Eastern District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced on Gun Charges Following Shooting DeathRead 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, United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced DELMAN DEWAYNE DIXON, 24, of Jacksonville, NC to 135 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On October 30, 2017, DIXON pled guilty to a three-count criminal information, charging three counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Felon, each arising from a separate date.
The evidence established that on November 30, 2015, deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a residence in Jacksonville, North Carolina. There they discovered that DIXON had exchanged gunfire with a man named Quinn Everette over a disputed drug deal. Everette was killed, and DIXON received a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Law enforcement did not recover the firearm, but found DIXON in possession of ammunition.
The evidence further established that on May 5, 2016, officers of the Jacksonville Police Department conducted a traffic stop and found DIXON in possession of a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. Then, on December 2, 2016, members of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and an arrest warrant at DIXON’s Jacksonville residence. DIXON fled but was soon apprehended. Law enforcement recovered a stolen Springfield XD 9mm pistol and also a Davis Industries .380 caliber pistol that DIXON had directed his girlfriend to hide
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 Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Seven Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 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 VALENTIN GARCIA-CRUZ, age 21, of Mexico, JUAN ALVAREZ-GUTIERREZ, age 39, of Mexico, ANA ROSA FERNANDEZ, age 53, of Honduras, JUAN LOPEZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 42, of Mexico, and MARCIO SANTOS-PORTILLO, age 44, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JOSE NOEL IZAGUIRRE-INESTROZA, age 42, of Honduras, and WILSON ABAD INESTROZA, age 37, of Honduras, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Representation of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, GARCIA-CRUZ, found in Wake County, ALVAREZ-GUTIERREZ, found in New Hanover County, and LOPEZ-RODRIGUEZ, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
SANTOS-PORTILLO, found in New Hanover County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction (evading arrest). If convicted, he would face maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
FERNANDEZ, found in Onslow County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (conspiracy to manufacture marijuana). If convicted she would face maximum penalties of twenty 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 Representation of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, IZAGUIRRE-INESTROZA, found in Sampson County, and INESTROZA, found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of twelve 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.
Elizabeth City Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Drug Distribution and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that Monday in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced JAMES MARVIN POOLE, 33, of Elizabeth City, to 262 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
POOLE was named in a 4-Count Criminal Information filed on September 12, 2017. On that same day, POOLE pled guilty to 3-Counts of Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin and 1-Count of Possession and Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
In June 2016, a Confidential Informant (CI) advised law enforcement in Pasquotank County, that he/she had been buying heroin from POOLE for the past year. The CI also advised law enforcement that POOLE sold and/or stored drugs at two locations in Elizabeth City. The CI specifically identified an apartment on South Griffin Street and a house on College Street which were connected to POOLE.
On June 15, 2016, the CI, working at the direction of law enforcement, arranged to meet with POOLE at the residence on College Street to purchase heroin. The CI subsequently purchased 1 gram of heroin. During the recorded conversation, POOLE can be heard discussing his “pistol.”
On June 21, 2016, CI arranged a controlled purchase of heroin from POOLE. POOLE subsequently met with the CI at the residence on College Street. POOLE entered the CI’s vehicle while immediately pulling a semi-automatic pistol out of his waistband and placing it between the CI and POOLE. POOLE instructed the CI to claim the pistol as his/her own if they were stopped by the police because of his prior felony convictions. POOLE instructed the CI to drive to the South Griffin Street apartment. Once there, POOLE exited the vehicle and entered the apartment, returned to the vehicle, and instructed the CI to drive back to the College Street house. There, the CI purchased 2 grams of heroin from POOLE.
Following the two successful controlled purchases of heroin from POOLE, agents obtained a search warrant for the house and apartment associated with POOLE. On June 28, 2016, agents entered POOLE’s apartment. Officers proceeded to the second floor where POOLE was located exiting the bathroom with the toilet still flushing. A search of the apartment revealed a loaded Glock 9mm pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition. On March 6, 2017, agents utilized a second Confidential Informant (CI2) to perform an undercover buy from POOLE. CI2 met with POOLE and subsequently purchased .5 gram of heroin from POOLE.
On March 9, 2017, agents interviewed a cooperating witness who advised them that he/she had been purchasing 1 gram of heroin per day from POOLE for six months (180 grams of heroin). A second cooperating witness advised agents on March 8, 2017, that he/she had purchased at least .4 gram of heroin, five days per week, from POOLE for the past 18 months (144 grams of heroin). A third cooperating witness advised agents on March 29, 2017, that he/she purchased 120 grams of heroin from POOLE between February 2016 and January 2017.
On March 17, 2017, agents arrested POOLE on the federal charges. POOLE advised agents that he received ½ ounce at a time from his source. Based on the evidence, POOLE is responsible for the distribution of 447.5 grams of heroin. POOLE also possessed a firearm in connection with the offense.
The Pasquotank 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.
Press Conference Lumberton, NCRead the Press Release
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHEN: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2:30 pm
WHERE: Lumberton Police Department
Goodson Conference Room
1305 Godwin Avenue
Lumberton, NC 28358
Re: Suspects in PNC Bank Robbery Update
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the cases against 4 suspects who shot at 8 patrol cars after robbing PNC Bank in Lumberton, North Carolina on January 23, 2018. Additionally, a 5th suspect has been charged related to the case.
The following law enforcement leaders are scheduled to join United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. at the event: Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill and Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend. For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at [email protected]. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.
Kittrell Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm 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, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced JOHNNIE O’NEIL LEWIS, 35, of Kittrell, North Carolina to 60 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
LEWIS was named in an Indictment filed on August 8, 2017. On October 18, 2017, LEWIS subsequently pled guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
On June 1, 2017, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) responded to a call regarding an intoxicated individual, later determined to be LEWIS, who was shooting a gun in a residential neighborhood of Henderson. The HPD encountered LEWIS, a convicted felon, walking in the middle of the roadway, holding his hand near his waistband. LEWIS was observed with his hand on a pistol in his waistband and was issued repeated commands to stop moving; however, LEWIS failed to comply with the directives and fled on foot. A brief foot chase ensued, but officers were able to apprehend LEWIS without further resistance.
Upon his arrest, the HPD located a pistol approximately twenty feet from where LEWIS was arrested. Additionally, a handgun magazine was lying on the ground next to LEWIS, who also had thirteen rounds of ammunition in his shorts pocket. At the time of his arrest, the HPD smelled a strong odor of alcohol on LEWIS' breath.
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 Henderson Police Department 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.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession 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 today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced RAYMOND DEMONT NEAL, 38, of Fayetteville to 78 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
NEAL was named in a three-count Indictment filed on March 7, 2017. On September 11, 2017, NEAL subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and one-count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime.
On October 16, 2016, an officer from the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), observed a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the driver, NEAL, did not immediately stop, instead pulling into the driveway of his home and exiting the vehicle. The officer ordered NEAL to stop, but the defendant continued to walk towards the door of the residence. NEAL attempted to unlock the door and officers tried to place NEAL into custody, but he was uncooperative. It took several officers to handcuff NEAL, who refused to place his hands behind his back or get into the patrol vehicle. Officers suspected NEAL was intoxicated due to his blood shot eyes and the strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Officers stayed on scene until a search warrant for NEAL’s vehicle was granted and served. A search of the vehicle revealed a .45 caliber pistol loaded with 6 rounds of ammunition, 40.26 grams of Dibutylone, 13.48 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, a pocket knife, baggies, and a box cutter.
NEAL, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition during and in relationship to a drug-trafficking crime. NEAL also possessed a firearm during and in relationship to a shooting incident on January 22, 2016.
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 Fayetteville Police Department 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.
Aliens Indicted on Misuse of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship, Aggravated Identity Theft, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and other Documents, 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 an indictment charging ELISEO HERNANDEZ-LORENZO, age 28, of Guatemala, with misuse of a Social Security account number, false claim of United States citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment in the United States, aggravated identity theft, and fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. Additionally, a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging LEOPOLDO GARCIA-ALTAMIRANO, age 56, of Mexico, with Unlawful and Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
If convicted of misuse of a Social Security account number, false claim of United States citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment in the United States, aggravated identity theft, and fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, HERNANDEZ-LORENZO, found in Duplin County, would face maximum penalties of forty-nine years imprisonment, 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, GARCIA-ALTAMIRANO, found in New Hanover County, would face maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal Jury Convicts Cumberland County Men of Drug and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that on Saturday, January 20, 2018, LEMONT JERRONE WEBB, a Godwin, NC resident, and HARRY MYLES, SR., a Dunn, NC resident, were convicted following a four-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The jury found WEBB guilty of drug conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), and several money laundering offenses. MYLES was found guilty of money laundering offenses.
The evidence at trial showed that WEBB operated a drug house in Godwin, NC, and placed property in the name of others to conceal the assets from law enforcement. On June 5, 2015, law enforcement conducted a federal search warrant at WEBB’s residence in Godwin, NC and located over 28 grams of crack cocaine. The jury found that during the course of the drug conspiracy, over five (5) kilograms of cocaine and over two-hundred and eighty (280) grams of cocaine base (crack), were attributable to WEBB.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron represented the government in this case.
Protecting Houses of Worship Training Held Today in CaryRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina joined law enforcement and local area houses of worship in presenting training to security personnel from diverse faith communities on protecting religious institutions and houses of worship from violence. This one-day Protecting Houses of Worship Seminar was held at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina and was attended by nearly 450 people representing local churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. opened the training remarking, “Faith leaders typically have limited contact with local law enforcement agencies. Yet establishing a partnership before an emergency arises is a key component of a security plan. We are fortunate in that all across the Eastern District of North Carolina we have well trained and experienced law enforcement who want to help you. They want to ensure that you have the opportunity to worship and to do the work of your faith without fear of violence, without any difficulty and in complete safety. They want to partner with you.”
Through presentations and panel discussions, participants learned about security awareness for places of worship, as well as the various means by which law enforcement provides support to protecting houses of worship. Attendees heard from members of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Apex Police Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and Cary Police Department during this training. In order to foster continued discussion among the attendees, representatives of local area houses of worship participated in a panel during which they discussed their particular experiences managing security for their respective house of worship.
This training was designed to support one of the Attorney General’s priorities to ensure that all Americans feel free to worship in a place of their choosing without the fear of violence or intimidation.
The United States Attorney’s Office plans to hold additional such trainings in the future throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal Jury Convicts Fayetteville Man for Being a Felon 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 today in Federal court, QUINTIN LAMAR MOLETTE, a 28-year-old resident of Fayetteville, was convicted following a two-day trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The jury found MOLETTE guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The evidence at trial showed that MOLETTE was a convicted felon and was subject to probationary and parole supervision by the State of North Carolina as a “high risk” offender.
On March 17, 2015, North Carolina probation and parole officers conducted a warrantless search of MOLETTE’s residence. The search was predicated, in part, on information indicating MOLETTE was in violation of his terms of probation and parole. At the time of the search, a member of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office was also present in order to execute an arrest warrant against MOLETTE.
During the course of the search, officers discovered a loaded firearm in the room MOLETTE had been occupying. Particularly, the evidence showed that officers located the firearm under the bed on the side MOLETTE had been sleeping. Further, the evidence presented indicated MOLETTE had the firearm on his person earlier that day.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, and North Carolina Probation/Parole.
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 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 RAMIRO GOMEZ-SAN AGUSTIN, age 33, of Mexico, WALTER RAMIREZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 39, of Mexico, and RAMIRO MARTINEZ-ZACARIAS, age 38, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging ANGEL CASTRO, age 50, of Honduras, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Illegal Reentry of an Aggravated Felon.
Furthermore, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging MOHAMED SAAD TARDA, age 30, of Morocco, with Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, RAMIRO GOMEZ-SAN AGUSTIN, previously deported two times and found in Wake County, WALTER RAMIREZ-RODRIGUEZ, previously deported four times and found in Pitt County, and RAMIRO MARTINEZ-ZACARIAS, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, Aggravated Identity Theft, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Illegal Reentry of an Aggravated Felon, CASTRO, found in Wayne County, would face maximum penalties of life imprisonment, 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, TARDA, found in Cumberland County, would face maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.
Winston-Salem Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Orchestrating Fraudulent Check Cashing SchemeRead 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, LAMONT DEVORE HAIRSTON, 30, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, was sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release following his prior guilty plea to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud. HAIRSTON was also ordered to make restitution to victims.
The Indictment and information provided at the sentencing hearing provided that HAIRSTON was a ringleader in a fraudulent check cashing scheme. According to the charges, HAIRSTON and others acquired stolen mail containing bank account information. HAIRSTON and others used this information to manufacture counterfeit checks using check-writing software and check stock. HAIRSTON then caused various individuals to cash the checks at local merchants, and to return the proceeds to HAIRSTON, who paid the participants a cut of the money for their participation. HAIRSTON was arrested by the Greenville Police Department in February of 2014 in possession of a computer and check stock used in the scheme.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the government.
St. Pauls Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm 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 WILLIAM CHARLIE COLLINS, 32, of St. Pauls to 95 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
COLLINS was named in a two-count Indictment filed on June 27, 2017. On September 13, 2017, COLLINS subsequently pled guilty to two-counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On February 28, 2017, an officer with the St. Pauls Police Department observed COLLINS place a handgun in the trunk of a vehicle. Once he saw the officer, COLLINS immediately shut the vehicle’s trunk. The officer approached the vehicle’s owner and obtained consent to search. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, containing 9 rounds of ammunition in a 15-round magazine, which was located under a mat in the vehicle’s trunk. When interviewed by law enforcement, COLLINS admitted to possessing the firearm and was released. Later that day, law enforcement became aware of a breaking and entering that occurred at a St. Pauls residence, in which two firearms were stolen. Investigation determined that the stolen 9mm semiautomatic handgun was the same handgun found in COLLINS’ possession. Also stolen from the residence was a .22-250 caliber rifle. Soon after COLLINS was located by law enforcement and placed under arrest. COLLINS advised officers that the stolen rifle was stored at his girlfriend’s residence in St. Pauls. A subsequent search of the residence located the stolen rifle in the attic. COLLINS previously was convicted of a felony crime of violence.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Pauls Police Department, 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.
Arrest Made in Drug and Firearm Charges in and Around Harnett CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the arrest yesterday of one defendant pursuant to a federal indictment for drug and firearms charges.
A 12-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on December 12, 2017. The indictment charges JOHN ANDREW PIPKIN, aka “Puppy,” 58, of Erwin, NC with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack), various drug offenses, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron is prosecuting the case for the government.
Wilson Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Deterri Obrian Lucas, 32, of Wilson, NC to 126 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On September 6, 2017, LUCAS pled guilty to a three-count indictment, charging Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
The evidence established that on June 26, 2016, officers of the Wilson Police Department conducted a traffic stop on LUCAS to serve outstanding warrants for his arrest. Officers arrested LUCAS, and in a subsequent search of the vehicle, they located a loaded 9mm handgun under LUCAS’ seat. They later found a quantity of heroin hidden in LUCAS’ pants.
The Wilson Police Department conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Four Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity 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 JELBER ALEXANDER LOPEZ-SANCHEZ, age 25, of Guatemala, JUAN SEGURA-GOMEZ, age 48, of Mexico, and KEVIN TERRASA, age 32, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien. Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JOSE DARWIN MARTINEZ-LAINEZ, age 32, of Honduras, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Representation of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage in Unlawful Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, LOPEZ-SANCHEZ, found in Duplin County, SEGURA-GOMEZ, previously deported twice and found in Beaufort County, and TERRASA, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Representation of United States Citizenship with Intent to Engage Unlawfully in Employment in the United States, and Aggravated Identity Theft, MARTINEZ-LAINEZ, found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of twenty-four years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.
Felony Warrant Enforcement Operation Nets 22 Defendants Wanted for Gun, Drug and Other ChargesRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that “Operation Wintry Mix” resulted in the arrest of sixteen (16) defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. In addition, three subjects related to this operation were found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections and a local jail in Virginia. Federal detainers have been filed against those subjects. Also, three subjects were arrested on state charges.
The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment. The individual charges for each defendant is contained in the parenthesis following the personal information.
- Larry Donnell Adams,41, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Robert Edmond, Jr., 43 of Fayetteville, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine & Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Dervin Francis, 24, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Malcolm Dion Fuller, 36, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Adam Golden, 23, of Fayetteville, NC (2-Counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm)
- Jesus Eliezer Gonzalez-Acevedo, 27,of Fayetteville, NC (Arson)
- Jason Stewart Hollingsworth, 41, of Fayetteville, NC (Possession with the Intent to Distribute Oxycodone & Amphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, & Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Joseph Luther Lewis, 28, of Spring Lake, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, & Possession of a Stolen Firearm)
- Antonio Rashawn McArthur, 23, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Johnny Dewayne McArthur, 33, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, & Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime)
- Larry Lamar Nance, 32, of Raleigh, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Christopher Ray Parrish, 33, of Fayetteville, NC (Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime & Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Rochi Dowell Purdie, 42, of Rex, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, & Possession of Marijuana and Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Flakka))
- Brandon Alexander Siermons, 25, of Fayetteville, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
- Albert Vines, 28, of Dunn, NC (2-Counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, 2-Counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, & Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Activity)
- Harold Edward Williams, Jr., 45, of Fayetteville, NC (3-Counts of Distribution of Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, & Felon in Possession of a Firearm)
The enforcement operation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, (ATF), the United States Marshal Service, Fayetteville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Adult Probation and the United States Probation Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Raleigh Investment Adviser Indicted on Charges of Fraud, Money Laundering, and Attempting to Corruptly Influence the Securities and Exhange CommissionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that STEPHEN CONDON PETERS, 44, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been charged by a federal grand jury in a sixteen-count Indictment. The Indictment includes one count of Investment Advisor Fraud; one count of Fraud in the Sale of Unregistered Securities; nine counts of Wire Fraud; four counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property; and one count of Corruptly Endeavoring to Influence a Federal Agency. The indictment also includes a lengthy forfeiture notice.
PETERS is scheduled for an initial appearance on the charges before United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the United States District Court in Raleigh.
If convicted, the maximum punishment for committing Investment Advisor Fraud is not more than 5 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for committing Fraud in the Sale of Unregistered Securities is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for Wire Fraud is twenty years imprisonment per count. The maximum penalty for Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property is ten years per count. The maximum penalty for Corruptly Endeavoring to Influence a Federal Agency is five years imprisonment. Each of the foregoing offenses also carry a maximum fine of up to $250,000 per count, a term of supervised release, and restitution if ordered.
An Indictment is an allegation of a crime. The defendant is presumed under the law to be innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.
Violent Drug Trafficking Organization Dismantled, Sentenced to Total of 119 Years of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced the three remaining members of the Maurio Mitchell Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), responsible for shipping and distributing large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana within the Eastern District of North Carolina. Several of the members of this DTO are also members of the United Blood Nation’s Omega Line, a violent street gang operating within the Triangle area.
The members of this violent drug trafficking organization received the following sentences:
Yesterday, Maurio Tajara Mitchell, 34, of Durham, was sentenced to 35 years (420 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, one (1) kilogram or more of heroin and a quantity of marijuana; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana.
Yesterday, Mark Anthony Daye, 47 of Durham, was sentenced to 30 years (362 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, one (1) kilogram or more of heroin and a quantity of marijuana; and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
Yesterday, Sandy Darnell Ledbetter, Jr., 27, of Durham, was sentenced to 20 years (240 months) of imprisonment after being found guilty at trial of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On October 12, 2017, Keith Lamont Tutt, 40, of Durham, was sentenced to sixteen (16) years (192 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Five(5) Kilograms or More of Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On April 5, 2017, Brian Jarrell Scott, 31, of Durham, was sentenced to ten (10) years (120 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On November 3, 2017, Demarcus Allen Medley, 26, of Durham, was sentenced to five years (60 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
On September 12, 2017, NIRILLA ALLEN-KEARNEY, 49, was sentenced to two years (24 months) of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments in relation to this drug trafficking organization.
On December 15, 2016, Keijuane Mantese Mack, 22, of Durham, was sentenced to five (5) months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to distribute Marijuana.
On December 8, 2016, Rashad Jackson, 25, of Durham, was sentenced to nine (9) months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana.
Beginning in January of 2016, the Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force of the FBI conducted a Title III Wiretap investigation into the Maurio Mitchell Drug Trafficking Organization (“Mitchell DTO”). The investigation revealed that the Mitchell DTO is responsible for shipping and receiving large quantities of powder cocaine in the Triangle area, provided by cartel members in Los Angeles, California. This powder cocaine was further broken down and distributed to mid-level and street-level dealers in the Durham, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. This organization was supported and protected by the members of the Omega Line of the United Blood Nation, active on the south side of Durham. This violent street gang is responsible for a large portion of the gang violence that Durham has seen over the past several years. The members of the DTO were primarily supplied by MITCHELL, who, along with DAYE, had the connection to the Los Angeles cartel members.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Raleigh/Durham Safe Streets Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the Durham Police Department; and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leslie Cooley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case is part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Raleigh Blood Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment 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 yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced ERNEST JAMES HOLLAND, III, 27, of Raleigh to 180 months of imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
HOLLAND was named in a one-count Indictment filed on January 26, 2016. On May 19, 2016, HOLLAND subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On January 5, 2016, an officer with the Raleigh Police Department Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) saw HOLLAND in court at the Wake County Justice Center. The GSU was conducting surveillance in the downtown area due to recent firearm related violence in the area. The GSU was further interested in communicating with HOLLAND, as they were aware that HOLLAND was a member of the Bloods gang. The GSU decided to surveil HOLLAND as he left the courthouse with a female. They surveilled HOLLAND to his mother’s residence where HOLLAND stayed on occasion. The GSU was aware of two prior suspected gang related incidents when gunshots were fired into HOLLAND’s mother’s residence on March 11, 2015, and on December 13, 2015. During surveillance, officers observed HOLLAND exiting the residence, where HOLLAND then retrieved an object from a vehicle parked in the driveway. HOLLAND then walked to the Moore Square Transit Mall. Based on the officers’ training and HOLLAND’s behavior, the officers believed that HOLLAND was concealing a firearm. An officer approached HOLLAND at the Moore Square Transit Mall and asked him for identification, which HOLLAND provided. When the officer told HOLLAND that he was going to conduct a weapon’s frisk, HOLLAND fled on foot. Several officers assisted in the foot pursuit as HOLLAND ran outside into Moore Square Park. During the chase, an officer observed HOLLAND reach into his waistband and retrieve a handgun. HOLLAND continued to run with the handgun for approximately 45 feet before throwing it into a flowerbed in the park. While officers were chasing HOLLAND, they were yelling at him to drop the gun, while also instructing bystanders to move to the sidewalks and to clear the park. Shortly thereafter, HOLLAND was apprehended and taken into custody. Another officer recovered a .40 caliber handgun, which was loaded with ten rounds of ammunition.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
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 S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Greenville Drug Trafficker SentencedRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court today, United States Chief District James C. Dever III sentenced RICHARD LENZY, 41, from Greenville, NC, to 100 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base (crack) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. LENZY will be supervised for 4 years upon his release from the Bureau of Prisons.
On November 5, 2013, the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to buy 22.48 grams of crack cocaine from two other drug traffickers in Greenville. Officers saw the two other traffickers meet with LENZY at a convenience store prior to the purchase during which LENZY supplied the crack cocaine. On the same date, officers received consent from LENZY’S girlfriend to search their residence. During the search, officers seized 67.23 grams of cocaine, a loaded .45 caliber handgun, and $1,500. After his arrest, LENZY admitted to buying 4.5 ounces of cocaine three times and 5 ounces of cocaine once. LENZY also admitted to converting an ounce of the cocaine into crack cocaine that was sold to the informant.
On June 23, 2015, LENZY sold 3.4 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant working at the direction of the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force. On July 8, 2015, LENZY sold 13.9 grams of cocaine to the informant. On the same date, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant for LENZY’S motel room in Greenville. During the search of the motel room, deputies seized 10 grams of crack cocaine, 158 grams of marijuana and 25 pills of Desoxyn (methamphetamine), $7,972.31, a loaded 9mm handgun, digital scales and drug paraphernalia. LENZY is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his 1998 conviction for second-degree murder.
The investigation was conducted by the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Perry handled the prosecution. Mr. Perry is a prosecutor with the Pitt County District Attorney’s Office. Pitt County District Attorney Kimberly Robb has assigned Mr. Perry to the United States Attorney’s Office, pursuant to funding provided by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.
Federal Jury Convicts Virginia Man for Cyberstalking and Communicating Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr. United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that on December 13, 2017 in Federal court, WILLIAM SCOTT DAVIS, JR., a 57-year-old resident of Hampton, Virginia, was convicted following a three-day trial before Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt. The jury found DAVIS guilty of cyberstalking and communicating interstate threats.
The evidence at trial showed that DAVIS’ parental rights to his daughter were conclusively terminated in 2009, following protacted litigation with authorities in Wake County, where DAVIS was residing at the time. During the same time period, DAVIS was charged with multiple fraud offenses in Wake County relating to the forgery of his daughter’s birth certificate and convicted by a jury of his peers. 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 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 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 Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Burean of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Ethan A. Ontjes and Adam F. Hulbig represented the government in this case.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Federal Racketeering and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
A Raleigh, North Carolina Bloods gang member was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for racketeering and drug charges.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.
Chief U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Christopher Darnell Evans, 28, to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised released following his prison sentenced. Evans was named in an Indictment filed on Jan. 20, charging him with conspiracy to participate in a pattern of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine. On Sept. 11, Evans pleaded guilty to those charges.
According to the indictment, the Black Mob Gangstas and Donald Gee Family (BMG/DGF) Bloods is a violent street gang with members operating in Raleigh, including the Haywood Street area, since the early 2000s. The gang is organized according to a detailed hierarchical structure. Senior leadership regularly conducted formal meetings, collected dues from members and assaulted members who failed to pay or follow orders.
Evans attended gang meetings, received instructions from higher-ranking gang members regarding the gang’s rank structure and the payment of gang dues. Additionally, Evans frequently sold narcotics on behalf of the gang, specifically cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Raleigh Police Department, FBI and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon of the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney John C. Hanley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Federal Racketeering and Drug OffensesRead 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 CHRISTOPHER DARNELL EVANS, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
EVANS was named in an Indictment filed on January 20, 2017 charging him with conspiracy to participate in a pattern of racketeering and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On September 11, 2017, EVANS pled guilty to those charges.
According to the indictment, the Black Mob Gangstas and Donald Gee Family (“BMG/DGF”) Bloods is a violent street gang with members operating in Raleigh, including the Haywood Street area, since the early 2000s. The gang is organized according to a detailed hierarchical structure. Senior leadership regularly conducted formal meetings, collected dues from members, and assaulted members who failed to pay or follow orders.
EVANS attended gang meetings, received instructions from higher ranking gang members regarding the gang’s rank structure and the payment of gang dues. Additionally, EVANS frequently sold narcotics on behalf of the gang, specifically cocaine.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney John C. Hanley of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section represented the government.
Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JOSE RAYMUNDO RODRIGUEZ-GONZALEZ, age 36, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
RODRIGUEZ-GONZALEZ, found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (sexual battery). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charge and allegation contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations are investigating the case.
Robeson County Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE –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 DARWIN DIAL, JR., 30, of Maxton, North Carolina to 135 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
DIAL was named in an Indictment filed on April 24, 2017 charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). On September 11, 2017, DIAL pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, in 2016, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of DIAL. Between March of 2016 and May 2017, DIAL was held accountable for the distribution or possession with intent to distribute over 600 grams of cocaine base (crack).
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron represented the government.
Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon Charge Related to Shooting in TarboroRead 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 RAMEIK DESEN ANDERSON, 23, to 96 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ANDERSON was named in a 1-count Indictment filed on June 15, 2017. On September 11, 2017, ANDERSON subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon.
The evidence developed during the investigation showed that on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at 5:30 a.m., ANDERSON fired multiple rounds from a 9mm handgun at an occupied residence in Tarboro, North Carolina. Shortly after fleeing the residence, ANDERSON was observed by an officer with Tarboro Police Department (TPD) running a red light and traveling at a high rate of speed away from the area. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle; however, ANDERSON refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued with the officer operating his lights and siren. ANDERSON lost control of the vehicle and crashed the vehicle into a ditch. ANDERSON then jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. ANDERSON was eventually apprehended and arrested after utilizing a K-9 and several officers to assist in searching the nearby wooded area.
There were three other occupants in the vehicle at the time of the vehicle crash. All three occupants were interviewed at the crash site and were consistent with their statements that ANDERSON was driving the vehicle and that they were fleeing the scene of a shooting. Each occupant stated that ANDERSON pulled into the residence, exited the vehicle, and began firing multiple rounds into the home. A search of the vehicle recovered a 9mm handgun (with an obliterated serial number and later determined to be stolen), and a .38 caliber handgun. Both firearms were loaded with live ammunition. The 9mm was jammed with a spent round lodged into the ejection port of the firearm. Additionally, a spent bullet casing was found on the driver’s side floorboard.
Officers responded to the shooting scene and recovered 11 spent rounds and one unspent 9mm round from the roadway in front of the home. The homeowner and seven other individuals were in the home at the time of shooting. None of the occupants were injured.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Tarboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Man Sentenced for Hobbs Act Robbery in FayettevilleRead 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 ROGER TYRONE JACKSON, 46, of Sanford to 113 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. He also agreed to make restitution in the amount of $1,400.00.
JACKSON was named in a 2-count Indictment filed on August 14, 2017. On August 21, 2017, JACKSON subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Hobbs Act Robbery.
The evidence presented to the Court showed that JACKSON robbed the Food Lion grocery store on Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville on August 14, 2016. Store video surveillance revealed JACKSON entered the store just prior to its closing and crawled on his hands and knees, often conducting combat rolls, to avoid being seen by store employees. JACKSON hid in the rear of the store until the store closed and the store’s customer service representative went into the office to count the till. He then slowly moved to the front of the store, walking and crawling, and crouched behind the customer service counter to wait for the customer service representative to return to place the till in the store’s safe. Upon the customer service representative’s return, JACKSON pointed a handgun at her and said, “Shush, put the money in a bag.” The handgun JACKSON used during the robbery was later determined to be a BB gun. The customer service representative backed away from the money, and JACKSON took that money, as well as money from the open safe. JACKSON fled the store on foot with $1,400.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Kinston Man Sentenced for Federal Robbery ChargesRead 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 KEENAN GERRON DRAKE, 25, of Kinston, NC to 54 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
DRAKE was named in a 14-count Indictment filed on February 28, 2017. On May 22, 2017, DRAKE subsequently pled guilty to two-counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Aiding and Abetting.
Between August 24, 2015, and May 15, 2016, a series of armed robberies occurred in the Eastern District of North Carolina and elsewhere. A total of seven robberies were conducted by various participants including DRAKE. He robbed the Family Dollar in Faison, NC and the U.S. Cellular in Kenansville, NC. On December 19, 2015, Arnold (previously sentenced) drove Nobles (awaiting sentencing) and Drake to the robbery site. While the cashier was turned away, one of the men placed a pistol on the counter and demanded the money. The cashier gave Nobles and DRAKE the money from the cash register and was instructed to face the wall. The cashier was then told if she turned around, she would be shot. Nobles and DRAKE fled the store with $62.84.
On December 20, 2015, after being driven by Arnold, Nobles and DRAKE entered the U.S. Cellular store. After some conversation, one of the defendants walked to the door and locked it. The clerk accessed the safe and handed Nobles or DRAKE the bank bags and was then instructed to tell them how to open the cash drawer. The clerk complied, and Nobles or DRAKE took the money out of the cash drawer, while the other assailant instructed the clerk to lie down. The store suffered a loss of $1,825.86.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenansville Police Department, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the Snow Hill Police Department, the Kinston Police Department, the New Bern Police Department, 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.
Greenville Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm & Obstruction of Justice ChargesRead 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 RICKY JAY BALL, 40, of Greenville to 96 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BALL was named in a 4-count Superseding Indictment filed on August 8, 2017. On September 11, 2017, BALL subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon, two-counts of Obstruction of Justice, and one-count of Altering a Military Discharge Certificate.
On November 12, 2015, BALL received a two-year probationary sentence in the Eastern District of Virginia, following his misdemeanor convictions for Violation of Defense Property Security
Regulations and Possession of False Identification for his conduct in impersonating a United States Navy SEAL. On August 5, 2016, BALL’S supervision was transferred to the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiated an investigation in May 2015, upon receiving information from the Greenville Police Department (GPD) that BALL claimed to work for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). Specifically, BALL told an intern with the Greenville Fire Department (GFD) that he was in court often due to his job, and he obtained warrants on individuals for committing crimes as part of his job responsibilities. BALL also told the intern he could get her parking tickets dismissed; however, the intern became suspicious when she received a late notice in the mail for unpaid parking tickets.
As early as November 17, 2015, BALL’S name appeared in police reports with the GPD as a loss prevention officer (LPO) for Sears in Greenville. During that time, BALL established a working relationship with members of the GPD and Pitt County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), and BALL had asked several police officers if they wanted to shoot firearms with him on the firing range. Specifically, a detective with the PCSO observed BALL in possession of a pistol on April 28, 2016, while BALL was employed at Sears. The detective documented his observations after discovering BALL was a convicted felon. A subsequent interview with BALL’S store manager at Sears also revealed the store manager observed BALL in possession of a badge and firearm during BALL’S employment at Sears. Consequently, on May 28, 2016, the GPD arrested BALL for Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer.
During a search of BALL’S residence, the PCSO seized a 9mm pistol, four pistol magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition from BALL’S bedroom closet. Law enforcement later learned the
firearm was purchased by a man in Asheville, North Carolina. On June 30, 2016, the seller was interviewed by investigators and stated he sold the firearm to an individual who identified himself as Ricky Bennett, an alias of BALL. He stated he exchanged firearms with BALL (a/k/a Bennett), trading the recovered Springfield 9mm handgun with magazines for a Sig 9mm elite handgun. He noted BALL showed him his military identification, and BALL asserted to have trained with the U.S. Navy SEALS. On June 6, 2016, the GPD arrested BALL for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon at his residence in Greenville.
On May 17, 2017, a Probation Violation Hearing was held in the United States Magistrate Court in New Bern, North Carolina to revoke BALL’s federal probation based on his conduct of possessing a firearm as a felon and impersonating law enforcement. During that hearing, BALL submitted numerous false and fabricated documents to the Court. Those documents included fraudulent letters from his employer, community-services providers, and medical providers. Additionally, BALL altered a Military Discharge Certificate, DD-214, and changed his separation from the United States Marine Corps from “involuntary” to “medical.”
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greenville Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead 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 DASHAWN JEWELIN MCCALL, 24, of Sanford to 57 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
MCCALL was named in a 1-count Indictment filed on March 28, 2017. On August 21, 2017, MCCALL subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On December 13, 2016, officers from the Fayetteville Police Department were conducting surveillance on a vehicle belonging to MCCALL due to outstanding warrants for MCCALLS’s arrest. Officers observed MCCALL exit a nearby store with his girlfriend and enter the vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle and placed MCCALL under arrest. A .40 caliber handgun, loaded with fourteen rounds of ammunition, was found tucked into MCCALL’S waistband underneath his shirt. MCCALL admitted to possessing the firearm. Based on the investigation, MCCALL possessed a firearm on December 13, 2016, subsequent to sustaining a conviction for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official, a felony that is classified by the federal sentencing guidelines as a “crime of violence.” MCCALL provided a written acceptance of responsibility statement to the United States Probation Office acknowledging the conduct outlined in the Indictment.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Six Men Sentenced for Dog Fighting and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces that United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced six North Carolina men this week for engaging in illegal dog fighting and selling narcotics in the Onslow County area.
The following individuals and their sentences are listed below.
- Leo Junior Chadwick, 64 of Hubert (60 Months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release & $25,000 fine)
- Aaron Richardson, a/k/a “Jit”, 42 of Jacksonville (96 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release & $25,000 fine)
- Cedric Gerard Cook, 39 of Fayetteville (45 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release, $5,000 fine)
- James David Martin, 39 of Maple Hill (4 years probation, including 6 months of home confinement)
- James Leslie Golden, III, 47 of Ayden (4 years probation and 100 hours of community service)
- William Jay Farrior, a/k/a “Bo”, 37 of Maple Hill (48 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release)
Chadwick, Cook, and Martin pled guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act. The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to fight dogs or to possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, receive or transport dogs intended for use in dog fighting. Richardson pled guilty to possessing and transporting dogs for dog fights. Golden pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge for attending a dog fight. Farrior pled guilty to a Criminal Information charging a Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base (or “crack”) and Cocaine.
In October 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department initiated an investigation related to dog fighting and drug trafficking in Eastern North Carolina. Utilizing multiple confidential sources of information (CSIs), law enforcement infiltrated a group of individuals engaging in dog fighting in Onslow and Cumberland Counties. These individuals purchased, bred, sold, and trained American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs) for the purpose of having the dogs participate in illegal dog fights for wagering, sport, and entertainment.
Between December 2015 and March 2016, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to meet up with the individuals and attend four dog fights with them. The fights lasted between 51 minutes and 1 hour and 47 minutes. On at least two of the occasions, the losing dog died after the conclusion of the fights. One of the fights was a “champion fight,” meaning that the participants fought dogs who were vying for a third win. As much as $100,000 was wagered on that fight alone.
The investigation revealed that Chadwick had been involved in raising and training dogs for the past 35 years. Evidence taken from Cook’s Facebook account showed that he had admitted to fighting dogs since he was 14 or 15 years old. Martin hosted one of the fights on his property, while Golden attended two of the fights.
Upon the arrests of the defendants in December 2016, search warrants were executed on four properties suspected of containing dogs and dog fighting paraphernalia. In that process, approximately 156 dogs were seized, including some that were pregnant at the time. On Chadwick’s property in Hubert, NC, investigators located and seized 33 pit bull type dogs. Many of the dogs were found outside in makeshift wooden boxes or plastic barrels, chained to the ground with heavy chains and collars. This is a typical configuration for rural dog fighting yards, though it means that the dogs are largely ignored, fed sporadically, and kept apart from each other. Other dogs were found inside Chadwick’s residence, in small wire crates. Some of the crates were riddled with filthy newspaper and covered in animal feces. Investigators also found substantial dog fighting paraphernalia on the property, including weighted collars and heavy chains used to condition dogs, break sticks with dried blood that are used to pry apart dogs jaws during fights, and a treadmill specially adapted to run dogs for long periods of time.
The dogs seized from Chadwick’s property were in terrible shape, exhibiting scars and healing wounds from fights. Nearly all of them were extremely low weight and suffering from easily preventable and treatable diseases. One dog that weighed 31.4 lbs. at the time of intake was found tethered to a chain weighing 34 lbs., meaning it was bearing upwards of 108% of its body weight around its neck.
On Cook’s property in Fayetteville, NC, investigators seized 23 pit bull type dogs. During the search of the property, investigators also located numerous break sticks used to pry apart dogs’ jaws during fights, some with gouge marks and dried blood; two slat (wooden) treadmills and a carpet treadmill, commonly used to train dogs for fighting by latching them to tight collar affixed to the structure and having them run for extended periods of time; weighted collars and heavy chains; and numerous registration certificates and pedigrees for dogs, including ones with marks showing “Gr.Ch.” for “Grand Champions” (5-time winners), “Ch.” for “Champions” (3-time winners).
Cook’s dogs were also found in very poor condition, exhibiting scars and healing wounds consistent with organized dog fighting. A few dogs had dental fractures with exposed pulp, which causes severe pain. One dog was missing a full portion of its cheek, which is a common wound obtained during fights when one dog’s tooth punctures the other’s cheek. Another dog had a puncture wound that was “oozing red purulent material” and healing scabs through his nose and right hock. The dogs also showed aggression during behavioral tests, often attacking the stuffed toy dog.
On Richardson’s property in Jacksonville, NC, investigators seized 32 pit bull type dogs. Many of the dogs were found outside in makeshift wooden boxes or plastic barrels, chained to the ground with heavy chains and collars. One litter of new puppies and their mother were found inside the residence, in a small wire crate that was filthy with feces and roundworms and had no water or food within the enclosure. During the search of the property, investigators located several “training chains” that weighed as much as 70 lbs.; a wooden slat treadmill used to condition dogs for fighting; numerous heavy collars, chains, and break sticks; and medical supplies, including syringes and some marked as “For Veterinary Use Only.”
The dogs found on Richardson’s property also exhibited scarring and healing wounds consistent with organized dog fighting. One dog was just 6-12 months old and found tethered outside in an area of dirt with standing water with no food observable. Despite its young age, the dog exhibited multiple healing wounds on its head and front legs indicative of its use in dog fights. Another dog was missing its right hind leg and exhibited scarring on his head and remaining leg. The dog also had severe gum recession and worn teeth.
The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was requested by authorities to take custody of and provide daily care for the dogs seized during the arrests at a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location. The ASPCA also provided assistance with evidence collection, conducting forensic medical and behavioral examinations of the dogs seized in the case, and identifying dogs that were suitable for placement.
“Dog fighting is a brutal act of cruelty that represents the ultimate betrayal of the human-animal bond and results in a life of unimaginable pain and suffering for the victims,” said Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group. “We are grateful to be in a position where we can collaborate with law enforcement agencies to pursue these types of cases and bring this despicable blood sport to an end.”
Chief Michael G. Yaniero, Director of Public Safety for the City of Jacksonville, stated, “These animals live in cruel conditions. Our Community will not tolerate those who abuse animals. These are not victimless crimes.”
The remaining two defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jacksonville Police Department, and Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Agriculture - OIG, the United States Marshal’s Service, and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Howard prosecuted the case for the government.
Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, a federal jury in New Bern found WILLIAM MAURICE SADDLER guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and of a minor.
SADDLER was named in an Indictment on October 5, 2016 that included four other codefendants who previously pled guilty. SADDLER was found guilty of Counts One and Two in the indictment.
The evidence presented at trial showed: The victim was fifteen years old. He began a dating and then a sexual relationship with her. One day, SADDLER gave her crack, took her to a Mexican migrant camp near Wilson, North Carolina, and forced her to prostitute. After that, SADDLER took her to Mexican migrant camps near Wilson numerous times to prostitute. SADDLER abused and threatened the victim when she said that she did not want to prostitute.
At sentencing, 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.
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.
Woman Sentenced for Robbery and Firearm Offenses in Eastern North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced KINDRA DENISE ARNOLD, 45, of Warsaw, NC to 74 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
ARNOLD was named in a two-count Criminal Information filed on April 11, 2017. On May 22, 2017, ARNOLD subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Aiding and Abetting and one-count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
Between August 24, 2015, and May 15, 2016, a series of armed robberies occurred in the Eastern District of North Carolina and elsewhere. A total of seven robberies were conducted by various participants including ARNOLD. She was the driver for all seven robberies. ARNOLD drove co-conspirators to the, various stores including the U.S. Cellular Stores Beulaville, Kenansville, and Snow Hill. The Kenansville location was robbed on two separate occasions. ARNOLD pleaded guilty to the May 15, 2016 robbery.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenansville Police Department, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the Snow Hill Police Department, the Kinston Police Department, the New Bern Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
US Extradites Former Salvadoran Military Officer to Spain to Face Charges for Participation in 1989 Jesuit MassacreRead the Press Release
The United States today extradited Inocente Orlando Montano Morales, a former colonel in the Salvadoran army, to stand trial in Spain for charges related to the murder of five Spanish Jesuit priests in El Salvador in 1989. This is one of the first top-ranking Salvadoran commanders to face criminal prosecution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina, Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb for the District of Massachusetts, and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
Inocente Orlando Montano Morales, 74, formerly of Everett, Massachusetts, and 19 other former Salvadoran military officials were indicted in Spain for the 1989 murders of five Spanish Jesuit priests during the 10-year Salvadoran civil conflict. An arrest warrant for Montano was issued in March 2011 by a Spanish magistrate judge.
“Criminals and those lawfully charged with criminal offenses overseas should not be able to find safe haven in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s extradition demonstrates our firm commitment to honoring our obligations under extradition treaties. As a result, an alleged human-rights violator will now face justice in Spain.”
“This extradition, and the investigation and prosecution that preceded it, marks the culmination of longstanding and significant collaboration among HSI Boston, ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Boston and Raleigh, and DOJ’s Office of International Affairs,” said ICE Deputy Director Homan. “We are grateful for the support of our law enforcement partners, DOJ, and our Department of State colleagues to ensure that Montano will face justice in Spain for his crimes and will not find safe haven in the United States.”
In response to the government of Spain’s request pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Spain, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in April 2015 seeking Montano’s extradition to Spain. According to the complaint, between 1980 and 1991, El Salvador was engulfed in a civil conflict between the military-led government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). During this conflict, in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, 1989, members of the Salvadoran military allegedly murdered six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and the housekeeper’s 16-year old daughter at the Universidad Centroamericana. Five of the Jesuit priests were Spanish nationals, and the remaining victims were from El Salvador.
At the time, Montano was a colonel in the Salvadoran army, and he also served as Vice Minister of Defense and Public Safety. The complaint alleges that he shared oversight responsibility over a government radio station that, days before the massacre, issued threats urging the murder of the Jesuit priests. The day before the murders, Montano also allegedly participated in a series of meetings during which one of his fellow officers gave the order to kill the leader of the Jesuits and leave no witnesses. The following day, members of the Salvadoran army allegedly executed the six priests, their housekeeper, and the housekeeper’s daughter.
On Feb. 4, 2016, a U.S. magistrate judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina ruled that Montano could be extradited to Spain to stand trial for charges stemming from his participation in the murder of the five Spanish Jesuit priests. In August 2017, the federal district court in the Eastern District of North Carolina dismissed Montano’s habeas corpus petition challenging the magistrate judge’s ruling. Montano unsuccessfully sought a stay of his extradition in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. On Oct. 20, the U.S. Department of State issued an order granting Montano’s surrender to Spain.
Montano’s extradition follows his 21-month federal prison sentence in the United States for his 2013 conviction in the District of Massachusetts for immigration fraud and perjury in connection with false statements that he made to immigration authorities to remain in the United States. Montano served his prison sentence in North Carolina, which is where his extradition proceedings took place.
His criminal conviction stemmed from false statements Montano made to obtain Temporary Protective Status (TPS), a benefit available to foreign nationals, permitting them to remain in the United States if they are unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict, the temporary effects of an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. In 2002, Montano was present in the United States and, on several occasions thereafter, applied for and obtained TPS. On his applications, Montano falsified the date on which he entered the country because he knew that if he stated the actual date, he would have been ineligible for TPS.
The allegations contained in the Spanish extradition request are merely accusations, and any finding of guilt or innocence will be made by Spanish courts.
The criminal investigation in the United States was conducted by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. The extradition proceedings were handled by attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the District of Massachusetts, and the Office of International Affairs.
U.S Extradites Former Salvadoran Military Officer to Spain to Face Charges for Participation in 1989 Jesuit MassacreRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States today extradited Inocente Orlando Montano Morales, a former colonel in the Salvadoran army, to stand trial in Spain for charges related to the murder of five Spanish Jesuit priests in El Salvador in 1989. This is one of the first top-ranking Salvadoran commanders to face criminal prosecution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina, Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb for the District of Massachusetts, and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
Inocente Orlando Montano Morales, 74, formerly of Everett, Massachusetts, and 19 other former Salvadoran military officials were indicted in Spain for the 1989 murders of five Spanish Jesuit priests during the 10-year Salvadoran civil conflict. An arrest warrant for Montano was issued in March 2011 by a Spanish magistrate judge.
“Criminals and those lawfully charged with criminal offenses overseas should not be able to find safe haven in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s extradition demonstrates our firm commitment to honoring our obligations under extradition treaties. As a result, an alleged human-rights violator will now face justice in Spain.”
“This extradition, and the investigation and prosecution that preceded it, marks the culmination of longstanding and significant collaboration among HSI Boston, ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Boston and Raleigh, and DOJ’s Office of International Affairs,” said ICE Deputy Director Homan. “We are grateful for the support of our law enforcement partners, DOJ, and our Department of State colleagues to ensure that Montano will face justice in Spain for his crimes and will not find safe haven in the United States.”
In response to the government of Spain’s request pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Spain, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in April 2015 seeking Montano’s extradition to Spain. According to the complaint, between 1980 and 1991, El Salvador was engulfed in a civil conflict between the military-led government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). During this conflict, in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, 1989, members of the Salvadoran military allegedly murdered six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and the housekeeper’s 16-year old daughter at the Universidad Centroamericana. Five of the Jesuit priests were Spanish nationals, and the remaining victims were from El Salvador.
At the time, Montano was a colonel in the Salvadoran army, and he also served as Vice Minister of Defense and Public Safety. The complaint alleges that he shared oversight responsibility over a government radio station that, days before the massacre, issued threats urging the murder of the Jesuit priests. The day before the murders, Montano also allegedly participated in a series of meetings during which one of his fellow officers gave the order to kill the leader of the Jesuits and leave no witnesses. The following day, members of the Salvadoran army allegedly executed the six priests, their housekeeper, and the housekeeper’s daughter.
On Feb. 4, 2016, a U.S. magistrate judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina ruled that Montano could be extradited to Spain to stand trial for charges stemming from his participation in the murder of the five Spanish Jesuit priests. In August 2017, the federal district court in the Eastern District of North Carolina dismissed Montano’s habeas corpus petition challenging the magistrate judge’s ruling. Montano unsuccessfully sought a stay of his extradition in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. On Oct. 20, the U.S. Department of State issued an order granting Montano’s surrender to Spain.
Montano’s extradition follows his 21-month federal prison sentence in the United States for his 2013 conviction in the District of Massachusetts for immigration fraud and perjury in connection with false statements that he made to immigration authorities to remain in the United States. Montano served his prison sentence in North Carolina, which is where his extradition proceedings took place.
His criminal conviction stemmed from false statements Montano made to obtain Temporary Protective Status (TPS), a benefit available to foreign nationals, permitting them to remain in the United States if they are unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict, the temporary effects of an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. In 2002, Montano was present in the United States and, on several occasions thereafter, applied for and obtained TPS. On his applications, Montano falsified the date on which he entered the country because he knew that if he stated the actual date, he would have been ineligible for TPS.
The allegations contained in the Spanish extradition request are merely accusations, and any finding of guilt or innocence will be made by Spanish courts.
The criminal investigation in the United States was conducted by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. The extradition proceedings were handled by attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the District of Massachusetts, and the Office of International Affairs.
Oxford Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead 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 today, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt, sentenced TEVIN TIA’MANE NORWOOD, 25, of Oxford, NC to 100 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
NORWOOD was named in an Indictment filed on April 18, 2017. NORWOOD subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. On July 18, 2017, NORWOOD pled guilty to the charge.
On October 10, 2016, Oxford Police officers observed NORWOOD driving erratically. After a short vehicle pursuit, NORWOOD jumped out of his vehicle while it was still in gear and fled; however, he was captured following a brief foot chase. The vehicle continued into an embankment, thus recklessly endangering anyone in the area. A search of the path of flight taken by NORWOOD resulted in the recovery of a stolen, Glock .40 caliber firearm with one bullet in the chamber. This firearm was positively identified as the same firearm used by NORWOOD in a previous shooting several days earlier also in Oxford. A box of .40 caliber ammunition was found in NORWOOD’S vehicle. NORWOOD subsequently provided an unprotected statement that the Glock firearm was his.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Butner Department of Public Safety, Oxford Police Department, Durham Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Men Sentenced for Robbery and Firearm Offenses in Henderson and Vance CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that today in federal court today, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced TYLER JONES, 21, of Henderson, NC to 84 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Also sentenced today was co-defendant DIJON DEVAR WILLIAMS, 26, of Henderson, NC to 200 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Additionally, JONES agreed to pay $1,439.47 in restitution and WILLIAMS agreed to pay $12,096.95 in restitution.
JONES and WILLIAMS were named in a fifteen-count Indictment filed on August 3, 2016. JONES subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Hobbs Act Robbery and Aiding and Abetting and one-count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. WILLIAMS pled guilty to two-counts of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
From around October 2015, to December 14, 2015, WILLIAMS executed a series of robberies at various business establishments in the Eastern District of North Carolina, in Henderson, Kittrell, and Middleburg, North Carolina. JONES also was charged with one of the robberies.
On December 5, 2015, WILLIAMS and JONES robbed Citi Trends in Henderson. WILLIAMS entered the store and pointed a revolver at the security officer’s chest. JONES remained at the entrance to the store and served as a lookout. They fled the scene with approximately $1,439.00. On December 5, 2015, Jones was apprehended in the vicinity of the robbery and was positively identified by a witness.
On December 14, 2015, WILLIAMS robbed Cruizers Store Number 240 (Cruizers) in Henderson. Shortly after entering the store, WILLIAMS walked behind the cash register counter, pointed a handgun at the cashier, and demanded money. While WILLIAMS grabbed $80 from the cash register, the cashier turned and fell to the floor. WILLIAMS fled the scene in a car shortly after the robbery.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Katherine Burnette and Dennis M. Duffy handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Four Charged with Drug Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamines and HeroinRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging BRIAN ALLEN GARDNER, age 39, of Wilson, SEAN JASON HARSTINE, age 31, of Lucama, CRYSTAL MARIE PATE, age 32, of Bailey, JAMES MADISON PARKER, age 27, of Wilson, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines and heroin.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines and heroin, the defendants would face not more than 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine and a term of 4 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment and not more than 20 years imprisonment and a term of 3 years of supervised release for the substantive distribution charges.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.
Four 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 BRIAN BONILLA-RODRIGUEZ, age 21, of Honduras, VICTOR CAMACHO-LOPEZ, age 29, of Mexico, CARLOS HUMBERTO MIRANDA-ESCOBAR, age 36, of El Salvador, and GERARDO QUINTANAR-DE LA CRUZ, age 51, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, BONILLA-RODRIGUEZ, found in Sampson County, CAMACHO-LOPEZ, found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MIRANDA-ESCOBAR, found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction (illegal reentry of a removed alien). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
QUINTANAR-DE LA CRUZ, found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (sale of cocaine). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
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.
Elm City Man Charged with Drug Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamines and HeroinRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an indictments charging TYRELL ELIZA WATSON, age 25, of Elm City, with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base, and substantive distribution counts, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
If convicted of any of the charged heroin offences, WATSON would face not more than 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine and a term of 3 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the firearm offenses, WATSON would face not more than life imprisonment, $250,000 fine and up to 5 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.
Kinston Man Sentenced for Robbery and Firearm OffensesRead 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 today, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced JAMES EARL SUTTON, 55, of Kinston, NC to 108 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
SUTTON was named in an Indictment filed on February 28, 2017 along with two other individuals, alleging conspiracy to commit robbery and subsequent counts. SUTTON subsequently pled guilty to two counts in the Indictment, Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The investigation began in August of 2015, after a robbery occurred at the U.S. Cellular Store in Beulaville, North Carolina. Additional robberies occurred in Kinston, Pink Hill, Faison, Kenansville, and Snow Hill, North Carolina. Law Enforcement identified SUTTON and co-defendants and associates Keenan Drake, Charles Nobles and Kindra Arnold, as suspects in these robberies.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenansville Police Department, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, the Kinston Police Department, the Snow Hill Police Department, the New Bern Police Department, 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.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Members to U.S. Attorney Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of nine new U.S. Attorneys to serve two-year terms on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). The AGAC was created in 1973 and reports to the Attorney General through the Deputy Attorney General. AGAC represents the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys.
The new appointees include: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Richard Moore; U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah John W. Huber; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu; U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert Higdon; U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Robert Trent Shores; U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Joshua Minkler; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Jeff Jensen; and Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska Bryan Schroder.
U.S. Attorney Richard Moore will serve as the Chair of AGAC, and U.S. Attorney John W. Huber will serve as the Vice Chair.
“I am pleased to announce the first members of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee under this administration. These U.S. Attorneys will play an important role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission to reduce violent crime, combat transnational criminal organizations, secure our southern border, end the devastating opioid crisis, and return to the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions.
A brief bio on each nominee is below:
Richard Moore (Chair)
The Senate confirmed Richard Moore’s appointment as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama in September 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Moore served as the Inspector General for the Tennessee Valley Authority. From May 2009 to March 2011, Mr. Moore was the Chairman of the Investigations Committee for the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. Prior to this position, Mr. Moore served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama from 1985 to 2003. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Moore was an Atlantic Fellow in Public Policy at Oxford University in England. Mr. Moore received his B.S., summa cum laude, from Spring Hill College and his J.D. from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law.
John W. Huber (Vice Chair)
Since June 2015, John Huber has served as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah, and in August 2017, the Senate again confirmed his appointment. Prior to being United States Attorney, Mr. Huber served as an Assistant United States Attorney for thirteen years. Mr. Huber began his prosecutorial career in the Weber County (Utah) Attorney’s Office, and later served as the Chief Prosecutor for West Valley City, Utah, before joining the United States Attorney’s Office in 2002. Mr. Huber received his B.A. from the University of Utah and his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law.
Justin E. Herdman
The Senate confirmed Justin Herdman’s appointment as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio in August 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Herdman was a partner at Jones Day and an Assistant United States Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Herdman previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City from 2001 to 2005 and as an associate at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP. He is currently a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force Reserve. Mr. Herdman received his B.A. from Ohio University, his Master of Philosophy from the University of Glasgow and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Robert Higdon
The Senate confirmed Robert Higdon to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina in October 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Higdon was a partner at the law firm of Williams Mullen. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in both the Western and Eastern Districts of North Carolina. In the Eastern District U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Higdon served as Chief of the Criminal Division for more than 11 years. Mr. Higdon also served as senior trial counsel in the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice. He received his B.A., cum laude, from Wake Forest University and his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law.
Jeff Jensen
The Senate confirmed Jeff Jensen to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri in October 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Jensen was a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Missouri starting in 1999, and was Executive United States Attorney from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Jensen was an FBI Special Agent from 1989 to 1999. While working at the FBI, Mr. Jensen attended St. Louis University School of Law at night, graduating magna cum laude. He also received his B.A., cum laude, from Indiana University School of Business.
Jessie K. Liu
The Senate confirmed Jessie Liu to be United States Attorney for the District of Columbia in September 2017. Ms. Liu was previously Deputy General Counsel for the United States Department of the Treasury and a partner at the law firms of Morrison & Foerster LLP and Jenner & Block LLP. In addition, she has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and in several senior positions in the United States Department of Justice, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division, counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, and deputy chief of staff for the National Security Division. Ms. Liu clerked for then-Chief Judge Carolyn Dineen King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her J.D. from Yale Law School.
Joshua Minkler
The Senate confirmed Joshua Minkler to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana in October 2017. Since June 2015, Mr. Minkler had served as the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Prior to that position, he served for 21 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana. Before he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Minkler served for five years as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Office of the Kent County Michigan Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Minkler received his B.A. from Wabash College, and his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Bryan Schroder
Bryan Schroder’s nomination to be United States Attorney for the District of Alaska is pending in the Senate. Mr. Schroder is currently the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Alaska, and previously served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and Criminal Chief. Mr. Schroder has served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more than 11 years. Mr. Schroder is a retired Captain in the U.S. Coast Guard, having served for 24 years. Mr. Schroder graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the University of Washington School of Law.
Robert Trent Shores
The Senate confirmed Robert Trent Shores to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma in September 2017. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Shores was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Mr. Shores previously served as First Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma and deputy director for the Department of Justice’s Office of Tribal Justice, where he developed initiatives to promote public safety in Indian Country. Mr. Shores received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Nine Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JOSE RAUDILIO ACOSTA-HERNANDEZ, age 28, of Honduras, SAUL CISNEROS-FRANCO, age 52, of Mexico, AGRIPINO CRISOSTOMO-LOPEZ, age 38, of Guatemala, JORGE GOMEZ-PEREZ, age 48, of Mexico, JOSE QUINVERO, age 36, of El Salvador, MARIO SANTANA, age 29, of Mexico, JOSE CARMEN SOTO, age 44, of Mexico, and VICTORIANO VALENZUELA-ROJAS, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging MARIA ASUNCION LUCAS-MENDEZ, age 31, of Guatemala, with False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, ACOSTA-HERNANDEZ, found in Robeson County, CRISOSTOMO-LOPEZ, found in Pitt County, GOMEZ-PEREZ, found in Pender County, QUINVERO, found in Wake County, SANTANA, found in Sampson County, SOTO, found in Harnett County, and VALENZUELA-ROJAS, found in Duplin County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
CISNEROS-FRANCO, found in Wilson County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to aggravated felony convictions (trafficking in a controlled substance and illegal reentry of an aggravated felon). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of False Representation of a Social Security Account Number and Aggravated Identity Theft, LUCAS-MENDEZ, found in Wayne County, would face maximum penalties of seven 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.
Drug Enforcement Administration Collects Record Number of Unused Pills as Part of its 14th Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina and William F. Baxley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte District Office announce that Americans nationwide did their part to reduce the opioid crisis by bringing the DEA and its more than 4,200 local and tribal law enforcement partners a record-setting 912,305 pounds—456 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at more than 5,300 collection sites. That is almost six tons more than was collected at last spring’s event. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,015,668 pounds, or 4,508 tons.
The Eastern District of North Carolina collected the following amount of dosage units of prescription drugs: Raleigh 8,500, Jacksonville 4,000,and Greenville 1,108. All were collected at return sites set up by the DEA in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Now in its 8th year, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens. The DEA action comes just days after President Donald J. Trump announced the mobilization of his entire Administration to address drug addiction and opioid abuse by directing the declaration of a Nationwide Public Health Emergency to address the opioids crisis.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—posed potential safety and health hazards.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 28, 2018.
Weldon Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court today, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle Howard, sentenced ERVIN RODELL HUGHES, 39, of Weldon, NC to 75 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
HUGES was named in an Indictment filed on July 24, 2017. On August 3, 2017, HUGHES pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The investigation began in April 2016, after the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received information from a confidential informant (CI) that HUGHES was selling cocaine from his residence in Weldon. Consequently, between April 13, 2016, and June 8, 2016, the HCSO utilized a CI to conduct two controlled purchases of cocaine totaling .73 gram from HUGHES at his home.
On June 10, 2016, the HCSO executed a search warrant at HUGHES’ residence. HUGHES was present during the search. Inside HUGHES’ bedroom closet, law enforcement found a loaded .380 Caliber handgun, 7.06 grams of cocaine, and two digital scales. Law enforcement also located a small-unspecified quantity of marijuana, a marijuana grinder, and other drug paraphernalia inside HUGHES’ home.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Eden Woman Sentenced for Carjacking and Firearms OffenseRead 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 KYARA NICOLE JONES, 21, of Eden, North Carolina, to 108 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $4,477.07 in restitution.
On January 12, 2017, JONES pled guilty to carjacking and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to the Indictment and information in the public records, on July 31, 2015, JONES and her codefendant David Earl Gill, Jr., forced entry into a residence in Louisburg, North Carolina. Gill was armed with a sawed off shotgun and JONES was armed with a golf club. During the carjacking, JONES violently struck the victim in the face multiple times with the golf club causing permanent injury. JONES and Gill forced the homeowner into a closet, barricaded the door with furniture, and took the homeowner’s vehicle. Gill was previously sentenced to 216 months for his role in this offense on September 12, 2017.
JONES and Gill continued their crime spree in the stolen vehicle throughout multiple states. On August 5, 2015, law enforcement officers in McIntosh, Georgia arrested JONES and Gill when they located them driving the stolen vehicle from Louisburg, North Carolina.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the McIntosh, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, and the Henry County, Georgia, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Jackson prosecuted the case for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court yesterday, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt, sentenced GARRETT RITSON YOUNG, 36, of Jacksonville to 180 months of imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release.
YOUNG was named in a fourteen-count Superseding Indictment filed on May 10, 2017. On July 18, 2017, YOUNG pled guilty to one count of Manufacturing Child Pornography.
On January 4, 2016, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a residence in Vanceboro, North Carolina, after a concerned parent called 911 and stated a man, later identified as YOUNG, was naked in bed with their 15-year-old son. During an interview with the son, investigators learned he met YOUNG via online social media. According to the son, he and YOUNG engaged in sexual activity numerous times between November 1, 2015, and January 4, 2016, and they also exchanged nude photos and videos of each other during the that time frame.
As a result, YOUNG was arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Indecent Liberties with a Minor. YOUNG was interviewed by the CCSO on January 11, 2016, and admitted having an ongoing sexual relationship with the victim. On January 12, 2016, the CCSO executed a search warrant at YOUNG’S residence in Jacksonville. During the search, a ScanDisk memory card and a cellphone were seized and forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a forensic examination, which revealed 291 images and 201 videos of child exploitation material (CEM).
Further forensic examination of YOUNG’S computer hardware revealed CEM that involved prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained the age of 12. Additionally, the CEM included sadistic and/or masochistic conduct, as depicted in an image of a young male who was blindfolded with a gag in his mouth, a chain wrapped around his neck, and his hands and feet bound behind him.
Investigators interviewed YOUNG again on January 13, 2016, at which time he admitted making the videos of himself having sex with a 14-year old female, and he acknowledged collecting CEM since he was 14 years old. YOUNG also admitted making a video of himself having sex with another minor female, who is the daughter of YOUNG’S former employer.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Raleigh Man Convicted of Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that DAMIEN NOWELL of Raleigh was convicted following a jury trial of two federal firearms violations. The charges arose from a search warrant executed at NOWELL’S residence at 2416 Evers Drive in Raleigh on February 4, 2015.
In a jury trial held before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, NOWELL was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. The evidence presented at trial revealed that as members of the Raleigh Police Department Gang Suppression Unit began to execute a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, NOWELL was located in a bathroom attempting to flush approximately 70 grams of cocaine down the toilet. The cocaine was recovered. During the search, a Beretta .40 caliber handgun was recovered from underneath an air mattress in NOWELL’s bedroom, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. A search following the arrest resulted in the recovery of an additional 7 grams of cocaine from NOWELL’s person, in addition to over $1,400.00 in cash. NOWELL confessed to the cocaine but denied possession of the firearm.
NOWELL was also charged with federal narcotics offenses, to which he pled guilty at an earlier hearing. Chief Judge Dever scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2018. NOWELL faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the felon in possession offense, plus a mandatory minimum of 5 consecutive years for the possession of the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a maximum of 20 years for the drug crimes to which he pled guilty earlier.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Bennett is prosecuting the case.
Wilson Drug Trafficker Sentenced After Conviction for Deadly Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court yesterday, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan, sentenced ELTON WAYNE WALSTON, age 66, of Wilson, to 324 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On June 22, 2017, WALSTON was found guilty of one count of distributing heroin that resulted in the death of a Wilson, N.C. man, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, and four counts of distribution of heroin.
In 2015, the Wilson Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Raleigh, North Carolina, identified WALSTON as a source of heroin in the Wilson, Greenville, and Nash County areas. Investigation confirmed that the defendant sold heroin on multiple occasions including a sale that led to the death of a Wilson man, in March of 2015.
SARAH ANNE MOLLENHAUER, 32, of Anthem, Arizona was also sentenced to 45 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. MOLLENHAUER pled guilty to a Superseding Criminal Information on November 15, 2016 that charged her with Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin and Aiding and Abetting.
The evidence presented at the same trial revealed that on March 27, 2015, MOLLENHAUER notified the mother of the man who died that her son was not breathing and that he was at his brother’s residence on Dover Road in Wilson. At the scene, officers located and questioned MOLLENHAUER. Specifically, MOLLENHAUER advised that she and the victim “hung out” on the evening of March 26, 2015. Furthermore, MOLLENHAUER advised that she left the victim around 12:30am on March 27, 2015, to meet her boyfriend. MOLLENHAUER returned to the residence with her boyfriend, a nurse, to check on the victim who was lying on the floor with his eyes closed and breathing heavily. MOLLENHAUER and her boyfriend left the residence at 1:30am. MOLLENHAUER indicated she returned at 5:30am to again check on the victim’s condition. At that time, she found the victim lying on the bathroom floor and not breathing. He was pronounced dead on the scene by responding EMS personnel at 6:21 am.
“Heroin and other opioids are a deadly plague across our country. Our office - along with the entire U.S. Department of Justice - is determined to hold accountable those who deal these deadly drugs to enrich themselves. This prosecution is an example of that determination,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“This guilty verdict is a victory for law enforcement and the citizens of North Carolina. DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing to justice those who prey on individuals who are unfortunately addicted to this poison. Hopefully, this verdict, will bring some comfort to the families impacted by Mr. Walston’s illegal activities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Salter.
The case was investigated by the DEA Raleigh Resident Office, Wilson Police Department, North Carolina State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The federal prosecution was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin O. Zellinger and Assistant United States Attorney Edward D. Gray. Mr. Zellinger is a prosecutor with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman has assigned Mr. Zellinger to the United States Attorney’s Office, pursuant to funding provided by the state of North Carolina as allocated by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.