District of New Jersey
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Home Health Agency Operator BAYADA to Pay $17 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations for Paying KickbackRead the Press Release
BAYADA, BAYADA Home Health Care Inc., BAYADA Health LLC and BAYADA Home Care (collectively, the BAYADA Companies), headquartered in Moorestown, New Jersey, have agreed to pay $17 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act’s Anti-Kickback Statute by paying a kickback to a retirement home operator by purchasing two of its home health agencies (HHAs) located in Arizona.
The United States alleges that the BAYADA Companies bought the two HHAs to induce referrals to BAYADA of Medicare beneficiaries from retirement communities operated by the seller throughout the United States, and that from Jan. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2020, the BAYADA Companies submitted false claims for payment to Medicare for services provided to beneficiaries referred to BAYADA as a result of the kickback transaction.
“Parties who pay or receive kickbacks in order to induce referrals undermine the integrity of the health care system,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This resolution reflects the department’s commitment to protect the right of federal health care program beneficiaries to receive medical care that is not influenced by the financial interests of their health care providers.”
“When healthcare providers make or induce referrals that are based on kickback arrangements rather than the best interests of patients, they risk patient harm, threaten the integrity of federal healthcare programs and violate federal law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig for the District of New Jersey. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and our partners in the Department of Justice and at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) will continue to pursue those who, like BAYADA, offer kickbacks for patient referrals, no matter the disguise those kickback arrangements might wear.”
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits parties who participate in federal health care programs from knowingly and willfully offering, paying or receiving any remuneration in order to induce the recommendation of any item for which payment is made in whole or in part under a covered federal health care program. The prohibition extends to asset purchases that are intended to induce referrals.
The settlement with the BAYADA Companies includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by David Freedman, who was the former director of strategic growth for BAYADA between 2009 and 2016. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Freedman will receive more than $3 million. The matter remains under seal as to allegations against entities other than the BAYADA Companies.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from the HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Meyler for the District of New Jersey.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Philadelphia Man Admits Conspiring to Illegally Export Firearms Parts from United States to Turkey and Republic of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to smuggle more than $200,000 worth of firearms parts out of the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ibrahim Karabatak, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and U.S. anti-smuggling laws.
According to the documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
The Arms Export Control Act prohibits the export of defense articles and defense services without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Department of State. Karabatak admitted that from November 2018 through March 2019, he and other conspirators (including Samet Doyduk) agreed to ship firearms parts from the United States to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. Karabatak, Doyduk and others used credit cards, Pay Pal accounts, and other forms of payment to purchase firearms parts from suppliers in the United States. Karabatak and Doyduk would then repackage the firearms parts, falsely label the contents of the package, and export the firearms parts to their customers in Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. To disguise their role in the conspiracy, the conspirators used aliases when sending the packages containing prohibited items. Upon receiving the firearms parts, the customers in Turkey and in the Republic of Georgia paid Doyduk and the other conspirators by international wire transfers or directly paid Karabatak in cash while he was in Turkey. The firearms parts included upper receivers, barrels, and magazines for several different types of Glock handguns, including Glocks in the following calibers: 9mm, .40 caliber, and .357 caliber.
During the course of the conspiracy, Karabatak, Doyduk and others purchased and directed the unlawful exportation of more than $200,000 worth of defense articles from the United States to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia without the required export license.
The conspiracy charge to which Karabatak pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10. 2022. Doyduk pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 20, 2021 and is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 15, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked HSI agents in Ankara, Turkey and Frankfurt, Germany; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Postal Inspection Services, JFK airport, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Two Postal Employees Charged with Fraud in Conection with Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. -- Two New Jersey postal employees were arrested today for their alleged roles in a fraud committed in connection with unemployment insurance benefits, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Khaori Monroe, 28, of Newark, and Ross Clayton, 30, of Irvington, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. They are scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.
According to the complaints:
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides unemployment insurance benefits (UIB) for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment (e.g., self-employed, independent contractors, and gig economy workers). The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance that provides an additional $600 weekly benefit to those eligible for PUA and regular UIB. Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a state-federal program that provides unemployment insurance benefits (UIB) to eligible workers.
Monroe and Clayton were U.S. Postal Service employees. Monroe and Clayton each took UIB-related mail, including debit cards, from a U.S. Postal Service location in New Jersey and used that mail to obtain unemployment insurance benefits to which they were not entitled.
The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profits or gross loss, whichever is greatest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka in Manhattan; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins in Newark; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Justice Department Settles with Newark Public Schools to Protect English Learner StudentsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Newark Public Schools to resolve the department’s investigation into the school district’s programs for its English learner students, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Rachael A. Honig and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today.
The agreement ends the district’s longstanding and common practice of removing students from English learner programs before they become fluent in English. The district has agreed to improve services for English learner students so they can access the same educational opportunities as other students in the Newark Public Schools.
The department’s multi-year investigation uncovered wide-ranging failures to properly serve students learning English. The department found that the district failed to hire and retain enough qualified teachers to support its program, resulting in limited instruction time for some students, and for others, no language services at all. The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey investigated under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.
“Our office steadfastly supports the civil rights of all students, including English learners,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “We are pleased that the Newark Board of Education has agreed to fully embrace its obligation to meet the language needs of its English learners and resolve the serious violations of federal law uncovered during this investigation. We will continue to hold school districts and other education agencies accountable so that all students in New Jersey have equal access to educational opportunities.”
“School districts must provide effective English learner services so that all students can create an American dream of their own,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will continue fighting to ensure compliance with our federal civil rights laws as we stand up for every student’s right to equal educational opportunities across our country. The comprehensive requirements in this settlement agreement will create lasting change and provide access to education for thousands of English learner students in Newark.”
The Justice Department will monitor the district’s implementation of the settlement agreement for at least three full school years until the district has fully complied with its obligations.
This press release is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and French.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Horan Florio, Civil Rights Unit; Renee Wohlenhaus, Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section; Jonathan Newton, Trial Attorney, Educational Opportunities Section; and Laura Fentonmiller, Trial Attorney, Educational Opportunities Section.
The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division and of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at https://www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ or with the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or may call the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339.
Sussex County Woman Charged with Producing, Distributing, and Advertising Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, woman was charged today with producing, distributing, and advertising images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Dominique Saczawa, 31, of Sparta, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of advertisement of child pornography. She appeared today by video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case:
In August 2021, Saczawa used a web-based application to share images and videos depicting the sexual assault of a child, and to solicit others to share similar content. Saczawa produced video and images of a minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct and Saczawa communicated these to other individuals through the web-based application.
The charges of production and advertisement of child pornography each carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelica M. Sinopole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime & Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Camden Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute over 1 Kilogram of HeroinRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. B A Camden man was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for conspiring to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
David Velez, 31, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (heroin) from June 2018 through November 2018. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Using confidential informants, consensual recordings, over 40 controlled drug purchases, and court-authorized wiretaps, the investigation showed a large-scale drug operation in the 400-500 block of Pine Street in Camden in 2017-2018. Street-level sellers were supervised by managers, who also resupplied them with pre-packaged heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Velez and his brother, Ramon Velez, sold heroin from the area surrounding his residence on Morgan Boulevard. David Velez was arrested on January 8, 2019.
Nineteen defendants were arrested on drug trafficking charges based on the investigation; 16 defendants have pleaded guilty on drug conspiracy charges, 12 of whom are awaiting sentencing. The remaining three defendants are awaiting trial.
The following co-defendants have been previously sentenced: Kaliel Johnson, 28, sentenced on June 3, 2021, to 110 months in prison; Ramon Velez, 44, sentenced on June 9, 2021, to 10 years in prison; Naeem Sadler, 21, sentenced on July 27, 2021, to 130 months in prison; and William Carrillo, 45, sentenced on Aug. 3, 2021, to 130 months in prison.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced David Velez to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley S. Benavides; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sherriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief William P. Monaghan; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Camden Office.
The charges and allegations against the three defendants awaiting trial are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Middlesex County Man Admits Lying in Employment Application with DEARead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted to lying about his educational background in his application for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Gulshan Manko, 37, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of making false statements to federal agents.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Manko submitted an application, referred to as an SF-86 Form, for employment as a federal agent with the DEA. Manko submitted fictitious academic transcripts from two higher education institutions located in New Jersey and represented that he had graduated from these two academic institutions. Manko made these statements in his employment application knowing that they were false in an attempt to gain employment with the DEA.
The count of providing false statements to which Manko pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, and special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
Two New Jersey Men Arrested for Mail Theft/Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man and an Essex County, New Jersey man were arrested in connection with two criminal complaints charging them with scheming with U.S. Postal Service employees and others to commit mail theft, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Yaseen Salih, 24, of Iselin, New Jersey, and Adeeb Salih, 29, of East Orange, New Jersey, were charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit mail theft and to possess stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. Yaseen Salih was arrested today and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was detained. Adeeb Salih remains at large. Hakir Brown, 27, of Newark was arrested today and charged by way of a separate complaint with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit mail theft and to possess stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
USPS employees Khadijah Banks Oneal and Ashley Taylor stole envelopes containing credit cards, checks, and U.S. Treasury checks from the mail. From Dec. 12, 2020, to July 31, 2021, Taylor sold stolen mail to Yaseen Salih; from Jan. 30, 2020, until her arrest on July 28, 2021, Banks Oneal sold stolen mail to Jahad Salter and Dashaun Brown and supplied stolen mail to Hakir Brown. Yaseen Salih and Adeeb Salih, Hakir Brown, Salter, and Banks Oneal, fraudulently posed as the accountholders of stolen credit cards, called the banks that issued the stolen credit cards, and used personal identifying information belonging to the accountholder to obtain or change information about the stolen credit cards. They then used the stolen credit cards to, among other things, make purchases at retail stores in New Jersey and elsewhere, including New York and online, resulting in attempted losses of over $300,000. Adeeb Salih deposited stolen checks into bank accounts that were under his control to obtain the checks’ proceeds.
The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. The charges of mail theft and possession of stolen U.S. Mail, and conspiracy to commit that offense, each carry a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed for bank fraud, and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
The following defendants were also charged in late July and early August 2021 in connection with this scheme:
- Banks Oneal, 30, of Newark, was charged by complaint on July 28, 2021, with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and mail theft. She was arrested the same day, and on July 29, 2021, appeared before Judge Espinosa, and was released on a $30,000 bond. At the time of her arrest, Banks Oneal was employed by the USPS at a mail processing facility in Kearny, New Jersey.
- Salter, 25, of Newark, was charged by complaint on July 29, 2021, with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and conspiracy to commit mail theft. He was arrested on August 9, 2021, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk, and was detained.
- Dashaun Brown, 30, of Newark was charged by complaint on July 29, 2021 with access device fraud and mail theft. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he remains at large.
- Taylor, 27, of Bronx, New York, was charged by complaint on Aug. 2, 2021, with conspiracy to commit mail theft and, as a federal employee, accepting bribes. She was arrested on Aug. 3, 2021, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor, and was released on a $30,000 bond. At the time of her arrest, Taylor was employed by the USPS at a post office in New York, New York.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, Newark Division; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, District of New Jersey, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Mid-Atlantic Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew S. McKay; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; the Livingston, New Jersey Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gary Marshuetz; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara; the Essex County, New Jersey Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the New Providence, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Theresa A. Gazaway; and the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Jason Massimino, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara F. Merin of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Essex County Man Charged in Shooting of Two PeopleRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man with a previous felony was arrested today on charges related to the shooting of two people in a housing complex, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ramad Moultrie, 19, of Newark, is charged by complaint with unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Aug. 2, 2021, members of the Newark Police Department responded to multiple shootings at the Grace West Manor Complex on Irvine Turner Boulevard, where they located two victims with gunshot wounds. Surveillance video recorded Moultrie waving members of a crowd, including small children, out of his way before firing a handgun towards the two victims. Three .45 auto caliber casings were recovered from the area where Moultrie discharged the firearm. A .45 caliber handgun and a quantity of heroin were recovered when Moultrie was arrested at his residence.
Moultrie has been convicted twice in the state of New Jersey for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and once for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
The felon in possession of ammunition charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special deputies of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Shaughnessy of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bergen County Man Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man was arrested today on four counts of tax evasion, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jason Kronick, 48, of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, was charged by indictment on Aug. 25, 2021, with three counts of income tax evasion and one count of employment tax evasion. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on $1 million unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
For the tax years 2008 through 2010, Kronick evaded payment of more than $4.3 million in income taxes, not including penalties and interest, despite having earned approximately $20 million in taxable income. Kronick used approximately $1.5 million from his business bank accounts to buy approximately 40 rare and expensive watches; used at least $1.9 million from the business accounts to pay for home renovations; used company funds to pay at least $700,000 in personal credit card bills; transferred more than $700,000 from his business accounts to various casinos, where he converted the money to chips, gambled, and then redeemed chips for cash; and cashed approximately $160,000 in checks at check-cashing businesses to conceal the proceeds from the IRS. Kronick also filed a statement with the IRS in 2011, falsely claiming that he had no income for that year, when in fact he received more than $2.8 million in income.
Each of the four counts of tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Newark Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Armed Jewelry Heist in Elizabeth, New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man was sentenced today to 360 months in prison for his role in the September 2017 armed robbery of a jewelry exchange in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig announced.
William Valentin, 43, was previously found guilty of one count of conspiring to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of conspiring to use a firearm during a crime of violence. Valentin was convicted following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo, who imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On the morning of Sept. 5, 2017, four masked individuals, led by Valentin, entered a jewelry exchange located in Elizabeth. Valentin brandished a firearm at an employee while the other conspirators unloaded the contents of the store’s safes into large bags. Video surveillance showed Valentin and other conspirators entering the mall, approaching the jewelry exchange, and running out with the bags of jewelry. Afterwards, Valentin and his conspirators drove away in a black Audi. In January 2018, Valentin was arrested in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with a backpack containing jewelry stolen from the Elizabeth exchange in his possession.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Valentin to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., in Newark; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief Giacomo Sacca; and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, with the investigation. She also thanked the Holyoke Police Department, under the direction of Chief Manny Febo, for its assistance in the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Repole and Cari Fais of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Mercer County Woman Charged with Impersonating FBI AgentRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, woman made her initial appearance today on a charge that she impersonated an FBI agent, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Nealeigh Glasper, 29, of Trenton, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of impersonating an officer of an agency of the United States. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court and was released on $25,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Late in the evening on April 13, 2021, officers of the Trenton Police Department observed a vehicle with heavily tinted windows, in apparent violation of New Jersey state law, driving in a high-crime area of Trenton. The officers conducted a motor vehicle stop, during which they requested that the driver and passenger lower all four of the vehicle’s tinted windows for the officers’ visibility and safety. Upon lowering the vehicle’s front and rear passenger windows, Glasper immediately and repeatedly told the officers that she was an FBI special agent. She twice told the officers in a loud and clear voice, “I’m FBI,” and introduced herself as “Special Agent Glasper,” and stated that she “work[ed] cybersecurity in the Philly office.” Glasper continued to hold herself out as an FBI special agent, stated multiple times that she worked for the federal government, and offered to provide her badge to the officers. The officers issued the driver a motor vehicle citation and the motor vehicle stop concluded.
Shortly thereafter, the officers returned to the area because Glasper had reported that the driver of the vehicle could not find his driver’s license and believed that the officers had not returned it at the conclusion of the motor vehicle stop. During that follow-up encounter with the same officers, Glasper was wearing an empty gun holster on her right hip and ultimately advised the officers that she would call her “superior” to advise him or her of the misplaced license. Glasper is not, and never has been, an FBI special agent.
The false impersonation charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Interim Police Director, Steve E. Wilson, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Super Pitts of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Newark Man Admits Possessing Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man today admitted possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
D’Sean Roper, 27, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 18, 2021, Newark Police Department officers observed a large group of people in front of a house on Fairmount Avenue in Newark. An officer saw what appeared to be a black handle of a gun protruding from Roper's waistband. Officers approached Roper and saw the outline of the object in his pants that appeared to be a gun. He was found to have a Hi-Point 9mm handgun loaded with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition and five bricks of heroin.
The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and members of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
This case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, the Orange Police Department and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert Frazer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime/Gang Unit in Newark.
New York Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York, man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for his participation in a heroin mill located in the Bronx, New York, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Johan Manuel Lopez Brito, 34, of the Bronx, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between 2019 and June 2020, Lopez Brito conspired with others to distribute heroin and other drugs to customers in New Jersey and elsewhere. Lopez Brito worked at the mill packaging narcotics for distribution. On June 30, 2020, law enforcement searched the organization’s mill in the Bronx and recovered heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The quantity of heroin alone amounted to approximately 8,650 individual doses. Law enforcement seized the drug trafficking organization’s distribution materials, including glassines, tape, scales, cutting agents to mix with narcotics to increase their weight and value, and stamps for the branding of the drugs. Lopez Brito was at the mill during the search and was arrested.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Lopez Brito to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
New York Life Insurance Broker Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York Life insurance broker was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently use his association with the company to solicit investor money, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ivan Ramos, 39, of Hillside, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Court Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of securities fraud. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ramos, who worked at New York Life selling life insurance, sought out inexperienced investors seeking low-risk investments. The victims met Ramos after purchasing life insurance through him, or through New York Life marketing events, or through mutual acquaintances. Ramos led his victims to believe, through misrepresentations and omissions, that two entities that he controlled, Invexperts LLC and Wealth Seeds Capital LLC, were associated with New York Life when they were not. The victims believed that the money they entrusted to Ramos would be placed in investments through New York Life, and accordingly multiple victims referenced New York Life on the memo line of their investment checks. One victim, for example, attended a New York Life seminar, then subsequently met with Ramos at his office in Edison, and ultimately invested in Invexperts believing it was associated with New York Life.
Ramos falsely told victims that their investments in Invexperts and Wealth Seeds were no-risk with fixed annual returns. Instead of investing their money as he promised he would, Ramos used the funds for purposes not disclosed to the victims, including, among other things, to pay for personal expenses for Ramos and others, to develop a restaurant called “Frisky Bull Barbeque” in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and to repay other investors.
Ramos obtained over $1 million in investor money through the fraudulent scheme.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Ramos to three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a civil complaint against Ramos based on the allegations underlying the securities fraud charge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
Former Essex County Postal Employee Admits Stealing Credit Cards from Mail in Access Device Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee today admitted stealing credit cards sent through the mail as part of a conspiracy to commit access device fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Kyle Williams, 36, of Vauxhall, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Williams was employed by the USPS. From July 2019 to August 2020, Williams stole from the mail credit cards issued by financial institutions outside of New Jersey and provided those credit cards to his conspirators, who fraudulently activated them and used them to make and attempt to make purchases without the cardholders’ authorization, including buying gift cards and electronics. The investigation to date has revealed that the victims have incurred over approximately $100,000 in intended and actual losses from fraudulent purchases made using their stolen credit cards. In addition to stealing and illegally using credit cards, Williams and his conspirators also schemed to fraudulently use over $11,000 of funds pre-loaded onto Economic Impact Payment (EIP) cards issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury and sent in the U.S. mail pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), that were stolen from the mail. The CARES Act authorized EIP payments structured as one-time refundable tax credits to certain eligible taxpayers of $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, and up to $500 for each qualifying child. The goal of the EIP card fraud was for the conspirators to unlawfully obtain the government funds pre-loaded onto these cards, in amounts ranging from approximately $400 to approximately $2,400.
The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 90 months in prison in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2022.
Williams was charged with Jarid Brooks, 27, Justin Brooks, 21, and Kyjuan Hutchins, 22, also of Vauxhall, in October 2020. Jarid Brooks and Justin Brooks were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to receive stolen mail, commit bank fraud, and defraud the USPS and the U.S. Department of Treasury, theft of stolen mail, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession with intent to distribute narcotics (Jarid Brooks only), and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number (Justin Brooks only). The indictment is pending before Judge Cecchi. Hutchins has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit access device fraud and is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi; and special agents with the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Caldwell Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Boonton Police Department, and the Millburn Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations against Jarid Brooks and Justin Brooks are merely accusations, and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gloucester County Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County, New Jersey, man was charged with possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Joseph Cooper, 75, of Williamstown, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. Cooper is expected to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case:
In October 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cooper’s residence. Computers in Cooper’s residence contained more than 50 videos and 200 images of child sexual abuse, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The computers also contained logs documenting Cooper’s participation in internet chatrooms relating to sexual interest in children.
In a prior federal prosecution in New Jersey in 1999, Cooper was convicted of interstate transportation of child pornography via the internet. In 2011, Cooper was convicted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington County, of cruelty and neglect of a child. The charge of possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent children by a repeat offender carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
The charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bergen County Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Illegally Using Individuals’ Identities to Obtain More Than $300,000Read the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for participating in a scheme to obtain over $300,000 by illegally charging or attempting to charge victims’ financial accounts without authorization, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Briana Burford, 27, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging her with wire fraud. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From October 2018 through December 2018, Burford made four Bitcoin transactions. The Bitcoin were sent to accounts associated with carding websites, which are websites that engage in the trafficking of stolen or otherwise illegally obtained credit card, bank account and other personal identification information, as well as services and tools that one can use to engage in fraudulent activity.
The two telephone numbers used to make the four Bitcoin transactions, along with other telephone numbers, were used to inquire about bank accounts that were later compromised and subject to fraud. For instance, on Aug. 31, 2018, one of the telephone numbers was used to contact a bank and inquire about a specific bank account. Later that day, Burford, without authorization, charged a purchase of approximately $9,000 to that bank account.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Burford to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $245,570 in restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Three Members of ‘135 Piru’ Set of Bloods Street Gang Charged with Firearms and Narcotics Offenses, Including Possession of Two Assault-Style PistolsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three Essex County, New Jersey, men have been charged in connection with possessing five firearms and distributing, and possessing with the intent to distribute, controlled substances in Orange, East Orange, and Newark, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Myron Fulton, 29, of East Orange, is charged by complaint with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Joshua Baltimore, aka “Ab,” 29, of Newark, and Azmar Carter, aka “Bizzy,” 29, of East Orange, are each charged by complaint with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Carter is also charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Fulton appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer and was released on $100,000 bond. Carter and Baltimore appeared by videoconference on Aug. 18, 2021, before Judge Hammer and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The “135 Piru” set of the Bloods street gang operates primarily around Orange and distributes a large quantity of narcotics throughout Essex County. Baltimore, Carter and Fulton are self-admitted members of the 135 Piru set.
On June 30, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Fulton’s car and recovered a firearm and a high-capacity magazine that contained 33 rounds of ammunition. Fulton is not permitted to possess a firearm and ammunition based on prior convictions for firearm possession and aggravated assault.
On Aug. 18, 2021, during lawful searches of their respective residences and cars, law enforcement officers recovered the following items: a loaded 9 millimeter pistol; a loaded .40 caliber pistol; a Draco AK 47 pistol and 48 rounds of associated ammunition; a loaded Smith and Wesson AR pistol and 27 rounds of associated ammunition; 479 grams of suspected heroin; 16.4 grams of suspected cocaine base; and $18,632.
The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The narcotics counts carry a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a fine of $2 million. The counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carry a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; members of the Orange Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Todd Warren; members of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Giacomo Sacca and Police Director Earl J. Graves; members of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi; and members of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to the charges.
This case is part of Operation Orange, which is a part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, the Orange Police Department and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations against the defendants are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Hudson County Men Charged for Roles in Jersey City ShootoutRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Jersey City, New Jersey, men who were involved in a shootout made their initial court appearances today on charges that they possessed ammunition as previously convicted felons, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Shamir Blunt, 35, and Mark Franklin, 29, are charged by criminal complaint with one count each of being felons in possession of ammunition. Blunt and Franklin made their initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case:
In the early morning hours of May 23, 2021, Blunt was standing on the sidewalk in front of a bodega in the Grove Street area of Jersey City. Franklin parked across the street. Franklin got out of his car, and the two men started arguing. Blunt walked to the bodega and opened the door. Franklin followed him.
As Blunt entered the bodega, Franklin punched him in the face several times. The two struggled until Franklin pulled a gun out and fired a shot. Police later recovered a 9-millimeter shell casing from Franklin’s gun inside the bodega. Franklin then left and put the gun back inside his hoodie.
Emerging from the bodega, Blunt ran at Franklin and shot at him twice from close range. Franklin fell to the ground, and then he pulled out his own firearm and returned fire. The two men continued to exchange gun shots from across the street.
Franklin and Blunt shot at each other over 15 times, and both men were hit. They eventually got in their cars, sped away, and went to Jersey City Medical Center where police later found each of their cars parked outside. Police also collected their clothing from the hospital, which matched the clothing they were wearing during the firefight.
Police also later found at least nine 9-millimeter shell casings from Franklin’s gun and at least four 9-millimeter shell casings from Blunt’s gun. They also found several bullets lodged in parked cars and in windows of nearby businesses.
At the time, both Blunt and Franklin had at least one prior felony conviction.
The felon in possession of ammunition charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, with the investigation. She also thanked the Jersey City Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Acting Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Middlesex County Man Admits Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted that he possessed several kilograms of heroin with the intent to sell, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Eduard Avila Rivas, 33, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 10, 2020, Avila Rivas travelled to Clarksboro, New Jersey, and met with an associate in order to carry out a sale of several kilograms of heroin. Following Avila Rivas’ arrival, law enforcement officers searched his vehicle and seized close to three kilograms of heroin packaged for sale.
The drug trafficking count to which Avila Rivas pleaded guilty is punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a maximum fine $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 22, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Atlantic City Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Cary Shill, and the Gloucester County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Essex County Man Indicted for Gunpoint Robbery of Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in a January 2021 gunpoint robbery of a cell phone store in East Orange, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Kenneth Graham, 49, of Newark, is charged by indictment with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He will be arraigned at a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 18, 2021, Graham was in a cell phone store when he drew a gun and pointed it at a store employee. Graham ordered the employee to place several cell phones from the display case and cash from the register into his bag. Video surveillance footage near the store showed Graham enter a black Nissan Altima after the robbery and drive away. Witnesses confirmed that Graham was the person entering the Nissan Altima after robbing the store.
The count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. It also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years of prison in this case because Graham was previously convicted of the same crime in 2007 in connection with three gunpoint bank robberies in New Jersey. The sentence on this charge must be consecutive to any other sentence imposed. The Hobbs Act robbery charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and members of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phylis Bindi, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brooklyn, New York, Man Charged in $9 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRSRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Brooklyn, New York, man was charged today for conspiring to defraud the IRS, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Aleksander Zaretser, 41, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the IRS. He will be arraigned on a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case:
From 2011 to August 2018, Zaretser helped “Individual-1” conceal millions of dollars in insurance reimbursement checks that Individual-1 diverted from the Prime Aid Pharmacies, located in New Jersey and New York. For a fee, Zaretser either cashed the checks at Brooklyn check-cashing businesses using fraudulent check-cashing accounts or diverted them through Canadian bank accounts back into U.S. accounts that Individual-1 owned and controlled. Zaretser was recorded saying that Canada was “the best place” because it was more lenient “for white collar crime.” Attempting to minimize his criminal activity, Zaretser also stated, “We don’t steal from people we steal from fuckin’ government.”
After law enforcement attempted to question Zaretser about his criminal conduct, Zaretser asked Individual-1 to pay for his legal fees, stating that he would stay quiet and not cooperate with law enforcement. Later, Zaretser encouraged Individual-1 to lie to law enforcement about their scheme and stated that he would not provide information if questioned about hiding checks from the IRS.
The scheme resulted in total tax loss to the IRS of approximately $9.1 million.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charge and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Men Sentenced to 29 Months in Prison Each for Roles in Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl from Drug Mill in the Bronx to Customers in New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Bronx, New York, men were sentenced today to 29 months in prison each for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl to customers in New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Eddy Urena Rodriguez, 36, and Francisco Mercedes Gil, 33, both previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to informations charging them with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Judge Salas imposed the sentences by videoconference today. Dilson Vazquez Genao, 25, also of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced on the same charge last month to 29 months in prison.
Two other individuals – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 31, and Reimon Genao Rosario, 23 – were indicted on the same charge in August 2019. Their cases are pending.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In early February 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in the Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities. Maldonado employed Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Daury Contreras Ulerio, and Rosario, to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution to customers in New Jersey. Jose Vasquez Pena lived at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies.
On Feb. 25, 2019, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment. Genoa came out of the building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags. Through its investigation, law enforcement later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl.
Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags. On Feb. 27, 2019, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside: including Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Maldonado, and Pena. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window in the bedroom. All but one—Rosario—were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date. Law enforcement recovered nearly a kilogram of fentanyl from the apartment, along with materials to grind and package fentanyl for distribution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould, Acting Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations against Maldonado and Rosario are merely accusations, and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl into New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for his role in transporting approximately two kilograms of fentanyl into New Jersey for distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Adrian Vargas Arroyo, 31, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In October 2019, Vargas Arroyo drove a tractor trailer into New Jersey with a bag containing four half-kilogram packages of fentanyl. Vargas Arroyo arranged to distribute the narcotics at a location in Middlesex County, New Jersey, where he was ultimately arrested.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti also sentenced Vargas Arroyo to two years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Defraud Banks of $250,000 Using Stolen Credit Cards and ChecksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to defraud two banks of $250,000 using stolen credit cards and blank checks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Allen Varice, 25, of East Orange, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence by videoconference today.
Varice’s conspirators – Dashawn Duncan, 27, of South Orange; Alexander Varice, 22, of South Orange; and Nasheed Jackson, 24, Tamir Duval, 22, and Qshaun Brown-Guinyard, 27, all of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before Judge Wigenton to informations charging each with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Duncan and Jackson were sentenced last month and each received a two-year sentence. Duval, Alexander Varice, and Brown-Guinyard are awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2018 through August 2019, Allen Varice and his conspirators engaged in a scheme to use stolen credit cards and/or checks to fraudulently make purchases and withdraw money from two banks, leaving the banks to bear the losses of the scheme.
The credit cards and blank checks were stolen from various New Jersey-based U.S. Postal Service facilities and never reached their intended recipients. After obtaining the stolen credit cards, Allen Varice and his conspirators used them to make unauthorized purchases at various retail stores and to withdraw cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) in New Jersey and elsewhere. They altered the date, payee, and amount of the stolen checks prior to deposit. Allen Varice and his conspirators then fraudulently withdrew money at various ATMs from third-party account holders’ accounts.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Varice to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $43,364.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, Newark Division, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Man Admits Money Laundering Conspiracy in Connection with Stolen Mail SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The first of 12 defendants charged in a stolen mail scheme has admitted responsibility for conspiring to launder money in connection with fraudulently deposited checks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Hans Pierre, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of money laundering conspiracy.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2018 through October 2020, Pierre conspired to launder money obtained from bank fraud. Pierre and his conspirators obtained checks written on bank accounts belonging to residents in the Newark area by stealing mail containing the checks from U.S. Post Office collection boxes. The conspirators altered the stolen checks so they appeared to be written payable to a different recipient and for a larger amount. Pierre and other conspirators then deposited the checks into other bank accounts and then transferred the money to each other using web-based money transfer applications.
The count of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, and New York Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Philip Bartlett, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Cumberland County Man Sentenced to 548 Months in Prison for Three Armed Bank Robberies and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 548 months in prison for his role in three armed bank robberies and related charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Stephan Byrd, 46, of Vineland, New Jersey, was convicted in April 2019 following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court on three counts of bank robbery; two counts of using and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of bank robbery; one count of using and discharging a firearm in furtherance of bank robbery; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On June 7, 2014, Byrd entered the Ocean City Home Bank in Mays Landing, New Jersey, armed with a gun. He approached the bank teller counter, pointed his gun at bank employees, warned them not to push the panic alarm button, and ultimately stole $5,576. Byrd fled the scene through the nearby woods.
On July 19, 2014, Byrd entered the Newfield National Bank in Vineland, New Jersey, with Charles Sanders, who pleaded guilty previously to his role in the crime. Both Byrd and Sanders were armed with guns and covered up from head to toe. Sanders remained in the lobby of the bank while Byrd vaulted the bank counters to gain access to the bank tellers and cash drawers. Byrd pointed his gun at various bank employees and stole $10,297 from the bank drawers, after which he and Sanders fled through the nearby woods. The money contained dye packs, which exploded during Byrd’s and Sanders’ escape.
On July 21, 2014, Byrd entered the Newfield National Bank in Malaga, New Jersey, armed with a gun and covered up from head to toe. Byrd vaulted the bank counters to gain access to the teller drawers, pointed his gun at the bank tellers, stole $6,139, and ran into the nearby woods. After Byrd ran into the woods, a bank customer attempted to follow him in order to get identifying information. When Byrd noticed that he was being followed, he pointed his gun at the customer and fired a shot in the customer’s direction. Byrd then fled the scene.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Byrd to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $23,807.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; officers with the Vineland Police Department, under the direction of Chief Rudy Beu; and officers with the Hamilton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stacy V. Tappeiner, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked officers of the North Brunswick Police Department, the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, and forensic scientists with N.J. State Police Office of Forensic Sciences and Ballistics Laboratory for their assistance in the case.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason Richardson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara A. Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Four Men Charged with Abducting Man from Camden Street and Holding Him for RansomRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Four men were arrested Aug. 14, 2021, for their alleged roles in abducting a man from a Camden street, beating him and then holding him captive while trying to extort $100,000 from the victim’s family, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Melvin Severino, 25, of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Welber Antonio Jesus, 24, and Yoandry Rodriguez, 21, both of Camden; and Cesar Alexander Batista Alcantara, 23, of Yonkers, New York, were each charged by complaint with kidnapping. The defendants are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court on Aug. 17, 2021.
According to documents filed in this case:
The victim was walking down a street in Camden on the night of Aug. 12, 2021, when at least two individuals approached him from behind, covered his head, assaulted him and put him into a vehicle. The assailants drove the victim to a Camden residence where they restrained him and continued to beat him with a hard object the victim could not see. After several hours, the kidnappers removed the head covering and took photographs and video footage of the bloodied and beaten victim with the victim’s cell phone. The kidnappers sent those images to the victim’s family, and threatened to kill the victim if family members did not pay them over $100,000. In the early morning hours of Aug. 14, 2021, the FBI, working in partnership with local law enforcement in New Jersey and New York, located the victim and all four defendants in a Camden residence. The FBI apprehended the defendants and took the victim to Cooper University Hospital for medical treatment.
The kidnapping charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley S. Benavides in Philadelphia and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in New York; officers of the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; detectives of the New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Dermot Shea; and the Camden County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Molly S. Lorber, Attorney in Charge of the Camden Office.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Cumberland County Man Admits Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Joan Benitez, 41, of Millville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On numerous occasions between Jan. 22, 2020, and Sept. 9, 2020, Benitez sold crystalized methamphetamine, also called “ice,” as part of a conspiracy to distribute those drugs. Benitez distributed approximately 1.7 kilograms of “ice” in furtherance of the conspiracy.
The count of conspiracy to which Benitez pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum sentenced of life in prison and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI of the Newark Field Office, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the New Jersey State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the Pleasantville Police Department, and the Atlantic City Police Department, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Atlantic County Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Trafficking and Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man with five prior felony convictions was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for illegally selling and possessing multiple firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Brandon Groce, 37, of Newtonville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with one count of illegally engaging in the business of dealing in firearms and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On six different dates between February 2019 and September 2019, Groce met with an individual at a parking lot in Paulsboro, New Jersey, to sell firearms. Groce sold at least one firearm and ammunition for cash at each meeting. Groce lacked a license to sell firearms. At the time of the sales, Groce had previously been convicted in New Jersey Superior Court of five felonies, including a firearms offense, resisting arrest, and three controlled substances offenses.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Groce to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Newark Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Two Vauxhall Men Indicted in Scheme to Steal Mail, Commit Credit Card Fraud and Defraud United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two men were charged today for their roles in a conspiracy to possess stolen mail, including credit cards and pandemic relief credit cards, commit bank fraud, and defraud the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jarid Brooks, 27, and his brother, Justin Brooks, 21, both of Vauxhall, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from victim financial institutions and the U.S. Department of Treasury by obtaining credit cards issued by the victim financial institutions and Economic Impact Payment (EIP) cards issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, which were stolen out of the U.S. mail by bribed U.S. Postal Service employees, and fraudulently using the stolen cards to make unauthorized purchases. They also are charged with aggravated identity theft. Jarid Brooks is also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and Justin Brooks is charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 2019 to Oct. 6, 2020, Jarid Books and Justin Brooks obtained credit cards stolen from the U.S. mail by U.S. Postal Service letter carriers, and then fraudulently activated those credit cards. They used those credit cards to make and attempt to make purchases without the cardholders’ authorization, including buying gift cards and electronics. The investigation to date has revealed that the victims have incurred approximately $100,000 in intended and actual losses from fraudulent purchases made using their stolen credit cards. In addition to stealing and illegally using credit cards, Jarid Brooks and Justin Brooks also schemed to fraudulently use over $11,000 of funds pre-loaded onto EIP cards issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury and sent in the U.S. mail pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), that were also stolen from the mail. The CARES Act authorized EIP payments structured as one-time refundable tax credits to certain eligible taxpayers of $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, and up to $500 for each qualifying child. The goal of this part of their fraud was for the conspirators to unlawfully obtain the government funds pre-loaded onto these cards, in amounts ranging from approximately $400 to approximately $2,400.
The indictment contains the following charges:
Counts
Defendants
Charge
1
Jarid Brooks
Justin Brooks
Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Mail, Commit Bank Fraud, Defraud the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Department of Treasury
2
Jarid Brooks
Justin Brooks
Receipt of Stolen Mail
3
Jarid Brooks
Justin Brooks
Bank Fraud
4
Jarid Brooks
Aggravated Identity Theft
5
Justin Brooks
Aggravated Identity Theft
6
Jarid Brooks
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin
7
Justin Brooks
Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number
The conspiracy, possession of mail theft, and firearm possession charges are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000. The bank fraud charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $1 million. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory penalty of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed. The narcotics possession charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $1 million.
Jarid and Justin Brooks were originally charged with Kyle Williams, 36, and Kyjuan Hutchins, 22, also of Vauxhall, in October 2020. The charges against Kyle Williams for his role in the stolen mail and bank fraud conspiracy are still pending. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Hutchins has pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office; and special agents with the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. She also thanked the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Caldwell Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Boonton Police Department, and the Millburn Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations against Jarid and Justin Brooks are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Role in Identity Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his participation in a scheme involving a network of individuals who used stolen payment card information in New Jersey and throughout the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Albert Miller, 29, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini. Judge Martini imposed the sentence this morning in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Miller participated in a network of individuals who obtained stolen payment card information and utilized the information to make fraudulent purchases throughout the United States. Miller previously acknowledged that he recruited so-called “travelers,” who carried out the scheme. Miller personally profited from each of his recruits’ illicit transactions. Miller also acknowledged providing stolen payment card and other personal information to other members of the scheme to facilitate additional fraudulent transactions.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini also sentenced Miller to one year of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $1.43 million.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents with the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
New York Man Admits Conspiring to Defraud New Jersey of $19 Million in Motor Fuel TaxRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted to his role in a wire fraud conspiracy which defrauded the State of New Jersey of over $19 million in motor fuel tax, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Roman Sobolevsky, 61, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between June 2019 and July 2020, Sobolevsky was the president of a Brooklyn-based motor fuel distribution company, identified in court documents as “Company-1.” Company-1 purchased motor fuel from a Texas-based motor fuel supplier (Fuel Supplier-1) at fuel terminals in Newark and Sewaren, New Jersey. Sobolevsky and others devised a scheme to falsely represent to Fuel Supplier-1 that Company-1 was delivering fuel to gas stations in Delaware, when, in fact, Company-1 was delivering fuel to gas stations in New Jersey. By doing so, Sobolevsky and Company-1 avoided paying New Jersey state fuel tax, which did not apply to fuel delivered outside of New Jersey. After Company-1’s fuel trucks picked up the fuel from Fuel Supplier-1, Sobolevsky directed the drivers to deliver the fuel to gas stations in New Jersey and not Delaware. The New Jersey gas station owners, knowing that Sobolevsky falsely represented to Fuel Supplier-1 that the fuel was being delivered to Delaware, purchased fuel from Sobolevsky and Company-1 at a lower price than other distributors. As a result, Sobolevsky and avoided paying approximately $19 million in motor fuel taxes owed to the State of New Jersey.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the directions of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, and the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, Office of Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Supervising Special Agent Marijane Lamattina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Amore of the Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
Justice Department Reaches Proposed Consent Decree with the State of New Jersey to Resolve Claims that the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women Violated the Constitution by Failing to Protect Prisoners from Sexual Abuse by StaffRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey today filed a complaint and a proposed consent decree with the State of New Jersey and New Jersey Department of Corrections concerning the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
The proposed consent decree, which must still be approved by the court, would resolve the United States’ claims that that the State and the Department of Corrections fails to protect prisoners at Edna Mahan from sexual abuse by the facility’s staff in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Under the proposed consent decree, the New Jersey Department of Corrections will, among other things, implement policies and practices to ensure that prisoners are protected from harm due to sexual abuse through appropriate prisoner supervision; effective and confidential methods for reporting of sexual abuse; and protections against retaliation for reporting sexual abuse. The proposed consent decree includes improved measures to ensure staff are held accountable for misconduct. It also requires greater transparency, through public meetings with stakeholders, including former Edna Mahan prisoners, prisoner advocates and family members of current Edna Mahan prisoners. The proposed consent decree also appoints an independent monitor who will oversee and assess the State’s compliance with the terms of the proposed consent decree. If the State of New Jersey closes Edna Mahan, the consent decree applies to any facility that replaces the prison.
“Every prisoner deserves to be safe from sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse by staff, and to be protected from retaliation for reporting abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Our agreement addresses the systemic issues that have plagued the Edna Mahan facility, ensures that women incarcerated there will receive the basic protections they are entitled to under the Constitution, and requires accountability through public transparency. We will keep working to protect the civil rights, safety and human dignity of all prisoners held inside our jails and prisons, including women prisoners, many of whom have suffered physical and sexual abuse before their incarceration.”
“Our civil rights investigation revealed systemic and long-standing deficiencies in training, supervision, and reporting at Edna Mahan, deficiencies that allowed the sexual abuse of prisoners to occur unabated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig for the District of New Jersey. “The State of New Jersey now has agreed to remediate these deficiencies by entering into this consent decree, and we look forward to continuing to work with the State and the Department of Corrections to ensure that no prisoner faces this kind of abuse in the future, whether at Edna Mahan or any other facility that might replace it.”
The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of New Jersey initiated the investigation in April 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, known as CRIPA, which authorizes the department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. In April 2020, the department provided the State written notice of the alleged unlawful conditions and remedial measures necessary to address them. Specifically, the department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Edna Mahan violated the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution by failing to protect prisoners from sexual abuse by staff.
Individuals with information relevant to department’s investigation of Edna Mahan are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice via email at [email protected] or by phone at 833-341-4675. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. To learn more about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey, additional information is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.
Justice Department Reaches Proposed Consent Decree with New Jersey to Resolve Claims that Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women Violated Constitution by Failing to Protect Prisoners from Sexual Abuse by StaffRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division today filed a complaint and a proposed consent decree with the state of New Jersey and New Jersey Department of Corrections concerning the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
The proposed consent decree, which must still be approved by the court, would resolve the United States’ claims that the state and the Department of Corrections fails to protect prisoners at Edna Mahan from sexual abuse by the facility’s staff in violation of the United States Constitution.
Under the proposed consent decree, the New Jersey Department of Corrections will implement policies and practices to ensure that prisoners are protected from harm due to sexual abuse through appropriate prisoner supervision; effective and confidential methods for reporting of sexual abuse; and protections against retaliation for reporting sexual abuse. The proposed consent decree includes improved measures to ensure staff are held accountable for misconduct. It also requires greater transparency through public meetings with stakeholders, including former Edna Mahan prisoners, prisoner advocates, and family members of current Edna Mahan prisoners. The proposed consent decree also appoints an independent monitor who will oversee and assess the state’s compliance with the terms of the proposed consent decree. If the state of New Jersey closes Edna Mahan, the consent decree applies to any facility that replaces the prison.
“Our civil rights investigation revealed systemic and long-standing deficiencies in training, supervision, and reporting at Edna Mahan, deficiencies that allowed the sexual abuse of prisoners to occur unabated,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “The state of New Jersey now has agreed to remediate these deficiencies by entering into this consent decree, and we look forward to continuing to work with the state and the Department of Corrections to ensure that no prisoner faces this kind of abuse in the future, whether at Edna Mahan or any other facility that might replace it.”
“Every prisoner deserves to be safe from sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse by staff, and to be protected from retaliation for reporting abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Our agreement addresses the systemic issues that have plagued the Edna Mahan facility, ensures that women incarcerated there will receive the basic protections they are entitled to under the Constitution, and requires accountability through public transparency. We will keep working to protect the civil rights, safety and human dignity of all prisoners held inside our jails and prisons, including women prisoners, many of whom have suffered physical and sexual abuse before their incarceration.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of New Jersey and the Civil Rights Division initiated the investigation in April 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), which authorizes the Department of Justice to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. In April 2020, the Department of Justice provided the state written notice of the alleged unlawful conditions and remedial measures necessary to address them. The department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Edna Mahan violated the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution by failing to protect prisoners from sexual abuse by staff.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Campion, Chief of the Civil Rights Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Horan Florio, Civil Rights Unit; Kerry Krentler Dean, Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section; and Helen Vera, Trial Attorney, Special Litigation Section.
Individuals with information relevant to Department’s investigation of Edna Mahan are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice via email at [email protected] or by phone at 833-341-4675. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal, available at www.civilrights.justice.gov. To learn more about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey, additional information is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.
Convicted Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Firearm in Planned Revenge Shooting SpreeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man with previous felony convictions today admitted illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as part of a planned revenge shooting, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Raheem Allen, 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 7, 2021, Allen travelled to Jersey City, New Jersey, to gain revenge for the March 6, 2021, murder of his brother, a high-ranking member of a Jersey City street gang. Law enforcement officers obtained communications involving Allen wherein he explained his criminal purpose. As a result, law enforcement officers saw Allen arrive in Jersey City and retrieve an Intratec Tec-22 semi-automatic firearm, which was loaded with approximately 25 rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement immediately apprehended Allen as he was readying to enter a vehicle. Law enforcement officers recovered the firearm, additional boxes of ammunition, and a quantity of cocaine. During post-arrest questioning, Allen admitted that he came to Jersey City to “kill a lot of people” due to the murder of his brother.
Allen has previously been convicted of felony offenses, including robbery and possession of controlled substances.
The firearms offense to which Allen pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The drug offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; and the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith R. Travers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Bergen County Man Admits Stealing More Than $8.2 Million Worth of HIV MedicationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man today admitted his role in a scheme to steal prescription HIV medication from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Wagner Checonolasco, aka “Wanny,” 34, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiring to steal government property.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2017 through Nov. 20, 2019, Checonolasco conspired with Lisa M. Hoffman and others to steal HIV medication belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hoffman allegedly stole the medication from the pharmacy of her employer, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in East Orange, New Jersey, and then sold the stolen medication to Checonolasco for cash. Hoffman used her position as a procurement official at the VAMC to order large quantities of HIV prescription medications so that she could steal the excess medication and then sell it to Checonolasco, who then resold it for a profit. Checonolasco and Hoffman stole approximately $8.2 million worth of HIV medication belonging to the VAMC.
The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2021.
Hoffman, 48, of Orange, New Jersey, was previously charged in a three-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of government property, and theft of medical products. Those charges remain pending, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole F. Mastropieri of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
Sussex County Man Admits Unlawfully Possessing Weapons, MarijuanaRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex county man appeared in court today on charges that he possessed an arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Joseph Rubino, 59, of Lafayette Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On July 24, 2019, following a motor vehicle accident, officers with the New Jersey State Police observed numerous weapons and ammunition inside Rubino’s crashed vehicle. After executing court-authorized search warrants on Rubino’s vehicle and residence, law enforcement recovered an arsenal of weapons and ammunition from Rubino’s car and house, including:
- An Intratec Arms Model TEC-DC9 semi-automatic assault handgun;
- A Cobray Arms Mac-11 9mm semi-automatic assault pistol with a high capacity magazine;
- A Keltec CMR30 .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle loaded with sixteen (16) .22 caliber hollow-point cartridges;
- A High Standard Derringer .22 caliber double-barrel handgun;
- A Polymer 80 9mm semi-automatic handgun;
- An Ithaca M-66 20-gauge single shotgun;
- A Remington Model 700 .223 caliber bold action rifle with scope;
- A Thompson Center .50 caliber muzzle-loading rifle with scope;
- A Remington Model 870 Wingmaster 12-gauge pump shotgun;
- A New England Firearms 20-gauge single shot shotgun;
- A Remington Model 760 .300 Savage pump rifle;
- A Glenfield Mod 60 .22 LR caliber semi-automatic rifle;
- Two sawed-off double-barrel shotgun barrels
- Several high-capacity magazines;
- Numerous silencers;
- An assault rifle scope;
- A grenade launcher;
- A ballistics vest; and
- Numerous additional ammunitions of various calibers
In addition to the firearms and ammunition, law enforcement recovered approximately 2.5 kilograms of marijuana from Rubino’s house.
The count of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross profits or other proceeds to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or pecuniary loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Richard T. Burke, and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Francis A. Koch for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Naazneen Khan of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with the State of New Jersey under the National Voter Registration ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a proposed consent decree to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the State of New Jersey and state officials.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit, brought under Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), challenges the failure of disability transportation programs in the State of New Jersey — including NJ Transit Access Link and county-based Community Transportation programs — to provide voter registration opportunities to their customers.
The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s complaint alleges that the State of New Jersey failed to designate offices in the State that provide paratransit and other state-funded disability transportation services as voter registration agencies. Under the NVRA, these offices must distribute a voter registration application to each person who applies for their services, and along with each recertification, renewal or change of address form relating to such services, unless the person involved declines in writing to register to vote. They must also assist applicants in completing voter registration applications, and they must accept completed voter registration applications for transmittal to appropriate state election officials. However, NJ Transit Access Link and Community Transportation programs have not been providing the voter registration opportunities guaranteed by the NVRA.
“Part of our ongoing effort to ensure access to the ballot includes ensuring that social service and disability agencies are providing registration opportunities as required under federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The National Voter Registration Act is a vital tool to ensure that citizens with disabilities have convenient and accessible opportunities to register to vote. It is critical that all citizens have unfettered access to voter registration opportunities. I am pleased that the State of New Jersey has worked with the Department of Justice to help ensure that citizens with disabilities will have broad access to the voter registration opportunities that federal law guarantees.”
“The right to vote is a constitutional principle that forms a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig for the District of New Jersey. “The National Voter Registration Act enhances citizens’ access to that democratic process by increasing voter registration opportunities. We appreciate that the State of New Jersey has worked with us to ensure that all New Jersey residents, including those with disabilities, enjoy convenient opportunities to register to vote.”
The department gave notice to the State of New Jersey of its intent to bring suit under the National Voter Registration Act on March 11, 2021, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement. Under the parties’ consent decree — and subject to approval by the federal district court in New Jersey — New Jersey will designate NJ Transit Access Link and Community Transportation as voter registration agencies. New Jersey will also conduct robust implementation and oversight efforts and will afford supplemental voter registration opportunities to existing Access Link clients.
More information about the National Voter Registration Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https:www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with State of New Jersey under National Voter Registration ActRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a proposed consent decree to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the State of New Jersey and state officials.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit, brought under Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act, challenges the failure of disability transportation offices in the State of New Jersey – including NJ Transit Access Link and county-based Community Transportation programs – to provide voter registration opportunities to their customers.
The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The Department’s complaint alleges that the State of New Jersey failed to designate offices in the state that provide paratransit and other state-funded disability transportation services as voter registration agencies. Designated voter registration agencies that provide disability services must distribute a voter registration application with each application for such services, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to such services, unless the applicant declines in writing to register to vote. They must also assist applicants in completing voter registration applications and accept completed voter registration applications for transmittal to appropriate state election officials. NJ Transit Access Link and Community Transportation programs do not provide the voter registration opportunities guaranteed by the National Voter Registration Act.
“The right to vote is a constitutional principle that forms a cornerstone of our democracy,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig of the District of New Jersey said. “The National Voter Registration Act enhances citizens’ access to that democratic process by increasing voter registration opportunities. We appreciate that the State of New Jersey has worked with us to ensure that all New Jersey residents, including those with disabilities, enjoy convenient opportunities to register to vote.”
“Part of our ongoing effort to ensure access to the ballot includes ensuring that social service and disability agencies are providing registration opportunities as required under federal law,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “The National Voter Registration Act is a vital tool to ensure that citizens with disabilities have convenient and accessible opportunities to register to vote. It is critical that all citizens have unfettered access to voter registration opportunities. I am pleased that the State of New Jersey has worked with the Department of Justice to help ensure that citizens with disabilities will have broad access to the voter registration opportunities that federal law guarantees.”
The Department gave notice to the State of New Jersey of its intent to bring suit under the National Voter Registration Act on March 11, 2021, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement. Under the parties’ consent decree – subject to approval by the federal district court in New Jersey – the state will designate NJ Transit Access Link and Community Transportation as voter registration agencies. New Jersey will also conduct robust implementation and oversight efforts and will afford supplemental voter registration opportunities to existing Access Link clients.
More information about the National Voter Registration Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https:www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. To learn more about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey, additional information is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Campion, Civil Rights Unit Chief; Richard A. Dellheim, Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section; Daniel J. Freeman, Trial Attorney, Voting Section; and Rachel Evans, Trial Attorney, Voting Section.
Gas Station Manager Arrested and Charged with Billing Fraudulent Fuel Charges on Amtrak VehiclesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey gas station manager was charged today in connection with entering fraudulent charges on fuel credit cards assigned to at least four Amtrak vehicles, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Umer Hassan Mir, 39, of South Amboy, is charged by complaint with knowingly and intentionally stealing and converting to his own use approximately $9,600 in money of a department or agency of the United States. He is also charged with making false statements to federal law enforcement. Mir appeared by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on $20,000.
According to the complaint:
From July 29, 2019, through Aug. 3, 2021, while working as a manager and attendant at a Delta gas station, in Metuchen, New Jersey, Mir caused numerous fraudulent fuel charges to be entered on fuel credit cards leased by the General Services Administration (GSA) and assigned to Amtrak vehicles. Amtrak employees using GSA vehicles are instructed to purchase regular unleaded fuel and provide accurate odometer readings when they are fueling their assigned vehicles with their fuel credit cards. The fraud was initially discovered when a GSA loss prevention technician discovered dozens of fuel credit card charges that exceeded the associated Amtrak vehicle’s fuel tank capacity, along with premium fuel transactions, and non-sequential odometer entries. Additional fuel credit cards assigned to Amtrak vehicles were discovered to have been compromised by fraudulent fuel charges at the Delta gas station.
The fraudulent charges were entered at the Delta gas station by Mir, who would manually enter information regarding fuel credit cards collected during legitimate fuel transactions electronically into the point-of-sale terminal. Immediately following certain false fuel transactions, Mir withdrew cash in the amount of the fraudulent transaction from the gas station’s cash register.
Mir made false statements to law enforcement when questioned about his presence at the gas station during one of the recent fraudulent transactions.
The theft charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison while the false statement charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years. Each charge carries a maximum $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Amtrak, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters; the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dattoria; and inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Metuchen Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police David Irizarry, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Leslie Faye Schwartz, of the U.S. Attorneys’ Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cari Fais, Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Youth Wrestling Coach and Referee from Ocean County Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A local youth wrestling coach was arrested today on a charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Alec Donovan, 24, of Brick, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Donovan used a messaging application to share videos containing child pornography over the Internet. From January 2021 through March 2021, Donovan sent three videos containing images of child sexual abuse and received two videos containing images of child sexual abuse via the web-based messaging application. The videos Donovan sent and received depicted sexual acts involving pre-pubescent children.
Donovan also used the web-based messaging application to solicit and engage in conversations with minors, including requesting nude photographs from the minors and sending nude photographs to them.
The charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI’s Newark Field Office is asking anyone with information related to this case or who may be a victim to contact them at [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole F. Mastropieri of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Shawn Barnes of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Union County Man Charged with Possessing Three Firearms and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County resident was charged with possessing three firearms, as well as possessing with intent to distribute narcotics, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Orlando Perez, 38, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Perez appeared by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 10, 2020, law enforcement officers lawfully searched Perez’s residence and recovered the following: one .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber ammunition; a .45 caliber Harrington and Richardson semiautomatic carbine; a 20 gauge Browning shotgun; three magazines; approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition; as well as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine pills, and drug paraphernalia.
The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; and officers of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl Graves, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Men Admit Receiving over $500,000 in Global Robocall Scam that Defrauded Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Indian nationals today admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud by accepting illegally obtained wire transfers from victims across the country totaling over $600,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Zeeshan Khan, 22, and Maaz Ahmed Shamsi, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information charging each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
As part of an international fraud scheme, criminal India-based call centers utilized automated robocalls to victims with the intent of defrauding U.S. residents, particularly the elderly. After establishing contact with victims through these automated calls, other members of the conspiracy would coerce or trick the victims into sending large sums of cash through physical shipments or wire transfers to other members of the conspiracy, including Shamsi and Khan. These conspirators used a variety of schemes to convince victims to send money, including impersonating government officials from agencies such as the Social Security Administration, or impersonating law enforcement officers from the FBI or Drug Enforcement Administration, and threatened victims with severe legal or financial consequences if they did not comply. Another method utilized by the callers involved convincing the victims they were speaking with someone from a tech support company and coercing the victims into granting the caller remote access to their personal computers, and through that, to the victims’ bank accounts. By manipulating the victims’ bank accounts, the caller would convince the victims that an overpayment was made to the victims and ultimately instruct them to send money by way of mail or wire transfer to other members of the conspiracy, including Shamsi and Khan.
As part of this scheme, Shamsi and Khan are charged with receiving fraudulent wire transfers from 19 victims across the country totaling approximately $618,000.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the amount of the loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General Office of Investigations, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso; and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office – El Dorado Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Indian National Arrested for $2.3 Million Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Indian national was arrested today in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain at least $2.3 million from elderly victims by impersonating fraud prevention representatives from United States banks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Ashish Bajaj, 28, of India, is charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe L. Webster in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina and was detained pending his initial appearance in the District of New Jersey.
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant and his co-conspirators took advantage of elderly victims by posing as trusted bank employees who could help the victims catch fraudsters. In fact, the defendant and his co-conspirators were the fraudsters,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig stated. “Detecting and preventing elder fraud continues to be a priority for this Office, whether the defendants reside in the United States or operate out of call centers located overseas. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will track them down and bring them to justice.”
“Unfortunately, it has become a regular occurrence for our citizens to be duped into giving up their hard-earned money by someone pretending to work for a bank, a fraud detection company, or even a law enforcement agency,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “These unscrupulous schemers keep evolving and push every button until they hit the one that will earn them the confidence of their victims or one that they can use to scare and intimidate. While the FBI will continue its relentless pursuit of scammers, the public’s best defense is to remain aware and take extra precautions before handing over money, such as by checking, first, with the supposed entity on the other end of the line. If you have an elderly loved one, educate them so they won’t become the next victim.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least as early as in or around April 2020 through in or around July 2021, Bajaj and his co-conspirators received at least $2.3 million in fraudulently obtained funds by impersonating fraud prevention representatives from banks located in the United States. Bajaj and his co-conspirators targeted elderly victims. They told the victims that they worked at a “hub” for multiple financial institutions’ fraud departments and they were reaching out because the victims’ bank accounts had been hacked.
Bajaj and the co-conspirators then asked the victims to assist with their fraud prevention efforts by setting up “sting” operations to catch the fraudsters who had allegedly hacked the victims’ bank accounts. The requested assistance included initiating various wire transactions to various bank accounts, including bank accounts in India, ultimately resulting in a loss to the victims. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement has identified multiple victims of this scheme, including victims in New Jersey and California.
The count of wire fraud conspiracy is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and intelligence analysts of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark. She also thanked the FBI Charlotte Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells, for its assistance leading to Bajaj’s arrest.
Additional victims associated with Bajaj’s conduct may reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or visit www.fbi.gov.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hudson County Man Admits Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Hason Armfield, 43, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an indictment charging him with possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Armfield’s residence was searched as part of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Jersey City Police Department. Law enforcement officers found heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency.
The charge to which Armfield pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited agents and task force officers of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and members of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole Board, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Essex County Man Admits Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and Conspiring to Defraud Banks of over $250,000 Using Stolen Credit Cards and Blank ChecksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing a firearm and conspiring to defraud two banks of $250,000 using stolen credit cards and blank checks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Tamir Duval, 22, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging him with one count of illegal possession of a firearm, and to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On July 27, 2020, Duval unlawfully possessed a Taurus PT740 semi-automatic handgun loaded with seven hollow nose rounds of ammunition. The firearm had been reported stolen from Gastonia, Georgia. Duval was previously convicted in Essex County Superior Court of receiving stolen property, a felony under state law.
From August 2018 through January 2020, Duval and others engaged in a scheme to use stolen credit cards and checks to fraudulently make purchases and withdraw money from two banks, leaving the banks to bear the losses of the scheme.
The credit cards and blank checks were stolen from various New Jersey-based postal facilities and never reached their intended recipients. Duval and his conspirators use the credit cards and checks to make unauthorized purchases at various retail stores and withdraw cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) in New Jersey and elsewhere. Duval and his conspirators altered the date, payee, and amount of the stolen checks prior to deposit and then fraudulently withdrew money at various ATMs from third-party account holders’ accounts.
Five of Duval’s conspirators – Nasheed Jackson, Alexander Varice, Dashawn Duncan, Allen Varice, and Qshaun Brown-Guinyard – previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing.
The charge of illegal possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi; inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins in Newark; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Essex County Man Admits Role in Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a carjacking in which a firearm was brandished, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jared Walker, 24, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to a three-count indictment charging him with carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Walker remains detained pending sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 6, 2020, the driver of a 2008 Ford E-350 van was carjacked at gunpoint in Newark. Walker approached the van, which was parked in Newark, and drove it away while the victim was still inside. Walker brandished a firearm during the carjacking. The victim ultimately escaped from the vehicle, and Walker was apprehended a short time later. When law enforcement recovered the gun, officers discovered that it was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. In 2015, Walker was convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun in New Jersey Superior Court – a felony offense – and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The carjacking charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison. The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on the other charges. Each of the charged offenses also carries a maximum potential fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark, and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Morris County Pharmacy Employee Admits to Kickback and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A pharmacy employee today admitted to conspiring to offer and pay bribes and kickbacks in exchange for having prescriptions steered to the Morris County, New Jersey pharmacy where she worked, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Magdalena “Maggie” Jimenez, 56, of Newark, New Jersey pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging her with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Jimenez worked as a pharmacy technician and sales representative for a pharmacy located in Morris County, New Jersey. From at least August 2019 to February 2020, Jimenez worked with other pharmacy personnel to pay kickbacks and bribes to a doctor’s employee in exchange for receiving numerous prescriptions from that doctor’s Jersey City office. Jimenez paid up to $150 for each prescription steered to the pharmacy, which resulted in monthly kickback payments of up to $2,500 cash. When Jimenez discussed the kickbacks and bribes, she instructed others to communicate in coded language. As a result of the scheme, the pharmacy received reimbursement payments from Medicare of approximately $539,000.
The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 7, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and special agents with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Mahoney.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit.
Defense counsel: Peter Guadagnino, Esq., New York, NY