Western District of North Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dino Crnalic, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for a bank and wire fraud scheme that defrauded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and others of more than $800,000, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. also ordered Crnalic to pay more than $910,000 as restitution and to serve two years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
According to information contained in filed documents and court proceedings, from July 2017 through November 2019, Crnalic executed multiple fraudulent schemes and obtained more than $800,000 in SBA-backed loans and attempted to obtain an additional loan from federally-insured financial institutions. Crnalic also fraudulently obtained other forms of financing through other entities. Crnalic claimed that the loans would be used to fund various businesses in Charlotte, including a restaurant, Suki Akor, and Surge Fitness Centers, LLC (Surge). Court records show that, to secure the SBA-backed loans and other financing, Crnalic submitted fraudulent loan documents and made various false statements regarding the purpose of the loans and financing and the involvement of other individuals. In reality, Crnalic lied about the involvement of other individuals in the businesses and, rather than using the loans to finance his business ventures, Crnalic used a significant portion of the proceeds to pay for personal expenses, including trips to various casinos.
On April 13, 2021, Crnalic pleaded guilty to two counts of financial institution fraud, concealment money laundering, making a false statement to a bank in connection with a loan, and wire fraud.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited the Charlotte Division of the FBI and the SBA’s Office of the Inspector General for the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.
Former Cargill Employee Is Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Bribery and Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yesterday, Michael A. Kennedy, 56, of Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for his role in an extensive bribery and kickback scheme that defrauded Cargill, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Kennedy was ordered to serve a year under court supervision and to pay restitution in the amount of $33.7 million.
Michael C. Scherck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, Kennedy was a senior Cargill employee within the Strategic Sourcing Function. Choung “Shawn” Nguyen was a Cargill procurement manager within the same division and reported to Kennedy. Brian Ewert was co-owner and primary sales representative of WDS, Inc., also known as Women’s Distribution Services, Inc. (WDS), a South Carolina-based company that provided non-raw materials and services to Cargill and its affiliates.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from 2009 to 2016, Kennedy conspired with Ewert, Nguyen, and others to carry out a fraudulent bribery and kickback scheme. During the course of the scheme, Ewert provided Kennedy and Nguyen and other Cargill employees with more than a $1 million in cash, gifts, and vacations, in exchange for putting the interests of WDS, and other companies Ewert controlled ahead of Cargill’s, including by helping to conceal the fact that WDS was overcharging Cargill. For example, as part of the conspiracy, Ewert provided Kennedy and his family with lavish trips that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, including trips to the Caribbean on Ewert’s private jet and luxury yacht rentals to entertain Kennedy and his family. Ewert also paid for Kennedy and his family to go to Disney World and took them on ski trips. Kennedy and others concealed from Cargill the fact that they had received from Ewert the illicit bribes and kickbacks, in breach of their fiduciary duties to Cargill.
According to court records, in early 2016, after others within Cargill began questioning the relationship between WDS and Cargill, Kennedy, Ewert, and others took numerous steps to conceal from Cargill significant overcharging of Cargill by WDS. Cargill eventually discovered the scheme and terminated its relationship with WDS and Ewert and fired Kennedy and Nguyen.
In December 2021, Kennedy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. He will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.
Ewert and Nguyen were previously sentenced to 60 months and 41 months in prison, respectively. They were each also ordered to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $40.4 million in restitution. Jennifer Maier, the co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of WDS, was sentenced 24 months in prison followed by a year of supervised release and was ordered to pay $3.2 million as restitution.
The FBI and USPIS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Ryan and Graham Billings, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Firearms Straw Purchaser Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man convicted of straw purchasing firearms for two individuals was sentenced to two years in prison today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Thomas Evans Kelly, 29, was also ordered to serve two years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court records and today’s sentencing hearing, in August 2019, Kelly purchased three firearms from a licensed firearms dealer in Charlotte. Over the course of the transaction, Kelly made false and fictitious statements to the firearms dealer and falsely certified on federal forms associated with the purchase of the firearms that he was the actual buyer/transferee of the firearms. Court records show that, contrary to Kelly’s statements, he purchased the firearms for two other individuals, Walter Jackson and Jalen Jackson. Kelly then filed false police reports alleging that the firearms were stolen. In total, law enforcement seized eight firearms that were originally purchased by Kelly during criminal activity committed by Walter and Jalen Jackson.
Kelly is currently released on bond and will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.
Walter Jackson previously pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Jalen Jackson was sentenced to 72 months in prison, after pleading guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act.
The ATF led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte was in charge of the prosecution.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for the Armed Robbery of Two Cell Phone Retail StoresRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Rashawn William Coleman, 24, of Charlotte, to 22 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the armed robbery of two cell phone retail stores, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Michael C. Scherck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina, Chief Chad Hawkins of the Belmont Police Department, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, on June 27, 2020, the Belmont Police Department responded to a service call for an armed robbery at the Cricket Wireless store located at 617 Park Street, in Belmont, North Carolina. Upon arriving at the location, a store employee told law enforcement that an individual, later identified as Coleman, entered the store posing as a customer and inquired about purchasing a cell phone. Over the course of their exchange, Coleman asked if there were any lower priced phones available. While the employee was in the back of the store looking through the cell phone inventory, he saw Coleman standing in the doorway pointing a gun at him. Coleman then ordered the employee to hand over all of the iPhones and other high valued cell phones. Court records show that Coleman also ordered the employee to load the store’s safe in Coleman’s vehicle before fleeing the scene.
On July 29, 2020, the Belmont Police Department responded to a service call regarding the armed robbery of an AT&T Wireless store located at 6509 Wilkinson Boulevard in Belmont. Responding officers investigating the robbery interviewed a store employee who said she had been robbed at gun point. The employee explained that at approximately 7:37 p.m., an individual later identified as Coleman entered the store and began to inquire about purchasing a cell phone. While the employee was at the computer looking through available inventory, Coleman came around the counter and pointed a firearm at her. Coleman then ordered the store employee to place all the cell phones from the safe in his bag. Coleman then fled the scene in his vehicle.
Following the robbery, CMPD officers located Coleman driving his vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Coleman did not obey and attempted to evade the police before he was arrested. Inside Coleman’s vehicle, law enforcement located the stolen cell phones, a firearm, and a magazine that contained 15 bullets.
On December 13, 2021, Coleman pleaded guilty to two counts of possession and brandishing of a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is currently in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI, the Belmont Police Department, and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Organizer of Asheville Gun Store Burglary Is Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jesse Lynn Williams, 34, of Asheville, was sentenced to 235 months in prison today for his role in the burglary of an Asheville gun store, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger also ordered Williams to serve three years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief David Zack of the Asheville Police Department (APD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Williams organized the burglary of Carolina Guns and Gear West, LLC (Carolina Guns and Gear), a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) located at 3106 Sweeten Creek Road, in Asheville. Williams recruited his two co-defendants, Lyron Deshawn Greenlee and Alexa Rae Basillo, to assist him with the burglary. Court records show that on January 7, 2022, Williams broke into the gun store and stole 33 firearms, while Greenlee and Bassillo served as lookouts or drivers during the burglary.
As part of the planning and preparation for the burglary, Williams and Bassillo customized satellite map imagery of the area surrounding the gun store, which diagrammed the location of the store and avenues of approach and escape near the store. The maps also identified where co-conspirators would be stationed as lookouts. Court records also show that Williams, assisted by Bassillo, acquired tools and equipment for the break-in, including two-way radios which co-conspirators used to communicate over the course of the burglary.
According to court documents, immediately after the burglary, Williams, Greenlee, and Bassillo traveled to Greenlee’s residence, where they divvied up the stolen firearms. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Williams received 15 or 16 of the stolen firearms. To date, law enforcement have recovered eight of the 33 stolen firearms.
On January 10, 2022, law enforcement arrested Williams and Bassillo while the two were in Bassillo’s parked vehicle. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement recovered from the vehicle a firearm stolen from the gun store, a crowbar, bolt cutters, and other items used in the burglary, a homemade silencer, a loaded pistol, and a loaded SKS rifle that belonged to Williams.
On April 13, 2022, Williams pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from an FFL and aiding and abetting, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Greenlee was sentenced last week to eight and a half years in prison. Bassillo is currently awaiting sentencing.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and APD for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is handling the prosecution.
Leader of $3 Million Bank Fraud Scheme Involving Stolen Mail Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The leader of a $3 million bank fraud scheme involving stolen checks and two co-conspirators were sentenced to prison today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Terrell Devon Freeman, 35, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 150 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Joshua MacDavid Monteith, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. And Yanalise Simone Hodge, 23, also of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to filed court documents and statements made in court, from October 2020 to September 2021, Freeman was the mastermind of a bank fraud scheme involving stolen mail. The defendants executed the fraud scheme in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia and defrauded at least seven financial institutions.
According to court documents, Freeman and his co-conspirators used a stolen U.S. Postal Service key to open USPS collection boxes in the Charlotte area, from which they stole business and personal checks. The USPS key was obtained following the armed robbery of a postal worker in November of 2020.
The co-conspirators then used fraudulent identifications and straw bank accounts to cash the stolen checks. Over the course of the scheme, Freeman and his co-conspirators deposited or attempted to deposit funds from approximately 86 stolen checks totaling over $3 million.
On September 26, 2021, Monteith was arrested after he used the stolen USPS key to open a collection box in the Ballantyne area. Law enforcement located in Monteith’s vehicle 58 stolen checks totaling more than $19,000. On October 4, 2021, Freeman was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia. Law enforcement recovered from Freeman’s vehicle approximately 1,500 stolen checks, totally over $1.5 million.
Freeman, Monteith, and Hodge each pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy. In addition to the prison term imposed, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. also ordered Freeman to pay more than $394,000 as restitution.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked USPIS and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Bozin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Repeat Offender of Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte federal jury has convicted Josue Aldana, 28, of Charlotte, of two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney presided over the two-day trial, which ended today.
According to filed court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the evening of April 19, 2021, officers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to a service call that an individual, later identified as Aldana, was causing a domestic disturbance. Trial evidence established that officers responding to the service call recovered from Aldana’s vehicle his cell phone, a pistol, and ammunition for a different caliber firearm. Aldana is a convicted felon, and he is not permitted to possess firearms.
According to evidence presented at trial, two days later, on April 21, 2021, investigators searched Aldana’s residence in Matthews, N.C. Investigators found a revolver in Aldana’s bedroom, which was loaded with the same type of ammunition found in Aldana’s vehicle two days prior. Law enforcement identified Aldana’s fingerprint on the revolver. Investigators also seized nearly a quarter kilogram of marijuana and a digital scale inside a backpack located in Aldana’s bedroom. On Aldana’s cell phone, investigators found photographs of marijuana being weighed on digital scales for distribution.
According to statements made in court during a related proceeding in August 2021, when the aforementioned events occurred, Aldana was on federal supervised release after serving a prison sentence for murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit the same from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Judge Whitney revoked Aldana’s supervised release based on the above-described events and ordered Aldana serve three years in federal prison.
Aldana now faces a separate sentencing hearing for today’s trial convictions, which will be set at a later date. Aldana currently remains in custody.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended CMPD, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Probation Office for their investigation of the case, and thanked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor G. Stout, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.
Career Offender Is Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced Timothy Herron, 48, of Charlotte, to 235 months in prison and six years of supervised release for drug trafficking, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, on January 7, 2021, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) received information through its Crime Stoppers system that an individual was storing firearms and selling narcotics from his hotel room near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Officers investigating the complaint determined that the individual was Herron. Subsequently, CMPD officers conducted a search of Herron’s hotel room, seizing heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and digital scales. The officers also seized two handguns, one of which had been reported stolen, and approximately $5,000 in cash.
On July 9, 2021, Herron pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. At today’s sentencing hearing, Herron’s sentence was enhanced due to his classification as a “Career Offender” based on multiple prior convictions, including Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine in 1994, three charges of Robbery with Dangerous Weapon in 2000, federal Hobbs Act robbery in 2012, and Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine in 2018.
This case is the result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation which has led to the federal prosecution of more than 60 individuals for drug trafficking. Law enforcement have also seized more than 27 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, 29 kilograms of fentanyl, 49 kilograms of methamphetamine, 70 firearms, more than $385,000 in cash, and over $800,000 in other property.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, CMPD, the Huntersville Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department for their coordination and investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Asheville Man Is Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for His Role in Burglary of Gun StoreRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Lyron Deshawn Greenlee to 102 months in prison, for his role in the burglary of a gun store in Asheville, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Greenlee, 35, of Asheville, was also ordered to serve three years under court supervision upon completion of his prison term.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief David Zack of the Asheville Police Department (APD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Greenlee conspired with his co-defendants, Jesse Lynn Williams, and Alexa Rae Bassillo, to organize and plan the burglary of Carolina Guns and Gear West, LLC (Carolina Guns and Gear), a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) located at 3106 Sweeten Creek Road, in Asheville. Court records show that on January 7, 2022, Williams broke into the gun store and stole 33 firearms, while Greenlee and Bassillo served as lookouts or drivers during the burglary.
According to court documents, immediately after the burglary, Greenlee, Williams and Bassillo traveled to Greenlee’s residence, where they divvied up the stolen firearms. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Greenlee received eight of the stolen firearms, two of which Greenlee sold to his co-defendant, Bernard Eugene Carson, a prohibited person who is not permitted to own a firearm due to prior criminal convictions. To date, law enforcement have recovered eight of the 33 stolen firearms.
On April 25, 2022, Greenlee pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from an FFL and aiding and abetting. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Williams, Bassillo, and Carson have entered guilty pleas and are currently awaiting sentencing.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and APD for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is handling the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces $900,000 in Federal Grants Allocated to Charlotte-Based Service Provider and Advocacy Organization for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that $946,892 in federal grants has been allocated to Safe Alliance in Charlotte by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), to expand access to legal services and improve the coordination of justice systems for victims of violence and sexual assault and their families.
OVW awarded more than $35 million to grantees under the Legal Assistance for Victims Program (LAV), which focuses on the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Charlotte-based Safe Alliance, an organization that provides services and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, was awarded $596,892 as part of the LAV grant program, to enhance its comprehensive direct legal services in matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence. In addition, earlier this month, OVW’s Justice for Families Program awarded over $14 million to projects that aim to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice systems to families with a history of domestic violence. Safe Alliance was awarded a $350,000 grant under this program, which also supports supervised visitation and the safe exchange of children.
“The deployment of federal resources through grants is critical in our mission to support community organizations that combat gender-based violence and assist victims, survivors, and their families as they recover and rebuild their lives. From increasing access to legal services to improving the response of the civil and the criminal justice systems, federal funding ensures continuity of services and expansion into areas that address the integral needs and unique challenges faced by victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney King.
Karen Parker, President and CEO of Safe Alliance, said, “Safe Alliance is deeply grateful for our partnership with OVW and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help survivors of domestic violence build safer lives for themselves and their children. Legal services and support for children are two of the most requested services as survivors work to extricate themselves from a violent relationship. These tools will help victims address immediate safety needs as well as ensure longer term interventions to break the cycle of violence.”
“Legal services and systems, including family courts, have a tremendous impact on survivors’ and their families’ livelihood, wellbeing, and freedom,” said OVW Acting Director Allison Randall. “Meaningful representation for survivors is vital but can be difficult to attain in the aftermath of violence, or when someone is still trying to find safety. Grantees under OVW’s Legal Assistance for Victims and Justice for Families Programs help survivors navigate complicated processes and potentially dangerous points along the way, including supervised visitation, protection orders, and divorce.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
Leader of Cocaine Trafficking and Money Laundering Organization Is Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell handed down a 20-year sentence to the leader and organizer of a cocaine trafficking and money laundering organization operating in the Carolinas and across the country, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Jervonta Antonio Walker, also known as Bruce Hudson and Stunna, 39, of Los Angeles, California, was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making this announcement by Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office; Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte; Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina; and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI).
According to filed documents and court proceedings, between 2014 and September 2020, Walker led a drug conspiracy responsible for trafficking approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine from California into North Carolina and South Carolina and laundered the criminal proceeds. During the investigation, law enforcement seized 30 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, and approximately $500,000 in cash. Walker previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, money laundering conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Judge Bell has previously sentenced Walker’s co-defendants as follows:
- Jared Shemaiah Jones, 39, of Alphaetta, Georgia, was sentenced to 360 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Jasneko Marquell Wright, 35, of Newberry, S.C., was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering conspiracy.
- Joel Mark Walker, 36, of Columbia, S.C., was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for money laundering conspiracy.
- Jarmel Brownlee, 31, of Charlotte, N.C., was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering conspiracy.
- Nathasha Lawes, 33, of Clover, S.C., was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Phonesavanh Phonesavang, 39, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Marlaina Nashae Smoot, 27, of Newberry, S.C., was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Judiet Vontella Cooper, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, money laundering conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
- Marquita Andrea Hunter, 48, of Columbia, S.C., was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
An additional defendant indicted in this case, Yannick Anderson, 26, of New York, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, money laundering conspiracy, three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearm by felon, and remains a fugitive.
Today’s lengthy sentence stems from an investigation led by one of the Western District of North Carolina’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF program identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA, USPIS, HSI, and IRS, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Lexington County, S.C., Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County, S.C., Sheriff’s Department, the York County, S.C., Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Columbia, S.C., Police Department for their investigative efforts.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Medical Device and Equipment Manufacturer Agrees to Pay over $780,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-based BSN Medical Inc. (BSN) has agreed to resolve allegations that it marketed and promoted various products that did not meet the Medicare or Medicaid program’s reasonable and necessary requirements, thereby causing the submission of false claims for payment to the health care programs, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. BSN agreed to pay $785,672.14 to resolve the allegations.
Tamala Miles, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the region including North Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
BSN is a medical device and equipment manufacturer located in Charlotte, that specializes in the areas of compression therapy, wound care and orthopedics. The settlement resolves allegations that from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, BSN marketed and promoted various products that were not reimbursable because BSN had either not obtained approval from the Medicare Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) contractor, or for which PDAC approval had expired, in connection with three Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) Codes, specifically, E2607, L0625 and L0626.
The allegations arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act and multiple state false claims act statutes. Under the federal False Claims Acts, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. The act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action. The government conducted the investigation and intervened in this action to effectuate the settlement.
The settlement is a result of the coordinated effort between the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, a National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) Team, which included representatives from the Offices of Attorneys General from the states of North Carolina and Indiana, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
The lawsuit resolved by this settlement is United States et al. ex rel. Bruce Carroll v. BSN Medical, Inc., et al. (3:17-CV-480), filed in the Western District of North Carolina. The claims resolved in this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Repeat Offender Is Sentenced to 9+ Years in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A repeat offender on federal supervised release was sentenced to prison today for illegally possessing a loaded firearm, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Corey Donnell Jenkins, 37, of Gastonia, N.C., was ordered to serve 112 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in December 2021 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed documents and statements made in court, Jenkins has a criminal history that includes state convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver drugs and assault on a female, and a federal conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. On January 16, 2021, a CMPD officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle Jenkins was driving for a license plate violation. Jenkins failed to stop his vehicle and instead sped away. Law enforcement followed Jenkins and continued to attempt to pull over the vehicle. Jenkins eventually crashed into another car and then fled on foot into a nearby fast food restaurant. Court records show that, while inside the restaurant, Jenkins attempted to dispose of his loaded firearm. When CMPD officers entered the fast food restaurant, Jenkins escaped through the drive through window. He was apprehended shortly thereafter outside of the restaurant and was taken into custody. Officers also retrieved the firearm Jenkins was carrying, which was a loaded .38 special revolver that had been reported stolen. At the time of the incident, Jenkins was on supervised release stemming from a 2013 federal gun conviction and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
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In July 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina launched Think Again, an informational campaign to educate the public on
how to prevent illegal firearms from getting into the wrong hands. The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered with the ATF in this initiative, in a joint effort to reduce gun-induced violence and to increase reporting of illegal firearms. The campaign encourages the public to submit an anonymous tip about illegal firearms and other criminal activity to the ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), via text at 63975, or online at WWW.ATF.GOV/ATF-TIPS.
For additional information about our Think Again initiative, please visit our website. You can view our Think Again Public Service Announcements here.
Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud, Drug Distribution and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Donte O’Neill Clements, 33, of Charlotte, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler on August 19, 2022, and pleaded guilty to participating in a COVID-19 fraud scheme, drug distribution, and illegal gun possession, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Clements’s co-conspirator, Kaila Leaann Shanteau-Jackson, 30, also of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July 2022 for her role in the scheme.
Jason Byrnes, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed plea documents and statements made in court, from June 2020 to September 2021, Clements engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Arizona by fraudulently receiving and cashing COVID-19 unemployment insurance (UI) payments that Jackson diverted to Clements. During the relevant time frame, Jackson was employed as a vendor-contractor for a financial institution that serviced the UI benefit program in Arizona through the mailing of pre-paid debit cards to qualified recipients. Jackson held the position of Pre-Paid Claims Initiation Agent with the financial institution and, as part of her employment, Jackson had access to the financial institution’s Pre-Paid Administration System (PAS).
According to court documents, Jackson used her employment credentials to divert and re-route UI benefits payments intended for 138 victims to Clements, herself, and others. To effectuate the scheme, Jackson changed in the PAS database the rightful recipients’ address information to addresses in Charlotte to which Clements and others had access. Once Clements and others received the re-routed pre-paid debit cards, they either withdrew the benefits in cash from ATMs or conducted retail purchases with the stolen funds. During the scheme, Jackson diverted approximately $993,000 in UI benefits to her co-conspirators, of which Clements obtained over $800,000 of the stolen funds.
In addition to pleading guilty to wire fraud for the COVID-19 fraud scheme, Clements pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A sentencing date for Clements has not been set. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum term of 30 years in prison, and a $1 million fine. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base carries a prison term of up to 20 years and a $1 million fine. The statutory maximum prison term for felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the U.S. Secret Service and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Members of the public in the Western District of North Carolina can also call 704-344-6222 to reach their local Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
Former Colorado Sheriff's Deputy Is Sentenced to 21+ Years for Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that a former Colorado sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a minor. Vincent Ryan Potter, 38, formerly of Colorado, was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Sheriff Eddie Cathey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
“Potter is an online predator who contacted vulnerable children via social media and used deception, pressure, and threats to coerce his young victims into sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Potter was a sworn officer of the law which makes this case particularly disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney King. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that investigated this case for working closely across state lines to locate Potter and put a stop to his predatory behavior.”
“As a former law enforcement officer, this defendant betrayed the public trust placed in him by preying on children rather than protecting them, as he was sworn to do. HSI is committed to holding those who seek to exploit children fully accountable, regardless of the position they may hold,” said Special Agent in Charge Martinez.
“A child predator has been arrested and held accountable for his actions due to the joint investigative and prosecution efforts of UCSO detectives, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Union County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with our federal law enforcement partners in order to safeguard the children in our community from anyone who would try and cause them harm,” said Sheriff Cathey.
According to filed documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between January and April 2021, Potter used Snapchat to entice and coerce two minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. At the time of the offense, Potter was a Deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado. Court documents show that, in early 2021, Potter began communicating via Snapchat with a 14-year-old female located in
Union County. At the time Potter was communicating with the minor he knew the victim was a teenager. Over the course of their communications, Potter, who created multiple Snapchat accounts and pretended to be both a 15-year-old and a 23-year-old male, enticed and pressured the minor victim to send him images and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Potter continued to ask the minor to produce child pornography and threatened the minor that he would release her explicit images to her friends and the internet if she did not comply.
According to court documents and court proceedings, during the same time period, Potter initiated communications via Snapchat with a second teenage female also located in Union County. During those communications, Potter enticed and coerced the minor to send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself.
On March 4, 2022, Potter pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Potter remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended HSI in Charlotte and in Colorado and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charlotte Mail Thief Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Daron Quashawn Wright, 29, of Charlotte, to serve 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for mail theft, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, between November 2019 and February 2021, Wright and two co-conspirators, Shermar Isaiah Walker and Haleem Gilliland, targeted apartment complexes in Charlotte and in other states in the Southeast and stole the mail of more than 540 victims. Court records show that the defendants generally used a crowbar to break into clusters of mailboxes located at apartment complexes, and stole hundreds of pieces of mail, including individual and business checks, credit cards, and packages. The estimated loss the victims incurred as a result of the mail theft scheme is over $172,400.
According to court records, on March 3, 2020, CMPD received a 911 call regarding a break-in in progress of the mailboxes at an apartment complex in Charlotte. Officers responding to the call identified Walker as the mail thief and Walker was arrested in connection with the incident. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement also located a crowbar and multiple bags of mail sitting by the mailboxes that had been broken into. Law enforcement also found at the same location a cargo van and another vehicle, both filled with mail from at least two other mail thefts. Court records show that the investigation led to Wright and Gilliland, who were staying at an area hotel. When law enforcement entered the hotel room, they observed it was filled with stolen mail. Law enforcement retrieved from the hotel room hundreds of additional pieces of stolen mail, including credit and debit cards, business and vendor payments, and other mail.
Wright and Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail theft, and Gilliland pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Walker and Gilliland were sentenced to time-served.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked USPIS and CMPD for their investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Serial Bank Robber Is Sentenced to over Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced a serial bank robber to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release late Wednesday, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, Sheriff Eddie Cathey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Chad Hawkins of the Belmont Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to information to which David Plyler, 62, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty, other documents filed in this case, and statements made in court, between December 2019 and February 2020, Plyler robbed four banks in Gaston and Union Counties. On December 18, 2019, Plyler robbed a BB&T bank located at 601 Hawley Avenue in Belmont, North Carolina. On that date, at approximately 2:17 p.m., Plyler walked in the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller told Plyler she was unable to read the note, at which point Plyler began to yell and demand money. The teller complied, handed Plyler $2,630 in cash, and Plyler fled the scene.
The second robbery occurred on January 7, 2020, when Plyler entered a SunTrust Bank located at 118 N. Main Street in Belmont. As with the previous robbery, Plyler entered the branch and handed a teller a note that said, “Give me your 20s, 50s, and 100s.” As the teller was gathering the money, Plyler told the teller to hurry up and that he had a bomb in his pocket. After taking the cash, Plyler approached another teller to demand money. Plyler repeated to the second teller that he had a bomb in his jacket. The second teller complied with Plyler’s demand for money and then Plyler left the bank.
On February 3, 2020, officers with the Belmont Police Department responded to a service call for a bank robbery at the aforementioned BB&T branch on Hawley Avenue in Belmont. Court records show that, upon entering the bank, once again Plyler approached a teller and demanded money. When the teller told Plyler she did not have a lot of cash, Plyler told her, “Open the drawer, I know you have money in there.” Plyler took approximately $1,600 in cash from the teller and he fled the scene.
The final robbery occurred on February 20, 2020, at a SunTrust Bank located at 307 Unionville Indian Trail Road, in Indian Trail, North Carolina. According to court records, Plyler entered the branch, approached a bank teller station and handed the teller a note that stated, “This is a robbery, give me all the money.” The teller gave Plyler approximately $10,000 in cash and Plyler left the bank in a gray Nissan vehicle. As described in court documents, a vehicle matching the bank robber’s Nissan was located and deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Plyler did not comply and proceeded to attempt to flee the police. Plyler was eventually pulled over and arrested after he entered into South Carolina. Inside Plyler’s vehicle, law enforcement found $10,685 in cash, various items including fake moustaches and wigs Plyler wore during the bank robberies, and a handwritten demand note.
On December 29, 2021, Plyler pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The FBI, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Belmont Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the sentencing hearing.
Armed Carjacker Is Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jermaine Lee Moss, 21, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for possession and brandishing of a firearm during a carjacking, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
According to filed documents and information presented in court, on September 18, 2020, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Moss carjacked a victim at gunpoint. The victim initially contacted CMPD to report that two males were stealing packages from his neighbor’s porch. While CMPD officers were enroute to investigate the incident, they were advised by dispatchers that the service call had been changed to an armed robbery. According to court documents and the victim’s statement, Moss saw the victim and walked up to his vehicle. Moss then pointed a gun at the victim and told him to get out the car. Moss also ordered the victim to reset his phone. When the victim told Moss he did not know how to do that, Moss threatened to kill him if he did not comply. Moss then drove off in the victim’s vehicle with the victim’s phone.
Court documents show that law enforcement located the stolen vehicle parked at a convenience store while Moss was standing nearby. A CMPD officer approached Moss who did not comply with the officer’s commands. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol from Moss’s pants pocket. At the time of the carjacking, Moss was on probation with the state of North Carolina for a Common Law Robbery conviction.
Moss is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The ATF and CMPD handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Waxhaw Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Waxhaw, North Carolina, man was sentenced today for producing child pornography, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney ordered Jason Lance Thrower, 43, to serve 27 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison term. Thrower was also ordered to pay $55,100 in special assessments.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Sheriff Eddie Cathey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making this announcement.
According to filed court documents, court proceedings, and Thrower’s admissions in court, on October 29, 2020, a concerned individual contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Office to report that Thrower possessed sexually explicit images of minors. Law enforcement initiated an investigation into Thrower and determined that the defendant had used a hidden camera to secretly record two minor females while they were undressing and showering. Over the course of the investigation, Thrower’s cell phone and other electronic devices were seized. HSI conducted a forensic analysis of the seized items which revealed multiple images and videos of the minor victims in the bathroom while nude and at various stages of undress, images of the children posing in their underwear, and other sexually suggestive images of the minors.
According to information filed in court documents and statements in court, Thrower also sexually molested a minor victim on multiple occasions. At the sentencing hearing today, the government argued that Thrower’s sexual abuse of the minor was an aggravating factor the Court should consider in determining its punishment. In handing down the sentence of 27 years imprisonment, Judge Whitney noted that the victims in this case would carry their pain for life.
Thrower has been in federal custody since February 2021. He will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King commended HSI and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Odulio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the sentencing hearing. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Cortney S. Randall handled the investigation and prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice, aimed at combating the growing online sexual exploitation of children. By combining resources, federal, state and local agencies are better able to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue those victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1- 800-843-5678), or https://report.cybertip.org
South Carolina Fentanyl Trafficker Is Sentenced to 13 YearsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A South Carolina man was sentenced to 13 years in prison today for trafficking nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Lawrence Robinson, 32, of Wellford, South Carolina, was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, on August 3, 2020, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) received a report that a backpack possibly containing narcotics was found at a short-term rental property in Charlotte. CMPD officers responding to the service call located the backpack which contained a substance later identified as 774.74 grams of fentanyl. The backpack also contained marijuana, ammunition, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia commonly used to package narcotics for distribution. Court records show that CMPD officers obtained video footage from the rental property which showed Robinson carrying various bags from his parked vehicle to the rental property, including the recovered backpack. While officers were conducting their investigation at the rental property, they observed Robinson driving by in his vehicle. The officers proceeded to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle and Robinson was arrested at the scene. Officers executed a search warrant for Robinson’s vehicle and the rental unit, from which they recovered a loaded firearm with a round of ammunition in the chamber, $10,000 in cash, and a money counter. When investigators arrested Robinson at an apartment in Asheville on the federal arrest warrant stemming from this case, they also recovered an assault rifle and ammunition, narcotics, and more than $10,000 in cash.
On March 25, 2022, Robinson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana.
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In a separate case, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced Lynnard Fleming, 30, of Charlotte, to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release for drug and firearms offenses. Court records in this case show that on April 11, 2020, CMPD officers located a stolen vehicle parked at a residence in Charlotte and observed Fleming walking away from the car’s driver’s side. Court records show that, when Fleming saw the officers, he attempted to flee the scene. When officers caught Fleming shortly thereafter, they found a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin in his pocket. Inside the stolen vehicle from which Fleming had run, the officers seized additional mixture containing fentanyl and heroin, digital scales, an assault rifle loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition, 20 additional rounds of ammunition, a stolen loaded semiautomatic pistol, and a suppressor/barrel extender.
On March 29, 2022, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
“Fentanyl is a killer drug. A small dose can lead to an overdose death,” said U.S. Attorney King. “From street dealers, to crooked doctors, to bulk traffickers, anyone who distributes this potentially lethal substance is a threat to public health safety and can be subject to a federal investigation and prosecution. We must and will do all we can to save lives and protect our communities from this dangerous drug,” said U.S. Attorney King.
Both Robinson and Fleming are currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and CMPD for their investigations into both cases and thanked the Asheville Police Department for their assistance with the investigation of Robinson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor G. Stout of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted both cases.
Money Mule Involved in A Business Email Compromise Scheme Is Sentenced to 13 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Chukwudi Michael Okwara, 42, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 13 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role as a money mule in a Business Email Compromise scheme. In June 2021, a federal jury convicted Okwara of multiple counts of money laundering, making a false statement to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft.
A Business Email Compromise scheme, or BEC, is a sophisticated scam often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques, to cause employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions) to transfer funds to accounts controlled by scammers.
According to trial evidence, witness testimony, documents filed with the court, and today’s sentencing hearing, beginning in November 2018, Okwara, who also goes by “Collins Bird” and “Larry Eugene Coleman,” used fake documents to open multiple money mule bank accounts. Money mule bank accounts are accounts used by fraudsters as a pass-through means of moving ill-gotten funds. As trial evidence established, Okwara used the money mule accounts to receive and launder the proceeds of several BEC scams totaling $2 million, perpetrated on six victim companies. The victim companies, which were located throughout the United States, were tricked into wiring large amounts of money into the bank accounts controlled by Okwara. Within days of receipt of the fraudulent wires, Okwara used false and stolen identities and conducted financial transactions in order to conceal the fraud, including making large cash withdrawals and sending wires to other bank accounts under his control.
Okwara is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the investigating efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Warren and Mark T. Odulio, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Violent Felon Is Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Timothy Lamont Johnson, 55, of Charlotte, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on January 10, 2020, at approximately 8:50 p.m., CMPD officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting at the parking lot of an apartment complex in Charlotte. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a male victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. After questioning several witnesses, CMPD officers determined that Johnson had shot the victim before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. Based on information gathered at the scene of the crime and the victim’s statement, law enforcement issued an arrest warrant for Johnson. The next day, CMPD officers located Johnson’s vehicle in Charlotte and he was arrested on the outstanding warrant. At the time of Johnson’s arrest, officers recovered a loaded firearm from under the driver’s seat of Johnson’s vehicle. A forensic analysis of the firearm determined that it was the weapon that fired the bullet casings recovered from the scene of the shooting. At sentencing today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. applied a sentencing enhancement for attempted murder. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also determined that the firearm was stolen.
On June 26, 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Johnson has multiple prior violent convictions, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Assault with a Deadly Weapon Resulting in Serious Injury, Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Property, and Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon. He is currently in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
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In July 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina launched Think Again, an informational campaign to educate the public on how to prevent illegal firearms from
getting into the wrong hands.The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered with the ATF in this initiative, in a joint effort to reduce gun-induced violence and to increase reporting of illegal firearms. The campaign encourages the public to submit an anonymous tip about illegal firearms and other criminal activity to the ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), via text at 63975, or online at WWW.ATF.GOV/ATF-TIPS.
For additional information about our Think Again initiative, please visit our website. You can view our Think Again Public Service Announcements here.
South Carolina Man Is Sentenced to 15 Years for Selling Guns and DrugsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Santuron Cureton, 40, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and four years of supervised release for illegal gun possession and drug offenses.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, between April and July 2019, Cureton met on multiple occasions with undercover law enforcement agents in Union County, during which he sold the agents narcotics and illegal firearms. For example, court records show that on June 18, 2019, Cureton met with an undercover law enforcement agent in Monroe, North Carolina. During that meeting, the agent bought from Cureton a rifle and a pistol with an obliterated serial number. On July 16, 2019, Cureton met with an undercover agent in Union County and sold the agent 30 purported Oxycodone pills, crack cocaine, and two loaded firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number. Over the course of the investigation into Cureton, undercover agents bought from the defendant 10 illegal firearms. Cureton has prior convictions for drug and gun possession and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
On March 4, 2021, Cureton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Twelve additional defendants have been sentenced as a result of joint investigations carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monroe Police Department, into drug and gun offenders operating in and around Union County. Over the course of the investigations, law enforcement seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and 56 firearms.
The 12 defendants were previously sentenced as follows:
Princeton Patterson, 30, of Wadesboro, N.C., was sentenced to 188 months in prison and four years of supervised release for distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Patterson has previously been convicted of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, multiple common law robberies, and cruelty to animals. (Docket No. 3:20-cr-221).
Rico Lorodge Brown, 34, of Monroe, N.C., was sentenced to 180 months in prison and four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. Brown has been twice convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Brown has also been convicted of common law robbery, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and cruelty to animals. (3:20-cr-223)
Diante Ramon Brown, 23, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was sentenced to 123 months in prison and four years of supervised release for distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. (3:20-cr-222)
Markiel Tyson, 31, of Pageland, South Carolina, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Tyson has previously been convicted in South Carolina for distributing drugs. (3:20-cr-221)
Cameron Jamal McManus, 30, also of Pageland, was ordered to serve 120 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. McManus has previously been convicted in South Carolina for distributing drugs, unlawfully carrying a pistol, and multiple burglaries. (3:20-cr-221)
Alvin Thomas, Jr., 42, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Thomas has previously been convicted of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, selling cocaine, twice assaulting a female, and twice driving while impaired. (3:20-cr-278)
Chareo Demarcus Johnson, 23, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was sentenced to 105 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Johnson has previously been convicted of firearm and drug offenses in South Carolina. (3:21-cr-66)
Jamorris Demonte Sanders, 23, of Chester, South Carolina, was sentenced to 104 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, dealing firearms without a license, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Sanders has previously been convicted of firearms and drug distribution offenses in South Carolina. (3:20-cr-218)
Timothy Antonio Flanagan, 35, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was sentenced to 84 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and to conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine. Flanagan has previously been convicted in South Carolina of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, distributing drugs, and financial identity fraud. (3:20-cr-218)
Bridget Cherie Chambers, 33, of Monroe, was sentenced to 66 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chambers has previous convictions for possession of stolen goods, drug possession, identity theft, and other fraud offenses. (3:20-cr-279)
Elliot Carmel Fincher, 33, of Marshville, N.C., was sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. During the investigation, Fincher sold five firearms on five dates to undercover law enforcement officers. Fincher was previously convicted in Union County for second-degree murder and discharging a weapon into occupied property in Union County. (3:20-cr-217)
Larry Eddie Crowder Jr., 33, of Waxhaw, N.C., was sentenced to 36 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Crowder has previously been convicted of driving while impaired and twice assaulting a female. (3:20-cr-219)
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF, FBI, DEA, the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe Police Department for their investigative efforts.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Charlotte prosecuted the cases.
Liberian National Is Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for His Role in an Online Romance Scam Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced Michael Moore, 40, a Liberian national, to 10 years in prison for his role in an online romance scheme that targeted older adults, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Conrad also ordered Moore to pay more than $1.7 million as restitution to the victims of the fraud.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Barry Chastain, Port Director of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Area in Charlotte join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, including evidence presented at Moore’s October 2021 trial, beginning in January 2016, Moore and others engaged in a fraudulent scheme to defraud unsuspecting victims, many of whom were in or near retirement, by perpetrating an online romance scam. According to court records, Moore and his co-conspirators generally targeted victims through Facebook, senior dating websites, and other social media platforms, convincing victims through online communications that they were romantically interested in the victims. The fraudsters, who often claimed they were located overseas for work, would start requesting gift cards or small amounts of money, often falsely telling the victims they needed the money to pay for airfare or other travel expenses to visit the victims. Generally, the fraudsters would then up the ante and request more money to supposedly pay for additional fictitious fees or costs in order for the visits to take place or for packages to clear customs. Evidence at trial showed that Moore and his co-conspirators would continue to take the victims’ money until there was no more money left.
Trial evidence showed that Moore served as the scheme’s “money man” or “bagman.” As part of the scheme, Moore purchased one-way tickets and flew around the country to meet with and pick up money from unsuspecting victims located in multiple cities. Moore was caught trying to fly out of Charlotte with $75,000 in cash, which he had collected from a victim. During the trial, the government presented evidence of pictures and videos that depicted Moore with piles of cash, bragging about the money he had taken from victims. In total, Moore and his co-conspirators stole over $1.5 million from at least 30 victims through this romance scheme.
In addition, evidence at trial further established that Moore lied to CBP officers and HSI agents when he was questioned at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after he was caught attempting to carry $75,000 in cash through airport security. Instead of telling law enforcement the truth – that he had received the cash from a romance scam victim – Moore told law enforcement that he had received the money from a Liberian government official to buy used cars. Later, Moore made similar false statements and representations on a federal form in an attempt to have the $75,000 returned to him.
A federal jury convicted Moore of wire fraud and two counts of making a false statement to an agency of the United States. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In determining today’s sentence, the Court highlighted the heinous nature of the crimes and Moore’s callous cruelty toward his victims, which caused the victims tremendous financial and emotional hardships.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked CBP and HSI for handling the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Vento and Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by investigating and prosecuting financial scams that target seniors; educating older adults on how to identify scams and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud; and promoting greater coordination with law enforcement partners. For more information please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/elder-justice-initiative
Examples of financial scams targeting seniors are:
- Lottery Phone Scams – Callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
- Grandparent Scams – Fraudsters convince seniors that their grandchildren are in trouble and need money to make rent, repair a car, or even money for bail.
- Romance scams – Victims believe they are in an online relationship and their love interest needs money to visit them in the U.S. or some other purpose.
- Federal Agent Imposter Scams – Scammers pose as federal agents, including IRS agents, claiming the victim owes a debt for a crime committed, or for unpaid taxes.
- Sham business opportunities – Fraudsters convince victims to invest in sham business opportunities or investments.
To avoid falling victim to a financial scam:
- Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
- Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.
- Don’t click on pop-up ads or messages.
- Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls.
- Don’t send gift cards, checks, money orders, wire money, or give your bank account information to a stranger.
- Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or a “lucrative” business deal.
- If a scammer approaches you, take the time to talk to a friend or family member.
- Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.
- Remember, it’s not rude to say, “NO.”
- A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
If you have been contacted by a scammer or believe you have fallen victim to a scam, please contact the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-Fraud-11 (1-833-372-8311). The National Elder Fraud hotline was created for the public to report fraud against individuals who are age 60 or older. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
Charlotte Man Involved in Three Shooting Incidents Is Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man involved in three shooting incidents was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. As part of his sentence, Ulondis Raquan Edwards, 23, will also serve three years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, between December 2020 and January 2021, Edwards was involved in three shooting incidents. The first incident occurred on December 12, 2020, during which Edwards fired two shots at a vehicle occupied by two adults and three young children, including an infant, following an altercation between Edwards and one of the adults. After that shooting, Edwards illegally obtained another handgun which he used on December 29, 2020, to shoot and injure a male victim. According to court records, the victim was crossing the street near the parking of a strip plaza in Charlotte when he was cut off by a vehicle. A man later identified as Edwards leaned out of the passenger side window of the vehicle and fired one shot in the victim’s direction, striking the victim in the leg.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, the third shooting incident occurred on January 18, 2021, a little after 4:30 p.m., at the parking lot of the same strip plaza as the previous shooting. In this incident, the male victim was standing in the parking lot when a vehicle drove toward the victim and a passenger in the vehicle fired multiple shots at the victim. The victim suffered six gunshot wounds and sustained life threatening injuries. Law enforcement arrested Edwards on January 28, 2021, after he was identified as the individual responsible for the shooting. A search warrant was executed at Edwards’s residence and three firearms were seized, including a handgun. According to court records, an analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) forensically identified the seized handgun as the firearm Edwards used to shoot and injure the two victims.
On February 18, 2022, Edwards pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. Edwards is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
This case is a result of an investigation conducted by CMPD’s Crime Gun Suppression Team which includes HSI.
Assistant United States Attorney Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Two Methamphetamine Traffickers Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Da Lee, 38, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Paul Mark James, 52, of Gastonia, North Carolina, to 168 months and 54 months in prison, respectively, for trafficking methamphetamine and marijuana, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to documents filed in this case and evidence introduced at Lee’s trial, from 2018 to 2020, Lee and James conspired to distribute methamphetamine in and around Catawba County. Court records show that while law enforcement investigators were investigating James’s drug distribution activities in Hickory, North Carolina, they determined that James frequently traveled out of state to purchase methamphetamine from his supplier in Georgia, later identified as Lee. On July 12, 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of James’s vehicle upon his return from a trip to Georgia. During the traffic stop, law enforcement found methamphetamine and marijuana in James’s vehicle, which Lee had provided to James. Court records show that the next day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lee’s Georgia residence, from which they seized a firearm, four pounds of marijuana, and more than $7,900 in cash. According to court records, over the course of the conspiracy, Lee supplied James with more than two pounds of methamphetamine.
On Feburary 23, 2022, a federal jury convicted Lee of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, and distribution of methamphetamine. Also in February 2022, James pleaded guilty to the same charges.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Hess and Taylor Stout prosecuted the case.
Repeat Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Ronald Keith Scronce, 65, of Lincolnton, N.C., to 168 months in prison and five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, in July 2019, Scronce was on post release supervision for a state drug trafficking conviction. In accordance with the conditions of Scronce’s post release supervision, probation officers conducted a warrantless search of his residence, during which they seized methamphetamine. Between July and August 2021, law enforcement investigating the case determined that Scronce sold heroin and methamphetamine on multiple occasions. Scronce even wrote a Facebook post in which he referenced violence against “snitches” and traveling to the beach for the purpose of selling narcotics. On August 23, 2021, law enforcement arrested Scronce and executed a federal search warrant at his residence, seizing methamphetamine, cash, and two firearms.
On February 2, 2022, Scronce pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. At today’s sentencing hearing, Scronce’s sentence was enhanced due to his multiple prior convictions that led to his classification as a Career Offender, including prior convictions for Robbery with Dangerous Weapon, Sell/Deliver Morphine, Attempt Trafficking Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
This case is the result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation which has led to the federal prosecution of more than 60 individuals for drug trafficking. Law enforcement have also seized more than 27 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, 29 kilograms of fentanyl, 49 kilograms of methamphetamine, 70 firearms, more than $385,000 in cash, and over $800,000 in other property.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Huntersville Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department for their coordination and investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Gastonia Man Is Sentenced to Prison for Robbing A Convenience Store at GunpointRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Davonte Everett, 24, of Gastonia, N.C. was sentenced today to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a convenience store in Charlotte, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, on July 3, 2020, Everett entered a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2901 Yorkmont Road in Charlotte. Upon entering the 7-Eleven, Everett, who was wearing a hat and had his face covered, walked to the back of the store, picked up an item, and approached the cash register. When the store clerk opened the register to complete the sale, Everett pulled a black semiautomatic firearm from his pocket and pointed it at the clerk. Everett then reached over the counter and took cash from the register. As he did so, Everett’s head hit the plastic barrier over the counter knocking his hat off, and revealing his hair, eyes, and top of his face. Everett fled the scene with the store’s cash.
According to court records, a CMPD officer investigating the robbery recognized Everett and identified him as the robber. Everett was subsequently arrested on state charges. On March 31, 2022, Everett pleaded guilty to a federal Hobbs Act robbery offense and to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, and in furtherance of, a crime of violence.
Everett is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Four Texas Men Are Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced to prison today four Texas men for trafficking more than 14 kilograms of cocaine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Miguel Angel Mares, 35, of Dallas, Texas, David Mondragon, 38, of Houston, Texas, and Juan Carlos Mendoza, 40, of Laredo, Texas, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Milton Rivera-Cubas, 31, a Honduran national residing in Garland, Texas, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, from April 2021 to May 2021, the defendants conspired with each other to traffic more than 14 kilograms of cocaine. Over the course of the investigation, an undercover HSI agent made arrangements with the co-conspirators for the delivery of the cocaine from Texas to Charlotte. In May 2021, all four defendants traveled into Charlotte to facilitate the delivery.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aid and abet the same. They are currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended HSI for their investigation and thanked the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Gaston County Police Department for their assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Regina Pack and Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Woman Is Sentenced to Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charles Morgan Harrell, 58, of Charlotte, was sentenced to five years in prison today for bank fraud, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Harrell was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release.
Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte, and Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from Jan. 2020 to Feb. 2021, Harrell operated a bank fraud scheme in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and elsewhere. To execute the scheme, Harrell targeted neighborhoods in the Charlotte area and stole mail from residential mailboxes. The stolen mail included individual and business checks, and personal identifying information (PII) of victims, which Harrell used to create fake identification documents in furtherance of the scheme.
As Harrell previously admitted in court, at times, Harrell altered the names of the payees on the stolen checks to the names of the identity theft victims and used the false identification documents to open bank accounts in the identify theft victims’ names and cash the checks. Other times, Harrell obtained blank checks which she fraudulently wrote in her name and then cashed. In addition to the check cashing scheme, Harrell also used the victims’ stolen identities to rent apartments and to buy at least one vehicle. In total, Harrell obtained more than $200,000 through the fraudulent scheme.
Harrell is currently released on bond and will be ordered to report to prison upon designation of a facility by federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the USPIS and the FBI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Caryn Finley, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Takes Part in National Night OutRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, will join residents, law enforcement, community organizations, and community
leaders to commemorate the 39th Annual National Night Out.
U.S. Attorney King and her staff will visit neighborhoods throughout the Charlotte area today hosting National Night Out events.
Established in 1984 from a Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant, the goal of National Night Out is to strengthen relationships between communities and law enforcement. National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement community partnerships. Each year, communities nationwide participate in neighborhood events, block parties, festivals, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. These events help strengthen neighborhood ties, foster police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for safe communities.
“National Night Out is an opportunity for neighbors, community organizations, businesses and community leaders to join forces with law enforcement in building community-based partnerships. Bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community and promoting mutual trust is vital to increasing public safety, and that begins with getting to know the people we serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney King.
For more information about National Night Out, please visit www.natw.org.
Georgia Man Is Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicaid Programs in Three StatesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Georgia man was sentenced to prison for participating in a scheme that defrauded the Medicaid programs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia of more than $5 million, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Glenn Pair, 36, of Stonecrest, Georgia to 70 months in prison and two years of supervised release and ordered the defendant to pay a total of $5,078,444 as restitution.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making today’s announcement by Adair Ford Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI).
The criminal charges filed against Pair in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia and South Carolina were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in September and October 2021, respectively. In October 2021, Pair pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Medicaid fraud in connection with the three federal prosecutions. Pair also pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy offense in the Western District of North Carolina. Today’s sentence resolves all three federal criminal actions against the defendant.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Pair and his co-conspirator, Markuetric Stringfellow, owned and operated an after-school and youth mentoring program known as Do-It-4-The Hood Corporation (D4H). From January 2016 through November 2018, Pair and Stringfellow paid individuals to recruit at-risk youths, in particular children who were Medicaid eligible in North Carolina, for their D4H program. Once enrolled, children were required to submit urine specimens for drug testing. Pair and Stringfellow conspired with certain laboratories to perform the drug testing of the enrolled children’s urine specimens and received kickbacks once the laboratories were reimbursed by the North Carolina Medicaid. In 2017, Pair moved to Georgia, and he and Stringfellow expanded the fraudulent scheme to defraud the state’s Medicaid program.
The South Carolina scheme involved Wrights Care Services LLC (Wrights Care), a qualified provider of Medicaid rehabilitative behavioral health services in South Carolina. Pair and Stringfellow became owners of a Wrights Care franchise in Columbia, South Carolina. Starting in or around 2014, Pair and Stringfellow defrauded the South Carolina Medicaid program by filing fraudulent claims for mental health counseling or other services that were either not provided, partially provided, or did not qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. Pair and Stringfellow submitted falsified patient billing records and fake medical notes to support the fraudulent reimbursement claims filed. After learning there was a Medicaid audit for Wrights Care, Stringfellow attempted to deceive South Carolina Medicaid auditors. In or about March 2015, Stringfellow met other associates of Wrights Care in Columbia for a “note party.” During this gathering and in Pair’s presence, the co-conspirators created false and fraudulent billing records to substantiate previously-submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims, forged signatures, and falsified records subject to the audit, which they then submitted to South Carolina Medicaid auditors in response to the audit.
Over the course of the scheme, Pair, Stringfellow and their co-conspirators submitted thousands of fraudulent claims to Medicaid of the three states totaling over $17 million and received over $5 million in fraudulent reimbursements. In addition, they received $1.8 million in kickbacks from the laboratories that participated in the conspiracy.
Pair is currently released on bond. He will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Stringfellow was sentenced in February 2021 to 78 months in prison and was ordered pay $5,278,550 in restitution for his role in the scheme.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in South Carolina and the Northern District of Georgia, the FBI in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and the Medicaid Investigations Division in the three states for their investigative efforts and coordination throughout case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. Savage and Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case, assisted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jermaine Sellers with the Medicaid Fraud Investigation Division of the N.C. Attorney General’s Office.
Physician Assistant Is Indicted for Role in $10 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A physician assistant is facing federal charges for his role in a genetic testing scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $10 million in fraudulent claims to the Medicare program, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Colby Edward Joyner, 34, of Monroe, N.C. is charged with one count of health care fraud and six counts of making false statements relating to health care matters.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Tamala Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, during 2018 and 2019, Joyner was a physician assistant in the Charlotte area who worked as an independent contractor for a physician staffing and telemedicine company. During the relevant time frame, Joyner allegedly signed fraudulent prescriptions for medically unnecessary genetic testing, specifically cancer genomic and pharmacogenetic testing, for hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries residing in North Carolina.
The indictment alleges that Joyner’s prescriptions resulted in the submission of fraudulent reimbursement claims to the Medicare program in excess of $10 million. As alleged in the indictment, Joyner had never met, seen or treated these beneficiaries, and had only had brief telephone conversations with them, or no interactions with them whatsoever.
The indictment further alleges that Joyner falsified medical records in connection with these prescriptions to conceal that he was not the treating physician and that he did not conduct medical evaluations or examinations, and that he falsely certified that the genetic tests were medically necessary. According to allegations in the indictment, contrary to his claims, Joyner had neither pre-existing provider-patient treatment relationships with, nor plans to pursue further care for, the Medicare beneficiaries. Joyner allegedly did not perform medical evaluations or examinations and had little to no interaction with the beneficiaries before prescribing the genetic tests. Instead, Joyner allegedly received from the telemedicine company and its clients pre-populated prescription forms and related records for patients who were pre-selected for genetic testing, which he then electronically signed and returned, in exchange for $12—and later $15—for each purported consultation that he performed.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The health care fraud charge carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The charge of making false statements relating to health care matters carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, per count.
The investigation was handled by the FBI and HHS-OIG.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Armstrong and Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Is Sentenced to over 12 Years for Selling More Than 20 Firearms Without A License and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted felon was sentenced to 151 months in prison today for selling firearms without a license and illegal gun possession, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Anthony Dewayne Daye, 38, of Statesville, N.C., was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department, and Chief David W. Onley of the Statesville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between October 2020 and February 2021, Daye sold illegally in and around Statesville more than 20 firearms and ammunition, including rifles, handguns, “ghost guns,” and semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, and aided and abetted in the sale of additional illegal firearms. Court records show that some of the firearms Daye sold had been reported stolen. Daye is not a licensed firearms dealer and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior criminal convictions.
On November 19, 2021, Daye pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and aiding and abetting and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Daye is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Hickory Police Department, and the Statesville Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
91 Arrested in Crime Reduction Operation in North Carolina and South CarolinaRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A crime reduction operation in North Carolina and South Carolina has resulted in the apprehension of more than 91 individuals on charges of homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution and gun crimes.
The enforcement operation announced today took place between July 5, 2022, and July 15, 2022, in Gaston County in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina, with special emphasis placed on communities within Gastonia, N.C. and Rock Hill, S.C.
Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, “Operation Washout” is a violent crime reduction initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement, and focuses on improving safety in local communities by identifying and removing fugitives, violent criminals, self-identified gang members, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and parole violators.
“Criminal activity impacts the well-being of our communities,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that took part in this crime reduction initiative. As we work together to build stronger relationships with our communities, we must hold accountable those who continue to spread violence and pose a threat to our citizens’ safety.”
“Our commitment to strengthen, protect and safeguard our communities is showcased by the collaborative effort of all the agencies involved in this operation,” said Chris Edge, Acting U.S. Marshal of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of North Carolina. “It also serves as a somber reminder that if you commit a crime and think by fleeing the county or state the United States Marshals Service will find you, wherever you hide.”
Partnering agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service in North Carolina and South Carolina and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Gaston County Police Department, the City of Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the York County Solicitor’s Office.
North Carolina Man Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.
According to court documents, Darren Lee Joy, 63, of Matthews, admitted to evading his 2015 individual income taxes by submitting to his employer an IRS Form W-4 falsely stating he was exempt from federal income-tax withholding. He also did not file a 2015 tax return, even though he was legally required to do so based on the amount of income he earned.
Joy will be sentenced at a later date to be determined by the district court. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
North Carolina Man Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.
According to court documents, Darren Lee Joy, 63, of Matthews, admitted to evading his 2015 individual income taxes by submitting to his employer an IRS Form W-4 falsely stating he was exempt from federal income tax withholding. He also did not file a 2015 tax return, even though he was legally required to do so based on the amount of income he earned.
Joy will be sentenced at a later date to be determined by the district court. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to 14 Years for Stealing A Maserati and Robbing Charlotte Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jango Omar Touray, 27, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for stealing a Maserati and robbing a pawn shop at gunpoint, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. also ordered Touray to serve three years of supervised release.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents, admissions made in connection with Touray’s guilty plea, and information introduced at sentencing, on February 8, 2019, Touray robbed Gulf Export, a car dealership located at 3330 North Tryon Street, in Charlotte. Court records show that, Touray entered the car dealership while carrying what appeared to be a long gun wrapped in a white towel and ordered individuals inside to get on the ground. Touray then ordered an employee to hand him the keys to a Maserati Grand Tourismo. The employee complied, and Touray fled the dealership in the stolen vehicle. Touray received a sentencing enhancement for committing a robbery involving carjacking for this offense.
According to court records, three days later, on February 11, 2019, Touray robbed the Cash America Pawn business, located at 4635 North Tryon Street, in Charlotte. During the robbery, Touray, who was armed with a firearm, ordered the business manager to open the store’s jewelry display cases and ordered other employees to hand him the keys to the cash registers. Touray fled the scene in the stolen Maserati with the store’s cash and jewelry. Court records show that CMPD officers located Touray driving the stolen vehicle and proceeded to follow him. Touray was apprehended after he crashed the Maserati and attempted to flee on foot. Law enforcement recovered from inside the vehicle the firearm Touray used during the pawn shop robbery and some of the stolen cash and jewelry.
On November 26, 2019, Touray pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Touray remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and CMPD conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Bozin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office & ATF Announce Joint Public Awareness Campaign Focusing on Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today the launching of Think Again, an informational campaign aimed at educating the public on how to prevent illegal firearms from getting into the wrong hands.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) in this initiative, as part of a joint effort to reduce gun-induced violence and to increase reporting of illegal firearms activity.
“The fight against gun violence requires the coordination of law enforcement agencies. More importantly, our success relies on the help of the community. With this campaign, we invite the public to be a part of the solution to gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Our message is simple. We ask everyone to Think Again, before you agree to be a straw gun purchaser for a person who is not permitted to own a firearm. To Think Again, before you make a decision that could lead to an illegal firearm ending up in our streets. And to Think Again, before you ignore illegal gun activity. Instead, report it to the authorities. Let’s work together and let’s be the cure to the gun violence epidemic.”
“Each and every person plays a critical role in protecting their neighborhoods and preventing crime, and when we make the right decision and push back against those involved in committing crimes, we help make a much safer community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Before you break the law, before you help put a firearm in the hands of a dangerous individual, or before you make a choice that could put yourself or those around you in danger, we want you to Think Again and consider the consequences.”
The Think Again campaign combines a multi-media dissemination of information, to include 30-second radio spots, Public Service Announcements, promoted social media messaging, and billboard advertisements designed to increase awareness about gun crimes and underscore the dangers of illegal firearms purchasing or misuse. The information will also be shared with certain school districts within Western North Carolina in an effort to engage in outreach with students, guardians, teachers, and school administrators. Furthermore, information on how to spot illegal gun purchases and other important information related to straw purchasing of firearms will be disseminated to Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in Western North Carolina via ATF’s notification system.
An important component of the campaign is the anonymous reporting of gun-related criminal activity. The campaign enourages the public to get involved by reporting illegal firearms to the ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), via text at 63975, or online at WWW.ATF.GOV/ATF-TIPS.
For additional information about our Think Again initiative, please visit our website. You can view our Think Again Public Service Announcements here.
Recidivist Drug Trafficker Is Sentenced to 16+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Andres Chacon, 46, of Anderson, South Carolina, was sentenced to 194 months in prison and five years of supervised release for drug trafficking.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, on March 5, 2019, Chacon sold two kilograms of high-purity methamphetamine to an undercover investigator in Union County. In sentencing Chacon, the Court considered the defendant’s prior convictions for Unlawful Carry of Weapon and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in South Carolina State court in 2009, after which he absconded from court supervision. In 2014, Chacon was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in South Carolina federal court, after which he also absconded from court supervision and was later caught with two kilograms of heroin and $90,000 in cash.
This case is the result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation which has led to the seizure of 18+ kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and over one kilogram of cocaine. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Mint Hill Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Cornelius Police Department, and Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Man with Lengthy Criminal History Is Sentenced to 15+ Years for Two Attempted Armed Robberies and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Vincent Bernard Leonard, 54, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and three years of supervised release on charges of attempted armed robbery and illegal firearm possession.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on November 25, 2020, at approximately 6:08 p.m., Leonard walked into the Little Caesars restaurant located at 5009 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte. Wearing a face covering, Leonard approached the restaurant’s 17-year-old cashier and asked about the price of a pizza. He then pulled out a semi-automatic firearm and pointed it at the cashier. Leonard ordered the victim to “open the register up” and to give him all the money. Court documents show that the cashier told Leonard she could not open the register and was able to run to the back of the store where she alerted her manager of the attempted robbery. Leonard fled the scene.
On the same day, approximately an hour later, Leonard attempted to rob a Wendy’s restaurant located at 6500 Albemarle Road, in Charlotte. According to court records, Leonard approached the drive-through window of the restaurant on foot, where a 16-year-old cashier was working, and asked for change. Leonard then pulled out a gun, pointed it at the cashier and asked the victim “Do you see this?” The victim was able to get away and run to another part of the store while Leonard fled the scene.
Ten minutes after the attempted robberies, CMPD officers were able to locate Leonard at a gas station in Charlotte. When law enforcement arrived, they found Leonard seated inside a car and arrested him at the scene. Law enforcement also found Leonard’s firearm inside a bookbag that was near his feet. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the firearm Leonard used during the attempted robberies had been reported stolen earlier the same year in Lincoln County. At the time of the attempted robberies, Leonard was on post-release supervision for a state conviction where he had served a lengthy prison sentence.
On November 22, 2021, Leonard pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. At the time of the attempted robberies, Leonard was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Leonard has a lengthy criminal history and has been previously convicted of burglary, kidnapping, and multiple counts of robbery, breaking and entering, and larceny. He has twice been sentenced as a habitual felon in North Carolina state court.
Leonard is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Kelly, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Army Veteran Is Sentenced to Prison for Receiving Nearly $1 Million in Veteran Benefits for Fraudulent Service-Connected DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. sentenced John Paul Cook, 58, of Marshall, N.C. to ten months in prison, five of which the defendant will serve in home confinement, for defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA) by receiving nearly $1 million in veteran benefits based on fraudulent claims of service-connected disabilities, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition, Cook was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $930,762.53 to the VA.
Kim Lampkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office, Washington, D.C., of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court records and today’s sentencing hearing, Cook enlisted in the United States Army (the Army) in November 1985. Six months later Cook sustained an accidental injury while on duty. Following the incident, Cook complained that as a result of the accident and injuries he sustained, a preexisting eye condition had worsened. According to court documents, in 1987, following a medical evaluation, Cook was discharged, placed on the retired list, and began receiving VA disability-based compensation at a rate of 60%. Over the next 30 years, Cook’s disability-based compensation increased, following Cook’s repeated false claims of increased visual impairment and unemployability due to “severe visual deficit.” As Cook previously admitted in court, in 2005, based on his claims of severe visual impairment, the VA declared Cook legally blind and he began receiving disability-based compensation at the maximum rate. Cook also began to receive additional benefits, including Special Monthly Compensation (an extra monetary allowance paid to a qualifying veteran due to the severity of his disability), Specially Adapted Housing (a grant that goes toward paying for adaptations in a new home), and Special Housing Adaptation (a grant that goes toward remodeling an existing home).
According to court records, Cook’s monthly VA disability payments in 1987 were $1,411 per month. With the incremental increases in his disability rating, as well as cost-of-living adjustments and his Special Monthly Compensation, these payments steadily increased over the years. By 2016, the monthly payment had risen to $3,990. In total, from 1987 through 2017, Cook received approximately $978,138 in VA disability payments due to his claimed blindness, to which he was not lawfully entitled.
According to court documents, contrary to Cook’s filed claims with the VA seeking additional disability claims and his complaints of increased visual impairment, Cook repeatedly passed DMV vision screening tests to renew or obtain a driver’s license in North and South Carolina. Furthermore, during the relevant time period, court documents show that Cook purchased and registered over 30 different motor vehicles which Cook routinely drove, including on long-distance trips and to perform errands. Court records further show that, from 2010 to 2016, during a time period that Cook was receiving maximum VA disability benefits for his visual impairment, Cook was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including serving as a Den Leader and a Cubmaster. Among the courses the defendant completed with the BSA were courses qualifying him to be a range officer for BB guns and for archery. He was also certified for land navigation, which involves reading maps and using a compass.
On July 19, 2021, Cook pleaded guilty to theft of public money. He will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the VA-OIG for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
South Carolina Jury Convicts Man of Robbing A Restaurant at GunpointRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A federal jury in Charleston has returned a guilty verdict against Brandon Lloyd Daniels, 30, of North Charleston, South Carolina, for the 2018 armed robbery of the Tavern and Table restaurant in Mount Pleasant, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks presided over the three-day trial, which ended late yesterday.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in South Carolina, and Chief Mark Arnold of the Mount Pleasant Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
“Daniels used a gun to rob a restaurant he previously worked at and, in the process, he shot at his former co-workers, seriously injuring one of them. Today’s guilty verdict holds Daniels accountable for his dangerous and reckless criminal actions and ensures that he can no longer pose a threat to the community,” said U.S. Attorney King, whose office is in charge of the prosecution, upon recusal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
“The combined efforts of our local and federal agencies have helped bring a very dangerous individual to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Mims. “ATF is proud to join our law enforcement partners in addressing gun violence and making communities safer.”
“I would like to thank the ATF and U. S. Attorney’s Office for their collaborative effort to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Chief Arnold.
According to filed court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the evening of April 4, 2018, officers with the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to reports of a robbery and shooting at the Tavern and Table restaurant, located at 100 Church Street in Mount Pleasant. Trial evidence established that around 11:30 p.m., shortly after the restaurant closed for the evening, Daniels entered the restaurant through the back door wearing a face covering and went into the restaurant’s office, where several employees were gathered. Daniels pointed his firearm at the employees and demanded money. According to trial evidence, Daniels aimed his firearm at the restaurant’s assistant manager and shot him in the lower back. The victim sustained serious, permanent injuries from the gunshot.
Following the shooting, the employees complied with Daniels’ demands and handed him several of the restaurant’s cash drawers. As Daniels fled the scene, he fired two more shots inside the restaurant in the direction of another employee.
The jury convicted Daniels on charges of Hobbs Act robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to the robbery, and possessing ammunition while a felon.
This was the second trial in this matter. On October 21, 2021, Judge Hendricks convicted Daniels of possessing a sawed-off shotgun and possessing a firearm while a felon following a bench trial. These convictions stemmed from investigators’ discovery of a sawed-off shotgun in Daniels’ bedroom during execution of a search warrant in connection with the Tavern and Table robbery. Daniels was a convicted felon and not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Daniels remains in custody. A sentencing hearing for both trial convictions will be set at a later date.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Mount Pleasant Police Department for their investigation of the case and thanked the FBI for their substantial assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor Stout, Regina Pack, and Erik Lindahl, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte, are prosecuting the case.
Three South Carolina Men Are Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Lowe's of More Than $450,000Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. sentenced to prison three South Carolina men for a scheme that defrauded Lowe’s of more than $450,000, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney King is joined in making this announcement by Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
Judge Cogburn ordered Bobby Cherry, 58, of Manning, South Carolina, to serve 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Russell Leroy Calvin, 43, of Sumter, South Carolina, was ordered to serve 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and Michael Marcel Montgomery, 48, also of Sumter, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition to the prison terms imposed, the defendants were ordered to pay more than $450,000 jointly and severally as restitution. All three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to filed documents and today’s sentencing hearings, from August 2019 to March 2020, Cherry, Calvin and Montgomery engaged in a conspiracy to defraud Lowe’s stores in the southeastern United States. The defendants and other co-conspirators created business accounts for fraudulent landscaping and home improvement companies at Lowe’s stores, passed fictitious and worthless checks to fund the fraudulent accounts, and then purchased expensive landscaping equipment, such as zero turn mowers, and other items using the account funds. In total, during the course of the scheme, the co-conspirators opened more than 30 such fraudulent business accounts which they used to obtain more than $450,000 in fraudulently purchased goods. During the scheme, the three defendants made purchases at local stores in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Iredell Counties in North Carolina, as well as stores in South Carolina and Georgia.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney William Bozin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Seasoned Federal Prosecutor Receives the Attorney General's Award for Fraud PreventionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards yesterday, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners for their extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws.
Daniel Ryan, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Western District of North Carolina, was among the 298 Justice Department employees and 54 non-department individuals who were honored for their work. AUSA Ryan was part of a team receiving the Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention, which recognizes exceptional dedication and effort to prevent, investigate, and prosecute fraud, white collar crimes, and official corruption.
“This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation.”
“AUSA Ryan is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. As a seasoned federal prosecutor, he is being recognized for his tireless dedication to the pursuit of justice. His contributions to the community, his advocacy on behalf of victims, and his high standards of professional conduct exemplify his commitment to our office’s mission,” said U.S. Attorney King.
AUSA Ryan is the recipient of the award for his legal work in connection with the multi-agency investigation of Wells Fargo’s unlawful sales practices, including the opening of millions of accounts without customer authorization. The dedicated efforts of AUSA Ryan and his colleagues, which resulted in the payment of a $3 billion penalty, ensured that Wells Fargo was held accountable for its conduct and that affected victims were made whole.
This is AUSA Ryan’s second Attorney General Award. In 2015, AUSA Ryan was awarded the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for his work in connection with the Department of Justice’s record breaking $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America concerning its origination and securitization of residential mortgages.
AUSA Ryan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from Harvard School of Law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked AUSA Ryan for his tireless dedication to fulfilling the Justice Department’s mission and noted that it is an honor and a privilege to recognize him both for his accomplishments and public service.
Former Catawba County Director of Utilities Is Sentenced to Prison for Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Barry Bryan Edwards, 66, of Hickory, N.C., was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison and one year of supervised release for accepting kickbacks and bribes from a private contractor, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, the Court previously issued a $30,000 money judgement against Edwards.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
In February 2022, Edwards pleaded guilty to wire fraud. According to filed documents and today’s hearing, from 2012 to 2018, Edwards and an unnamed individual identified in court documents as the Contractor, devised a bribery and kickback scheme involving Catawba County (the County) government contracts. As Edwards admitted in court, as Director of Utilities and Engineering, Edwards had the authority to review and award contracts on behalf of the County government to private businesses, for engineering and consulting activities related to the County’s landfill, and solid waste and natural gas projects, among others. As court documents show, Edwards admitted to awarding contracts to three businesses associated with the Contractor, all while receiving gifts and other things of value that influenced his decisions, such as expensive meals, tickets to sporting events, and wine-tasting tours, totaling more than $30,000.
Edwards will begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility by the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the SBI and the FBI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Don Gast of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Tax Preparer Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Octave, 49, of Charlotte, was the leader of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar tax fraud scheme involving hundreds of fraudulent tax returns. Octave was the owner and operator of Kapital Financial Services, a tax preparation business with two offices in Charlotte. From 2014 through 2019, Octave used his tax business to orchestrate a criminal conspiracy in which he directed his employees to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns.
Octave instructed his employees to use several methods to falsify clients’ tax returns, including claiming false deductions, business losses, American Opportunity credits, education credits and earned income tax credits. Octave also trained his employees on how to create the fraudulent returns to avoid IRS detection and provided them with scripts and cheat sheets. To further conceal the fraud, Octave instructed his employees not to give clients copies of their own tax returns and not to share with the clients any details beyond the total refund amount.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, the falsified tax returns and false deductions resulted in reduced tax liabilities and inflated tax refunds for Octave’s clients. Furthermore, because the majority of the time the tax preparation fees were taken directly from the clients’ fraudulently inflated tax refunds, in many instances the clients were unaware of how much they were being charged. As a result of the tax scheme, Kapital Financial Services earned at least $700,000 in fees for preparing the fraudulent tax returns, and, as the owner, Octave received the largest share of this income. The conspiracy caused a total tax loss of more than $2.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Octave to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $2.5 million in restitution to the United States.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and prosecuted the case.
Career Offender Is Sentenced to 20 Years on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Larry Elwood Steptoe, 41, of Hickory, N.C., to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for distributing narcotics, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
In December 2020, law enforcement learned that Steptoe was trafficking narcotics in Catawba and Alexander Counties. Over the course of a five-month investigation, law enforcement determined that Steptoe was selling substantial amounts of methamphetamine and crack cocaine and conducted the majority of the drug sales from his auto detailing business in Taylorsville, N.C. On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Steptoe’s home in Catawba County, seizing $2,700 in U.S. currency, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 284 grams of methamphetamine. Court records show that Steptoe engaged in drug trafficking while he was on probation for state drug charges. As a result of Steptoe’s previous federal drug conviction and state felony drug conviction, the Court sentenced Steptoe as a career offender.
Steptoe is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of the case, and thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the Taylorsville Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Durham, N.C. Man Admits to Operating an Unlicensed Cryptocurrency Business and Related Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jayton Gill, 34, of Durham, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and willful failure to file a tax return, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s plea hearing, from at least 2015 to February 2021, Gill operated an unlicensed money transmitting business involving the exchange of millions of dollars of cash and other monetary instruments for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Monero. During the relevant time, Gill conducted thousands of transactions involving thousands of Bitcoins. As Gill admitted in court today, he advertised his unlicensed money transmitting business on various public websites and made claims on one such website that he had conducted more than 4,200 transactions with 2,700 different parties. Gill also conducted unlicensed money transactions in person and via the U.S. Postal Service.
Gill further admitted that he failed to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for tax years 2015 through 2019, despite earning significant income from his unlicensed money transmitting business and from investing in cryptocurrency.
Gill was released on bond following his guilty plea. The charge of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for willful failure to file a tax return is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Armed Duo Is Sentenced to Prison for Convenience Store RobberyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced to prison two men for the 2020 armed robbery of a convenience store in Charlotte, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Brandon Antoine Martin, 24, of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 132 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Rodrick Lovette Tillman, 29, also of Charlotte, was sentenced to 114 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
In February and March 2022, Tillman and Martin each pleaded guilty to robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, or Hobbs Act Robbery, and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on October 6, 2020, Tillman and Martin robbed the Xpress Mart convenience store located at 2700 N. Tryon Street in Charlotte. Court records show that Tillman entered the convenience store first pretending to be a customer. After picking up two items, Tillman approached the cash register as if to pay for them. While Tillman was at the counter, Martin entered the store. Martin walked up to the counter, pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine, leaned over the counter and pointed the gun at the store clerk. According to court records, shortly after Martin pointed his gun at the victim, Tillman also pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the victim. Tillman then walked around the counter and held the gun to the victim’s head and chest area while Martin remained across the counter, holding the gun to the victim’s torso. The victim opened the cash drawer and removed the cash. At least one of the gunmen then told the victim to move toward a cabinet/shelf to get more cash. The victim complied and Tillman accompanied him. The two robbers fled the scene with $400 in cash.
Following the robbery of the convenience store, Tillman and Martin were involved in a shooting incident at another location in Charlotte, during which Martin sustained a gunshot injury. Martin was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for his injury. While investigating the shooting incident, law enforcement recovered three loaded firearms from Martin’s vehicle, two of which Martin and Tillman had used during the convenience store robbery.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Martin is affiliated with the Bloods street gang. Law enforcement also determined that after the three firearms were seized from Martin’s vehicle following the robbery, Martin attempted to acquire another firearm by offering to trade cash and drugs.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.