recently announced Take Back North Carolina Strategy to combat violent and drug crime in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative will bring the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in those counties. The United States Attorney’s Office is working in partnership with District Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., we anticipate members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved with this operation 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.
Alien Indicted on Misuse of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging DIEGO ISIDRO CHAJ-RAMOS, age 38, of Guatemala, with Misuse of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, Homeland Security agents obtained copies of several I-9 Forms revealing CHAJ-RAMOS falsely represented himself to be a United States citizen and provided multiple employers the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a United States citizen in order to qualify for employment in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Additionally, court records reveal that CHAJ-RAMOS illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location, and was charged and/or convicted multiple times in North Carolina under the identity of a United States citizen.
If convicted of Misuse of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity Theft, CHAJ-RAMOS, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 48 years’ 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.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, reaffirms the Eastern District of North Carolina’s commitment to combating elder abuse and financial exploitation. Mr. Higdon commented: “Our seniors deserve our best efforts to prosecute those who attempt to capitalize on their vulnerabilities. As the Department of Justice continues to collaborate with other Departments to fight elder abuse on the national scale, the Eastern District of North Carolina continues to pursue justice for elderly victims in its district.”
Examples of our commitment to prosecuting crimes targeting our elderly citizens include the following:
On November 22, 2016, a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a 21-count indictment charging Treyton Lee Thomas with wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Thomas defrauded individuals and financial institutions of more than six million dollars in an investment fraud scheme. Thomas claimed he would invest the funds conservatively in US Treasury Bills. Instead, Thomas made risky investments in commodities, futures, options, and foreign currency exchange. For many years, Thomas concealed the losses with fictitious financial documents. His elderly father suffered the greatest losses and, sadly, died during the investigation, at age 84. THOMAS’s father was forced into bankruptcy as a result of his son’s fraud. He lost his successful automobile warranty business and his home. The case is scheduled for trial, on November 5, 2018, before the Honorable James C. Dever, III.
On April 24, 2018, a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned a 13-count indictment charging ELIZABETH ANN KRINER WILLIAMSON, with ten counts of Bank Fraud, two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, and one count of Mail Theft. The indictment alleges that beginning in or around April 2015, and continuing until in or around June 2017, WILLIAMSON used her elderly in-law’s bank information to make unauthorized cash withdrawals and purchases in excess of $96,000. If convicted of all counts, WILLIAMSON could face a maximum penalty of thirty seven years imprisonment, a minimum penalty of two years imprisonment, a $1,500,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Her arraignment is currently scheduled for September 2018.
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.
Warren County Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, JATWAUN DONKES DAVIS, 27, of Manson, North Carolina was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III to 36 months imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.
DAVIS was named in a three-count Indictment on July 19, 2017. On March 5, 2018, DAVIS pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Receipt of a Firearm While Under Indictment.
On December 5, 2016, DAVIS was arrested for Breaking and Entering and Larceny after Breaking and Entering in Warren County, North Carolina. On January 17, 2017, DAVIS was indicted for the charges and released on a secured bond on January 20, 2017.
On April 6, 2017, DAVIS was at his girlfriend’s residence in Henderson, North Carolina, when an argument ensued between her and DAVIS. DAVIS became enraged when she told DAVIS his friends needed to leave. DAVIS pushed his girlfriend on her bed, grabbed her throat and began choking her while threatening to kill her. Upon his girlfriend requesting a friend to retrieve her purse where she kept her firearm, DAVIS jumped up and ran to the other bedroom taking his girlfriend’s firearm from her purse. DAVIS fled from the residence while in possession of the firearm. She chased after DAVIS yelling at him to return her firearm. DAVIS was picked up in a vehicle. DAVIS later informed his girlfriend that he had thrown the firearm by the road as he fled from her residence. A short time later, his girlfriend went to the Henderson Police Department (HPD) and filed charges relating to the assault and theft of her firearm.
On March 26, 2018, DAVIS provided a written statement accepting responsibility for the three charges.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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 Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted this case.
Kinston Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, CHARLES ELLIOT NOBLES, 37, of Kinston, North Carolina was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III to 264 months imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.
NOBLES was named in a two-count Superseding Criminal Information on September 11, 2017. On that day, NOBLES pled guilty to Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting and Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting.
Between August 24, 2015, and May 15, 2016, a series of armed robberies occurred in the Eastern District of North Carolina area and elsewhere. A total of seven robberies were conducted by various participants including NOBLES. NOBLES was at the helm of the conspiracy and participated in all seven robberies.
Between August 24, 2015 and May 15, 2016 NOBLES participated in at least seven Hobbs Act robberies. During the course of the crime spree, NOBLES robbed a US Cellular store in Beulaville, attempted a robbery at the Win-A-Lot internet café in Kinston, a Family Dollar store in Pink Hill, a Family Dollar store in Faison, a US Cellular store in Kenansville, a US Cellular store in Snow Hill, and robbed the US Cellular store in Kenansville a second time. During the attempted robbery of the Win-A-Lot internet café, NOBLES aided and abetted others who shot a victim in the face.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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 Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted this case.
Henderson Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, LAJOHN CHAMPION, 28, of Henderson, North Carolina was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III to 36 months imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.
CHAMPION was named in an Indictment on November 29, 2017. On March 5, 2018, CHAMPION pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
On November 17, 2017, members of the Henderson Police Department received information that CHAMPION, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and operating a vehicle located at a gas station in Henderson.
Officers responded to the A & A Food Mart in Henderson and observed CHAMPION driving a Honda Accord. Officers, knowing CHAMPION did not possess a valid driver’s license, conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle as it turned into the driveway of a residence in Henderson. As the vehicle came to a stop, CHAMPION fled from the driver’s seat of the vehicle carrying a book bag. Officers pursued CHAMPION and, after searching the area, located CHAMPION coming out of a wooded area. CHAMPION was no longer in possession of a book bag.
In response to the foot chase, a K9 unit responded to the scene and located the book bag near a nearby residence. A search of the book bag revealed a loaded 9mm pistol. CHAMPION was arrested and transported to the Henderson Police Department. CHAMPION acknowledged the firearm belonged to him.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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 Henderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted this case.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced JAVION SCOTT, 27, of Fayetteville, North Carolina to 78 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
SCOTT was named in an Indictment on April 24, 2017. On March 12, 2018, SCOTT pled guilty to one-count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
On March 29, 2017, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cumberland County Probation and Parole office in Fayetteville, conducted a warrantless search at the residence of SCOTT, who was subject to post-release supervision conditions due to prior felony convictions, including Second Degree Sexual Offense. The officers knocked on the door at 7:20 a.m., and it took several minutes for SCOTT to answer the door. Investigators determined that SCOTT’s girlfriend threw two semi-automatic pistols, ammunition, a loaded large capacity magazine, a loaded magazine, an unloaded magazine, and an unspecified amount of marijuana over the balcony. The firearms were kept in SCOTT’s bedroom. Investigation revealed that one of the firearms was reported stolen in Sampson County, on August 20, 2013. Investigators recovered a third pistol and 35 grams of marijuana in SCOTT’S vehicle.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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.
The Fayetteville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Cumberland County Probation and Parole Office in Fayetteville conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – 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 AQUILEO PEREZ-PINEDA, age 48, of Mexico, ABEL RAMIREZ-URIBE, age 33, of Mexico, and PEDRO VICENTE SANCHEZ-JOVEL, age 34, of Guatemala, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, PEREZ-PINEDA, found in Harnett County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry Subsequent to a Felony Conviction (possession of a controlled substance), RAMIREZ-URIBE, found in Robeson County, and previously deported twice, 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 Subsequent to an Aggravated Felony (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of methamphetamine), SANCHEZ-JOVEL, found in Wake County, and previously deported twice, would face maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Lumberton Man Sentenced for Possession of an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced RODERICK MCNEILL, 23, of Lumberton, North Carolina to 40 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MCNEILL was named in an Indictment on June 22, 2017. On March 12, 2018, MCNEILL pled guilty to one-count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
On April 4, 2016, Lumberton Police Department officers responded to a complaint of shots fired in the vicinity of a business which had both a restaurant and convenience store in the same building. Upon their arrival, investigators recovered a sawed-off, 8-inch long, Braztech 20 gauge shotgun, which was thrown on the roof of a church by MCNEILL. The shotgun had a makeshift pistol grip attached to the action and barrel, which was wrapped in electrical tape. No serial number was visible on the shotgun and it was loaded with one live 20 gauge shotgun round. Investigators also discovered 3 rounds of .38 special caliber ammunition, one additional 20 gauge shotgun round, and a metal adapter which was designed to fit into the chamber of the shotgun in order to allow it to fire .38 special caliber ammunition.
On November 7, 2016, MCNEILL was arrested at his home in Lumberton on numerous outstanding warrants for charges that included conduct related to the possession of a sawed-off shotgun on April 4, 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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.
The Lumberton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Former Senior Chief Petty Officer Pleads Guilty to False Impersonation of a Federal Employee ChargeRead the Press Release
New Bern – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today THOMAS R. BOWES, 53, of Camden, North Carolina, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge James E. Gates to false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.
According to the Criminal Information filed on April 27, 2018, and information presented in open court, THOMAS R. BOWES retired from the U.S. Coast Guard on November 30, 2013, as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Thereafter, he formed his own company. He choose, however, to misappropriate the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) seal without authorization. In his dealings with suppliers, BOWES falsely held himself out as a Sr. Sniper Instructor, Dept. Homeland Security, Southeast Task Force, and signed letters “Chief Thomas Bowes, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” He did so to obtain various things of value, including but not limited to, expedited service from merchants, entry into various sniper competitions, and arguably, a government discount from the merchants as he sought pricing for “DHS sniper team” or the “Homeland Security Sniper Team.” In one instance, BOWES falsely represented himself as an employee of the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to secure expedited work on a firearm, writing that his “commanding officer” needed answers as they were “30 days into a hostage crises.” A search of BOWES’ emails revealed that between July 2, 2014, and November 13, 2016, he sent approximately 126 emails in which he falsely represented himself as an employee of the Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Higdon commented: “The privilege of exercising the responsibility and powers of the federal government is protected by those laws which govern the use of the insignia, seals and other representations of federal authority. These laws ensure that those empowered by the public are the only ones who exercise that authority and they likewise protect the public from those who would defraud them under the guise of federal power. The defendant – himself a former federal official who certainly knows better – attempted to benefit himself and defraud others by claiming a position and influence he did not rightly possess. This prosecution sends a clear message to anyone else who might falsely impersonate a federal official that there will be consequences for the crime.”
“This investigation demonstrated the importance of protecting the integrity of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) by holding accountable those who use official DHS and USCG government symbols, words and phrases to deceive or mislead the public,” commented Marty J. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
“This defendant plead guilty to false impersonation and the misrepresentation of himself as being affiliated with the Department of Homeland Security, for personal gains. This office will remain vigilant in seeking the prosecution of those, who are intent on misrepresenting the Department of Homeland Security, its 22 federal agencies, services, and programs,” said James E. Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.
At sentencing, BOWES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and/or $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is handling the prosecution on behalf to the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal Drug and Violent Crime Enforcement Operation Nets 12 Defendants Wanted for Guns, Drugs and Other ChargesRead the Press Release
HENDERSON – As part of “Take Back North Carolina Initiative,” the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that “Operation Thunderstruck,” a heroin and opioid centered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) resulted in the arrest of twelve (12) defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. In addition, at least one defendant related to this operation was found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections. A federal detainers has been filed against this subject. Also, one subject was arrested on state charges.
This operation was conducted as part of the Eastern District of North Carolina Take Back North Carolina Initiative as part of the federal focus on the alarming level of opioid use and the deaths associated with it. This initiative is bringing the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties in partnership with District Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement.
The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment. The individual charges for each defendant is contained in the parenthesis following the personal information.
- Lorenzo Alston, 28, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin)
- Jermill Keith Blacknall, 30, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Place for Manufacture & Distribution of Heroin)
- Odell Terrance Burrell, 40, of Vance County, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana & Maintaining a Place for Manufacture and Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana)
- Kyle Victor Fisher, 29, of Granville County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm & Ammunition)
- Roy Lee Fowler, 53, of Vance County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Dominique Renna Russell, 30, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Aiding and Abetting, Maintaining a Place for Manufacturing & Distributing Heroin, aiding and abetting, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.)
- Daryl Russell, 31, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Mario Jamal Steed, 29, of Henderson, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- James Edward Downey, 41, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))
- Markest Foye, 32, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))
- Jamal Kendale Watson, 27, of Fayetteville, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))
- Toney Fields, 42, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack)
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, (ATF), the United States Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Henderson Police Department, Oxford Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Probation Office.
Wilson Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – 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 WILLIAM MAURICE SADDLER, 35, of Wilson to 480 months’ imprisonment followed by a lifetime of supervised release. On November 30, 2017, SADDLER was found guilty by a federal jury in New Bern of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and of a minor.
The evidence presented at trial showed: The victim was fifteen years old. He began dating and then having a sexual relationship with her. One day, SADDLER gave her crack, took her to a migrant camp near Wilson, North Carolina, and forced her to prostitute. After that, SADDLER took her to migrant camps near Wilson numerous times to prostitute. Among other tactics, Saddler used violence, fear, and manipulation to force the victim to continue prostituting to support Saddler’s crack cocaine habit.
SADDLER’s brother, Bobby Ray Williams Jr., and his girlfriend, Temeeka Honey, helped transport the victim to prostitute. Williams then also began prostituting the victim. Around December 2015, SADDLER’s crack cocaine dealer, Kenneth Corvon Ward, and Ward’s girlfriend, Yadyra Brown, also began prostituting the victim around Wilson and Raleigh, North Carolina. Williams, Ward, Honey, and Brown all were previously convicted and sentenced in related cases.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Raleigh Police Department, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the Wilson Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin C. Blondel and Eleanor Morales represented the United States.
Willow Springs Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Drug and Explosive OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – 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 JAMES CURTIS DENTON, 37, of Willow Springs, North Carolina to 360 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. On February 25, 2017, DENTON was found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and possession and transportation of an explosive by a drug user with the intent to injure or kill an individual.
In the early morning of May 28, 2015, an improvised explosive device (IED) constructed of PVC pipe, black powder, and shrapnel was affixed under the vehicle of DENTON’S ex-spouse’s fiancé. Later that day, the IED exploded as the victim was driving down a neighborhood street. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed. During the investigation, it was discovered that DENTON was involved in drug use, and, as the drug investigation continued, evidence regarding DENTON’S motive to place the IED was revealed. Investigators and the federal prosecutor were able to tie DENTON to the IED based on the statements and interviews of multiple witnesses, including a co-defendant who accompanied DENTON to the neighborhood when he placed the IED.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cary Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Kellhofer represented the government.
Oak Island Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday, in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MICHAEL CARL BUTLER, 31, of Oak Island, North Carolina, to 420 months of imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography.
BUTLER was named in a three-count Indictment on September 26, 2017. On December 13, 2017, BUTLER pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement to receipt of child pornography.
In January 2017, Homeland Security Investigations utilized undercover software to identify an IP address downloading child pornography and offering such files for download by others. A search warrant was issued for the home address associated with the IP address. During that search, law enforcement confiscated multiple electronic devices belonging to BUTLER. A forensic examination of those devices revealed more than 90 images of child pornography. Further investigation also indicated that BUTLER utilized social media accounts, such as Facebook, to contact and solicit underage girls to commit sexual acts. BUTLER had previously been convicted of sex crimes against minors and was a registered sex offender under North Carolina law.
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.
United States Homeland Security Investigations conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler handled the prosecution of this case for the United States.
Greenville Man Sentenced to more than Ten Years' Imprisonment for Firing at Officers During Execution of Search WarrantRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced CHRISTIAN IVAN CARDENAS, 21, of Greenville, North Carolina, to 128 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
CARDENAS was charged in a two-count Criminal Information on January 19, 2017 and pleaded guilty on March 15, 2017 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of marijuana and alprazolam (Xanax) and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.
In August of 2015, the Greenville Regional Drug Trask Force, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Greenville Police Department, the Winterville Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the East Carolina University Police Department, began investigating CARDENAS as a narcotics distributor in Pitt County. After a controlled purchase from CARDENAS, a search warrant was issued on CARDENAS’s residence. At the time of the execution of the search warrant, CARDENAS fired multiple shots through the front door towards law enforcement officers, with one round striking East Carolina University Officer Travis Davis’s body armor. Fortunately, Officer Davis was not injured.
When law enforcement made their way into the home, several loaded firearms, currency, pills, and marijuana were found. Specifically, the officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun, a loaded semi-automatic assault rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as thousands of dollars, several hundred grams of marijuana, and more than two hundred Adderall pills.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) also assisted in the case. Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Four Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of Citizenship, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging ALEXIS REYES-IGLESIAS, age 24, of Mexico, ANTONIO DUQUE CAMACHO, age 46, of Mexico, and SANTIAGO MALDONADO-JAIMEZ, age 42, of Mexico, each with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL RAIMUNDO RODRIGUEZ, age 45, of Cuba, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Obtain a State Benefit and Service, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, REYES-IGLESIAS, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry Subsequent to a Felony Conviction (trafficking cocaine), DUQUE CAMACHO, found in Harnett County, would face a maximum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry Subsequent to an Aggravated Felony (indecent liberties with a child), MALDONADO-JAIMEZ, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Obtain a State Benefit and Service, and Aggravated Identity Theft, RAIMUNDO RODRIGUEZ, found in Cumberland County, would face maximum penalties of 12 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.
Holly Springs Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – 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 TONY RAY HOLDER, 34, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, to 84 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
HOLDER was named in a three count Indictment on December 20, 2017. On March 14, 2018, HOLDER pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On June 10, 2017, investigators with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by HOLDER’s girlfriend. HOLDER was the front seat passenger. During the traffic stop, officers recovered cocaine base, a digital scale, a loaded 9mm handgun from underneath HOLDER’s seat, a ski mask and gloves from the glove box. HOLDER had been released from state prison for a second degree murder conviction less than two months prior to this traffic stop.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Peggah Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Henderson Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison in Heroin Distribution and Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
NEW BERN - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, QUA’MORIA RONDE’ DAVIS, 20, of Henderson was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 78 months imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.
DAVIS was named in an eight-count Superseding Indictment on November 29, 2017. On January 16, 2018, DAVIS pled guilty to Receipt of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person under Indictment and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Henderson Police Department (HPD) in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). From January of 2016 to approximately July of 2017, DAVIS was arrested multiple times for drug and firearms offenses.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting 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.
In support of PSN, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has implemented the 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 Henderson Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette prosecuted this case.
Former President and CEO of Coastal Bank & Trust Sentenced for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and ObstructionRead the Press Release
NEW BERN –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 ROBERT LEVIE NORRIS, JR., age 50, of New Bern, North Carolina to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and obstruction of a federal bank examination. The Court ordered the term of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. NORRIS was also ordered to pay $2,397,475 in restitution.
NORRIS was named in a Criminal Information on April 18, 2017 alleging the above offenses. NORRIS pled guilty to the charges on May 17, 2017.
According to court records, statements made in court, and other public information, NORRIS was the first President and Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Bank and Trust (CB&T), which opened its doors to customers in 2009. NORRIS served in this capacity from April 2009 to June 2013. As CB&T’s highest ranking executive, NORRIS was entrusted to oversee all aspects of CB&T’s business and to ensure that CB&T operated in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. In June 2013, it was discovered that NORRIS had engaged in a scheme to defraud CB&T by engineering fraudulent loan transactions with straw borrowers where the true beneficiaries of the loans were co-conspirators of NORRIS, business entities controlled by NORRIS, or NORRIS himself. The offending loans included unsecured lines of credit, small business loans, and mortgages for commercial and residential properties. NORRIS used his position of trust and authority at CB&T to circumvent the bank’s internal controls and normal loan underwriting procedures. To conceal his scheme, NORRIS withheld relevant information about the fraudulent loans from CB&T’s board of directors and examiners from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. CB&T suffered losses of approximately $2.4 million as a result of NORRIS’ conduct.
“When a bank official uses their position for their own personal profit they do more than commit a federal crime, they abuse their power and violate the public’s trust. Mr. Norris’ sentence today is proof of the commitment of the FBI to work with other law enforcement agencies to find these offenders and hold them accountable,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. said, “Mr. Norris used his position of trust to unlawfully line his pockets with money to which he was not entitled. The USAO-EDNC will always work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to vigorously investigate and prosecute this type of criminal conduct. Mr. Norris’ sentence sends a strong message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated and will be punished accordingly.”
“Mr. Norris’ fraud scheme and deception of bank examiners is the type of criminal conduct that impedes federal regulators from effectively supervising banking institutions,” said Mark Bialek, Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. “Today’s sentencing is one more step in a joint effort with our federal partners to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of those institutions.”
“This sentencing holds the defendant accountable for misusing his position as the bank President and CEO to fabricate fraudulent loans with straw borrowers, evade internal controls, and withhold information from the bank’s Board. The underlying conspiracy cost the bank millions of dollars. This case demonstrates the importance of cooperation among law enforcement partners to combat such criminal conduct and maintain the integrity of financial institutions,” said FDIC Inspector General Jay N. Lerner.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.
Spring Hope Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead 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 EQUAN CORNELIUS DUNSTON, 26, of Spring Hope, North Carolina to 114 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.
DUNSTON was named in a Criminal Information filed on January 10, 2018 charging him with conspiracy to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (crack) between June 20, 2017 and August 17, 2017. On March 5, 2018, DUNSTON pled guilty to the single count Criminal Information.
According to the investigation, beginning in June 2017, deputies with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the narcotics distribution activity of DUNSTON. A confidential informant was utilized to make six controlled purchases of over 300 grams of cocaine base (crack) from DUNSTON between June 20, 2017 and August 14, 2017. DUNSTON conspired with others in his narcotics distribution.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and Spring Hope Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
On 500th Day of Trump Administration, Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
Largest Increase in AUSAs in Decades Allocates 5 Prosecutors to Eastern District of North Carolina to Focus on Violent Crime, Civil Enforcement, and Immigration Crimes
RALEIGH - On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
In the Eastern District of North Carolina, 4 of these AUSAs will focus on violent crime and 1 on civil enforcement. Mr. Higdon welcomed the addition of five new prosecutors to the staff of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District: “We are so pleased that the Department of Justice has responded to our plea for new prosecutors. President Trump and the Attorney General have charged this office with reducing the crime rate in the Eastern District and we have mobilized all the resources of this office – all 51 Assistant United States Attorneys and nearly 20 Special Assistant United States Attorneys – to drive the crime rate down and to make our communities safer and more secure. The addition of five new prosecutors will improve our effectiveness and allow us to be even more responsive to the needs of law enforcement and to the communities all across our district. We will move swiftly to fill these positons and the public will soon begin to see the results of more federal prosecutors working to reduce our violent crime rate and to stem the tide of the opioid crisis.”