District of North Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Grand Forks Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 10, 2016, Charlene Mae Corona, 40, Crookston Minn., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 9 years in federal prison for two counts of Bank Robbery. Judge Erickson also ordered that Corona pay $21,890.26 in restitution, serve 3 years supervised release, and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on September 30, 2015, Corona entered the Bremer Bank located at 921 North Washington St., Grand Forks, ND, and demanded money from the teller. Corona pulled out a knife and pointed it at one of the employees who then provided money to Corona, and Corona placed the money into a tote bag. An investigation was initiated by the FBI and Grand Forks Police Department.
On October 12, 2015, Corona entered the Citizens Community Credit Union located at 1215 N. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND, and, while displaying a handgun, threw down a black bag and demanded money from a bank teller.
Surveillance video from each of the robberies showed that the same female committed both of the robberies. Law enforcement received tips that the robber was Charlene Mae Corona, who was later arrested in Moorhead, Minnesota.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department, and the Moorhead Police Department.
First Assistant US Attorney Keith Reisenauer prosecuted the case.
Fargo Resident Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 9, 2016, Gary Spencer Smith, 61, Fargo, ND, pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to an Information charging him with Attempt to Evade and Defeat the Payment of Tax.
"Gary Spencer Smith’s attempt to evade tax by failing to report his income, failing to file tax returns for 13 years, and failing to pay his taxes was a theft from the American taxpayers. It is a felony offense that carries severe consequences," said Shea Jones, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Paul Field Office. "The IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Office remain determined and vigilant in uncovering such schemes to cheat the honest taxpayers."
Beginning in 1999 through 2010, Smith concealed and attempted to conceal a large part of income from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Although he earned substantial income between 1999 and 2010 as an independent contractor selling steel buildings for another corporation, he failed to timely file returns with the IRS and evaded payment of most of his income taxes, which totaled approximately $243,488 during that period. In an effort to evade paying taxes, Smith created his own corporation, Strong Steel Buildings Inc., and requested that income and paychecks be made payable to his corporation rather than to him in order to avoid the filing of 1099s with the IRS.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for Oct. 31, 2016, at 10:00 AM, at the US District Court, Fargo, ND.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant US Attorney Scott Schneider is prosecuting the case.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for MethamphetaminesRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 9, 2016, Kee Thao, of Minneapolis, Minn., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 20 years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Following his incarceration, Judge Erickson ordered that Thao serve 30 years of supervised release due to his violent criminal history involving women and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement officers after a woman who accompanied Thao from the Minneapolis area to Fargo sought the assistance of law enforcement. During the investigation of this domestic dispute, the Fargo Police Department searched Thao’s vehicle, which contained approximately 10 ounces of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the Fargo Police Department.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
Four more Defendants Charged in Opiate Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that four additional defendants have been charged in federal court as part of the opiate enforcement response:
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Matthew Gerald Davis, 21, West Fargo, ND, Distribution of a controlled substance and Distribution resulting in serious bodily injury.
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Dalton Lavelle White, 28, a.k.a. Block, Minneapolis, MN, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance and a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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Jerrell Deon Washington, 25, Minneapolis, MN, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death
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John Michael Iten, a.k.a. Jack Iten, 23, Fargo, ND, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
As part of this effort, eight other defendants previously appeared in federal court on opiate related drug trafficking charges:
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Brandon Beyer, 20, Fargo, ND
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Steven Jay Maynard Hoffman, 21, Fargo, ND
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Chase Fliginger, 20, Fargo, ND
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Naomi Danielson, 21, Fargo, ND
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Christian Harris, 19, Fargo, ND
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Gregory Alan Krutsinger, 38, Moorhead, MN
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Tyrone Wilburn, 43, Minneapolis, MN
- Brandon Joseph Jacobs, 30, a/k/a B.J. Simonson, Moorhead, MN
Gregory Alan Krutsinger entered a plea of guilty on July 14, 2016 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 4, 2016.
US Attorney Myers noted: “We will continue our aggressive approach on the enforcement side of the equation but will also continue working with our community partners to find a multi-faceted solution to this opiate crisis.”
The next community forum in the F-M area, “Arms Wide Open” will be held on September 7, 2016, at Fargo South High School.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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Grand Forks Man Sentenced for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on July 12, 2016, Robert William Beattie, 56, Grand Forks, N.D., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 12 years in federal prison, followed by a 10-year period of supervised release. Judge Erickson also sentenced Beattie to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, plus an additional $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Beattie will also pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in the child pornography possessed by him.
“This lengthy sentence should serve as a warning about the consequences facing those involved in downloading child pornography,” said Alex Khu, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, St. Paul, MN. “Every time these images and videos are viewed, the innocent victims depicted in them are violated again.”
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) informed the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations that an IP address geographically located in North Dakota was being utilized to trade child pornography. A subsequent investigation revealed that the IP address was assigned to Beattie’s office, which was located at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. Thereafter, law enforcement obtained search warrants for Beattie’s office as well as his personal residence, where they recovered multiple media devices. A subsequent forensic examination revealed approximately 3,233 images and 100 videos of child pornography depicting children as young as two years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Grand Forks Police Department, and the University of North Dakota Police Department.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Opiate Enforcement Strategy Pays Dividends in F-M AreaRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 12, 2016, approximately 100 local, state, and federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors met in Fargo to discuss investigative and prosecutorial strategies to combat opiate traffickers with an emphasis on fentanyl or analogues of fentanyl. The goal was to fashion an enforcement strategy to reduce the death and injury from opiates that have been plaguing the area.
Since that meeting, all of the law enforcement in the Fargo-Moorhead area joined efforts with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota to indict the following individuals:
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Brandon Beyer, 20, Conspiracy to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue
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Steven Jay Maynard Hoffman, 21, Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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Chase Fliginger, 20, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue
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Naomi Danielson, 21, Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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Christian Harris, 19, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue
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Gregory Alan Krutsinger, 38, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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Tyrone Wilburn, 43, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance and a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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Brandon Joseph Jacobs, 30, a/k/a B.J. Simonson, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
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John Michael Iten, 23, a/k/a Jack Iten, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
USA Myers stated, “The law enforcement response from all of our partners has been incredible. Every agency in the Fargo-Moorhead area helped in this enforcement effort.”
The “Eyes Wide Open” community forum that was held in West Fargo on May 5, 2016, brought to light the fact that the opiate crisis has risen to an epidemic level in the Red River Valley. Since January, there have been over 10 deaths and over 50 hospitalizations attributed to opiates - mostly impacting young people.
To combat this complex problem, there must be a multi-faceted response from not just law enforcement, but the entire community. This includes, but is not limited to, parents, healthcare providers, educators, treatment experts, and faith-based organizations. Law enforcement cannot fight this alone; however, law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to identify, target, and dismantle opiate drug trafficking organizations.
USA Myers continued, “While this is some measure of success, we do not intend to stop there. Opiate-based drugs still continue to plague our community and are devastating lives. We will continue our aggressive approach on the enforcement side of the equation but will also continue working with our community partners to continue the dialogue about how best to find a multi-faceted solution to this opiate crisis. Working together, we can make a difference.” As the investigation continues there may be more defendants charged.
The next community forum, “Eyes Wide Open Phase II” will be held at the Fargo Theatre on July 20, 2016. The third community forum, “Arms Wide Open,” will be scheduled in the fall and will focus on where individuals and families can turn for help. This forum will also continue the dialogue on the need for systemic changes to help families struggling with addiction.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota will also be hosting an “Eyes Wide Open” community forum in Bismarck on July 28, 2016, at the Heritage Center, starting at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this forum will be to highlight awareness regarding the issues with opiates that are being faced in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
An Indictment is merely an accusation and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Oklahoma Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
BISMARCK -US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 27, 2016, Timothy Leroy Sumpter, 31, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced before US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance on March 22, 2016. Judge Hovland also sentenced Sumpter to serve 5 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
In early 2014, law enforcement officials with the Southwest Narcotics Task Force in Dickinson, North Dakota, were investigating the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin in western North Dakota. On March 23, 2014, related to this investigation, a traffic stop was made near Bowman, North Dakota, and law enforcement officials seized approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and a half pound of heroin that had been transported from California. Three individuals in the vehicle were arrested, including Sumpter. The other occupants of the vehicle, Reyes and Traylor were both sentenced on June 2, 2016, where Reyes was sentenced to 15 years in prison and Traylor was sentenced to time served.
The case was investigated by the Southwest Narcotics Task Force, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant US Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Montana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 22, 2016, Michael Leroy Simmons Sr., 55, Butte, Montana, was sentenced before US District Judge Daniel L Hovland to serve 25 years in federal prison. After pleading guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Simmons was also sentenced to serve a lifetime of supervised release and must pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
From on or about July 1, 2011, until about March 31, 2013, Simmons used a camera to take sexually explicit photographs and videos of minors under the age of ten. In many of the photographs, Simmons touched the minors in order to take the photographs. That camera belonging to Simmons was discovered by a relative while visiting him in Butte, Mt., and the camera was turned over to the Butte Montana Police Department. Simmons, who is a registered sex offender, pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor on March 24, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department
Assistant US Attorney Brandi Russell prosecuted this case.
Williston ND Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 21, 2016, Steven Edward Brooks, 50, Williston ND., was sentenced before US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Judge Hovland also ordered that he serve 20 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Brooks was previously employed as a Sergeant as the Williams County Correctional Center.
“It’s always extremely troubling when someone in a position of public trust is convicted of child pornography offenses, especially so in the case of Mr. Brooks who was caught with such a large amount of material,” said Alex Khu, special agent in charge of HSI St. Paul. “But HSI’s special agents are ever-vigilant and, with the help of our local and state partners, will aggressively pursue those who harm the children of our communities.”
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after an agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Investigations, assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), discovered a computer geographically located in ND that was sharing child pornography in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. A search warrant was conducted on Brooks’ electronic media and a forensic examination revealed over 190,000 still images and almost 1600 videos containing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
Assistant US Attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.Projectsafechildhood.gov.
Arizona Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamine Following TrialRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 13, 2016, Rocky Thomas Mayfield, 31, of Goodyear, AZ., was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland after having been convicted by a federal jury on February 25, 2016, of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Judge Hovland sentenced Mayfield to serve concurrent sentences of 20 years’ imprisonment on the three drug counts and a concurrent 10 years’ imprisonment on the firearm count.
In early 2015, Mayfield and his associates arranged for the delivery of methamphetamine from Arizona to the Williston, North Dakota, area. On Feb. 11, 2015, law enforcement officials conducted a traffic stop near Berthold, ND, where they discovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine in a car that Mayfield had rented. After executing a search warrant at a hotel in Minot, law enforcement officials discovered another ten pounds of methamphetamine, which was believed to be the largest methamphetamine seizure ever in the state of North Dakota at that time. If sold by the ounce, it would have had an approximate street value of $200,000-350,000.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Berthold Police Department, as well as members of the Ward County Narcotics Task Force, which includes law enforcement officials from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol.
Assistant U. S. Attorney David Hagler and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Ensrud prosecuted this case.
California Woman Sentenced for Possession and Distribution of NarcoticsRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 2, 2016, Victoria Elaine Reyes, a/k/a Victoria Elaine Allen, 46, Taft, California, was sentenced before U.S. District Daniel L. Hovland on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Heroin).
Reyes pled guilty to the charges on February 17, 2015. Judge Hovland sentenced Reyes to serve 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release on each count, to be served concurrently. Reyes was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
In early 2014, law enforcement officials with the Southwest Narcotics Task Force in Dickinson, North Dakota, were investigating the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin in western North Dakota. On March 23, 2014, related to this investigation, a traffic stop was made near Bowman, North Dakota, and law enforcement officials seized approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and a half pound of heroin that had been transported from California. Three individuals in the vehicle were arrested, including Reyes. Reyes had arranged for the transportation of the drugs and intended to distribute them in western North Dakota.
The case was investigated by the Southwest Narcotics Task Force, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Midwest HIDTA Director Presents Awards in Fargo to Law Enforcement from the United States and CanadaRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 24, 2016, Midwest HIDTA Director Jeffrey Stamm presented a Midwest HIDTA Regional Award for ‘Outstanding Cooperative Effort’ to various members of law enforcement from the United States and Canada for their teamwork on "Operation Denial."
The Midwest HIDTA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and was established in 1990 after the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 was passed. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program is a drug-prohibition enforcement program run by the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy. The mission of the program is to enhance and coordinate America’s drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States. The term "HIDTA" also refers to each geographic location, usually a major city, county, or border crossing, in which the program has established a headquarters which are placed in locations considered to be major drug trafficking zones; to date, 28 HIDTAs have been designated since the program began. Each HIDTA is governed by a HIDTA Executive Board which includes representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the area of each HIDTA. By law, each HIDTA Board is equally divided between federal law enforcement on the one side and state and local agencies on the other. The Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force is a HIDTA-funded task force. The following individuals were honored by the HIDTA program and received the Outstanding Cooperative Effort Award for their exemplary work on "Operation Denial":
• Special Agent Steve Gilpin, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Scott Kraft, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Michael Ness, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Ed Carter, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Jeremy Grube, Homeland Security Investigations – Grand Forks
• Detective Daniel Casetta, Grand Forks Police Department
• Investigator Joel Lloyd, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office
• Investigator Delicia Glaze, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective Darin Johnson, Grand Forks Police Department
• Sergeant Devan Greuel, University of North Dakota Police Department
• Investigator Andreas Alt, WCSO/Grand Forks Police Department/Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force
• Sergeant Derek Madsen, Pembina County Sheriff’s Office
• Christopher Steenerson, Border Patrol
• Intelligence Analyst Lisa Gemar, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Intelligence Analyst Ross Brumley, North Dakota Counter Drug
• Sergeant Travis Jacobson, Grand Forks Police Department
• Intelligence Research Specialist Devin Stefanowicz, Homeland Security Investigations – Grand Forks
• Special Agent Craig Williams, Homeland Security Investigations – Grand Forks
• Special Agent Brian Black, Homeland Security Investigations – Grand Forks
• United States Attorney Chris Myers, District of North Dakota
• Assistant United States Attorney Scott Schneider, District of North Dakota
• Assistant United States Attorney Scott Kerin, District of Oregon
• Grand Forks County State’s Attorney David Jones
• Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Carmell Mattison
• Special Agent Tom Irvin, United States Postal Inspection Service
• Special Agent Adam Henney, United States Postal Inspection Service
• Special Agent Mike Buemi, Drug Enforcement Administration – West Palm Beach, FL
• Special Agent Chuck Connelly, Drug Enforcement Administration – Fargo
• Special Agent Guy Gino, Homeland Security Investigations – Portland, Oregon
• France Beauchamp, Canadian Crown Prosecutor – Montreal
• Inspector Marc Grecco, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
• Corporal Jacques Theberge, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
• Staff Sargeant Joe Tomeo, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
• Sargeant Josee Pelletier, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
• Corporal Stephan Dufort, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
• Constable Karim Mahrady, Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Montreal
"Operation Denial" is an international investigation that was initiated in 2015 after the overdose death of Bailey Henke in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The investigation has resulted in numerous indictments and convictions in federal court in the Districts of North Dakota and Oregon.
North Dakota Defendants
The following defendants, who are each from Grand Forks, have been sentenced in this case:
Ryan Jon Jensen - 240 months (20 years)
Joshua Tyler Fulp – 144 months (12 years)
Kain Daniel Schwandt – 42 months (3 ½ years)
David Todd Noye Jr. – 39 months (3 years 3 months)
Jameson Robert Sele – 36 months (3 years)
Brandon Corde Hubbard of Portland, Oregon, has pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and is currently set for sentencing in Fargo on June 6, 2016.
Ronnie Lee Helms of Acworth, Georgia, and Braden James Foley of Olympia, Washington, have been indicted in this case and are currently scheduled for trial July 5, 2016, in Fargo.
Daniel Vivas Ceron was arrested in Panama City, Panama, on July 17, 2015, and is currently awaiting extradition from Panama.
Oregon Defendants
Steven Fairbanks Locke – Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Trial set for July 19, 2016.
Channing Lacey – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Trial set for July 19, 2016.
Carissa Marie Laprall - Three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute. Trial set for July 19, 2016.
An Indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Fort Totten, North Dakota, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 23, 2016, Jade Shilo OldRock, 42, of Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson after a federal jury found him guilty on July 17, 2015, of Sexual Abuse of a Child and Commission of a Federal Sex Offense by a Registered Sex Offender. OldRock was sentenced to a total of 40 years on the two counts, plus 10 years of supervised release. OldRock was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
In or about May 2014, OldRock was temporarily residing at the residence of the victim, who had not yet attained the age of 12, when he and the victim’s father came home from a night of drinking. The victim testified at trial that she woke up when OldRock began performing a sexual act on her while she was asleep.
OldRock has a previous conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 1998. Because he committed this offense while he was a registered sex offender, a consecutive 10 years was imposed along with the underlying 30-year minimum mandatory sentence for the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Fort Totten Agency.
Assistant US Attorneys Janice Morley and Matt Greenley prosecuted this case.
Man Who Set Fire to Somali Restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Pleads Guilty to Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
FARGO – On May 19, 2016, Matthew Gust, 25, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for setting fire to a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
According to his plea agreement, Gust admitted that he set the Dec. 8, 2015, fire in order to intimidate and interfere with the Somali employees and patrons of the Juba Café. Early that morning, he drove to a gas station and purchased a small amount of gasoline, which he used to fill a 40 oz. beer bottle, turning it into a Molotov cocktail. Gust then drove to the café, donned a face mask, punched a hole through the front window of the café, lit the Molotov cocktail, threw it through the window and fled. The Molotov cocktail exploded on impact, creating an explosion and fire that engulfed Juba Café and caused at least $90,000 worth of damages.
Gust pleaded guilty to an arson charge as well as to the hate-crime charge. He was by charged by information with those two counts on March 20, 2016. He had earlier been indicted
by a grand jury for using a destructive device in the commission of a crime; that charge will be dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
"We will not tolerate violence that attempts to divide us by targeting individuals based on their national origin," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. "The Civil Rights Division will continue to bring to justice those who attempt to intimidate and drive out members of our community."
"This case exemplifies the strong partnership between local, state, and federal authorities working together to ensure the rights of all members of our community are protected from criminal conduct motivated by hate," said U.S. Attorney Myers. "In such circumstances, the response from all levels of law enforcement in North Dakota will be swift and certain."
"Investigating these types of attacks will always remain a priority for the FBI," said Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. "Attacks such as these have no place in our society and those who would commit them should know that they will be aggressively pursued by the FBI."
"There is no place for hate in our communities, and these targeted acts of violence won’t be tolerated," said Special Agent in Charge Jim Modzelewski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul, Minnesota, Field Division. "ATF will continue to diligently investigate these crimes, to ensure that all of our residents feel safe and welcomed."
Gust is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29, 2016. The hate-crime charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the arson charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by Grand Forks Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Healy of the District of North Dakota and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Man Who Set Fire to Somali Restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Pleads Guilty to Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
Matthew Gust, 25, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for setting fire to a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
According to his plea agreement, Gust admitted that he set the Dec. 8, 2015, fire in order to intimidate and interfere with the Somali employees and patrons of the Juba Café. Early that morning, he drove to a gas station and purchased a small amount of gasoline, which he used to fill a 40 oz. beer bottle, turning it into a Molotov cocktail. Gust then drove to the café, donned a face mask, punched a hole through the front window of the café, lit the Molotov cocktail, threw it through the window and fled. The Molotov cocktail exploded on impact, creating an explosion and fire that engulfed Juba Café and caused at least $90,000 worth of damages.
Gust pleaded guilty to an arson charge as well as to the hate-crime charge. He was by charged by information with those two counts on March 20, 2016. He had earlier been indicted by a grand jury for using a destructive device in the commission of a crime; that charge will be dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
“We will not tolerate violence that attempts to divide us by targeting individuals based on their national origin,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to bring to justice those who attempt to intimidate and drive out members of our community.”
“This case exemplifies the strong partnership between local, state, and federal authorities working together to ensure the rights of all members of our community are protected from criminal conduct motivated by hate,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “In such circumstances, the response from all levels of law enforcement in North Dakota will be swift and certain.”
“Investigating these types of attacks will always remain a priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “Attacks such as these have no place in our society and those who would commit them should know that they will be aggressively pursued by the FBI.”
“There is no place for hate in our communities, and these targeted acts of violence won’t be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Modzelewski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul, Minnesota, Field Division. “ATF will continue to diligently investigate these crimes, to ensure that all of our residents feel safe and welcomed.”
Gust is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29, 2016. The hate-crime charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the arson charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by Grand Forks Police Department, the FBI and ATF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Healy of the District of North Dakota and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Gust Plea Agreement
Grand Forks Bank Robber Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 18, 2016, Charlene Mae Corona, 39, Crookston Minn., pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to two counts of Bank Robbery.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on September 30, 2015, a female entered the Bremer Bank at 921 North Washington St., in Grand Forks, ND and demanded money from the teller. The female pulled out a knife and pointed it at one of the employees. The employee provided money to the individual who put it into a tote bag. The FBI and Grand Forks Police Department began an investigation.
Then, on October 12, 2015, a female entered the Citizens Community Credit Union at 1215 N. 42nd St. Grand Forks and while displaying a handgun she threw down a black bag and demanded money from a bank teller. Again law enforcement investigated this robbery.
Surveillance video from each of the robberies showed that the same female committed both of the robberies. Law enforcement received tips that the robber was the defendant Charlene Mae Corona. She was later arrested in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Corona faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on each count. A sentencing will be set before Judge Ralph Erickson in United States District Court in Fargo North Dakota.
This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department, and the Moorhead Police Department.
First Assistant US Attorney Keith Reisenauer prosecuted the case.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced in Human Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 18, 2016, Anthony Lamarr Sims, 21, a.k.a. Mar Mar, Minneapolis, Minn., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 14 years in prison for one count of Sex Trafficking of Children. Judge Erickson also sentenced Sims to serve 10 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
"For predators convicted of the horrendous crime of sex trafficking minors, there are severe consequences in the form of a lengthy prison sentence, as Mr. Sims has learned firsthand," said Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of HSI in St. Paul. "This case is a result of the excellent relationship between HSI special agents and local police officers who continuously work together to root out this type of violent activity to keep communities safe"
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after a Fargo Police Officer encountered the 15-year-old victim during a traffic stop on January 16, 2015. At the time of the traffic stop the victim provided a false name to law enforcement. The victim was then transferred to the Cass County jail, after which law enforcement discovered she was a runaway from a St. Paul, Minnesota. A subsequent investigation revealed that Sims brought the victim from Minneapolis to Fargo for the purpose of prostitution. Before he traveled to Fargo on January 15, 2015, Sims directed another individual to post an advertisement on backpage.com wherein it was advertised that there were women available for commercial sex.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consist of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Transporting Women for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 9, 2016, Ronnel Johnson, 31, Minneapolis, Minn., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve three (3) years and four (4) months years in prison for Transportation for the Purposes of Prostitution. Judge Erickson also ordered that Johnson serve five (5) years supervised release and he must pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the North Dakota Highway Patrol stopped a rental vehicle driven by Johnson on I-94 near Valley City, North Dakota. Johnson and his female passenger were traveling from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Williston, North Dakota. When interviewed by law enforcement during the traffic stop, Johnson and his passenger gave conflicting stories about the purpose of their trip to Williston. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed cell phones which contained text messages sent and received by Johnson which revealed that he was involved in directing prostitution. Johnson’s cell phone also revealed sexually explicit photographs of at least two women that were identical to photographs that ran in Backpage.com advertisements for commercial sex in western North Dakota.
One such victim depicted in photographs that were recovered from Johnson’s cell phone and the Backpage.com advertisement reported that Johnson had previously transported her to Williston, North Dakota, for the purpose of prostitution.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Highway Patrol, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
Federal Court of Appeals Affirms Conviction and Sentence of Aaron Johnson in Federal Farm Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Fargo – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 4, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has affirmed the conviction and sentence of Aaron A. Johnson.
Aaron A. Johnson, along with his brother Derek M. Johnson, farmed potatoes in eastern North Dakota for many years. A federal grand jury indicted the two brothers for fraudulently damaging their own potato crops to obtain crop insurance and disaster payments and then lying to cover up their fraud from at least as early as 2002 until approximately January 20, 2010. In particular, the grand jury alleged that the brothers intentionally damaged their potato seeds and harvested crops through various means, including: (1) adding chemicals such as septic system products Rid-X and Flush to their potato seeds and harvested crops; (2) piling frozen potatoes onto their stored potatoes; and (3) adding extreme heat to their stored potatoes. At the conclusion of a two-week trial, on December 11, 2014, the jury returned verdicts convicting both brothers on all counts.
On March 9, 2015, U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson sentenced Aaron Johnson to four years’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Erickson sentenced Derek Johnson to eighteen months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Erickson also ordered forfeiture and restitution as joint obligations in the amount of $932,000. Derek Johnson did not appeal his conviction or sentence.
The United States Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledged the national significance of this case to the federal farm programs when the Secretary of Agriculture recognized the case with the USDA’s 2015 “Award for Excellence” recognition.
United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers also emphasized the importance of this prosecution on the federal farm programs: “Federal programs like the federal farm programs are based on an honor system. Unfortunately, there are a few who take advantage of this system and some, like Aaron Johnson, who brag about defrauding the system. Today’s affirmance of his conviction and sentence sends a clear message to all those honest farmers who follow the rules and hate seeing some people take advantage of the system.”
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Risk Management Agency.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clare Hochhalter and Nick Chase prosecuted the case.
Violent Grand Forks Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO – U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 22, 2016, José Luis Delacruz, 38, a/k/a Joe Delacruz, from Grand Forks, North Dakota, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve a life sentence in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine, as well as a consecutive seven-year sentence for Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of Drug Trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Myers stated “The Grand Forks Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force worked tirelessly to dismantle this drug organization and stop the violent conduct by Mr. Delacruz. This sentence not only ensures public safety but also sends the message to other drug traffickers that if they choose to do business in North Dakota, the collective response by law enforcement will be swift and prosecution certain.”
North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said “Once again, a concerted effort by local, state and federal agencies working together has been successful in removing a dangerous offender from the streets, for life. North Dakota will continue to focus efforts and law enforcement resources on dismantling drug trafficking organizations. It is rewarding to see that we are making progress in our efforts.”
During the course of the conspiracy, co-conspirators received methamphetamine from Delacruz, which was sold primarily in the Grand Forks area. Overall, the conspiracy moved in excess of 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine.
Four other members of the conspiracy have already been sentenced.
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Patrick James Peltier: 5 years federal prison;
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Anthony James Farrell: 4 years federal prison’
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Kimberly Ann Ratliff: 10 years federal prison; and
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Brian Joseph McMahan: 2 years and 6 months federal prison.
Delacruz was also convicted for his role of pistol-whipping a co-conspirator in Grand Forks who he believed was cooperating with law enforcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, the Grand Forks Police Department and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, Assistant U. S. Attorney Megan A. Healy, and Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeremy Ensrud prosecuted the case.
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Second Defendant in Fargo Liquor Store Robberies Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 25, 2016, Carlos Henry Bethel, 28, Fargo, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve nine (9) years six (6) months in prison for Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Judge Erickson also sentenced Bethel to serve three (3) years of supervised release and to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 28, 2015, Bottle Barn Wine and Liquor, 2515 South University Dr., and The Spirit Shop Liquor Store, 1404 33rd St. S., were robbed within an hour of each other. Bethel pled guilty on Jan. 9, 2016, to robbing Bottle Barn while brandishing a firearm and threatening the cashier to hand over money. As part of the plea agreement, Bethel and co-defendant Andrew Jerome Ford agreed that they participated or aided and abetted the following crimes:
(a) A home invasion on June 24, 2015, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where currency was stolen;
(b) A burglary resulting in a stolen firearm in Hillsboro in or about July through September 2015;
(c) A burglary of a vehicle in Fargo, North Dakota, in which monetary instruments were stolen on or about August 24, 2015, and on or about September 24, 2015;
(d) A burglary of a residence in Fargo, resulting in the theft of five firearms on or about September 24, 2015;
(e) Setting fire to four dumpsters in Fargo in an effort to determine law enforcement response time on or about September 28, 2015, as well as robbery of The Spirit Shop Liquor Store in Fargo;
(f) The pistol whipping assault of a victim resulting in serious bodily injury including unconsciousness on or about September 19, 2015, in Fargo; and,
(g) Conspiracy to distribute marijuana in North Dakota.
Judge Erickson sentenced co-defendant Ford to 8 ½ years on April 19, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted the case.
Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Possession and Distribution of Heroin and the Prostitution of a Minor ChildRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 22, 2016, Tyrice Excell Akins, 29, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a three-count Indictment charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, Transportation of a Minor, and Transportation to Engage in Prostitution. In addition to these charges, Akins also pled guilty to charges of possession and distribution of heroin out of Wisconsin.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement after the North Dakota Highway Patrol pulled over a rental vehicle driven by Kurtis Johnson. Found with Johnson was a woman and a 17-year-old female who Johnson transported from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the purpose of prostitution. A subsequent investigation revealed that Johnson was provided narcotics by Akins in exchange for transporting women and one juvenile to various locations throughout the United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and North Dakota, throughout 2014 and 2015 for the purpose of prostitution.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consists of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
The NDHTTF includes representatives from Youthworks, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Lutheran Social Services, the ND Association of Counties, a Force to End hUman Sexual Exploitation (FUSE), a survivor of human trafficking, First Nations Women’s Alliance (FNWA), and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
National Reentry Week- Tribal Reentry ProgramRead the Press Release
FARGO - United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers for the District of North Dakota, and Randolph J. Seiler, United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, announced that on April 22, 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) Reentry Week Mentorship Program Launch will take place at the council chambers in the SRST government building located in Fort Yates, ND, at 12:30 p.m., and is open to the public as well as the media.
The United States Attorney’s Offices for both the Districts of North and South Dakota have been collaborating with the tribe since approximately December of 2014 to organize a Tribal Reentry Program that would address the growing issue of recidivist activity being committed by returning members. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the U. S. Attorneys for the District of North and South Dakota in a ceremony that took place at the SRST Council Chambers in Fort Yates, ND, on July 7, 2015.
The MOU has led to the creation of a charter and plan of action in instituting a reentry program that will revolve around spiritual and cultural mentors who have successfully reintegrated back into the community. These mentors will, in turn, help the returning offenders become "reacclimated" to the reservation community and provide spiritual and cultural guidance on how to avoid the common pitfalls of reentry. At the April 22nd event, the Tribe will officially assign 3 to 5 members returning to the community to the first two fully-qualified mentors in the program, with an additional 6 to 8 mentors being assigned over the next 36 months.
"The launching of the Mentorship Program is an extraordinary step in a positive direction," said Troy Morley, a reentry services team member, Assistant U.S Attorney, and Tribal Liaison for the District of South Dakota. "The MOU we have in place has provided an incredible opportunity for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and all of the state and federal partners, to work jointly towards the goal of reducing recidivism and increasing public safety for all tribal members. We are excited about this reentry program, which will allow mentors to help others successfully integrate themselves back into their communities."
The MOU that set the program into motion was signed by the South Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office, North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services - Standing Rock Agency, South Dakota Department of Corrections, North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, South Dakota Unified Judicial System, North Dakota U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, South Dakota U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations, and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission.
For more information on reentry, please click on the link https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/reentry-program.
Iowa Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for the Robbery of a Fargo InnRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 21, 2016, Eric Lee Webb, 31, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 30 years in prison.
On January 29, 2016, the defendant appeared before Chief United States District Judge Ralph R. Erickson, in Fargo, for a change of plea hearing. Pursuant to a Rule ll(c)(l)(B) plea agreement, the defendant entered a guilty plea to a three-count information that was filed January 19, 2015. Pursuant to the information, count one charged him with Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a); count two charged Use and Carry of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1); count three charged Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
On June 4, 2015, Webb entered the Howard Johnson Inn, 301 3rd Ave. N., Fargo, ND, wielded a firearm at an employee of the Inn demanding money. Webb was wearing blue surgical gloves and had a pistol in his hand which he pointed at two employees and demanded money. The employees originally thought the gun was a fake because it was so small. Webb responded by firing the gun into a wall near them. An employee provided Webb with $300 in cash.
The Fargo Police Department was immediately called and shortly thereafter confronted Webb. Law enforcement was dispatched and pursued Webb as he fled on foot. Fargo Police Officer Wahl was driving his patrol vehicle near the northeast corner of Sahr's Sudden Service (601 4th Street North) when he observed Webb in the parking lot. Webb fired at least one round at Officer Wahl's vehicle. Two spent casings were located in the parking lot just north of Sahr's Sudden Service; indicating Webb fired two rounds at Officer Wahl. A bullet hole was located in the front driver's side wheel well of Officer Wahl's patrol vehicle. The second round was not located and is still unaccounted for.
Fargo Police Officer Niemeyer arrived at Sahr's Sudden Service parking lot and observed Webb at the north end of the parking lot. Officer Niemeyer parked and exited his vehicle crouching down near the driver's side. Webb proceeded towards Officer Niemeyer and fired one round, which struck the passenger door of the patrol vehicle. The bullet passed through the door and into the duty bag that was positioned on the front passenger seat. Officer Niemeyer moved to the trunk area of his patrol vehicle and fired two rounds at Webb from his Glock .40 caliber duty weapon. One round struck Webb and the other round struck the northwest comer of the Sahr's Sudden Service building.
Webb fell to the ground and officers took Webb into custody. Located near Webb was a Raven, Model MP-25 pistol, with one round in the chamber, and one round in the magazine. A routine search of the defendant's person following his arrest revealed an open box of Sellier & Bellot brand ammunition, containing 26 live rounds, and a cellphone in his pants pocket, as well as, blue surgical gloves and a plastic grocery bag containing $355 in his underwear. Webb was transported via ambulance to Sanford Medical Center.
Officers located Webb's vehicle, a 1991 Honda Accord, in a parking lot at 202 6th Avenue North. In a search of the defendant's vehicle, law enforcement found and seized an open box of Sellier & Bellot brand ammunition containing 13 live rounds.
Webb is a convicted felon and he was aware that he was prohibited from possessing firearms. As outlined in the information, the defendant had been convicted of the following crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year:
1) Burlgary-3rd Degree in Linn County District Comi, Iowa, on June 6, 2003.
2) Robbery-2nd Degree in Linn County District Court, Iowa, on June 2, 2006.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and The Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
First Assistant U. S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer prosecuted the case.
Getaway Driver and Lookout in Taco John’s Robbery Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 21, 2016, Rico Jamal Brown, 27, and Calvin Michael Frederick Brown, 25, both residing in the Fargo-Moorhead area, were sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson. Calvin was sentenced to serve three (3) years and six (6) months in prison and Rico was sentenced to serve five (5) years in prison for Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery. Judge Erickson further sentenced each of them to serve three (3) years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 3, 2015, the Taco John’s restaurant located at 2601 32nd Avenue South, Fargo, was robbed at gunpoint. During the robbery, two men entered the business and an employee was shot during the course of the robbery. Rico Brown pled to aiding and abetting this robbery by participating as a lookout, while Calvin Brown admitted to being a get-away driver for the robbery.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted the case.
Fargo Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Shooting During Taco John’s RobberyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney’s Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 19, 2016, Carl Eugene Smith, 24, Fargo, ND, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a two-count Indictment charging him with Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery, as well as Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
On or about September 3, 2015, Smith and other co-conspirators were involved in robbing the Taco John’s restaurant located at 2601 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, as the restaurant was beginning to close. During the robbery Smith fired two shots, with one of the shots hitting an employee in the leg, causing injury that required medical treatment.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for July 15, 2016, at the U. S. District Court in Fargo, ND.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as well as the Fargo Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the case.
Andrew Ford Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Crime WaveRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 19, 2016, Andrew Jerome Ford, 28, Fargo, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve eight (8) years and six (6) months in prison for Interference with the Commerce by Threats and Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Judge Erickson also sentenced Ford to serve three (3) years of supervised release and required him to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 28, 2015, Bottle Barn Wine and Liquor, 2515 South University Dr., Fargo, and The Spirit Shop Liquor Store, 1404 33rd St. S., Fargo, were robbed within an hour of each other. Co-defendant Carlos Bethel pled guilty to robbing Bottle Barn while brandishing a firearm, while Ford pled guilty to possessing a firearm while robbing the Spirt Shop. Both men acknowledged being the getaway driver for one another in the robberies.
As part of the plea agreement Ford acknowledged he participated or aided and abetted the following crimes:
(a) A home invasion on June 24, 2015, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where currency was stolen;
(b) A burglary resulting in a stolen firearm in Hillsboro in or about July through September 2015;
(c) A burglary of a vehicle in Fargo, North Dakota, in which monetary instruments were stolen on or about August 24, 2015, and on or about September 24, 2015;
(d) A burglary of a residence in Fargo, resulting in the theft of five firearms on or about September 24, 2015;
(e) Setting fire to four dumpsters in Fargo in an effort to determine law enforcement response time on or about September 28, 2015, as well as robbery of The Spirit Shop Liquor Store in Fargo;
(f) The pistol whipping assault of a victim by Carlos Bethel resulting in serious bodily injury including unconsciousness on or about September 19, 2015 in Fargo; and,
(g) Conspiracy to distribute marijuana in North Dakota.
U.S. Attorney Chris Myers noted after the sentencing: "This sentence sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated in Fargo, Hillsboro, or any community we serve and will use all tools available to fight violent crime and the illegal use and possession of firearms. This case is another great example of local, state, and federal partners joining together to solve what can be best described as a wave of criminal activity that started last summer in the Red River Valley."
Co-defendant Carlos Bethel is scheduled to be sentenced April 25, 2016, at 2:15 PM, in U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted the case.
Fargo Man Sentenced for Gate City Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FARGO -U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 18, 2016, Jeremy Craig Fahleen, 35, Fargo, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 5 years and 3 months for bank robbery. Judge Erickson also ordered that Fahleen pay restitution in the amount of $3,808, as well as pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On or about April 25, 2015, Fahleen entered the Gate City Bank located at 1501 South University Dr. in Fargo and slid a note across the counter that stated, “no alarms, no dye packs, no GPS, cash” and demanded money from the bank teller. The bank employee put cash from two cash drawers on the counter. Fahleen put the cash in a bag and left the bank with $7,286 but was later apprehended in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A search of Fahleen and the vehicle he was driving uncovered cash in the total amount of $3,478.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fargo Police Department (FGPD).
First Assistant U. S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer prosecuted the case.
“Arizona Boys” Sentenced to Federal Prison in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 11, 2016, Christian Michael Marlar, 38, Tucson Ariz., and Joseph Ferrand Johnson, 27, Tucson Ariz., were both sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance. Marlar was sentenced to seven (7) years in prison and three (3) years supervised release; Johnson was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five (5) years supervised release. Judge Erickson also ordered that each of them pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
During the course of the conspiracy, Marlar and Johnson were known as the "Arizona Boys" by local drug traffickers. Marlar and Johnson received over one (1) pound of methamphetamine in Arizona and would distribute it to local drug traffickers in the Fargo-Moorhead area during the course of the conspiracy.
Other defendants sentenced in this conspiracy include:
Susan Dokken - 56, 10 years in federal prison
Kathy Lorsung -54, 10 years and 3 months in federal prison
Lyle Lanigan - 43, 6 months prison
This case was investigated by the DEA and Fargo Police Department
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted these cases.
United Kingdom Man Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 11, 2016, Simon William Riley, 21, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom, pled guilty before Judge Ralph R. Erickson to one charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and two charges of Advertising Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors. All three charges carry a minimum-mandatory sentence of 15 years’ incarceration and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ incarceration.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified members of the North Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that a website on the Tor Network contained child pornographic images of a girl located in Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, ICAC task force members identified the 13-year-old victim who told law enforcement that she sent the sexually explicit images to another female via Kik Messenger. In reality, this “female” was Simon Riley, an adult male. After Riley obtained these images, he posted advertisements on the website found on the Tor Network. The advertisement contained a link to a file-sharing site where other Tor users could access the images depicting the victim. Law enforcement determined that the victim’s images were accessed on more than 20,000 occasions by Tor users located throughout the world.
Through further investigation, the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigation agents identified Simon Riley in the United Kingdom as the individual responsible for posting the above-mentioned advertisements. Based upon information provided to them by the ND ICAC task force, the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom executed a search warrant at Riley’s residence on September 10, 2015. Foreign law enforcement recovered evidence at Riley’s residence which linked him to the user account that posted the advertisements on the Tor Network and which contained a link to a separate file-sharing site which contained the victim’s images.
Riley was later arrested on September 11, 2015, while vacationing in Orlando, Florida.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for July 13, 2016, at the U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations in Grand Forks, ND, as well as the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Fargo Police Department.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Fargo Business Owner Sentenced for Failure to Pay over Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 28, 2016, Tammy J Devier, 43, Crary, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve five (5) years of supervised probation for Willfully Causing the Failure to Pay Over Employment Taxes. Judge Erickson also ordered Devier to serve 12 months of home confinement, pay restitution in the amount of $377,163.34 to the United States, and pay a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Between 2007 and 2010, Devier was the owner of Red Arrow Recruiters, LLC, a Professional Employment Organization which provided various employment and payroll services to businesses. On or about Feb. 1, 2010, Devier failed to pay the 4th quarter of 2009 employment and payroll taxes she had received from the companies she represented to the IRS. Over the course of a two-year period beginning in mid-2008 through 2009, Devier received, from her clients, quarterly taxes for the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and the first, third, and fourth quarters of 2009 in the total amount of $377,163.34, but failed to pay those taxes over to the IRS.
“Professional Employment Operations companies, such as Red Arrow Recruiters, LLC, and TDJ Enterprises, LLC, were hired by employers to assist them with the withholding and collection of taxes from employees and to prepare and file accurate payroll tax returns. Ms. Devier had a duty to prepare correct tax returns and accurately pay over the taxes withheld to the IRS; instead she used her position of power to defraud her clients by not making tax payments or payroll tax deposits to the IRS,” stated Shea Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation Division. “The IRS is committed to aggressively investigating those individuals who engage in tax fraud.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Scott Schneider prosecuted the case.
Fargo Man Sentenced for the Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 23, 2016, Dewayne William Barth II, 30, Fargo, North Dakota, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R Erickson to serve the statutory maximum of 30 years in prison for Production of Child Pornography, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Erickson also sentenced Barth to lifetime of supervised release and to pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Barth is also required to pay $16,000 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Chris Myers noted, “This cases illustrates the commitment by law enforcement nationwide to work together to identify, target and arrest individuals who abuse children. The sentence handed down in this case is a strong message that protection of children from this reprehensible conduct remains a priority with the US Attorney’s office in North Dakota and all of our law enforcement partners.”
“No prison sentence can restore what was taken from Mr. Barth’s victim,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Lowder of HSI St. Paul, “but the lengthy sentence imposed on him by the court serves as a warning to those who would seek to abuse the most vulnerable members of our community. HSI will continue to work with our state and local partners to ensure those who prey on children are caught and punished.”
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after Homeland Security Investigation Special Agents arrested an individual for production and possession of child pornography in Gatling, Tennessee. A forensic examination of the computer in Tennessee revealed that the individual was sharing child pornography with multiple persons, including Barth. Specifically, Barth produced and distributed images depicting a 3-year-old child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
A Special Agent with the Homeland Security Investigations obtained and executed a search warrant for Barth’s email account which revealed that Barth was receiving and distributing child pornography via a yahoo email account from May 2014, continuing through October 2014. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force members also executed a search warrant at Barth’s residence where law enforcement recovered multiple electronic devices collectively containing more than 11,000 files of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Fargo Police Department.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Fargo Business Man Has Been Sentenced in Connection with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 23, 2016, Mrkonja Redic, 50, Fargo, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve five (5) years supervised probation and ten (10) months Electronic Home Monitoring after pleading guilty in Dec. 2015 to an Information charging him with Making and Subscribing a False Federal Tax Return. Judge Erickson also ordered Redic to pay $45,000 in restitution to the IRS as well as a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
"Tax crimes have erroneously been referred to as victimless, but that position could not be more wrong since we all end up paying when someone attempts to evade our tax system," said Shea Jones IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Office. With the April 15 tax deadline looming, it is important for people to have confidence that when they pay their taxes, their friends and neighbors are doing the same."
On or about Feb. 16, 2010, Redic filed a United States amended tax return for the year 2008, which included a Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. Redic also verified under the penalties of perjury that the amended tax return was true and correct. Redic, who owned a scrap metal business in Fargo, falsified the amount of his gross receipts and sales on his federal tax return by $174,654 in an attempt to minimize the amount of taxes he would owe to the IRS. In 2008, Redic had gross sales and receipts of $344,621.00, but only reported to the IRS $169,967.00 in gross sales and receipts. Redic’s under-reporting to the IRS of $174,654.00 in gross sales and receipts resulted in a tax loss to the United States of $45,000.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Scott Schneider prosecuted the case.
Mountrail County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 21, 2016, Timothy Howell, 49, Mountrail County, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 12 years and 7 months in prison for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors. Judge Hovland also ordered Howell to serve a lifetime of supervised release, pay $500 in restitution, and also pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement when a ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation special agent discovered that a computer geographically located in ND was sharing child pornography in a peer-to-peer network; that computer was later identified as belonging to Howell. Through forensic examination it was discovered that there were 8,968 images and videos of child pornography. Howell has a prior conviction of child pornography in Dec. 2009, to which he was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Montréal County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted the case
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, and/or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Dickinson ND Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U. S. attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 21, 2016, Eric Schrum, 38, Dickinson, ND, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 13 years 8 months in prison for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors. Judge Hovland further ordered Schrum to serve 10 years of supervised release, pay $850 in restitution, and also pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
From about Jan. 1, 2011, through about Dec. 20, 2013, Schrum knowingly possessed images containing minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. According to evidence that was seized, Schrum had amassed a collection of over 70,815 images and videos during this time.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Dickinson Police Department, Southwest Drug Task Force, and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted the case
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Multiple Overdose Deaths and Injuries in ‘Operation Denial’Read the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 7, 2016, Brandon Corde Hubbard, 41, of Portland, Oregon, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a three count Indictment charging Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
In or about Jan. 2014, Hubbard was an integral part of a conspiracy trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs in and through North Dakota, Oregon, and elsewhere. The Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force began investigating this case after the overdose death of 18-year-old Bailey Henke on Jan. 3, 2015. The investigation revealed that Hubbard, using the “Dark Web,” was able to anonymously distribute these drugs within North Dakota, as well as across the United States, from his home located in Oregon.
As part of the plea agreement, Hubbard acknowledged he was responsible for two deaths and four overdoses resulting in serious bodily injury in both North Dakota and Oregon. This investigation is the result of a national and international joint Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Denial.” To date there have been nine defendants charged in North Dakota and three defendants charged in Oregon as part of this cooperative investigation.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for June 26, 2016, at the U. S. District Court in Fargo.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division, Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force, Oregon State Police, and the Grand Forks Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, Assistant U. S. Attorney Scott Schneider, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Arizona Man of Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Feb. 25, 2016, Rocky Thomas Mayfield, 31, from Goodyear, AZ., was found guilty following a three-day trial for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
In early 2015, Mayfield and his associates arranged for the delivery of methamphetamine from Arizona to the Williston, North Dakota, area. On Feb. 11, 2015, law enforcement officials conducted a traffic stop near Berthold, ND, where they discovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine in a car that Mayfield had rented. After executing a search warrant at a hotel in Minot, law enforcement officials discovered another ten pounds of methamphetamine, which was believed to be the largest methamphetamine seizure ever in the state of North Dakota. If sold by the ounce, it would have an approximate street value of $200,000-350,000.
A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Berthold Police Department, as well as members of the Ward County Narcotics Task Force, which includes law enforcement officials from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney David Hagler and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Ensrud.
“Operation Denial” to Receive National Award for ‘Outstanding Cooperative Effort’Read the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced on Feb. 19, 2016, that the "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas" (HIDTA) Program honored 20 individuals for their cooperative efforts in "Operation Denial," which was the Grand Forks County Drug Task Force’s investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and other lethal drugs. This effort was significantly aided by a multi-agency approach, which led to receiving the Outstanding Cooperative Effort award.
Established in 1990 after the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 was passed, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA) is a drug-prohibition enforcement program run by the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy. The mission of the program is to enhance and coordinate America’s drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States. The term "HIDTA" also refers to each geographic location, usually a major city, county, or border crossing, in which the program has established a headquarters which are placed in locations considered to be major drug trafficking zones; to date, 28 HIDTAs have been designated since the program began. Each HIDTA is governed by a HIDTA Executive Board which includes representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the area of each HIDTA. By law, each HIDTA Board is equally divided between federal law enforcement on the one side and state and local agencies on the other. The Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force is a HIDTA-funded task force.
U.S. Attorney Myers stated: "This is the first time law enforcement in North Dakota has been recognized with a National HIDTA Award. The teamwork in this international investigation was extraordinary and undoubtedly saved lives. "
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said: "This award underscores the exceptional work these law enforcement officers and professionals provide each and every day. They have each gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep North Dakota safe, and I couldn't be prouder of the results they achieved."
Grand Forks County State’s Attorney David Jones remarked: "It is an honor to be included in this recognition which really speaks to the professional bonds between our agencies. Our law enforcement officers and legal staff work tirelessly to make our communities safer, with our agents and officers, in particular, providing selfless service on behalf of the public. No one does this for recognition, but I can think of no higher accolade than this award for Outstanding Cooperative Effort."
The following individuals are being honored by the HIDTA program and will receive the Outstanding Cooperative Effort Award for their hard work on Operation Denial:
• Special Agent Steve Gilpin, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Scott Kraft, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Michael Ness, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Jeremy Grube, Homeland Security Investigations
• Detective Daniel Casetta, Grand Forks Police Department
• Investigator Joel Lloyd, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office
• Investigator Delicia Glaze, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective Darin Johnson, Grand Forks Police Department
• Sergeant Devan Greuel, University of North Dakota Police Department
• Investigator Andreas Alt, WCSO/Grand Forks Police Department/ Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force
• Sergeant Derek Madsen, Pembina County Sheriff’s Office
• Christopher Steenerson, Border Patrol
• Intelligence Analyst Lisa Gemar, North Dakota Bureau of Investigation
• Intelligence Analyst Ross Brumley, North Dakota Counter Drug
• Sergeant Travis Jacobson, Grand Forks Police Department
• United States Attorney Chris Myers, District of North Dakota
• Assistant United States Attorney Scott Schneider, District of North Dakota
• Assistant United States Attorney Scott Kerin, District of Oregon
• Grand Forks County State’s Attorney David Jones
• Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Carmell Mattison
The following defendants, who are each from Grand Forks, have been sentenced in this case:
Ryan Jon Jensen - 240 months (20 years)
Joshua Tyler Fulp – 144 months (12 years)
Kain Daniel Schwandt – 42 months (3 ½ years)
David Todd Noye Jr. – 39 months (3 years 3 months)
Jameson Robert Sele – 36 months (3 years)
Brandon Corde Hubbard of Portland, Oregon, is scheduled for a change of plea hearing in federal court in Fargo on March 14, 2016.
Ronnie Lee Helms of Acworth, Georgia, and Braden James Foley of Olympia, Washington, have been indicted in this case and are currently scheduled for trial May 3, 2016, in Fargo.
Daniel Vivas Ceron was arrested in Panama City, Panama, on July 17, 2015, and is currently awaiting extradition from Panama.
An Indictment is merely and accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Arizona Man Sentenced for the Robbery of Two North Dakota BanksRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 17, 2016, Gary Wayne Thomas, 59, of Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on two counts of Bank Robbery, to which Thomas pleaded guilty to on November 17, 2015.
Judge Hovland sentenced Thomas to five years and eleven months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on each count, to be served concurrently. Thomas was further ordered to pay restitution to the banks for the money stolen and a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On August 13, 2015, at approximately 10:12 a.m., Thomas entered BNC National Bank, 210 S. Main Street in Stanley, North Dakota, demanded money and then fled the bank with the money. Later that same day, at approximately 3:08 p.m., Thomas entered Dacotah Bank, 1121 S. Broadway in Minot, North Dakota, and once again demanded money and fled the bank with the money. No weapon was used or threatened in either event and Thomas was not immediately identified or apprehended.
Police identified Thomas as a suspect based upon a description of the vehicle seen leaving the Dacotah Bank following the robbery as well as both banks’ surveillance videos which showed the clothing that the bank robber was wearing. Video was obtained from a convenience store/gas station in the area which showed the suspect vehicle and the man driving the vehicle entering the convenience store. Based upon the individual’s clothing, the man was believed to be the man depicted in the bank videos. Further investigation, including into the registered owner of the suspect vehicle, led to the identification of Thomas as the bank robber. Thomas was located and arrested in early September 2015; none of the stolen money was recovered.
The case was investigated by the Minot Police Department, the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced for Human Trafficking and Methamphetamine in the BakkenRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Feb. 17, 2016, Keith Alexander Graves, 39, Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 33 years and nine months in prison following an eight-day jury trial. Graves was found guilty of five (5) counts of Sex Trafficking by Force or Coercion and one count each of Distribution and Possession of Methamphetamine. Judge Hovland also ordered that Graves be placed on lifetime supervised release, as well as pay a $625 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On or about July 29, 2014, the Williston Police Department received a call requesting assistance from a female victim near the Walmart located in Williston, ND. The victim was scared and concerned that the individual she was reporting to law enforcement would see her and stated that she was involuntarily involved in prostitution and drugs under the control of Graves. Throughout witness testimony during trial, several victim witnesses described being sexually assaulted and/or raped by Graves, as well as being forced into ingesting methamphetamine. Graves also used force or the threat of force in coercing the victims to engage in prostitution.
In July 2014 a search warrant was executed on a motel room related to the case, where several items were found, including: an aluminum bat, marijuana, methamphetamine, pills, as well as several other items located in a nearby vehicle. A BB gun was located where he was residing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Dakota BCI, and the Williston Police Department.
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Brandi Russell and Gary Delorme prosecuted the case.
Bismarck Man Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 16, 2016, Solomon Lindsay, 39, Bismarck, N.D., was sentenced before U. S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland to time served plus three years’ supervised release on three counts of Tax Fraud. Judge Hovland also ordered Lindsay to pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, as well as restitution to the IRS.
An IRS investigation revealed that for the tax years 2009 through 2012, Lindsay, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from UND, ran a tax service out of his apartment. Lindsay created a scheme whereby he would file returns on behalf of others, mainly family and friends, which would include inflated income figures and false credits. Each return then requested a false refund. Lindsay electronically filed the returns and deposited all the refunds in his personal account. Each taxpayer received a smaller refund than requested, while Lindsay skimmed a substantial amount of the money for himself. The scam resulted in the IRS paying out fraudulent refunds totaling $140,741.00.
The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to the enforcement of all federal tax violations, from refund scams to tax evasion schemes, and will continue to aggressively prosecute this category of federal crimes.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Cameron Hayden prosecuted the case.
Chris Myers to Continue as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
FARGO - Effective Feb. 6, 2016, the Honorable U. S. District Court Chief Judge Ralph R. Erickson has continued the appointment of Christopher C. Myers as the United States Attorney for the District of North Dakota.
Myers stated that, "I have been honored and privileged to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota for the past ten months. I am excited to continue leading this dedicated and talented group of attorneys and support staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We strive every day to do our very best to serve the citizens of North Dakota and continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to ensure public safety. Violent crime, especially those crimes perpetrated against children, remain a priority as will the fight against organized crime.
"While violent and sophisticated criminal organizations attempt to prey on North Dakotans throughout the State, our collective law enforcement response will be swift and sure. Rest assured, we will retain the quality of life we enjoy in North Dakota. Criminal organizations will find North Dakota a particularly unfavorable place to do business."
Myers has been with the U.S. Attorney's office for nearly 14 years. Since 2013 he has served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney until becoming Acting U.S. Attorney on March 13, 2015. Prior to becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002, Myers served as the Chief Assistant Clay County Attorney from 1998-2002, and also served as an Assistant Cass County States Attorney and a Special Agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Myers will serve as United States Attorney until the President of the United States nominates a new U.S. Attorney for North Dakota and the United States Senate confirms the nominee pursuant to Title 28, United States Code, Section 541.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Role in Taco John’s Robbery; Three Additional Men ChargedRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 29, 2016, Rico Jamal Brown, 27, and Calvin Michael Frederick Brown, 25, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery.
On September 3, 2015, the Taco John’s restaurant, 2601 32nd Avenue South, Fargo, was robbed at gunpoint. During the robbery, two men entered the business and an employee was shot during the course of the robbery. Rico Brown admitted during his plea hearing to aiding and abetting this robbery by participating as a lookout and Calvin Brown admitted to being a get-away driver for the robbery.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for both men to take place on April 21, 2016, in U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.
On January 28, 2016, Tommy Trent, 29, made an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal on charges of Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery.
Kadeem Malik Muhammed and Carl Eugene Smith, currently charged in Cass County District Court, are both scheduled for a court appearance in federal court on February 5, 2016, at 11:00 am; the case remains sealed until their first appearance.
This case is being investigated by the Fargo Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the case.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Role in Fargo Liquor Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 29, 2016, Andrew Jerome Ford, and Carlos Henry Bethel, both 28, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to Interference with the Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
On September 28, 2015, Bottle Barn Wine and Liquor, 2515 South University Dr., and The Spirit Shop Liquor Store, 1404 33rd St. S., were robbed within an hour of each other. Bethel pled guilty to robbing Bottle Barn while brandishing a firearm and threatening the cashier to hand over money. Ford has agreed to plead guilty to robbing The Spirit Shop through violence or threat of violence and did knowingly possess a firearm in furtherance of the crime of violence.
As part of the plea agreement Ford and Bethel also agreed that they participated or aided and abetted the following crimes:
(a) A home invasion on June 24, 2015, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where currency was stolen;
(b) A burglary resulting in a stolen firearm in Hillsboro in or about July through September 2015;
(c) A burglary of a vehicle in Fargo, North Dakota, in which monetary instruments were stolen on or about August 24, 2015, and on or about September 24, 2015;
(d) A burglary of a residence in Fargo, resulting in the theft of five firearms on or about September 24, 2015;
(e) Setting fire to four dumpsters in Fargo in an effort to determine law enforcement response time on or about September 28, 2015, as well as robbery of The Spirit Shop Liquor Store in Fargo;
(f) The pistol whipping assault of a victim resulting in serious bodily injury including unconsciousness on or about September 19, 2015 in Fargo; and,
(g) Conspiracy to distribute marijuana in North Dakota.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for Ford to be held on April 19, 2016, and Bethel’s sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2016, in the U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.
This case is being investigated by the Fargo Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the case.
Grand Forks Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Role in Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 1, 2016, Ryan Jon Jensen, 20, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Fargo to 240 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson. Jensen was ordered to pay $17, 264.93 in restitution for funeral expenses and was also ordered to serve up to five years supervised release after his sentence.
Jensen had previously pled guilty on February 27, 2015, to the following charges:
1) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death.
2) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
3) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
4) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death
5) Money Laundering Conspiracy
U.S. Attorney Chris Myers noted: "This is a tragic case. There are two kids dead and a number of kids were sent to the hospital from the poison this defendant was distributing in the city of Grand Forks. These substances were readily available for purchase on the Dark Web with the use of a computer. We all need to work together to combat this problem. It is not just a law enforcement problem, but a community problem that needs a community solution. I applaud the steps taken thus far by our state and local partners in Grand Forks to engage the public through education, discussion, and action – we must continue to hold the line together to save lives."
This case is being investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Portland (OR) Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers and AUSA Scott Schneider are prosecuting the case.
Iowa Man Changes His Plea to Guilty in the Robbery of a Fargo InnRead the Press Release
FARGO -U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 29, 2016, Eric Lee Webb, 31, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, officially changed his plea to guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a three count Information. The Information charged Webb with 1) Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery 2) Use and Carrying of a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence 3) Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.
On June 4, 2015, Webb entered the Howard Johnson Inn, 301 3rd Ave. N., Fargo, ND, wielded a firearm at an employee of the Inn demanding money. During the robbery, Webb discharged his firearm in the Howard Johnson Inn. An employee provided Webb with cash. The Fargo Police Department was immediately called and shortly thereafter confronted Webb. He then discharged his firearm at Officers Todd Wahl and Matt Niemeyer while attempting to flee. Webb was prohibited from carrying a firearm or ammunition for having been previously convicted of: 1) Burglary in the Third Degree, a felony, in Iowa District Court; and 2) Robbery in the Second Degree, a felony, in Iowa District Court.
Judge Erickson set sentencing for April 21, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and The Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
First Assistant U. S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer is prosecuting the case.
Spirit Lake Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 28, 2016, Jay Littlewind Sr., 41, Tokio, North Dakota, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 30 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. Judge Erickson also ordered Littlewind to serve 5 years of supervised release and to pay a special assessment of $100 to the Crime Victims Fund. On October 5, 2015, Littlewind was found guilty after a three-day jury trial.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on or about Jan. 25, 2008, through Feb. 13, 2008, Littlewind committed a sexual act on a child as she lay sleeping in her mother’s bed; her mother was at work at the time of the offense. The jury found that Littlewind knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Janice Morley prosecuted the case.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Man Pleads guilty to Sex Trafficking of Children and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Woman Pleads Guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of ProstitutionRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 26, 2016, Kurtis William Johnson, 26, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Tara Malinda Ridley, 26, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R Erickson. Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of Sex Trafficking of Children and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking. Ridley pleaded guilty to one count of Interstate Travel in Aid of Prostitution.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement after the North Dakota Highway Patrol pulled over a rental vehicle driven by Kurtis Johnson. Found with Johnson was a woman and a 17-year-old female who Johnson transported from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the purpose of prostitution. A subsequent investigation revealed that Johnson was provided narcotics by Tyrice Akins in exchange for transporting women and one juvenile to various locations throughout the United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and North Dakota, throughout 2014 and 2015 for the purpose of prostitution.
The investigation further revealed that Tara Ridley facilitated Tyrice Akins’ business enterprise involving prostitution by renting vehicles for Akins that were used by Johnson to transport the women to North Dakota and elsewhere.
Tyrice Akins was indicted in May of 2015, and is currently awaiting trial on April 12, 2016.
This case is being investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consists of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
The NDHTTF includes representatives from Youthworks, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Lutheran Social Services, the ND Association of Counties, a Force to End hUman Sexual Exploitation (FUSE), a survivor of human trafficking, First Nations Women’s Alliance (FNWA), and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Grand Forks Resident Sentenced in Fentanyl Conspiracy Operation DenialRead the Press Release
FARGO - U S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 26, 2016, Joshua Tyler Fulp, 20, Grand Forks, N.D., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge to serve 12 years in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death. Judge Erickson also sentenced Fulp to 36 months supervised release and to pay $17,264 restitution jointly and severally with other co-defendants, as well as pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in January 2014, Fulp and a co-defendant’s began receiving shipments of fentanyl from Oregon. The investigation started in North Dakota on Jan. 3, 2015, with the overdose death of 18-year-old Bailey Henke of Grand Forks. The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force began investigating what would become known as "Operation Denial," which alleges that the drugs and substances were obtained from Canada and China.
On Jan. 25, 2016, Judge Erickson also sentenced co-defendants David Todd Noye Jr., 19, Grand Forks, ND, to 39 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release, and also Kain Daniel Schwandt, 20, Grand Forks, ND, to 42 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division, Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force, Oregon State Police, and the Grand Forks Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers and AUSA Scott Schneider are prosecuted the case.
Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Woman for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 26, 2016, Ronnel Johnson, 31, Minneapolis, Minn., pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to One Count of Transportation for the Purposes of Prostitution.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the North Dakota Highway Patrol stopped a rental vehicle driven by Johnson on I-94 near Valley City, North Dakota. Johnson and his female passenger were traveling from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Williston, North Dakota. When interviewed by law enforcement during the traffic stop, Johnson and his passenger gave conflicting stories about the purpose of their trip to Williston. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed cell phones which contained text messages sent and received by Johnson that revealed that he was involved in directing prostitution. Johnson’s cell phone also revealed sexually explicit photographs of at least two women that were identical to photographs that ran in backpage.com advertisements for commercial sex in western North Dakota.
One such victim depicted in photographs that were recovered from Johnson’s cell phone and the backpage.com advertisement reported that Johnson had previously transported her to Williston, North Dakota, for the purpose of prostitution.
Sentencing has tentatively been set for April 18, 2016, at the U. S. District Court in Fargo. Johnson could face up to 10-years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and/or a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Highway Patrol, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.