Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Fayetteville Men Sentenced to 10 Years for Stealing FirearmsRead 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 BRIAN LAMAR MARTIN, 22, of Fayetteville and KEYWONOUS ROGERS, 22, of Fayetteville to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MARTIN and ROGERS were named in a 2-count indictment filed on May 17, 2017 charging both defendants with possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a stolen firearm. On November 6, 2017, MARTIN pled guilty to one count of Possession of a Firearm by Felon. On December 4, 2017, ROGERS also pled guilty to one-count of Possession of a Firearm and by Felon.
On September 14, 2016, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in St. Pauls, North Carolina after receiving a call for service that the victims of the residence had been robbed. The victims advised that ROGERS and an unidentified male, later determined to be MARTIN, initially were invited into the residence, however, once they were inside, MARTIN brandished a firearm while ROGERS stole eighteen guns from a safe in the residence. As they fled the scene, their vehicle overturned into a ditch, where one of the firearms was abandoned and recovered by law enforcement.
On September 21, 2016, ATF agents went to a residence in Fayetteville, North Carolina where ROGERS had been staying. The homeowner provided consent to search the residence, and the agents recovered two of the stolen firearms. ROGERS confessed that he had stolen several firearms on September 14, 2016.
On April 16, 2017, the victims identified the second perpetrator as MARTIN after seeing his picture on the news after he had been arrested for First Degree Murder. MARTIN subsequently confessed to pointing a firearm at the victims, and assisting in stealing the eighteen guns. Both MARTIN and ROGERS are convicted felons.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Tarboro Man Sentenced for Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead 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 DARRICUS DIQUEL SUGGS, 23, of Tarboro, North Carolina to 97 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
SUGGS was named in a two-count Indictment on November 2, 2017. On December 7, 2017, SUGGS pled guilty to one-count of Hobbs Act Robbery and Aiding and Abetting and one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On November 21, 2016, SUGGS and James Leroy Everette, who previously pled guilty on January 11, 2018, entered the Speedway gas station located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, wearing gloves and concealing their faces with shirts or a ski mask. Everette immediately leapt over the counter and instructed the victim clerk to open the cash register, at which time he grabbed the cash out of the register. The victim clerk advised investigators that one of the robbers threatened to “blow her head off” if she did not comply. The robbers then fled the scene with $382 in U.S. currency, which they ultimately divided among themselves.
Immediately after the aforementioned robbery, SUGGS and his accomplice drove to Wendell, North Carolina, where they broke into Perry’s Gun Shop. Upon arrival at the business, Sharpe used a cinder block to break through the glass door of the business. SUGGS and Everette then entered the business. SUGGS and Everette shattered a display case and stole 9 Smith and Wesson handguns before fleeing the scene. Within hours of the burglary, Everette was captured by law enforcement, and identified SUGGS as his accomplice in the Speedway robbery and burglary of Perry’s Gun Shop.
On November 22, 2016, investigators conducted a search of SUGGS’ residence and recovered the firearms stolen from Perry’s Gun Shop. The firearms, along with assorted 9mm and .380 caliber ammunition, were found in SUGGS’ bedroom. SUGGS was taken into custody and subsequently provided a statement to authorities during which he acknowledged his involvement in the robbery of Speedway. However, SUGGS denied entering Perry’s Gun Shop and maintained that he only “peeked” inside the store.
In conclusion, SUGGS is responsible for robbing a gas station and stealing 9 firearms from a gun shop. During the robbery of the Speedway gas station, the defendant and his accomplice stole $382 and threatened the victim clerk with death if she did not comply.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Wendell Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Federal Jury Convicts Pembroke Medical Doctor for Unlawfully Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, DONOVAN DAVE DIXON, 51 of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was convicted after a four-day jury trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The jury found DIXON, who was a licensed medical doctor at the time of the offense, guilty of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Distribute Oxycodone and twenty (20) counts of Unlawful Distribution of Oxycodone outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The evidence at trial showed that DIXON was a licensed medical doctor who operated a family medical practice in Pembroke, NC from 2012 until April 6, 2015, when his ability to prescribe controlled substances was limited by the North Carolina Medical Board. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad based in Charlotte began investigating DIXON when they noticed that four (4) of the top ten (10) oxycodone prescribing pharmacies for the State of North Carolina were located in the Lumberton, NC area. The local pharmacists as well as local and state law enforcement identified DIXON as the likely cause.
At trial, the evidence showed that DIXON prescribed high strength, high dosage amounts of oxycodone with little or no medical examination. Multiple witnesses testified that they had never even met DIXON despite the fact that hundreds of prescriptions had been issued in their name. A local drug dealer testified that DIXON wrote prescriptions for oxycodone in the name of persons that he provided to DIXON in exchange for cash. The prescription drugs were then sold on the streets of Robeson County by the drug dealer.
DIXON is scheduled to be sentenced the week of July 23, 2018.
Mr. Higdon stated: “The United States Department of Justice is aggressively moving against all individuals who illegally distribute opioids and prescription drugs. Whether those illegally pushing these drugs are on the street or operating from a doctor’s office, we will pursue you, charge you and convict you for the crimes that are putting our citizens at risk.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistance was also provided by the State Bureau of Investigation, Diversion and Environmental Crime Unit, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence Cameron represented the government in this case.
Media Advisory-Attorney General Jeff SessionsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, on TUESDAY April 17, 2018, to deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHO:
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
WHAT:Attorney General Jeff Sessions will deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHEN:
TUESDAY, April 17, 2018
2:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE:
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
3rd Floor Conference Room
310 New Bern Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 800
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1461OPEN PRESS
(Camera Preset: 1:15 p.m. EDT // Final access time for print media: 2:00 p.m. EDT)
Media will go through a security check on the first floor and hold in Room 158 before being escorted by USAO staff up to the 3rd floor conference room.
NOTE: All media must RSVP and present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. The RSVP and any inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Kelly Laco in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 305-5219 or [email protected]. Please RSVP with the email address of the person(s) attending the event, so that we may reach them directly if details change.
Arrest Made in Eastern North Carolina Synthetic Drug CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the arrest of Akram Abdel-Aziz, 50, on drug related charges.
Abdel-Aziz is charged in a criminal complaint with the possession with intent to distribute a quantity of 5F-ADB, a synthetic cannabinoid listed as a Schedule I controlled substance. Known locally by the label “Black Magic” and other similar names, the substance was sold as a liquid vaporizer product at vape shops in Onslow, Craven, Wilson, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Pamlico counties. The product came to the attention of authorities following more than 40 persons requiring medical attention after ingesting the product, for symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, paranoia, and cardiac arrest.
Abdel-Aziz is currently in custody.
The allegations above 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 U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command, U.S. Marine Corps Criminal Investigative Division, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, Jacksonville Police Department, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Police Department and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
“Each year in the month of April during this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we stop to recognize and acknowledge the plight of crime victims among us and rededicate ourselves to their care and support and to the mission of ensuring that more people do not join their ranks through the enforcement of the law and the deterrence of future criminal activity,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the victims of sexual harassment in housing, and this important initiative will enhance enforcement resources available to pursue the predators responsible for these heinous acts.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by the individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
30 Second PSA Audio Announcement:
Audio fileTranscript:
psas_transcript_1.pdfLeland Man Indicted for Lying to Federal Firearms Licensee During Attempted Purchase of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that a grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina returned an indictment charging HOWARD JOSEPH BURCHFIELD, 36 of Leland, NC with two counts of providing a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm and one count of possession of ammunition as a prohibited person. Each count carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
The indictment alleges that on July 22, 2016 and April 1, 2017, in Shallotte, North Carolina, BURCHFIELD tried to purchase firearms from two federal firearm licensees. BURCHFIELD was required to fill out an ATF 4473 Form, as part of the federal background check, in order to purchase the firearms. On that form, BURCHFIELD checked the box “no” when asked if he had ever been adjudicated as a mental defective or been committed to a mental institution. At the time, BURCHFIELD knew that he had been adjudicated as a mental defective in Colorado in 2013, and had been committed to a mental institution in Florida in 2010. BURCHFIELD was unsuccessful in purchasing the firearms on both occasions. BURCHFIELD again provided this same false written statement in connection with attempting to purchase a firearm on March 2, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. BURCHFIELD was again unable to purchase the firearm.
The FBI in the Eastern District of North Carolina arrested BURCHFIELD for the above offenses on March 20, 2018, and he has remained in custody pending the outcome of this case.
This case is consistent with Attorney General Jeff Sessions directive to federal prosecutors, issued on March 12, 2018, to swiftly and aggressively prosecute individuals who lie in an attempt to thwart the federal background check system when purchasing firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilmington Resident Agency Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Wilmington Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Onslow County Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson is handling the prosecution of this case for the government.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ObservancesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., and the Interagency Council of North Carolina announce the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Observances, April 8 - April 14, 2018. This year’s theme-“Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.”- emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services. This year’s theme addresses how the crime victim field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support; and how professionals, organizations, and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims.
Each April since 1981, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims' Rights Week, communities across the nation have held public rallies, candlelight observances, and commemorative activities to promote awareness of victims' rights and needs. This year, The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina is joining forces with victim service providers, criminal justice agencies, and concerned citizens throughout North Carolina and America to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
In honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week we reaffirm a commitment to respect and enforce victims’ rights and address victims’ needs during Crime Victims’ Rights Week and throughout the year; and express our appreciation for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of crime and to continue to advance the cause of justice for crime victims throughout North Carolina.
This year the ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of History located at 5 East Edenton Street in Raleigh.
Man and Woman Sentenced 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 United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced BOBBY RAY WILLIAMS, JR., 41, of Stantonsburg, North Carolina, and TEMEEKA NESHAUNE HONEY, 40, of Wilson, North Carolina, in a sex trafficking case. Williams was sentenced after pleading guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, and Honey was sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. WILLIAMS was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release. HONEY was sentenced to 61 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Both defendants are also required to register as a sex offender upon their release from prison.
In December 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) investigated the sex trafficking of a minor. Agents identified a minor female (Victim) who was reportedly being sexually exploited by several individuals. The investigation revealed that William Maurice Saddler, previously convicted by a federal jury on November 30, 2017, began an illicit dating relationship with the Victim while she was thirteen or fourteen years old. Around 2015, when the Victim was fifteen years old, Saddler forced her to prostitute at migrant camps around Wilson, North Carolina. Among other tactics, Saddler used violence, fear, and manipulation to force the victim to continue prostituting to support Saddler’s crack cocaine habit.
WILLIAMS and HONEY were Saddler’s coconspirators. HONEY was Saddler’s girlfriend and assisted Saddler by transporting the Victim to various migrant camps for prostitution. WILIAMS is Saddler’s brother, and he assisted Saddler in prostituting the Victim by accompanying them on multiple occasions to the migrant camps. WILLIAMS also prostituted the Victim himself and also coerced the fifteen-year-old Victim to have a sexual relationship with him.
At sentencing, tentatively set for June 5, 2018, Saddler faces a maximum sentence of not less than 15 years in prison up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000.
Mr. Higdon commented: “The sentences imposed by the Court send a clear message that we will not tolerate the trafficking of humans - here a 15 year young girl – in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This horrible victimization of this young woman is beyond despicable and really is among the worst offenses our law addresses. Human trafficking – on an individual level – or on a larger scale plagues our country and debases us as a people. We will aggressively move to prosecute and convict those who traffic in human beings and end their victimization. I commend our law enforcement partners for their thorough and successful investigation.”
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.
Former Liberty University Student and Raleigh Native Sentenced to 26 Years for the Manufacture of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced JUSTIN COLE MILAM, 22, from Raleigh to 312 months in prison, a lifetime of supervision upon release and a $4,000.00 fine for the Manufacture of Child Pornography (CP). MILAM pled guilty to the charge on October 12, 2017.
In June 2015, Google, Inc. (Google) reported a violation related to child pornography (CP) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Google identified an email account, which was responsible for the upload of at least one video file depicting CP. The email account was identified as belonging to a registered sex offender, residing in Carpinteria, California. A search of his residence uncovered a smartphone which contained approximately 1,500 images and videos of CP. He acknowledged using the smartphone to access the aforementioned email account. Moreover, he acknowledged using the smartphone to store and distribute CP.
Forensic examination of the device revealed that he used, a mobile instant messenger application which utilizes an internet connection to transmit and receive messages, photos, videos, and other content transmitted through the program. The service also allows users to register for a user account without providing a telephone number and prevents users from being located on the service through any information other than their chosen user name. The examination uncovered evidence that the convicted sex offender utilized his account to exchange CP with other users. One such account was identified as belonging to MILAM. The examination further revealed that 77 messages were exchanged between the convicted sex offender and MILAM. Further analysis of the IP connectivity logs revealed that MILAM logged into his account on multiple dates and times from different IP addresses. One of the login IP addresses was identified as being directly associated with Liberty University (LU) in Lynchburg, Virginia. Continued investigation confirmed that MILAM was enrolled as a student in Liberty University during the timeframe of the offense established during the investigation.
Based on the investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, executed a search of MILAM’s residence on January 12, 2017. At the time of the search, MILAM provided an unprotected statement to authorities acknowledging that the email address used to exchange CP was his. Additionally, MILAM acknowledged he began trading CP approximately two years earlier. MILAM collected CP over time and periodically deleted his collection only to begin recollecting CP again. After locating a user account of others wishing to trade CP, MILAM initiated a conversation with the user prior to trading CP. MILAM acknowledged having images of CP on his smartphone to include images of toddlers being sexually abused. MILAM’s smartphone was seized and a preliminary on-site examination revealed evidence of CP which had been saved on an external hard drive. The external hard drive was found in MILAM’s bedroom and also revealed images of CP.
Forensic examination of the item uncovered approximately 986 images and 117 videos of CP. Several of the images portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. Additionally, approximately 69 images and 1 video depicted the sexual abuse of infants/toddlers.
As the investigation progressed, agents recovered numerous chat conversations between MILAM and other users in which CP was exchanged and the sexual abuse of children discussed. More than 130 user accounts were identified as receiving or sharing CP with MILAM. Of the 130 accounts discovered, 51 of the users were identified as being located in the United States. The investigation uncovered multiple pornographic images of minors sent directly to MILAM at his request. During multiple chat conversations with minors, MILAM requested they create and send pornographic images of themselves performing sexual acts. As the investigation progressed, agents identified 10 minors who forwarded MILAM pornographic images and/or videos of themselves at the request of MILAM.
Based on the investigation, MILAM used an internet messenger service to request multiple minors between the ages of 13 and 17 to create and distribute CP. At his request, at least 10 identified minors forwarded pornographic images of themselves to MILAM. In return, MILAM knowingly distributed CP to the minors. As such, MILAM used a computer or an interactive service to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Because MILAM engaged in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct, the production of CP, on at least two or more occasions with multiple minors, he is classified as a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Today the Court imposed a 26 year sentence on a defendant who preyed upon numerous of our most vulnerable citizens. Through the manufacture and 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 and 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 with the Raleigh Police Department for their outstanding work.”
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department. 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.
Six 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 ALCIBIADES UVANDO-DE LAO, age 45, of Mexico, DANIEL LUIS PEREZ-FLORES, age 34, of Mexico, ORLANDO ECHEVERRIA-HERNANDEZ, age 40, of El Salvador, SELEDONIO MARTINEZ, age 52, of El Salvador, ALFREDO MENDIOLA-ALVAREZ, age 40, of Mexico, and JESUS CERVANTEZ-RUIZ, age 48, of Guatemala, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, UVANDO-DE LAO, previously deported twice and found in Lenoir County, PEREZ-FLORES, previously deported five times and found in Sampson County, and ECHEVERRIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported and found in Cumberland County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MARTINEZ, found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction (making a false statement). Therefore, if convicted, he faces a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MENDIOLA-ALVAREZ, found in Wake County, and CERVANTEZ-RUIZ, found in Bladen County, are alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to aggravated felony convictions. MENDIOLA-ALVAREZ is alleged to have been previously convicted of indecent liberties with a child and illegal reentry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction. CERVANTEZ-RUIZ is alleged to have been previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and illegal reentry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction. Therefore, if convicted, they would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Greenville Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced DEVIN LAMAR EBRON, 32, of Greenville, to 164 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
EBRON was named in a two-count Indictment filed on May 10, 2017. On January 16, 2018, EBRON pled guilty to two-counts of Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack).
In March 2016, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Greenville, North Carolina, began investigating the narcotics distribution activity of EBRON after a confidential informant (CI) indicated he/she could purchase cocaine base (crack) from EBRON. As a result of the information, two controlled purchases of crack were made from EBRON using a CI. In addition to the controlled purchases, the CI observed an unknown amount of crack in EBRON’S vehicle during one of the purchases that appeared to be ready to distribute. EBRON further informed the CI that EBRON had guns here and there, but no firearm was recovered in either purchase.
The Sentencing Court afforded specific consideration to EBRON’S criminal history when fashioning the sentence. Specifically, the Court noted the multiple drug trafficking related felonies on EBRON’S record and the need to deter similar conduct in the future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) and the Greenville Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bradford Knott handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, PEDRO JAIME ENSENAT 43, of Raleigh pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge James E. Gates to one count of Manufacture of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.
Agents received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about suspected child pornography being uploaded to a website and tied those uploads to ENSENAT’s residence. While executing a search warrant, officers discovered that ENSENAT had made two films and taken two pictures of himself molesting a 10-year-old child.
Police arrested ENSENAT and obtained a confession at that time. Officers performed a forensic analysis of the digital devices found in ENSENAT’s residence during the search and found more than 700 images and 32 videos of child pornography, including images and videos depicting infant or toddlers and prepubescent children.
ENSENAT faces a sentence of not less than 15 years imprisonment up to 50 years’ imprisonment along with a fine up to $500,000 and up to a lifetime of supervised release at sentencing.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department.
Federal Jury Convicts Greensboro Man for Extensive Bank Lien Theft Scheme, Money Laundering, and 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, XAVIER MILTON EARQUHART, 30, a Greensboro, NC resident, was convicted following a three-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt. The jury found EARQUHART guilty of 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. Following the jury trial, the jury further found that the defendant was obligated to forfeit more than $1.3 Million in fraudulent proceeds, more than $100,000 in recording studio equipment, and $300,000 in gold bullion and coins.
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.
At sentencing tentatively set for July 2018, EARQUHART faces up to 30 years imprisonment.
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, the Wake County Register of Deeds, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service and the Bankruptcy Administrator for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the government in this case.
Man Who Concealed Service in Military Unit Involved in Srebrenica Massacre Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
A Bosnian Serb residing in North Carolina was sentenced to 18 months in prison today for his criminal conviction of obtaining a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), commonly referred to as a “green card,” by making materially false claims and statements on his initial application for refugee status, which served as the basis for obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident status.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
Milan Trisic, 55, who was residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced by Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina. Trisic previously pleaded guilty on Dec.18, 2017, to possession of unlawfully obtained documents. Pursuant to an Order issued by Judge Coburn, upon completion of his term of imprisonment, Trisic will be transferred to ICE custody for removal to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Those who wish to live in the United States ought to respect our laws, support our national security, and pursue residency legally and honestly. Anything less is inexcusable,” said Attorney General Sessions. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to take action against criminals who seek to come here on the basis of fraud and take advantage of our generous immigration system. I want to thank our Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and DOJ attorneys for all of their hard work pursuing justice in this case.”
“Using lies and deceit, Trisic exploited our legal immigration system to enter our country and later to become a permanent resident,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The sentence imposed by the Court is just punishment for Trisic’s blatant disregard for our nation’s immigration laws. My office is committed to protecting the integrity of our legal immigration process and prosecuting those who commit immigration fraud.”
“The men and women of ICE will continue to pursue those who violate the integrity of our immigration system to hide from the human rights violations they have committed,” said ICE Deputy Director Homan. “ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Charlotte, supported by ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, worked for many years to pursue this case and uncover the facts about the human rights violations this individual committed. We thank our many partners at the Department of Justice for their tireless work in prosecuting this case. With this case and many others like it, the United States has demonstrated that we will not serve as a safe haven for those who commit egregious acts that violate basic human rights.”
According to the admissions made in connection with his plea, Trisic, an ethnic Serb with Bosnian citizenship, is a lawful permanent resident of the United States living in North Carolina. On Nov. 3, 2016, Trisic possessed a green card that was unlawfully obtained. In response to questions on his legal permanent resident application, Trisic knowingly concealed his military service in the Bratunac Brigade, a unit in the Army of the Serb Republic; concealed his criminal activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and lied about his whereabouts during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early and mid-1990s.
As part of his plea of guilty, Trisic admitted that he served in the Army of the Serb Republic as a member of the Bratunac Brigade during various tours of duty between April 1992 and January 1996, at a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina was in the midst of a civil war. Due to its proximity to Serbia, forces both aligned with and from Serbia began a violent ethnic expulsion campaign in 1992 against the non-Serbian population in and around Bratunac. Trisic admitted that he engaged in various unlawful activities while serving with the Bratunac Brigade, such as the unlawful beating, detention and transportation of Muslim prisoners. Additionally, Trisic admitted that the Bratunac Brigade, operating primarily in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, was one of the military units responsible for the July 1995 Srebrenica massacre that resulted in the deaths of between 7,000 and 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men.
Trisic also admitted that he knowingly lied about his whereabouts during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to obtain refugee status, Trisic falsely claimed that he resided in Serbia during the war, when in fact he actually resided in Bratunac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he served as part of the Bratunac Brigade. Trisic later used his illegally obtained status as a refugee to unlawfully obtain permanent resident status in the United States.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by ICE’s HSI and supported by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. Trial Attorneys Frank G. Rangoussis and Ann Marie E. Ursini of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith of the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Henderson Man Detained on Federal Firearm Charge After State Arrest in Granville CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the detention of a defendant after his arrest on a federal firearms charge.
An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on March 15, 2018, against ODELL OVERBY, of Henderson. The indictment charges the defendant with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on December 17, 2017.
OVERBY was arrested December 17, 2017, by the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.
The charge 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 Granville County Sheriff’s Office and by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Currituck County Man Sentenced for Meth ProductionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr. United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that in federal court, JOHN EDWARD MUTH, Jr., from Currituck County, North Carolina, was found guilty of one count of Conspiracy to Manufacture, Distribute, Dispense, and Possess With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine from October 2016 to January 2017. Today, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt, III sentenced MUTH to 48 months imprisonment in the Federal Bureau of Prisons followed by 3 years of supervised release.
In October 2016, a Currituck County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) detective received information from a confidential informant (CI), that they had observed the manufacturing of methamphetamine (meth) taking place at a residence on Rattle Ridge Lane in Maple, North Carolina. The occupants of the residence were identified as JOHN EDWARD MUTH, JR., and codefendant Brook Anne White. White is awaiting sentencing scheduled for June 4, 2018.
Investigation by the CCSO determined that MUTH had visited numerous pharmacies in Northeast North Carolina and Southern Virginia in an effort to acquire pseudoephedrine. A search of the residence found components used to make methamphetamine and equipment to distribute these substances.
Manufacturing methamphetamine requires pseudoephedrine, found in over-the-counter cold medicine, as well as other commonly found ingredients. Information obtained from the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), which monitors the purchase of pseudoephedrine, revealed that between September 2015 and December 2016, MUTH made 26 purchases of pseudoephedrine (149.76 grams of pseudoephedrine). Notably, MUTH was released from prison in August 2015. The investigation also determined that others would obtain pseudoephedrine and would give it to MUTH for the purposes of making methamphetamine.
The manufacturing of methamphetamine is a serious crime that brings violence and addiction to our communities. The Federal and North Carolina law enforcement partnership is committed to aggressively prosecuting the criminals who make and deal this dangerous drug.
The case was investigated by the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Edward D. Gray.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Cyberstalking and Communicating Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr. United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that today in Federal court, WILLIAM SCOTT DAVIS, JR., a 57-year-old resident of Hampton, Virginia, was sentenced by Senior Judge W. Earl Britt to 144 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release after having been convicted of cyberstalking and communicating interstate threats.
The evidence at trial showed that DAVIS’ parental rights to his daughter were conclusively terminated in 2009, following protracted litigation with authorities in Wake County, where DAVIS was residing at the time. During the same time period, DAVIS was prosecuted for fraud offenses in Wake County relating to the forgery of his daughter’s birth certificate. Following the termination of his parental rights and his state fraud conviction in 2009, DAVIS initiated a relentless campaign of harassment and intimidation directed towards a female detective with the Cary Police Department, a female prosecutor with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, and a female attorney in Raleigh for their roles in different aspects of the legal process. The evidence at trial established that in the summer of 2014, DAVIS sharply escalated his campaign to include email communications sent from Virginia to all three women in North Carolina which contained detailed threats of violence and rape. In addition, DAVIS stalked the Raleigh attorney by threatening her life and the lives of her family, as well as impersonating an FBI agent.
Mr. Higdon said: “The proper functioning of our social services and judicial systems requires that all its participants - prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and attorneys - be free from threats and harm. Our systems cannot function where those participants face threats, intimidation or the real risk of harm. This case is an example of the steps the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office will take when these public servants face these risks. Make no mistake, we will stand firmly behind our fellow prosecutors and our law enforcement and social services partners!”
The case was investigated by the Cary Police Department, Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Ethan A. Ontjes and Adam F. Hulbig represented the government in this case.
Kinston Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Hobbs Act Robbery and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that on Tuesday in Federal court, O’BRIEN SHAQUILLE HOOKER, 26, of Kinston, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan to 166 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
HOOKER was named in a three-count indictment on March 7, 2017. On October 10, 2017, HOOKER pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Aiding and Abetting, and Discharging a Firearm during and in relation to a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting.
On May 9, 2016, HOOKER and codefendant Devon Waters, who pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing on May 22, 2018, committed an armed robbery at a Family Dollar located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The men forced two employees, who were closing the business, into the store at gunpoint. HOOKER brandished a firearm and ordered the employees onto the floor. Waters then ordered one of them to open the safe. When she had difficulty, Waters took the firearm from HOOKER, fired a shot at her feet, and threatened to kill her. Waters and HOOKER stole currency totaling $800 and cigarettes. Seeing a Goldsboro Police Department (GPD) Vehicle pull into the parking lot, Waters and HOOKER forced an employee at gunpoint to the rear of the business, where they exited. As they fled, they fired additional shots at the pursuing officer.
Waters and HOOKER fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a third person. The vehicle drove to a residential neighborhood, where Waters and HOOKER jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. A GPD K9 unit found and arrested them in a nearby backyard.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Goldsboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
Wilmington Man Who Was a High Ranking Gang Member Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead 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, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JIMMY LEVON UNDERWOOD, 31, of Wilmington to 72 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On August 8, 2017, UNDERWOOD was named in a nine-count Indictment. On December 11, 2017, UNDERWOOD pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin.
In March 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Wilmington Police Department, began investigating the narcotics activity of UNDERWOOD. From April to November 2016, law enforcement made seven purchases of heroin from UNDERWOOD. Several firearms were present during one of the purchases. Based upon the investigation, UNDERWOOD and others made trips to New Jersey to purchase heroin for distribution in Eastern North Carolina.
On November 28, 2016, investigators conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by UNDERWOOD. He initially pulled away from investigators and drove a short distance before pulling over again. During the pursuit, someone in the vehicle threw out a package which contained 148.26 grams of heroin which was recovered by law enforcement. The vehicle eventually stopped and the search of the vehicle resulted in 25 boxes of new and unused heroin packaging materials and three boxes of a cutting agent.
Following the traffic stop, law enforcement obtained search warrants for several locations associated with the organization in which weapons and items used for the distribution of heroin were found. Based on the investigation, UNDERWOOD was a high ranking gang member.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis M. Duffy and Timothy Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Three 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 JESUS FERNANDO BERRUN-ZARAGOZA, age 20, of Mexico, and EMITERIO MENDOZA-JAIMES, age 23, of Mexico with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging ANIBAL HERNANDEZ-SANCHEZ, age 30, of Guatemala, with false representation of a social security account number, false claim of citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment in the United States, aggravated identity theft, and illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, JESUS FERNANDO BERRUN-ZARAGOZA, previously deported and found in Wake County, and EMITERIO MENDOZA-JAIMES previously deported and found in New Hanover 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 false representation of a social security account number, false claim of citizenship, aggravated identity theft, and illegal reentry, ANIBAL HERNANDEZ-SANCHEZ, previously deported and found in Wayne County, would face maximum penalties of twenty-two years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Raleigh Residents Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Conspiracy Targeting North Carolina MedicaidRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that yesterday in Federal court in New Bern, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced CHRISTOPHER LEON BROWN and MARK RAYFIELD BROWN, JR., both of Raleigh, North Carolina to 40 months in prison and 30 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in a health care fraud conspiracy that targeted the North Carolina Medicaid system. The Court ordered the terms of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the North Carolina Medicaid Program, among other terms of the judgment.
CHRISTOPHER LEON BROWN was named in Criminal Information filed on March 31, 2017, which charged him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. On April 13, 2017, BROWN pled guilty to the charge.
MARK RAYFIELD BROWN, JR. was named in a Criminal Information filed on December 22, 2016, which charged him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. On February 16, 2017, BROWN, JR. pled guilty to the charge.
A third co-conspirator, DARRYL VASHAUN STANFORD, of Raleigh, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information on April 13, 2017. On February 22, 2018, STANFORD was sentenced to 34 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to North Carolina Medicaid Program, among other terms of the judgment.
According to the charging instruments, statements made in court, and other public information, BROWN, BROWN JR., and STANFORD were co-conspirators in a health care fraud scheme that stole hundreds of thousands in funds from the North Carolina Medicaid Program through the purchase and exploitation of stolen Medicaid beneficiary information and clinician information. The stolen information was used by the co-conspirators to submit thousands of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for health care services that were never rendered by the listed providers. The co-conspirators targeted the North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC) Health Insurance Program for Children in particular, a comprehensive health coverage program for low-income children which is part of the North Carolina Medicaid system.
Between approximately April 2014 and May 2015, BROWN, BROWN, JR., and STANFORD submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid through Christian Medical Center, Inc., a purported provider of outpatient behavioral services in eastern North Carolina. In truth, Christian Medical was a shell company or “false front” with no legitimate business operations by this point. BROWN, JR. was the owner of record for Christian Medical and partnered with BROWN (no relation) to facilitate the scheme. Among other things, BROWN purchased stolen Medicaid beneficiary information and forwarded it to STANFORD, an experienced Medicaid biller. STANFORD, in turn, used the stolen information to prepare and electronically file the fraudulent claims on Christian Medical’s behalf through Medicaid’s NCTracks system.
In addition to their roles with respect to the Christian Medical scheme, BROWN and STANFORD were charged with, pleaded guilty to, and sentenced for engaging in a related conspiracy to file thousands of fraudulent Medicaid claims on behalf of multiple other providers. These claims also incorporated stolen Medicaid beneficiary information and clinician information.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Department of Justice, Medicaid Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.
Lumberton Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead 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, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced WILLIAM MARTIN LAWSON, 42, of Lumberton to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On August 22, 2017, LAWSON was named in an Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On November 13, 2017, LAWSON, pled guilty to that charge.
On May 16, 2017, deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to a report of a stolen firearm. When the deputies arrived at the residence, LAWSON’s nephew reported he was asleep in his bedroom when his uncle, woke him to ask for money. The nephew felt that LAWSON was under the influence of some type of drug and refused to give the defendant money. He noticed his .40 caliber handgun located on the bedside nightstand prior to falling back to sleep. The nephew was next awaken by the sound of a vehicle engine and noticed the handgun was no longer on the nightstand. He immediately contacted law enforcement to report the firearm stolen by LAWSON. RCSO deputies were able to locate LAWSON's vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The defendant was removed from the vehicle and the firearm was recovered from the driver side floorboard. LAWSON has previously been convicted for numerous breaking and entering’s, including stealing a total of 9 firearms during those offenses.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jane J. Jackson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Dunn 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, BRANDON LEE OGLESBY, of Dunn, North Carolina, was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
OGLESBY was named in an Indictment on September 8, 2017 charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On November 13, 2017, OGLESBY pled guilty to that charge and was sentenced in the United States District Court today.
On December 12, 2016, an officer with the Dunn Police Department, was looking for OGLESBY, to serve felony arrest warrants out of Sampson County, North Carolina, when he observed OGLESBY’S truck at a gas station in Dunn. The officer entered the store and placed OGLESBY under arrest. OGLESBY was told his truck needed to be moved because it was blocking the gas pumps; however, OGLESBY informed the officer the keys were locked inside the truck. The officer found the driver’s door of OGLESBY’S truck unlocked and opened it to find, in plain view, a .30-06 caliber rifle, which was loaded with a round chambered.
Prior to federal indictment, on July 6, 2017, OGLESBY pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in Johnston County Superior Court. OGLESBY, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed three firearms between December 12, 2016, and February 5, 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Dunn Police Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant is Sentenced to 10 Years for the Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle sentenced MATTHEW HARTLEY BENTON, 36, from Jacksonville to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for the Receipt of Child Pornography (CP). BENTON pled guilty to the charge on January 4, 2018.
On March 20, 2017, agents with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated a query of a Peer-to-Peer file share network to identify distributors of child pornography (CP). As a result of the queries, it was discovered a computer was possessing and distributing CP videos and pictures. Specifically, agents secured a video which depicted a prepubescent female, having forced sex with an adult male. The child seems to be in extreme pain. Time Warner Cable provided the subscriber information for the IP address as belonging to BENTON in Jacksonville.
On March 31, 2017, HSI agents executed a search warrant on BENTON'S residence as soon as he arrived home. BENTON agreed to speak with the agents and admitted to downloading CP at times. BENTON denied ever doing anything to his children and only downloading videos and pictures via peer-to-peer on his desktop computer after moving from California to Jacksonville in August 2016. BENTON stated agents would probably find 50 to 100 images of CP on his computer in hidden folders. BENTON was then questioned about the existence of videos from a hidden camera that appeared to have been placed in his home and were discovered during a search of the computer. BENTON admitted purchasing a mini camera and using it to watch his wife and other female visitors in the bathroom when they lived in California. Though he stated he did not reinstall the camera after moving to Jacksonville, as there was no good location to put it. BENTON advised there were times his children used that bathroom and were recorded, but he stated he immediately deleted those videos.
Based on the investigation, BENTON used file sharing software to receive and store 2,860 images and 63 videos of CP, for a total of 7,585 images of CP as well as 125 images of child erotica. At least a portion of his collection was then made available for further distribution. Many of the images depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in prohibited sexual acts, and multiple images portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. Videos were also found on BENTON’s devices that he made using the hidden camera and saved, which included partially nude children using the bathroom in BENTON’s house.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar.
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.
Members of Wilmington Bloods Gang Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday, TYKE’EKE MONTE HINES, 19, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was sentenced in federal court by Chief United States District Judge, James C. Dever, III, to 84 months imprisonment after having been convicted of providing a firearm to a convicted felon.
“A top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to reduce the levels of violent crime and gang activity that are terrorizing communities in our District. This prosecution is an example of how we will combat violent gang members and hold them accountable,” said Robin Pendergraft, Criminal Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“The FBI is committed to dismantling the violent gangs that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. This investigation is an outstanding example of what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we combine resources to address a threat,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
An investigation by federal and state law enforcement agencies revealed that HINES was member of the Nine Trey Gangsters (“Nine Trey”), a subset of the United Blood Nation (“UBN”) street gang responsible for widespread drug distribution and violent crime in the Wilmington area.
During the months of July and August of 2016, law enforcement intercepted the communications of Nine Trey gang-leader KEJUAN SMITH pursuant to a federal Title III wiretap order. SMITH was intercepted communicating with subordinate gang members on a daily basis in furtherance of drug transactions, extortion, firearms offenses, and other gang-related crime.
In early-August, 2016, intercepted communications exposed a conflict between SMITH and the leader of a UBN set in Goldsboro. As the conflict escalated, SMITH coordinated with his subordinate gang members to gather firearms belonging to the Nine Trey and to prepare for an armed confrontation.
On August 4, 2016, SMITH, HINES, and others stockpiled firearms and ammunition at a Wilmington residence in anticipation of traveling to Goldsboro the following day to carry out a hit on the rival gang member. That evening, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence, resulting in the seizure of firearms and ammunition, including: one AR-22 .22 caliber assault rifle with attached 30 round magazine; one .38 caliber revolver; two stolen 9mm handguns; one stolen .40 caliber handgun; one stolen .45 caliber handgun; one .45 caliber handgun; one .38 caliber Derringer; one .40 caliber handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition; one .22 caliber handgun loaded with 5 rounds of ammunition; one .22 caliber handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition; one 12 gauge shotgun; one .223 caliber assault rifle with an attached 30 round magazine; one extended magazine containing 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition; one 29 round magazine containing eight .40 caliber rounds of ammunition; 50 rounds of .223 ammunition; one .40 caliber round of ammunition; twenty-five .22 caliber rounds of ammunition; eleven 9mm rounds of ammunition; 2 magazines containing seven 5.56 rounds of ammunition; one .22 caliber round of ammunition; and one military grade ballistic vest.
Multiple co-defendants were charged and have already been sentenced in federal court in connection with this prosecution:
KEJUAN TIZOM SHABAZZ SMITH was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and firearms offenses and sentenced to 327 months imprisonment. KASHIF ARDE RHODES was convicted of possession of a firearm by felon and sentenced to 102 months imprisonment. KHALIL DJOUR TRUESDALE was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and sentenced to 78 months imprisonment. THEODORE PIERCE was convicted of heroin distribution and firearms offenses and sentenced to 102 months imprisonment. THEODORE HARDY was convicted of heroin distribution and sentenced to 84 months imprisonment. TAKEEM LEINARD COLLINS was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. NYQUAY AKEI ROUSE was convicted of heroin distribution and sentenced to 16 months imprisonment. DAENZAL MURPHY was convicted of heroin distribution and sentenced to 14 months imprisonment. ALICIA RASHAWN JOHNSON was convicted of heroin distribution and sentenced to 13 months imprisonment. DARRELL TYKWAN ATKINSON was convicted of heroin distribution and sentenced to 14 months imprisonment.
This case was brought as a part of an Organized Crime Drug
Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation investigating narcotics distribution and gang activity.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of the FBI Charlotte Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency, the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Onslow County Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Carteret County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan handled the prosecution of this case for the Government.
Onslow County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Selling Drugs Within 1000 Feet off a School and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead 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, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced MICHAEL WAYNE RADETSKI, 42, of Holly Ridge, North Carolina to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
RADETSKI was named in a four-count Indictment on July 19, 2017. On December 4, 2017, RADETSKI pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana Within 1,000 Feet of a School and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
In April 2016, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received Crime Stoppers reports indicating there was drug activity at a mobile home park in Holly Ridge. The reports stated the suspect’s name was “Mike” and that there were many vehicles going to and from his residence. Officers identified the individual as RADETSKI.
On December 21, 2016, officers searched RADETSKI’s residence and found a loaded AR-15 .223 rifle, a 60-round drum magazine, three rifle magazines, three handgun magazines, a 9mm pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, 156.2 grams of marijuana, a marijuana smoking pipe, a water bong, digital scales, grinders, a pistol holster, and a ballistic vest. Additionally, officers found tools and parts typically used to make and/or modify firearms.
Further investigation determined that RADETSKI purchased 20 to 30 pounds of marijuana for $3,500 per pound over the past year from his supplier. Additionally, RADETSKI paid a 19-year-old straw purchaser to buy the AR-15 rifle for him. In order to conceal the purchase, RADETSKI’s wife signed a notarized letter falsely claiming that the firearm was actually hers because RADETSKI was not allowed to possess a firearm as a convicted felon.
During the investigation, officers determined that Dixon High School students would purchase marijuana from RADETSKI’s residence, and either smoke it there or at school. Additionally, RADETSKI threatened to place explosives in the vehicle of any Dixon High School student who “snitched” on RADETSKI for selling marijuana. On at least one occasion, a Dixon High School student, who purchased marijuana from RADETSKI on a regular basis, was threatened by RADETSKI with a handgun at RADETSKI’s residence.
In summary, RADETSKI was selling marijuana from his residence to individuals, including under age students, within 1,000 feet of the high school. Additionally, RADETSKI, a convicted felon, was in possession of two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking enterprise.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Federal Jury Convicts Dunn Man of Cocaine and Crack Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, ANTOINE DEWAYNE MYLES a/k/a “Twan”, 42 of Dunn, North Carolina, was convicted after a three-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. The jury found MYLES guilty 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), Money Laundering Conspiracy, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack).
The evidence at trial showed that from 2011 until his arrest on June 5, 2015, 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 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.
MYLES is scheduled to be sentenced the week of June 11, 2018.
Previously, 17 other defendants have been convicted of various drug and money laundering charges arising from this investigation.
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.
Four Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead 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 BERNABE RAMIREZ-RAMIREZ, age 22, of Mexico, DOMINGO BARTOLON-LOPEZ, age 29, of Mexico with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging LUIS CESAREO ALVAREZ-IBARRA, age 30, of Mexico, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Illegal Reentry.
Furthermore, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging FAOZI SALEH AYAYAH, age 25, of Yemen, with Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, RAMIREZ-RAMIREZ, previously deported and found in Sampson 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, BARTOLON-LOPEZ, previously deported and found in Wayne 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 Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm, AYALAH, found in Halifax County, would face maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, and illegal reentry, ALVAREZ-IBARRA, previously deported and found in Robeson County, would face maximum penalties of nine 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.
Fayetteville Man Deemed “Priority Number One” Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Crimes and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced GENESIS LEE WHITTED, JR., 28, of Fayetteville to 420 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
A joint investigation conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that WHITTED was the leader of a violent, Fayetteville-based Bloods gang called “Addicted to Money” or “A.T.M.” WHITTED and other members of the gang have been linked to serious crimes in the Fayetteville community, including home invasion robberies, carjackings, shootings, financial fraud, and drug trafficking. WHITTED and other members of “A.T.M.” regularly possessed firearms in furtherance of their crimes.
WHITTED was responsible for manufacturing and distributing large amounts of narcotics, primarily cocaine and cocaine base (crack), over almost ten years. Because he was so adept at manufacturing cocaine base, WHITTED obtained tattoos on his chest of a Pyrex measuring cup and a box of baking soda--key implements in the cocaine base manufacturing process.
In late 2015, WHITTED opened a purported car wash called LLB Auto Spa, located at 1124A Pamalee Drive, Fayetteville. Using covert surveillance techniques, the FBI and FPD recorded WHITTED’s and his accomplices’ activities. The recordings showed that over the course of several months, many cars pulled in and out of the car wash, but very few cars were actually washed. It appeared that the “car wash” was primarily a place for drug transactions to occur.
In addition to drug dealing, WHITTED and other “A.T.M” members were feared due to their propensity for violent home invasion robberies of other drug dealers. Girlfriends of drug dealers were also frequently harmed during these invasions. On two occasions, WHITTED and his accomplices poured boiling water on the victims until they disclosed the locations of the drugs and/or currency. During one of these invasions, a Taser was deployed on a woman’s genital area.
Because of the threat posed by WHITTED, the Fayetteville Police Department deemed him “Priority Number One.”
As a result of this investigation, several associates of WHITTED have also been charged, convicted, and sentenced in federal court over the last two years:
- Wayne Whitted a/k/a “Weezy” (5:15-CR-372-H-2) (drug conspiracy) 28 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;
- Joel McLaurin a/k/a “Knowledge” (5:15-CR-372-H-3) (drug conspiracy) 25 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;
- Perry Sykes a/k/a “P-Funk”(5:13-CR-094-BO) (revocation of federal Supervised Release) 30 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;
- Kenneth McMillian a/k/a “K-Black” (5:16-CR-323-BO) (drug distribution) 72 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;
- Bobby Bailey (4:16-CR-0037-H-1; 7:16-CR-0098-H) (armed carjacking and bank fraud) 144 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release; and
- Ericka Johnson (4:16-CR-0037-H-2) (bank fraud) 14 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.
The Fayetteville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Lemmon and Boz Zellinger handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Arrests Made in Heroin Distribution Case in WilmingtonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the arrests of three defendants and their transfers into federal custody pursuant to a 15-count federal indictment for drug related charges.
An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on February 28, 2018, against DEANDRE SWEET, 27, of Wilmington, KYERIC SWEET, 24, of Wilmington, and DIQUELLE SWEET, 21, of Wilmington. The indictment charges the three defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in the Eastern District of North Carolina beginning on or about April 2015 and continuing up to at least October, 2017. DIQUELLE SWEET is also charged with felon in possession of a firearm.
DIQUELLE SWEET was arrested October 11, 2017 by the Wilmington Police Department. KYERIC SWEET was arrested on October 12, 2017 by the FBI and Wilmington Police Department. DEANDRE SWEET was arrested by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office on September 19, 2016. DEANDRE SWEET and DIQUELLE SWEET are currently being held in the New Hanover County Detention Center and KYERIC SWEET is in the Columbus County Detention Center.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Selected for the North Carolina Bar Association Leadership AcademyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Donald Pender was one of sixteen outstanding young lawyers selected for the North Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy’s Class of 2018.
The mission of the Leadership Academy is to help young lawyers become more effective leaders in their communities, whether their communities be the legal profession, their firms, legal departments and any other organizations with which they are associated, or their local, state, national or even international communities, or any other environments where lawyers regularly have calls or opportunities for leadership.
This year training will be conducted in five sessions starting March 2-3, 2018, through June 12, 2018. Mr. Pender is currently working in the Appellate Division within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Garner Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for Narcotics and Firearm OffensesRead 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 TRAVEON SHAQUILLE MARTIN, 24, of Garner to 130 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MARTIN was named in a four-count Indictment filed on August 2, 2017. On October 30, 2017, MARTIN subsequently pled guilty to Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base; Felon in Possession of a Firearm; and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
On October 25, 2016, Raleigh Police Department (RPD) officers utilized a confidential informant (CI) to make a controlled purchase of cocaine base (crack) at the New Bern Mart on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. The CI, who was equipped with audio and video recording equipment, parked his/her vehicle in the parking lot and was approached by a male, who asked the CI what he wanted. The CI requested $40 worth of crack, at which time the man walked away and retrieved the crack from a second male, later identified as MARTIN, who was sitting in a vehicle. The man then provided 0.3 gram of crack to the CI. MARTIN subsequently spoke with the CI and identified himself as “Trigger,” provided the CI with his telephone number, and told the CI to call him next time.
On April 18, 2017, RPD officers observed MARTIN walking down New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, and knew him to have outstanding warrants for his arrest (unrelated to this case). When MARTIN observed the officers approaching, he attempted to flee on foot, but was pushed to the ground by an officer. Before that officer was able to make the arrest, MARTIN stood up and took a fighting posture. MARTIN and the officer engaged in a lengthy struggle while a second officer attempted to assist. MARTIN struck the second officer in the neck, causing a laceration and a contusion to the officer’s neck. During the fight, MARTIN attempted to bring his hands to the front of his waistband several times, and officers believed he was attempting to gain access to a weapon based upon the level of resistance and determination MARTIN was displaying. Eventually, the first officer was able to take MARTIN to the ground, at which time the second officer tasered MARTIN. MARTIN was then placed under arrest. Officers recovered a stolen .38 caliber revolver from MARTIN’S front waistband. The firearm was loaded with five .38 caliber bullets. Officers also recovered 10 dosage units (2 grams) of crack and $173 in United States currency from MARTIN’S pants pocket.
The following information was introduced in the hearing by the government to request an enhancement of MARTIN’S sentence. On November 27, 2017, while awaiting sentencing for this case at the Brunswick County Jail, MARTIN was charged with felony Assault Inflicting Physical Injury of a Law Enforcement, Probation, or Parole Officer and misdemeanor Assault on a Government Official or Employee, and Simple Assault. On November 21, 2017, an officer at the Brunswick County Jail was passing out food trays to inmates when MARTIN slapped a tray out of the officer's hands. A verbal altercation between the officer and MARTIN ensued, at which time MARTIN struck the officer several times with a closed fist about the face and head, knocking him to the floor. MARTIN continued to attack the officer while the officer was on the ground and attempting to escape. Another inmate attempted to help the officer when a third inmate intervened and assaulted the inmate who was attempting to help, which allowed MARTIN to continue his attack on the officer. Several inmates then engaged in physical altercations while additional officers responded and eventually separated the inmates. The officer reported that he lost consciousness during the attack. The officer was transported to the hospital for treatment. The officer suffered cuts and abrasions about his face, neck, and mouth, and a gash on his head which required stitches. The incident was captured on video which was shown during the sentencing hearing.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jane J. Jackson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Arrests Made in Cocaine Distribution Case in Brunswick CountyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the arrests of two of three defendants pursuant to a federal indictment for drug related charges.
An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on January 30, 2018, against RODNEY TROY WILLIAMS, 49 years of age, of Bolivia, NC, JESSICA NICOLE MILLIKEN 30 years of age, of Leland, NC and KIMBERLY JOE COLEMAN, 51 years of age, of Southport, NC. The indictment charges the three defendants with conspiracy to possess and intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) in Brunswick County beginning in or about 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury and continuing up to at least April 10, 2017.
WILLIAMS and MILLIKEN were arrested in April 2017 by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and are currently being held in the Brunswick County Detention Center facing state charges related to distribution of crack cocaine. They will be transferred into federal custody. COLEMAN is currently being sought by law enforcement.
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 investigation of this case was conducted by the FBI's Coastal Criminal Enterprise Task Force (CCETF) which is made up of the FBI, Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The CCETF was formed in July 2016 to combat the rise of heroin distribution along the coast.
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 MIGUEL MORALES-MARTINEZ, age 44, of Mexico, ULFRANO PEREZ-ESTEBAN, age 36, of Mexico, and JOSE OMAR LLERENA-VIZARRETA, age 35, of Peru, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, PEREZ-ESTEBAN, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, and LLERENA-VIZARRETA, previously deported and found in Cumberland County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MORALES-MARTINEZ, found in Pitt County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction. Therefore, if convicted, he faces a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Oxford Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday afternoon in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced ROY LEE TERRY, 53, of Oxford to 101 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
TERRY was named in a three-count Indictment filed on August 23, 2016. On November 16, 2016, TERRY subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and one-count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime.
The investigation began when the Oxford Police Department (OPD) received information that TERRY was dealing in drugs. On August 26, 2015, the OPD received information from a confidential source (CS) indicating that TERRY was storing and selling cocaine base at his residence. With the assistance of the CS, authorities conducted four purchases of narcotics from TERRY.
On September 10, 2016, the OPD executed a search warrant at TERRY’S residence. A cooperating witness (CW) informed law enforcement that TERRY had been seen with a handgun and cocaine in his bedroom prior to OPD’s arrival. Present at the time, in addition to Terry was Terry’s mother, who was charged by the State of North Carolina, two females and juveniles. During the subsequent search of the residence, authorities located the following in TERRY’S bedroom: a stolen .380 semi-automatic handgun loaded with 8 rounds; approximately 9.34 grams of cocaine base; approximately 15.5 grams of off-white powder; a plastic bag with cocaine residue; $680 in U.S. currency, a digital scale, plastic baggies, and other related items. In a bedroom next to TERRY’S bedroom, a box containing 42 rounds of 9 mm ammunition was located. After waiving his rights, Terry confessed to knowingly possessing the firearm. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Oxford Police Department, the North Carolina State Crime Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina Collects over $12 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2017, and $4.8 Million in Asset Forfeiture ActionsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that his office collected over $12 million in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2017. Of this amount, $7,115,289.63 was collected in criminal actions and $5,008,219.81 was collected in civil actions.
The Eastern District of North Carolina also collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $581,492.70. Of this amount, $59,927.77 was collected in criminal actions and $521,564.93 was collected in civil actions.
Overall, the Justice Department collected just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year 2017.
In the past fiscal year, the Eastern District of North Carolina has returned millions of dollars to crime victims. For example, in United States v. William Larry Rogers, over $695,000 was recovered in victim restitution. Additionally, in United States v. Ronald Doerrer, over $550,000.00 was recovered for victims of the defendant’s criminal conduct.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. For example, in United States v. James Taggart, $995,000.00 was recovered for the Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
“We will use every tool in our arsenal to aggressively collect victim restitution and criminal fines, and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud and owed to government agencies,” said Mr. Higdon. “We are proud of the men and women in our office who have worked so hard to ensure justice through their collection efforts. They are to be congratulated for their tremendously successful efforts.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to the victims of federal crimes. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $4,800,593.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2017. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. Mr. Higdon stated, “asset forfeiture serves an important law enforcement interest, and we will continue to aggressively forfeit instrumentalities and fruits of criminal conduct.”
Former Soldier Stationed at Fort Bragg Pleads Guilty to Cigarette SmugglingRead 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, before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle, JONATHON REX LEACH, 33, of Raleigh, pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Trafficking in Contraband Cigarettes.
LEACH was indicted on November 21, 2017, along with 4 others members of this criminal enterprise.
During the defendant’s guilty plea hearing, the Government summarized the evidence supporting the defendant’s guilty plea. LEACH, a former member of the U.S. Army, participated in an organized contraband cigarette smuggling enterprise operating between Fort Bragg, North Carolina and New York, New York. LEACH is one of three soldiers who used their privileges as a member of the United States Armed Forces to purchase over 47,000 cartons of cigarettes at AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service) or Commissary stores on Fort Bragg. After purchasing the cigarettes, LEACH along with his co-conspirators would transport the cigarettes to a storage facility in Fayetteville or Raleigh, where other members of this criminal enterprise were waiting. LEACH helped package the cartons of cigarettes into suitcases that would be loaded onto commercial passenger buses or mailed via UPS to New York City. This organization also utilized tractor trailers to transport the cigarettes to New York City.
Between April 16, 2014 and November 25, 2015, more than 47,587 cartons of cigarettes were purchased at Fort Bragg by LEACH and other soldiers. These cigarettes were then transported to New York City for resale, resulting in the evasion of New York State and New York City excise taxes totaling $2,783,840. In addition, by purchasing these cigarettes on Fort Bragg, $158,642 of North Carolina sales tax was avoided.
At sentencing, the defendant faces a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and $250,000.00 fine.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Susan B. Menzer is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Federal Jury Convicts South Carolina Man of Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, BRANDON AHART HAMPTON, a resident of Florence, South Carolina, was convicted in a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. The jury found HAMPTON guilty of Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. He previously pled guilty to a charge of Hobbs Act Robbery on February 6, 2018.
The evidence at trial showed that on December 5, 2014, HAMPTON entered the ABC Store #8 in Spring Lake, North Carolina armed with a handgun. HAMPTON pointed the firearm at the clerk’s head and threatened to kill a store clerk. HAMPTON moved the clerk at gunpoint to the back office where the safe was located. HAMPTON threatened to shoot the clerk when the clerk could not get the safe open fast enough. HAMPTON fled the store and was captured later.
HAMPTON is scheduled to be sentenced in May 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Alcohol, Beverage Control Law Enforcement Division, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Bragg Military Police and the Spring Lake Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jane J. Jackson represented the government in this case.
Man Indicted for Selling Stolen Military Property and Drug PossessionRead 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 SCOTT DOUGLAS BROWNING, age 40, of Fayetteville, NC, with 2-counts of willfully and knowingly receiving, concealing and retaining stolen property belonging to the United States military, 1-count of shipping the stolen items overseas in violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 1-count of knowingly and intentionally possessing oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and 1-count of knowingly and intentionally possessing testosterone.
BROWNING conspired with numerous individuals to steal government property and military equipment. He utilized eBay accounts to sell and export the stolen equipment to the Netherlands without having first obtained from the Department of State a license for such export or written authorization for such export and after he had been formally notified such transactions were in violation of federal export law. He also sold over $1.5 million of stolen military equipment within the United States. Additionally, BROWNING possessed oxycodone and testosterone.
If convicted of these charges BROWNING would face maximum penalties of forty-two years’ imprisonment, $1,700,000 fine and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Kellhofer and Assistant United States Attorney Eleanor Morales are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Federal Jury Convicts Jacksonville Man of Narcotic Distribution and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, ERIC HALL, a Jacksonville resident, was convicted in a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. The jury found HALL guilty of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The evidence at trial showed that on February 19, 2016, a Jacksonville Police Officer smelled marijuana coming from a room in a hotel. He obtained a search warrant and HALL, a convicted felon, was found in the room in Jacksonville in possession of 6 ounces of cocaine, a .45 caliber handgun and $3,800 dollars in cash. On May 4, 2016, a search warrant was executed at HALL’s residence outside Jacksonville, resulting in the seizure of a handgun and two assault rifles.
HALL is scheduled to be sentenced in about 90 days.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Bennett represented the government in this case.
Federal Jury Convicts Rocky Mount Man of Felon in Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that last Friday evening, BAKARI MAURICE TEACHEY aka “Double R”, a Rocky Mount resident, was convicted in a three-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt. The jury found TEACHEY guilty 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, at his estranged wife’s home, and the victim received medical treatment. Two days later, TEACHEY was found in possession of a stolen Ruger 9 mm 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. The officers located numerous firearms and ammunition including a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 rifle, a Century Arms 7.62x39 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. TEACHEY is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years for Drug Distribution ChargeRead 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, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JERMAINE DALE ROGERS, 39, of Wilmington, to 210 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release.
ROGERS was named in an Indictment filed on July 19, 2017. On October 25, 2017, ROGERS pled guilty to Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin.
In February 2017, a Confidential Informant (informant) advised law enforcement in New Hanover County that ROGERS was actively selling heroin. At the time, ROGERS was residing in a Federal halfway house in Wilmington following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. The informant admitted to purchasing 2 clips or 2 grams of heroin from ROGERS approximately 15 times over the course of three months. In April 2017, under the direction of law enforcement, the informant made arrangements to conduct a controlled purchase of heroin from ROGERS. On April 18, 2017, the informant purchased approximately 2 grams of heroin from ROGERS in exchange for $600 in United States currency.
On June 21, 2017, ROGERS was subsequently arrested and the defendant admitted to selling heroin to the CI.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bradford Knott handled the prosecution of this case for the government. At the sentencing, Judge Dever highlighted, among other reasons, ROGERS’ persistent involvement in drug trafficking as a motivating factor for the sentence imposed.
Man Indicted for 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 a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN GERALD DESGROUX, age 57, of Raleigh, with 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.
If convicted of this charge DESGROUX would face maximum penalties of 3 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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
Five Members of Robeson County Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead 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 five members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in Robson County, responsible for shipping and distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The following sentences were handed down on today’s date:
MITCHELL RAY LOCKLEAR, 55, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
TIMMY LLOYD HUNT, 43, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BRANDON DARRIS LOCKLEAR, 36, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ARCHIE LYNN STRICKLAND, 41, of Fairmont, North Carolina was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
TORREY LOCKLEAR, 38, of Maxton, North Carolina was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The defendants were named in an Indictment filed on April 11, 2017 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and cocaine base (crack). Four additional defendants are pending sentencing in this case.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Additional assistance was provided by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina National Guard, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron is prosecuting the case for the government.
Federal Jury Convicts Wilson Man of 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, MAURICE MONTRAE PARKS, a Wilson, NC resident, was convicted in a three-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt. The jury found PARKS guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The evidence at trial showed that shortly after midnight on September 5 2015, Parks was seen banging on the door of a residence in Wilson, NC while holding a firearm. After a neighbor called 911, Officers of Wilson PD arrived, and Parks fled the scene in his car. During the brief chase, Parks took several turns along residential streets and cut through the lawn of a vacant home that sat at the corner of an intersection. A pursuing officer observed Parks’ vehicle stop briefly beside that vacant home. Parks drove back to the street where he had been seen with the gun and jumped and ran from his car. Police apprehended Parks on the driveway of the house whose resident had placed the 911 call. Officers returned to the vacant home that Parks had driven around and found a Ruger Mini 14 rifle lying in the grass. The firearm was near fresh tire marks in the yard and in the area where Parks had momentarily stopped his car.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh and John Stuart Bruce represented the government in this case.
North Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Refund ClaimsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Wilson, North Carolina, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to filing a false claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to documents and information provided to the court, in early 2015 Tawanda Denise Pitt, managed Integritax, a tax preparation business in Wilson, North Carolina. Pitt falsified taxpayer client returns by claiming false dependents and education credits and reporting fake businesses in order to seek refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Pitt also admitted that she trained other preparers to file fraudulent returns. She caused a tax loss between $550,000 and $1.5 million; the total tax loss resulting from false education credits alone exceeded $780,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard scheduled sentencing for May 8. Pitt faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. In addition, Pitt agreed to pay $203,106 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Higdon thanked agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig and Trial Attorney Terri-Lei O’Malley of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
North Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Refund ClaimsRead the Press Release
A Wilson, North Carolina, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to filing a false claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
According to documents and information provided to the court, in early 2015 Tawanda Denise Pitt, managed Integritax, a tax preparation business in Wilson, North Carolina. Pitt falsified taxpayer client returns by claiming false dependents and education credits and reporting fake businesses in order to seek refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Pitt also admitted that she trained other preparers to file fraudulent returns. She caused a tax loss between $550,000 and $1.5 million; the total tax loss resulting from false education credits alone exceeded $780,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard scheduled sentencing for May 8. Pitt faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. In addition, Pitt agreed to pay $203,106 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Higdon thanked agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig and Trial Attorney Terri-Lei O’Malley of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Fayetteville Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead 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, before United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank, DAQUANJRA TASHA WHITE, 28, of Fayetteville, pled guilty to one count of Sex Trafficking of Children.
During the defendant’s guilty plea hearing, the Government summarized the evidence supporting the defendant’s guilty plea. Throughout the fall of 2015 into 2016, WHITE met the minor on Facebook, struck up conversations about WHITE’s escorting services, and convinced the minor to meet with her. When the minor got together with WHITE, she took pictures of her(in various stages of undress), posted those pictures on Backpage, took the victim or arranged for her transport to various hotels, arranged for her to have sex for money with men, and took portions of the monies collected. WHITE told the minor what to charge and what to do, even stating the girl worked for her.
At sentencing, the defendant faces not more than life in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fayetteville Police Department conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years for Drug Distribution and Firearm ChargesRead 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, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced DARIUS J. WILLIAMS, 38, of Wilmington, to 225 months of imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release.
WILLIAMS was named in an Indictment filed on July 19, 2017 charging him with Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin. On September 27, 2017, WILLIAMS was also named in a two-count Criminal Information. Count 1 charged Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, Cocaine Base, and Marijuana. Count 2 charged Possession of a Firearm by Felon. On September 27, 2017, WILLIAMS pled guilty to Counts 1 and 2 of the Criminal Information.
On February 21, 2017, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) observed an individual using heroin in a restaurant parking lot in Wilmington. His sleeve was rolled up, exposing his forearm, and 87 dosage units of heroin were in his lap. The man informed the agents he was on federal supervised release. The agents seized the evidence and took him into custody where he was debriefed. Agents learned the individual was living in a federal halfway house, where he had previously purchased heroin from WILLIAMS, who was also on federal supervised release and living in the same house.
On February 23, 2017, the man assisted the FBI in their investigation of WILLIAMS. At the FBI’s instruction, and with their supervision, the man traveled to WILLIAMS' residence in Wilmington. Upon arrival, he purchased 351 dosage units (9 grams) of heroin. Before leaving, WILLIAMS told the man to call whenever more heroin was needed. On June 26, 2017, agents coordinated with federal probation to place WILLIAMS under arrest at the probation office in Wilmington.
Following WILLIAMS' detention, law enforcement monitored a number of phone calls between WILLIAMS and associates under the belief that WILLIAMS was attempting to lead them to a location where narcotics were stored. Law enforcement officers observed the associates park their vehicle near the address identified as belonging to WILLIAMS' mother. The associates were detained upon leaving. An examination of the vehicle recovered two plastic bags containing 91.78 grams of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 33.68 grams of cocaine, 62.78 grams of marijuana, and a loaded .380 pistol which was later determined to be stolen.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bradford Knott handled the prosecution of this case for the government. At sentencing, Judge Britt instructed that, among other reasons, WILLIAMS’S recidivism with serious drug trafficking felonies served as a basis for the sentence imposed.