District Not Recorded
The source did not name an office we could identify. These records remain unassigned rather than guessed.
Four Individuals Indicted for Role in Drug Distribution ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed today in San Antonio, Texas, charging four individuals for their roles in a cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced the Department of Justice.
Jesus Armando Chavez, 40, and Michelle Chavez, 35, both of Del Rio, Texas; Jose Luis Balderas, 29, of Eagle Pass, Texas; and Javier Hernandez, 31, of San Antonio, are charged in a 14-count indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Texas with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On March 2, the defendants were arrested and appeared for their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge John W. Primomo in San Antonio.
According to the indictment, between August 2014 and May 2016, the defendants allegedly knowingly and intentionally conspired with each other to possess and distribute narcotics, including cocaine, in the Western District of Texas.
The defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, if convicted on the charges.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlie Strauss for the United States is prosecuting the case.
Chavez Balderas Hernandez IndictmentFormer Social Security Administration Employee and Two Others Indicted for Stealing IDsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York returned indictments separately charging three Queens, New York residents with identity theft-related crimes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictments, which were unsealed today, Sharon Coffee-Dean, a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee, Kishore Jattan and Michael Bratton were each indicted for aggravated identity theft, misusing stolen social security numbers and fraudulent activity in connection with identification documents. Coffee-Dean was also indicted for conspiring to defraud the SSA and Bratton was also indicted for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The indictment against Coffee-Dean alleges that from approximately December 2011 through January 2012, she stole the IDs of 41 people from SSA records, which she then sold to other individuals who used them to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. If convicted, Coffee-Dean faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy, five years for fraud and related activity in connection with means of identification, 10 years for the misuse of a social security number as an SSA employee and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. She also faces a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
The indictment against Jattan alleges that while working as a messenger, from April through June 2012, he stole student IDs from packages he delivered for a University located in New York and sold the stolen IDs to other individuals who used the IDs to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. If convicted, Jattan faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years for fraud and related activity in connection with means of identification, five years for misuse of a social security number and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. He also faces a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
The indictment against Bratton alleges that from January 2011 through June 2012, he purchased stolen IDs, which he provided to a co-conspirator for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. If convicted, Bratton faces a maximum of five years for misuse of a social security number and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. He also faces a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, who conducted the investigations, and Trial Attorneys Mark Kotila and Ann M. Cherry of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting these cases.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Attorney General Sessions Statement on RecusalRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement:
“During the course of the confirmation proceedings on my nomination to be Attorney General, I advised the Senate Judiciary Committee that ‘[i]f a specific matter arose where I believed my impartiality might reasonably be questioned, I would consult with Department ethics officials regarding the most appropriate way to proceed.’
“During the course of the last several weeks, I have met with the relevant senior career Department officials to discuss whether I should recuse myself from any matters arising from the campaigns for President of the United States.
“Having concluded those meetings today, I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States.
“I have taken no actions regarding any such matters, to the extent they exist.
“This announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation.
“Consistent with the succession order for the Department of Justice, Acting Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana Boente shall act as and perform the functions of the Attorney General with respect to any matters from which I have recused myself to the extent they exist.”
Former Service Member Pleads Guilty to Theft of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BenefitsRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Air Force service member pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Jacqueline Crawford, 33, of Gulfport, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta of the District of Columbia to one count of conversion of government funds. As part of her plea agreement, Crawford has agreed to forfeit $45,917.
According to her plea agreement, in October 2014, Crawford spoke with a friend and former U.S. Air Force service member, who worked at the VA in Washington, D.C., and described her financial difficulties. In response, her friend suggested that he could send her VA hardship money available to veterans and that all he needed was her bank account information. Crawford agreed to this arrangement despite knowing that her friend was not obtaining the hardship money through proper channels. He later asked Crawford to kick back a portion of the money she received to him, which she agreed to do despite knowing that it was wrong. Between October 2014 and February 2015, Crawford received a total of seven unlawful special payments from the VA totaling $45,917. Crawford admitted she kicked back $13,100 of the funds she received from her friend via 16 wire transfers, usually through Walmart2Walmart money grams.
The VA Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case.
Attorney General Announces Crime Reduction and Public Safety Task ForceRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the formation of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety.
The Task Force was formed pursuant to the President’s Executive Order on a Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety and will be chaired by the Deputy Attorney General. Task Force members will be drawn from relevant Department components, and will include the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Director of the FBI and the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).
“The President issued an executive order, and I feel strongly about it,” said Attorney General Sessions. “On my first day in office, I called in the heads of the four major law enforcement agencies to discuss this plan. Violent crime is on the rise, and we must always remember that crimes are committed against real people. The creation of this task force is a critical step toward confronting this crisis vigorously, effectively and immediately.”
The task force is central to the Attorney General’s commitment to combatting illegal immigration and violent crime, such as drug trafficking, gang violence and gun crimes, and to restoring public safety to all of the nation’s communities.
The task force is charged with developing strategies to reduce crime; identifying deficiencies in existing laws and policies that have made them less effective in reducing crime and proposing new legislation and policies to improve public safety and reduce crime; evaluating the availability and adequacy of crime-related data and identifying measures to improve it; and conducting any other relevant studies. In conducting its work, the task force will consult with federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement, law enforcement organizations and victims’ and community advocacy organizations, among others, to learn about successful local efforts and how they can best be supported at the federal level.
“For more than a hundred years the women and men of the FBI have worked to address threats to the American people,” said Director James Comey of the FBI. “I look forward to continuing and building upon the great partnerships with our federal, state, local, and tribal counterparts on this initiative to combat violent crimes, gang activities and drug trafficking – all of which exact a high toll on our country.”
“The safety and well-being of our communities and our citizens is a vital part of our mission,” said Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the DEA. “I look forward to our continued close work on the task force with our law enforcement partners on these crucial issues.”
“The men and women of the United States Marshals Service stand ready to work with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to remove the underlying criminal element from our communities,” said Acting Director David L. Harlow of USMS. “In 2016, working with our task force partners, the USMS arrested over 106,000 violent fugitives. We look forward to finding innovative methods to further reduce violent crime across our nation.”
“ATF’s top priority is reducing violent crime,” said Acting Director Thomas Brandon of the ATF. “Across the nation, ATF focuses its resources on arresting and prosecuting violent criminals who use firearms to terrorize communities. ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers provide timely, actionable leads to our agents and our partner agencies so they can identify, investigate and apprehend trigger-pullers and those who illegally supply them with firearms. ATF looks forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and our federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement counterparts to further enhance our violent crime reduction strategies through the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety.”
Building Contractor Company Executive Sentenced to 68 Months in Prison for Theft from Labor Union, Making Unlawful Labor Payments, Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
The owner and CEO of a Greenbelt, Maryland building contracting company was sentenced to 68 months in prison for stealing more than $1.7 million from Local 657 of the Laborers Union of North America (LIUNA) and other related offenses.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Robin Blake of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Washington, D.C., Regional Office; and District Director Mark Wheeler of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards Washington, D.C., District Office made the announcement.
Gary Amoes Cooper, 57, of Kettering, Maryland, the owner and CEO of STS General Contracting, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta of the District of Columbia, who also ordered Cooper to pay $1.632 million in restitution to Local 657 and to forfeit $1.734 million of criminally-derived proceeds.
Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Cooper and his co-defendant, Christopher Andrew Kwegan, conspired with Anthony Wendel Frederick Sr., the former business manager of Local 657 of LIUNA, to convert for personal use $1.7 million in funds stolen from Local 657. LIUNA’s Local 657, now merged into LIUNA Local 11, represents construction laborers in Washington, D.C., and five adjacent counties.
According to the evidence at trial, from May 2013 to June 2014, Frederick directed more than $1.7 million in Local 657 funds to STS General Contracting for an unauthorized construction project and other work which STS General Contracting did not intend to perform. Cooper and Kwegan then made a number of financial payments to Frederick with the funds stolen from Local 657, including a down payment of $225,000 on a home Frederick purchased and directed more than $600,000 to a corporation owned in part by Frederick’s wife.
Frederick, 51, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses and was sentenced to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.632 million in restitution to Local 657 and to forfeit $1.734 million on Feb. 7. Kwegan, 58, of Randallstown, Maryland, also previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses and was sentenced on Feb. 8. Both Frederick and Kwegan were sentenced by Judge Mehta.
The FBI and Department of Labor investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Vincent J. Falvo and David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case.
Two Vessel Engineers Convicted of Environmental and Obstruction Crimes After Trial. Vessel Manager Pleads Guilty to Environmental Crimes and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Charleston, South Carolina, late yesterday convicted two chief engineers of the vessel, T/V Green Sky, of falsifying documents in order to conceal illegal discharges of oily bilge waste and obstruction charges, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeff Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina. Herbert Julian, who served as chief engineer of the vessel from Aug. 3 to Sept. 4, 2015, was convicted of two felony counts under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and for obstruction of justice. Panagiotis Koutoukakis, chief engineer from Feb. 1 to Aug. 3, 2015, was convicted of two felony counts, one for APPS and another for falsifying records.
In addition, it was revealed in court documents, which were unsealed after the verdicts were rendered, that Aegean Shipping Management, S.A., a foreign company with operations in Greece that acted as the Green Sky’s operator, previously pleaded guilty to a violation of the APPS and obstruction of justice.
“This case involved egregious violations of U.S. and international laws that are key to protecting the oceans from pollution, and deliberate efforts to mislead Coast Guard officials about these criminal acts,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “Now these defendants have been held accountable under the law by a jury of their peers. The Department of Justice will continue to aggressively prosecute criminal acts that pollute the oceans.”
“With Charleston serving as one of the largest ports on the Eastern seaboard, working vessel pollution cases with the Environmental Crimes Section is an important focus for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake, District of South Carolina. “Through criminal charges, we can deter those who would dump oily wastes into the world’s oceans and use false documents to cover it up.”
“The Green Sky case stresses the vital importance of USCG environmental protection missions with regard to pollution from ships,” said Captain Gary L. Tomasulo, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “We are extremely proud of our team of marine safety professionals and the Coast Guard Investigative Service which were an integral part of investigating these occurrences and referring them for enforcement action.”
The Green Sky is a large, oceangoing chemical tanker flagged in Liberia. The vessel first set sail in July 2014. The operation of marine vessels, like the T/V Green Sky, generates large quantities of oil-contaminated waste water. This particular vessel had unusual internal leaks that produced greater quantities of oily waste than a normal ship of its age and construction. Oily bilge waste must be removed from the vessel lest it fill up the bottom of the Engine Room and cause damage to equipment and jeopardize the safe handling of the ship. However, the law does not permit an oceangoing vessel to discharge these oily wastes directly into the sea.
The evidence presented to the jury showed that the Green Sky was regularly pumping contaminated and oily water directly overboard. None of these discharges were disclosed as required. The oil record book of the Green Sky was falsified to cover-up illegal overboard discharges of oily wastes from February to August 2015. Methods of falsification included omitting illegal bypass operations, claiming that the oil water separator was used when it had not been, and a series of false entries regarding the levels of the bilge holding tank, which were designed to further the cover-up. While most of these discharges occurred in international waters, evidence at trial revealed that at least two of these discharges were within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States during the ship’s voyage from Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Houston, Texas in May 2015.
The evidence presented during the fifteen-day trial demonstrated that the chief engineers covered up illegal overboard discharges that took place through two systems of “magic” hoses and a separate “magic” valve system designed to bypass the ship’s oil water separator. Koutoukakis and Julian falsified the oil record book to hide their illegal discharges. The vessel arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on August 26, 2015, when the false record was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard during an inspection of the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard was tipped off by three whistleblowers who came forward to report the crimes and ask for protection from U.S. authorities.
By January 2016, it was determined that the former chief engineer Koutoukakis likely had information regarding the ongoing investigation into the Green Sky. Koutoukakis was later apprehended in Savannah, Georgia on a material witness warrant. Koutoukakis was subsequently indicted after further investigation revealed his substantial involvement in illegal discharges and records falsification. In addition, Julian was convicted of obstruction related to false statements that he made regarding the ship’s sounding log, which is a document that can be used to check the veracity of the oil record book. Testimony at trial revealed that Julian hid the log prior to the Green Sky’s arrival in Charleston and then lied to the Coast Guard about the vessel having a sounding log.
Prior to the initiation of the trial, on November 22, 2016, the Green Sky’s operator, Aegean Shipping Management, S.A. pleaded guilty to one APPS count for the illegal discharges and one obstruction count based on misrepresentations made by the vessel’s captain to the U.S. Coast Guard during the August 2015 boarding. The corporate vessel operator had been indicted along with the individuals on July 15, 2016. The plea materials were previously sealed to protect the integrity of the jury and the witnesses in the trial against the individual defendants. The unsealed documents revealed that the operating company agreed to pay a financial penalty of $2 million, which includes a criminal fine and a smaller community service component directed toward the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The company will also be sentenced to probation and an environmental compliance plan. Sentencing of the company and defendants Julian and Koutoukakis will take place at a date that will be set by the court. At trial, the second engineer Nikolaos Bounovas was acquitted of all charges against him. The previously convicted Captain, Genaro Anciano, testified at the trial. His sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The USCG Marine Safety Lab was critical to the analysis of oil samples taken from the vessel. With the support of Coast Guard Legal District Seven, the case was prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale and Kenneth Nelson of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section and AUSA Matt Austin from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. Richard Udell, also of the Environmental Crimes Section, provided substantial assistance with regard to the corporate plea deal.
Background on MARPOL
A multi-national treaty, the MARPOL Protocol, and implementing U.S. law required the Green Sky to first process the oily bilge waste through a filtration machine, known as an oil-water separator. Before the bilge waste can go overboard, the law requires that any remaining petroleum should be reduced to a concentration of 15 parts per million (ppm) or less. Bilge waste that contains 15ppm or less of petroleum does not produce a sheen and looks like clear water when held up to the light. One of the principal ways that the MARPOL Protocol ensures that international vessels comply with the oil water separator requirement is through the mandate to accurately maintain the vessel’s oil record book. The oil record book is an official ship’s log that records various types of internal transfers and discharges of fuel, oil residue, and oily bilge wastes. Under MARPOL, when a ship comes to a U.S. port, its oil record book is subject to inspection. When the oil record book is falsified, it makes it extremely difficult for port control officials (in the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard) to adequately assess treaty compliance and the safe and environmentally sound operation of the vessel.
South Florida Man Arrested on Mail and Wire Fraud Charges in Connection with Fraudulent Lottery Scheme Tied to JamaicaRead the Press Release
A 49-year-old Florida man was arrested in Miramar, Florida, following the return of a 12-count indictment against him by a grand jury in the Southern District of Florida, the Department of Justice announced today.
Claude Shaw aka Mac and Claude Mac, a U.S. citizen residing in Florida, was charged with two counts of mail fraud and 10-counts of wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent lottery scheme tied to Jamaica.
As alleged in the indictment, victims throughout the United States would receive telephone calls in which they were informed that they had won over a million dollars in a lottery and needed to pay fees in advance to claim their winnings. According to the indictment, the victims were instructed on how, and to whom, to send their money. The indictment alleges that the victims were instructed to send their money through wire transfers and the U.S. Postal Service to Shaw and others.
“These charges demonstrate our commitment to combating international lottery fraud, especially efforts to target potentially vulnerable individuals,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Financial schemes like these interfere with Americans’ financial security and will not be tolerated.”
The indictment alleges that Shaw discussed plans to receive victims’ money via text messages, and after receiving money from victims, Shaw would send a portion of the victims’ money to accomplices in Jamaica. As alleged in the indictment, the victims never received any lottery winnings. Five of the 10 wire fraud counts are based on money Shaw is alleged to have wired from the United States to an individual in Jamaica. If convicted of mail fraud or wire fraud, Shaw faces a statutory maximum term of 20 years in prison on each count.
“Predators tied to Jamaican lottery fraud often seek to exploit vulnerable individuals in our society,” said Inspector in Charge Antonio Gomez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami, Florida Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service appreciates the continued partnership with the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, bringing to justice those fraudsters who exploit their victims, including elderly individuals, using the U.S. mail.”
This indictment is part of the Department of Justice’s effort working with federal and other law enforcement to combat fraudulent lottery schemes in Jamaica preying on American citizens.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler commended the investigative efforts of the Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Arturo DeCastro of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Shaw IndictmentNorth Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
A North Carolina businessman was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Paul Harvey Boone, 54, of Hillsborough, North Carolina, owned and operated Boone Audio Inc. in Burlington, North Carolina. For most of 2008 through 2011, Boone used company funds for personal expenses while failing to pay over the employment taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. Boone also failed to file his individual income tax returns and pay personal income taxes for tax years 2008 through 2011.
“Paul Boone’s prison sentence serves as a reminder to employers that willfully failing to comply with employment tax obligations is a crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg. “We are committed to investigating, prosecuting and seeking incarceration of employers who use their employees’ funds to line their own pockets.”
“IRS – Criminal Investigation (CI) realizes the damaging consequences caused by Boone’s failure to pay over employment taxes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Daniels of IRS-CI. “It results in the loss of tax revenue to the U.S. government and in the loss of future social security or Medicare benefits for the employees. Those who fail to do so will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted.”
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Boone was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $385,610.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Hairston commended special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Lauren Castaldi and Nathan Brooks of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Ramaswamy of the Middle District of North Carolina, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Statement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on the Withdrawal of Title IX GuidanceRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice and the Department of Education today withdrew guidance for educational institutions, issued in 2015 and 2016, that took the position that the prohibitions in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and implementing regulations against discrimination on the basis of sex require access to sex-segregated facilities on the basis of gender identity rather than biological sex. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement:
“The Department of Justice has a duty to enforce the law. The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice therefore have withdrawn the guidance. Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”
Mississippi Businessman Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Failing to File His Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A Gulfport, Mississippi businessman was sentenced to 12 months in prison today for failing to file a 2009 individual income tax return, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to information provided to the court, Samuel Frazier, owned two companies in the Gulfport area: Frazier Fire Systems LLC and EZ Haul Demolition and Construction LLC. In 2011, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) special agents contacted Frazier, because he had not filed a tax return since 1997. Frazier failed to file a 2009 individual income tax return despite earning gross income of $618,253.53, an amount well above the threshold triggering the requirement to file. For tax years 2007 through 2010, Frazier caused a tax loss of $210,589.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Frazier was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $210,589 to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg commended special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Nathan Brooks of the Tax Division, who prosecuted this case. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi for their assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Federal Court Shuts Down South Florida-Area Tax Return PreparerRead the Press Release
Preparer Allegedly Claimed False Earned Income Tax and Education Credits for His Customers
A federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has permanently barred Billy Philippe from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. In its complaint, the government alleged that Billy Philippe of Broward County, Florida prepared fraudulent tax returns for his customers. The court found that, for purposes of entering an injunction only, Philippe engaged in tax return preparer conduct subject to penalty under the tax laws. Philippe agreed to the civil injunction order entered against him, which requires him to turn over to the United States a list of all persons for whom he prepared federal tax returns since 2012. The court also authorized the United States to monitor Philippe’s compliance with the terms of the injunction.
The government’s complaint against Philippe, the majority owner of Advantage Tax Center Plus Inc., alleged that he prepared income tax returns for customers that fraudulently overstated the amount of the refunds due by falsely claiming refundable credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and credits for education expenses. The complaint further alleged that Philippe frequently claimed fraudulently inflated wages or self-employment income in order to maximize the amount of EITC, a customer claimed.
According to the complaint, Philippe prepared at least 899 returns from 2011 and 2015. The complaint alleged that audits of 44 returns prepared in 2014 and 2015 revealed that Philippe claimed credits his customers were not entitled to take and/or understated their correct tax liability by more than $300,000 in the aggregate.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers that the 2017 individual income tax return filing season began on Jan. 23, and there is information available on the IRS’s website. Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2017 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Philippe Permanent InjunctionD.C. Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Washington, D.C. return preparer pleaded guilty to preparing fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to documents filed with the court, Joann Little, 60, of Suitland, Maryland, worked as a return preparer in Washington D.C., at a tax preparation business formerly known as Instant Tax Service and more recently named Speedy Tax Service. Little prepared federal income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2014 that sought refunds to which her clients were not entitled by including inflated charitable deductions, fictitious unreimbursed employee expenses and false businesses. Little caused a tax loss of at least $262,714.
The court did not set a sentencing date. Little faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg commended special agents of the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jason Scheff and Karen Kelly of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty in Odometer Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Georgia man pleaded guilty today to operating an odometer fraud scheme involving over 100 vehicles, the Department of Justice announced today.
Paul Robinson, 37, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and odometer tampering.
“We buy vehicles to help assist us in many aspects of our lives,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “No consumer makes such a significant purchase lightly and we have to be able to trust that a dealer is not selling one car and actually supplying a vastly inferior automobile paired with falsified title documents. We are committed to prosecuting individuals who break that trust by rolling back odometers and passing off phony title.”
Robinson owned and operated Affordable Auto Body Repair, a repair shop and licensed salvage vehicle dealer located in Chesapeake, Virginia. Robinson purchased older vehicles, many of which had been involved in accidents, from an automobile auction specializing in vehicles from insurance companies. On over 100 of these vehicles, Robinson altered or replaced the odometer to reflect a false, lower mileage. He then obtained fraudulent Virginia motor vehicle titles with mileage readings matching the false, lower mileage on the new odometer, and passed these falsified title documents on to the auto purchasers.
Robinson obtained many of these fraudulent titles from a former DMV Select clerk named Steven Bazemore. In many instances, Robinson asked Bazemore to return the documents used to procure the fraudulent titles rather than retaining the documents in the DMV file system. This made it more difficult for the DMV to detect the fraud. Bazemore previously pleaded guilty relating to his role in the conspiracy. On Sept. 22, 2016, Bazemore was sentenced to one year of home confinement and ordered to pay restitution to the ultimate purchasers of the vehicles. Robinson’s sentencing is scheduled for June 8.
This case was investigated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA) and the Virginia DMV. NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually and has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals having information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761.This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys John W. Burke and Jacqueline Blaesi-Freed of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Salsbury of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
More information on odometer fraud is available at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Odometer-Fraud. Tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at: www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Department of Justice and EPA Announce $15 Million Settlement to Clean up Contamination at Sauget Area 1 SitesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Pharmacia LLC (formerly known as Monsanto), Solutia Inc., ExxonMobil Oil Corp. and Cerro Flow Products have agreed, as responsible parties, to clean up six former waste disposal sites that comprise the Sauget Area 1 Superfund Site in Sauget, St. Clair County, Illinois.
The settlement requires the companies to spend an estimated $14.8 million to conduct removal of areas of groundwater contamination source material at four former disposal areas, cap sites to prevent further movement of contaminants, continued operation and maintenance of a containment cell created to hold hazardous wastes, and installation of a monitoring well network. EPA will oversee the work to be conducted by these four responsible parties, which will implement the cleanup remedy required by the agency’s 2013 Record of Decision for Sauget Area 1. In addition, the companies will reimburse EPA $475,000 incurred in its past cleanup actions at the site. The companies will also reimburse EPA for costs incurred in overseeing the work required by the settlement, except for the first $2 million.
Situated in the American Bottoms region across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, Sauget Area 1 has been heavily industrialized since the early 1900s. Sauget Area 1 consists of three closed landfills, two former surface impoundments, two borrow pits filled with debris, and Dead Creek, all of which received industrial wastes from as early as 1931 and until 1988. EPA and Illinois have been investigating the Sauget Area 1 Sites since the early-1980s. In the fall of 1995, EPA completed a CERCLA Removal Action at Site G. On January 21, 1999, EPA issued an Administrative Order on Consent to Solutia and Pharmacia requiring them to conduct an Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis for the Sauget Area 1 contaminated source areas and Dead Creek, and to conduct a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study for Sauget Area 1 groundwater. Also in 1999, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) requiring Monsanto Company and Solutia Inc., to replace culverts on Dead Creek to eliminate potential risks associated with flooding and associated adverse ecological impacts. In 2001, EPA modified the UAO to address contamination in Dead Creek, including requirements for sediment removal above risk levels, disposal of the dredged sediments in an adjacent dedicated RCRA Subtitle C-compliant containment cell, and measures to protect Dead Creek from recontamination from adjacent landfills. In all, pursuant to the UAO the responsible parties dredged and disposed of in the cell approximately 64,000 cubic yards of sediments.
Pursuant to these earlier orders and agreements, responsible parties have completed or paid for removal actions within Sauget Area 1, conducted investigations of remaining contamination and reimbursed nearly all of the United States’ past costs related thereto. Taking into account the settlement being lodged today and the work previously performed at the site, over $50 million is being devoted to cleaning up the contamination at this site.
The settlement was lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. It can be viewed at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
For more information on the site, please visit: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0500753
Former Oklahoma Jail Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent Sentenced for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Raymond A. Barnes, 46, and Christopher A. Brown, 35, the former jail superintendent and assistant jail superintendent, respectively, of the Muskogee County Jail (MCJ), were resentenced in federal court today on multiple counts of civil rights offenses related to allegations of excessive force on inmates at MCJ on or between August 2009 and May 2011. Brown was also convicted of making material false statements to the FBI. Barnes was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and Brown was sentenced to 12 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
On Feb. 25, 2014, a federal jury convicted both Barnes and Brown of conspiring to violate the rights of inmates housed at MCJ by assaulting inmates themselves or by directing other jailers employed by MCJ to do so. Specifically, the defendants did or caused the following to be done: unjustifiably strike, assault, harm and physically punish inmates at MCJ who were restrained, compliant and not posing a physical threat; organize “meet and greets,” whereby jailers would scare, punish and harm incoming inmates from neighboring counties by throwing and slamming the handcuffed inmates to the ground upon their arrival at MCJ; threaten to fire MCJ employees if they reported abusive behavior directly to the sheriff or to outside law enforcement authorities; require and encourage MCJ jailers to write incident reports that falsely justified uses of force and contained misleading or inaccurate accounts of what had occurred when force was used; and perpetuate an environment within MCJ that allowed unlawful beatings and assaults against inmates to continue indefinitely and without consequence.
Both defendants were also found guilty of violating the rights of an inmate identified as J.R. when both defendants slammed and threw J.R. head-first to the ground while he was handcuffed. Barnes was additionally convicted of violating the rights of a second inmate, G.T., for similar conduct. Brown was acquitted of violating the rights of G.T.
In addition, Brown was convicted of one count of making material false statements to the FBI. Brown falsely claimed that, during meet and greets, the incoming inmate was ordered out of the transport vehicle and then “gently placed” on the ground. But in fact, Brown knew at the time of his statement to the FBI that during these meet and greets the MCJ jailers routinely threw and slammed inmates to the ground even though the inmates were restrained and posed no physical threat.
“Corrections officers who use excessive force against inmates in their custody are violating the Constitution and their sworn oaths to uphold it,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division. “This department will vigorously enforce the civil rights laws of our nation.”
In 2015, Defendants Barnes and Brown were sentenced to twelve months and six months in prison, respectively. The Defendants appealed their convictions. The United States appealed the sentences as both procedurally and substantively unreasonable. In June 2016, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions but overturned the sentences on the grounds of procedural unreasonableness. The court held that the trial judge had not adequately explained why the sentences were so much less severe than the sentences of 70 to 87 months called for under the Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Muskogee Resident Agency of the Oklahoma City Division of the FBI and prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division.
Readout of Today’s Events for Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions sat down with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel this afternoon in the Attorney General’s conference room to discuss what might be done to combat the shootings and murders in that city and bring back proactive community policing.
The Attorney General also had a detailed and productive conversation with Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly about steps the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security will take to secure our borders to end the flood of illegal immigration, drugs and human trafficking pouring into our country and undermining our national security.
In addition, the Attorney General also enjoyed meeting with Judge Neil Gorsuch and congratulated him on his nomination.
Readout of Second Day Events for Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today met with department heads and their staff in the Civil Rights and Civil Divisions, discussing ongoing cases and how each division can strengthen relationships with the department's law enforcement and regulatory partners and steps the department can take to combat the rise in violent crime.
As part of his meeting with the Civil Division, he received a briefing on the status of litigation surrounding president’s executive order protecting our nation from foreign terrorists entering the United States.
Pair Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas - Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Alicia Bucy, age 60, of Hot Springs and Peaches Marie Herrick, age 40, of Kaufman, Texas, were sentenced today on one count each of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Bucy was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and Herrick was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on October 20, 2015, members of the 18th Judicial East Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence of Alicia Bucy where two prior controlled purchases of methamphetamine had been made. That residence is located in Royal, Arkansas, which is in the Western District of Arkansas. During the search, officers located a U.S. Postal Express parcel in the washing machine in the laundry room containing 170 grams of a substance which field tested positive for methamphetamine. The package label revealed that it was sent from Nacogdoches, Texas on October 15, 2015 and that it had arrived at Bucy’s residence on October 19, 2015. Through further investigation, it was learned that Peaches Herrick, who lived in Nacogdoches, had sent the parcel containing the drugs. Bucy waived her Miranda rights and gave a verbal statement to investigators stating that she had been distributing meth in the Hot Springs area for several years. She stated that she knew meth was in the mail parcel and that she had hid it in the washing machine. An examination of one of her cell phones revealed a text message which had been sent to co-conspirator, Peaches Herrick, discussing the shipment of the methamphetamine.
Bucy and Herrick were both named in a federal indictment in December, 2015. Bucy pleaded guilty in March, 2016 and Herrick pleaded guilty in February, 2016.
“We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to keep drugs out of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer, Jr. “Disrupting the flow of illegal drugs coming into our country continues to be one of our top priorities.”
Parmer is the special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office of HSI with responsibility for Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hot Springs Police Department, and the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Readout of First Day Events for Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
On his first official day serving as the 84th Attorney General of the United States, Jeff Sessions arrived at the Justice Department and met with top department leadership right after greeting department employees in person and through a video message.
Following a visit on Capitol Hill with Luther Strange, who was appointed by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley to fill Attorney General Sessions’ vacancy in the Senate, Attorney General Sessions received his first Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act briefing from national security staff.
The Attorney General later met with the senior officials from the Justice Department’s law enforcement components, including FBI Director James Comey, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Director Thomas Brandon, U.S. Marshals Service Acting Director David Harlow and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg. They had a vigorous discussion about how to combat the rise in violent crime and prevent drug-related deaths. They expressed their shared commitment to strengthen law enforcement and save lives.
Attorney General Sessions also called top leadership of the National Urban League and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to build positive relationships and outline his priorities for the Department of Justice, including his commitment to maintain sound policies for civil rights and voting rights.
In addition, Attorney General had important calls with leadership of the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Sheriffs and Major City Sheriffs to reaffirm his commitment to strengthening relationships with law enforcement communities.
Tonight, the Attorney General will give brief remarks at a closed press High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area awards banquet in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court Blocks Anthem’s Acquisition of CignaRead the Press Release
Judge Amy Berman Jackson for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the Justice Department in its civil antitrust lawsuit to block health insurer Anthem, Inc.’s acquisition of Cigna Corp., the Justice Department announced.
“Today’s decision is a victory for American consumers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This merger would have stifled competition, harming consumers by increasing health insurance prices and slowing innovation aimed at lowering the costs of healthcare. In concluding that Anthem’s acquisition of Cigna would violate federal antitrust laws, the court has protected consumers and the competition on which they rely. I thank the hardworking staff of the Antitrust Division and our state partners, who conducted a thorough investigation and offered a clear and compelling presentation across a two-phase trial and never wavered in their commitment to protect competition in these markets.”
Today’s decision follows a trial that ran from Nov. 21, 2016, to Jan. 3, 2017. In July 2016, the Justice Department along with 11 states and the District of Columbia sued to stop the merger. The complaint alleged that a combined Anthem and Cigna would substantially lessen competition in the health insurance industry in dozens of markets across the country.
The district court’s opinion is temporarily under seal to allow the parties to review for confidentiality.
The United States was joined in the lawsuit by the District of Columbia and the States of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee and Virginia.
Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down New Orleans-Area Tax Return PreparerRead the Press Release
A New Orleans-area woman prepares fraudulent tax returns for her customers, and the government seeks a court order barring her from preparing tax returns for others, according to a new civil suit filed by the United States, the Justice Department announced.
According to the government’s civil complaint, filed in federal court in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tiga Bryant fraudulently reduced her customers’ tax liabilities by improperly claiming bogus deductions and false fuel tax credits. In particular, the complaint alleges that Bryant, who does business as “Denson’s Fast Tax Services,” claims false employee business expense deductions that improperly reduce her customers’ taxable income. In one example, the complaint alleges that Bryant falsely claimed that one of her customers incurred employee business expenses totaling more than the wages this customer earned.
In addition to claiming fraudulent deductions for her customers, Bryant also claims bogus fuel tax credits, according to the complaint. Fraud involving the fuel tax credit was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016. The fuel tax credit is generally limited to off-highway business use, and consequently, not available to most taxpayers. The complaint alleges several examples in which Bryant improperly claimed a fuel tax credit for her customers who, the United States alleges, were clearly not entitled to the fuel tax credit because they did not purchase fuel for off-highway business use. In one example, Bryant reported that a customer used 2,500 gallons of fuel for off-highway business use and yet the customer did not even own a vehicle, according to the complaint.
The complaint alleges that the IRS audited 197 returns prepared by Bryant and determined that Bryant claimed credits and/or deductions her customers were not entitled to take on 96 percent (189) of these returns and understated their tax liabilities by more than $800,000.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers that the 2017 individual income tax return filing season began on Jan. 23, and there is information available on the IRS’s website. Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2017 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Corporation and Its Executive Agree to Plead Guilty to Participating in Capacitors Price-Fixing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
First Individual to Plead Guilty in Ongoing Investigation
Matsuo Electric Co. Limited and one of its executives, Satoshi Okubo, have agreed to plead guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for electrolytic capacitors sold to customers in the United States and elsewhere, the Department of Justice announced today.
In charges filed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California, Matsuo and Okubo were charged in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition of electrolytic capacitors by fixing prices and rigging bids. The charges allege that Matsuo participated in the conspiracy from at least as early as November 2001 until about January 2014 and that Okubo participated in the conspiracy from at least as early as August 2002 until about January 2014.
In addition to pleading guilty, Matsuo has agreed to pay a criminal fine and Okubo has agreed to serve a prison term of one year and a day. Both have agreed to cooperate with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation. The plea agreements are subject to court approval.
“The simultaneous acceptance of responsibility by a company and the executive who supervised its involvement in the cartel demonstrates in a concrete way their future commitment to lawful conduct and an improved business culture,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division continues to investigate this industry and will take the steps necessary to ensure that the executives involved in the conspiracy are held accountable, and that the companies that participated undertake changes to instill a culture of compliance and remediation.”
Electrolytic capacitors store and regulate electrical current in a variety of electronic products, including computers, televisions, car engine and airbag systems, home appliances and office equipment.
Today’s charges result from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the electrolytic capacitors industry. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office. With today’s charges, six companies and 10 individuals have now been charged in the division’s ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging, or other anticompetitive conduct related to the capacitors industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html, or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Matsuo Information
Okubo Information
Former Business Manager Sentenced to Prison for Stealing More than $1.7 Million from Labor Union, Unlawful Labor Payments, Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A former business manager of the Local 657 of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for stealing more than $1.7 million from Local 657.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Robin Blake of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Washington, D.C., Regional Office and District Director Mark Wheeler of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards Washington, D.C., District Office made the announcement.
Anthony Wendel Frederick Sr., 50, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta of the District of Columbia, who also ordered Frederick to pay $1,632,000 in restitution to Local 657 and to forfeit $1,734,000 of criminally-derived proceeds.
LIUNA’s Local 657, now merged into LIUNA Local 11, is a labor organization that represents construction laborers in Washington, D.C., and five adjacent counties. Frederick served as the business manager for Local 657 for approximately 10 years until June 2014.
According to Frederick’s plea and co-conspirator’s trial evidence, from approximately May 2013 through June 2014, Frederick directed more than $1.7 million in Local 657 funds to STS General Contracting of Greenbelt, Maryland, without the knowledge or authorization of the Local 657 Executive Board or LIUNA International officials. Frederick also admitted that principals of STS General Contracting made a number of financial payments to Frederick with the funds stolen from Local 657, including a down payment of $225,000 on a home Frederick purchased and directed more than $600,000 to a corporation owned in part by Frederick’s wife.
The FBI and the Department of Labor investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Vincent J. Falvo and David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case.
Northern California Man Convicted of Rigging Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted Thomas Joyce for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions held in Contra Costa County, California, the Department of Justice announced today.
After a week-long trial before honorable Chief Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton in Oakland, California, the jury convicted Joyce of one count of conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions between about June 2008 and January 2011. Joyce was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California on Dec. 3, 2014.
The evidence at trial showed that Joyce conspired with others to rig bids to obtain properties sold at foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa County. The conspirators negotiated payoffs for agreeing not to compete and then held second, private auctions known as “rounds” to determine the amounts of the payoffs for the individuals who had participated in the bid suppression.
Including Joyce’s conviction, 64 individuals have either pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial of criminal charges as a result of the department’s ongoing antitrust investigations into bid rigging at public foreclosure auctions in Northern California. Indictments are pending against several other real estate investors who participated in the conspiracy.
This conviction is the latest development in the division’s ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in California’s San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office.
For more information about the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with City of Philadelphia to Resolve Disability Discrimination ComplaintRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve a complaint that the city of Philadelphia discriminated against an employee with a disability when it terminated the employee rather than reassign him to a vacant position for which he was qualified, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the department’s complaint, the employee, who worked for the city as a sanitation worker, was terminated from his position after he had a heart attack and his doctor placed him under a 20-pound lifting restriction, which prevented him from continuing as a sanitation worker. Although the employee made several requests for reassignment and the city had numerous vacant positions, the city failed to consider the employee for reassignment to a different position for which he was qualified. Instead, the city terminated the employee because of his disability.
The proposed consent decree, which is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, requires the city’s streets department to revise its policies to ensure that reassignment is considered as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, train relevant employees on the ADA and report to the Justice Department on implementation of the decree. The city will also offer to reinstate and reassign the employee to an open position for which he is qualified and will pay the employee a total of $90,000 for back pay, accrued interest and compensatory damages. This matter was based on a referral from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Philadelphia Area Office, which completed the initial investigation of the facts.
“Firing an employee because of a disability in these circumstances constitutes discrimination and violates the ADA,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Just because an employee’s disability prevents them from working in one position does not disqualify them from working successfully in a different position. We commend the city of Philadelphia for agreeing to revise its policies and offering to reinstate the former employee.”
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
City of Philadelphia Consent DecreeExecutive Office for Immigration Review Swears in 12 Immigration JudgesRead the Press Release
FALLS CHURCH, VA – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) today announced the investiture of 12 new immigration judges. Chief Immigration Judge MaryBeth Keller presided over the investiture during a ceremony held Feb. 3, 2017, in the ceremonial courtroom of the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, in Washington, D.C.
After a thorough application process, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Victoria L. Argumedo, Steven D. Caley, Ila C. Deiss, Delia I. Gonzalez, Deborah K. Goodwin, Stephanie E. Gorman, Richard A. Jamadar, Julie Nelson, Emmett D. Soper, Jem C. Sponzo, Arwen Ann Swink, and Veronica S. Villegas to their new positions.
“On Jan. 8, 2017, we welcomed these 12 appointees to our growing immigration judge corps,” said Keller. “With this investment, EOIR has for the first time in its history exceeded 300 immigration judges. The agency recognizes that we must continue hiring immigration judges in order to address the pending caseload.”
Biographical information follows.
Victoria L. Argumedo, Immigration Judge, San Francisco Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Victoria L. Argumedo to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Argumedo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 from the University of Vermont and a Juris Doctor in 2000 from the Golden Gate University School of Law. From 2012 to January 2017, she was in private practice at Argumedo Garzon Law Group, in San Francisco. From 2010 through 2012, she was in private practice at Surowitz & Argumedo, in San Francisco. From 2002 through 2010, she was in private practice at the Law Office of Victoria L. Argumedo, in San Francisco. From 2001 through 2002, she was an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Walter R. Pineda, in Redwood City, Calif. From May 2001 to September 2001, she served as a contract attorney for the Law Office of Enrique Ramirez, in San Francisco. From February 2001 to May 2001, she served as a contract attorney for Minami, Lew & Tamaki. Judge Argumedo is a member of the State Bar of California.
Steven D. Caley, Immigration Judge, Aurora Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Steven D. Caley to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Caley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 from Hanover College and a Juris Doctor in 1980 from the New York University School of Law. From 2012 to January 2017, he served as a senior attorney for GreenLaw, in Atlanta. From 2000 through 2012, he was a partner and senior associate for Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, in Atlanta. From 2005 through 2006, and previously from 1996 through 1999, he served part-time as a special assistant administrative law judge for the Office of State Administrative Hearings, in Atlanta. From 1998 through 2000, he served as regional director for Legal Aid Services of Oregon, in Portland, Ore. From 1990 through 1998, he served as director of litigation for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc., in Atlanta. From 1980 through 1990, he served in various capacities for the Legal Services Corporation of Alabama, in Dotham, Ala., including as managing attorney, senior staff attorney, and staff attorney. From 2003 through 2007, he served on the faculty of the Georgia State University College of Law as an adjunct professor. Judge Caley is a member of the Alabama State Bar, Florida Bar, State Bar of Georgia, and Oregon State Bar.
Ila C. Deiss, Immigration Judge, San Francisco Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Ila C. Deiss to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Deiss earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1991 from the University of California at Davis, a Master of Public Administration in 1996 from the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School for Public Service, and a Juris Doctor in 1999 from the City University of New York School of Law. From 2005 to January 2017, she served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice (DOJ), in San Francisco. From 2003 through 2005, she served as a staff attorney for the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. From 2001 through 2002, she served as a senior court counsel for the Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau. From April 2001 to August 2001, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Richard M. Berman, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. From 1999 through 2001, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Staff Attorney’s Office, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Judge Deiss is a member of the Connecticut and New York state bars.
Delia I. Gonzalez, Immigration Judge, Harlingen Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Delia I. Gonzalez to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993 from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor in 2001 from the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. From 2006 through 2016, she served as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Chief Counsel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. From 2001 through 2006, she served as a trial attorney for the Antitrust Division, Department of Justice, entering on duty through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Judge Gonzalez is a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Deborah K. Goodwin, Immigration Judge, Miami Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Deborah K. Goodwin to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986 from Wilson College and a Juris Doctor in 2000 from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. From 2015 to January 2017, she served as an associate legal advisor for the District Court Litigation Division, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in Washington, D.C. From 2007 through 2015, she served as an associate counsel for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS, in San Francisco. From 2002 through 2007, she served as an assistant chief counsel for ICE, DHS, in San Francisco. Judge Goodwin is a member of the Florida Bar.
Stephanie E. Gorman, Immigration Judge, Houston Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Stephanie E. Gorman to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Gorman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 from California State University Sacramento, a Juris Doctor in 2002 from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree in 2005 from the University of San Diego School of Law. From 2014 to January 2017, she served as an attorney and legal instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga., for the Office of the Chief Counsel, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). From 2008 through 2014, she served as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS. From 2009 through 2012, she also served as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida, Department of Justice (DOJ), in Orlando, Fla. From 2007 through 2008, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable M. James Lorenz, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, in San Diego. From March 2007 to September 2007, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Roger T. Benitez, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, in San Diego. From 2006 through 2007, she served as an assistant state attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, in Sarasota, Fla. From 2003 through 2006, she served in various capacities on the faculty of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, including as visiting assistant professor of law and senior legal writing instructor and adjunct professor. From 2002 through 2004, she served as an associate attorney for the Law Office of Matthew P. Rocco, in Carlsbad, Ca. Judge Gorman is a member of the State Bar of California and the Florida Bar.
Richard A. Jamadar, Immigration Judge, Houston Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Richard A. Jamadar to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Jamadar earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987 from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law and a Juris Doctor in 1996 from the Washington University School of Law. From 2004 to January 2017, he served as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Chief Counsel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, in Orlando, Fla. During this time, from 2011 through 2013, he served as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida, Department of Justice, in Orlando, Fla. From 2003 through 2004, he served as a senior attorney for the Department of Children and Families, Tenth Judicial Circuit, in Bartow, Fla. From 1999 through 2002, he served as an assistant state attorney for the State Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial Circuit, in Orlando, Fla. From 1996 through 1998, he served as an associate attorney for Polatsek and Scalfani, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Judge Jamadar is a member of the Florida Bar.
Julie Nelson, Immigration Judge, San Francisco Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Julie Nelson to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from Biola University and a Juris Doctor in 2006 from California Western School of Law. From December 2014 to January 2017, and previously from 2009 through May 2014, she served as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, in Eloy, Az. From June 2014 to November 2014, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Steven P. Logan, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. From 2008 through 2009, she served as an attorney advisor for the Los Angeles Immigration Court, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), DOJ. From 2007 through 2008, she served as a judicial law clerk for the San Diego Immigration Court, EOIR, DOJ, entering on duty through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. From 2007 through 2009, she served on the faculty of Biola University as an adjunct professor. Judge Nelson is a member of State Bar of California.
Emmett D. Soper, Immigration Judge, Arlington Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Emmett D. Soper to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Soper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998 from Carleton College and a Juris Doctor in 2005 from the University of Oregon School of Law. From 2012 to January 2017, he served as an associate general counsel for the Office of the General Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Department of Justice (DOJ), in Falls Church, Va. From 2010 through 2012, he served as an attorney advisor for the Office of Legal Policy, DOJ, in Washington, D.C. From 2006 through 2010, he served as an attorney advisor for the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, EOIR, DOJ, in Falls Church, Va. From 2005 through 2006, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Buffalo Immigration Court, EOIR, DOJ. Judge Soper is a member of the Oregon State Bar.
Jem C. Sponzo, Immigration Judge, New York City Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Jem C. Sponzo to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Sponzo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from Hamilton College and a Juris Doctor in 2006 from the University of Connecticut School of Law. From 2007 to January 2017, she served as a trial attorney for the Civil Division, Office of Immigration Litigation, Department of Justice (DOJ), in Washington, D.C. From January 2015 to July 2015, she also served as a clearance counsel for the Office of Presidential Personnel, White House, Executive Office of the President of the United States. From 2006 through 2007, she served as a judicial law clerk for the New York City Immigration Court, Executive Office for Immigration Review, DOJ, entering on duty through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Judge Sponzo is a member of the New York State Bar.
Arwen Ann Swink, Immigration Judge, San Francisco Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Arwen Ann Swink to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Swink earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002 from California State University San Marcos and a Juris Doctor in 2006 from the University of California Hastings College Of Law. Prior to this post, she served as a staff attorney in the motions unit of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, beginning in 2010. From 2006 through 2010, she served as an associate attorney for the Law Office of Robert B. Jobe, in San Francisco. Judge Swink is a member of the State Bar of California.
Veronica S. Villegas, Immigration Judge, Los Angeles Immigration Court
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch appointed Veronica S. Villegas to begin hearing cases in February 2017. Judge Villegas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996 from California State University Fullerton and a Juris Doctor in 1999 from the Loyola Law School. From 2012 to January 2017, and previously from 2004 through 2005, she was in private practice at the Law Office of Veronica S. Villegas, in West Covina, Calif. From 2005 through 2012, she was a partner at Hill, Piibe & Villegas, in West Covina, Calif. From 2003 through 2004, she served as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Chief Counsel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. From 1999 through 2003, she served as an assistant district counsel for the former Office of the District Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice. Judge Villegas is a member of the State Bar of California.
New York Salesman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Selling Vending Machine BusinessesRead the Press Release
A federal judge sentenced a Long Island, New York sales representative to prison for fraudulently selling vending machine businesses, the Justice Department announced today.
Richard R. Goldberg, 44, of Holbrook, New York, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $546,487.77 in restitution by U.S. District Court Judge Joan M. Azrack of the Eastern District of New York. Goldberg was found guilty after a six-week trial in 2015 of wire fraud and conspiracy. He is one of 24 defendants who have been convicted of fraud in connection with Multivend LLC d/b/a/ Vendstar, which was based in Deer Park, New York.
“The defendant enticed people to pay $10,000 or more for a business that he promised would be prosperous, when he knew it was likely to fail,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “That is a serious and reprehensible crime. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting consumers by prosecuting such frauds.”
Vendstar sold vending machine businesses in which it promised to provide vending machines, candy, locations, and everything else buyers would need to succeed. The company closed in July 2010. advertised in newspapers and on the Internet and sold the businesses to victims nationwide. But ’s sales representatives – with the knowledge and approval of Vendstar’s managers – misrepresented the business opportunity’s likely profits, the amount of money that ’s prior customers were earning, how quickly customers were likely to recover their investment, the quality of locations that were available for the vending machines, and the level of location assistance that customers would receive from locating companies recommended by Vendstar. Vendstar referred customers to locating companies that did not find profitable locations and regularly changed their names to stay ahead of constant complaints. During the last five years it was open, made more than $60 million in sales. Buyers received the vending machines, but little else, and most of them lost most or all of their investment.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its thorough investigation. The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick Jasperse and Assistant Director Alan Phelps of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. During the last 10 years, approximately 170 individuals have been convicted of fraudulently selling business opportunities in cases prosecuted by the Consumer Protection Branch.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against New York RestaurantRead the Press Release
The Justice Department reached an agreement today with Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership, doing business as Levy Restaurants, a national chain of sports arena restaurants. The settlement resolves the department’s investigation of a charge filed by a work-authorized immigrant against Levy’s Barclay Center restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, alleging discrimination in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The department concluded, based on its investigation that Levy discriminated against two lawful permanent residents at its Barclay Center restaurant by improperly reverifying their employment eligibility because of their immigration status. The department also determined that Levy improperly required them to present specific types of documents to re-establish their employment eligibility and suspended the charging party when he was unable to present such a document. The antidiscrimination provision of the INA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to unnecessary documentary demands based on the employee’s citizenship, immigration status or national origin.
Levy cooperated with the department throughout the investigation, quickly reinstated the charging party, and restored his lost wages and leave benefits. Under the settlement, Levy must pay a civil penalty to the United States, undergo department-provided training on the anti-discrimination provision of the INA and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements.
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring the rights of lawful U.S. workers to be free from discriminatory barriers based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend Levy for working with the Civil Rights Division to implement the corrective action resolving this matter.”
The division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits, among other things, citizenship, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Levy Settlement AgreementAuto Parts Industry Executive Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Executive Agrees to Serve 14 Months in a U.S. Prison
An executive of an automotive parts company pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to obstruct a federal investigation and for attempting to obstruct justice, the Department of Justice announced.
Futoshi Higashida, formerly the president of a U.S. joint venture of an automotive body sealing products supplier based in Hiroshima, Japan, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan to a two-count indictment charging him with conspiring to obstruct justice and attempting to obstruct justice. As a part of the plea agreement, Higashida agreed to serve 14 months in prison, pay a $7,500 criminal fine and was sentenced accordingly today.
“The Antitrust Division takes just as seriously pursuing individuals in the automotive parts industry who attempt to hide the facts as it does the subversion of the competitive process,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will continue to pursue the truth and to protect American consumers.”
On Sept. 21, 2016, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan returned an indictment against Higashida and another executive, who remains under indictment. According to the indictment, the defendants, along with their co-conspirators, conspired from at least as early as June 2008 until at least September 2012, to delete emails and electronic records and to destroy documents referring to communications with competitors, in contemplation of a federal investigation. During the charged conspiracy, Higashida was employed by an automotive body sealing products supplier in Japan and later in Novi, Michigan, as president of that company’s U.S. joint venture with another company. In addition, according to the indictment, on Sept. 25, 2012, intending to obstruct an official proceeding, Higashida instructed another individual to ensure that no phone numbers or call records remained on his cellular telephone and that no data remained on his computer that would reflect competitor communications.
Today’s guilty plea is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement sections and the FBI. A total of 65 individuals and 47 companies have been charged in the Antitrust Division’s investigations into the automotive parts industry. This case was brought by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the FBI’s Louisville Field Office, Covington Resident Agency, with the assistance of the FBI’s International Corruption Unit and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or contact the FBI’s Louisville Field Office at 502-263-6000.
Justice Department Sues to Stop South Florida Tax Return Business and its Preparers from Preparing Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Lauderhill, Florida tax return preparation business, and several of its corporate officers, prepare false tax returns for their customers, according to a new civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department today. The suit, filed in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, asks the court to bar Aleluya Universal Accounting Services Inc. (Aleluya) and its officers Frantz Petit-Dos, Luczor Fertilien, and David Joseph from preparing federal income tax returns for others. The government also requests a court order requiring the business and these officers to disgorge the gross receipts they obtained from preparing federal tax returns that make, among other things, false claims.
The complaint alleges that the defendants prepare tax returns that unlawfully understate income tax liabilities and overstate refunds by fabricating and/or exaggerating deductions and tax credits their clients are not eligible to take. For example, the defendants claimed Fuel Tax Credits for customers who did not qualify for this credit, according to the complaint. In particular, Joseph falsely advised one customer that she was eligible for the Fuel Tax Credit because she was self-employed and drove herself to work, according to the complaint. Similarly, Fertilien told the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that he advised anyone with receipts for gas used in their vehicles could claim the Fuel Tax Credit, according to the complaint.
The government alleges in its complaint that Petit-Dos’s, Fertilien’s, and Joseph’s misconduct predates the creation of Aleluya. Prior to Joseph forming Aleluya in June 2013, Petit-Dos and Fertilien owned a tax return preparation business called Imperial Taxation that was located at the same Lauderhill location as Aleluya, according to the complaint. The complaint alleges that Petit-Dos, Fertilien, and Joseph (a return preparer at Imperial Taxation) prepared false tax returns and committed other violations of the Internal Revenue Code while at Imperial Taxation. Altogether, the complaint alleges that the loss to the U. S. Treasury from the defendants’ activities may be in the millions of dollars.
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the 2017 individual income tax return filing season began on Jan. 23, 2017, and there is information available on the IRS’s website. Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Former Executive of Tenet Healthcare Corporation Charged for Alleged Role in $400 Million Scheme to DefraudRead the Press Release
A former senior executive of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, was indicted for his alleged role in an over $400 million scheme to defraud. The indictment alleges that the scheme to defraud victimized the U.S. government, the Georgia and South Carolina Medicaid Programs, and prospective patients of Tenet hospitals.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge David J. LeValley of the FBI’s Atlanta Division and Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
John Holland, 60, of Dallas, was charged in an indictment filed on Jan. 24 in the Southern District of Florida with one count of mail fraud, one count of health care fraud and two counts of major fraud against the United States. Holland made an initial appearance today, Feb. 1, at 2:00 p.m. EST before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres of the Southern District of Florida.
According to the indictment, Holland formerly served as a senior vice president of operations for Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s Southern States Region and as chief executive officer of North Fulton Medical Center Inc. in Roswell, Georgia. The indictment alleges that from approximately 2000 through 2013, Holland engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States, and the Georgia and South Carolina Medicaid Programs, by causing the payment of bribes and kickbacks in return for the referral of patients to North Fulton Medical Center Inc. and other Tenet hospitals in the Southern States Region, including Atlanta Medical Center Inc., Spalding Regional Medical Center Inc. and Hilton Head Hospital. From approximately 2007 through 2013, Tenet maintained and operated an affiliated billing center located in Boca Raton, Florida, that assisted in processing, for payment, Medicaid billings for these hospitals. Holland took affirmative steps to conceal the scheme including by circumventing internal accounting controls and falsifying Tenet’s books, records and reports. These kickbacks and bribes helped Tenet bill the Georgia and South Carolina Medicaid Programs over $400 million, and Tenet obtained more than $149 million in Medicaid and Medicare funds based on the resulting patient referrals, the indictment alleges.
According to the allegations, to effectuate the scheme, Holland, among other things, made false and fraudulent statements to HHS-OIG in connection with Tenet’s 2006 Corporate Integrity Agreement (the CIA), in which he falsely certified to HHS-OIG that Tenet was in compliance with the terms of participation in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs, and the terms of the CIA, when in fact he knew that Tenet was paying for illegal patient referrals. Holland’s certifications were included as part of Tenet’s yearly annual reports that were mailed to the HHS-OIG monitor located in Miami Lakes, Florida. During the duration of the CIA from 2007 through 2011, Tenet received over $10 billion in payments from federal health care programs – monies that Tenet would not have received had the company been excluded from participation in federal health care programs, the indictment alleges.
“These charges underscore our continued commitment to holding both individuals and corporations accountable for their fraudulent conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “We will follow the evidence where it takes us, including to the corporate executive ranks.”
“Medicaid patients have the right to seek healthcare without fearing that care is tainted by bribes and illegal kickbacks,” said Special Agent in Charge for FBI’s Atlanta Division LeValley. “Not only did patients suffer because of these alleged actions, but this kind of alleged abuse threatens to drive up the cost of healthcare for everyone. The FBI is committed to ensuring that federal laws related to the healthcare industry are enforced, and this case is an example of that commitment.”
“Health care companies and their executives must bill taxpayer-funded health programs honestly,” Special Agent in Charge Jackson of the HHS Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to pursue those who attempt to defraud Medicare and Medicaid, as alleged in this indictment.”
On Oct. 19, 2016, North Fulton Medical Center Inc. and Atlanta Medical Center Inc. pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. Tenet subsidiary Tenet HealthSystem Medical Inc. and its subsidiaries (THSM) also entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with the government at that time. Under the terms of the NPA, THSM and Tenet will avoid prosecution if they, among other requirements, cooperate with the government’s ongoing investigation and enhance their compliance and ethics program and internal controls. Tenet also agreed to retain an independent compliance monitor to address and reduce the risk of any recurrence of violations of the AKS by any entity owned in whole, or in part, by Tenet. Tenet and its subsidiaries also agreed to pay over $513 million to resolve the criminal charges and civil claims arising from the matter.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, HHS-OIG and the FBI Healthcare Fraud Unit Major Provider Reponse Team are conducting the investigation. Deputy Chief Joseph S. Beemsterboer, Assistant Chiefs Robert A. Zink and Sally B. Molloy and Trial Attorney Antonio M. Pozos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine locations across the country, has charged nearly 3,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $11 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit this website or call (888) 549-3945.
United States Settles Navy Discrimination and Wrongful Termination LawsuitRead the Press Release
ALICIA A.G. LIMTIACO, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced the United States of America, on behalf of Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, settled the lawsuit Ballard v. Mabus, CV13-00024 (D. Guam). The Plaintiff claimed that the Navy created a hostile work environment because of sexual harassment, age and race discrimination, and retaliated against him for accusing a co-worker, who had worked at the facility for many decades, of sexual harassment and another co-worker of age and race discrimination. The Navy’s internal investigation found that the allegations against the co- workers were false and that no sexual harassment occurred. The Navy also determined that Plaintiff’s substandard work performance warranted termination of his employment during the probationary period. Plaintiff worked for the Navy for a total of approximately four months.
After a Summary Judgment hearing before the District Court, Plaintiff’s claim of a hostile work environment based on sexual harassment and age and race discrimination was dismissed with prejudice. Because of the short time period between Plaintiff’s allegations against his co-workers and his dismissal by the Navy, the issue of possible retaliation remained to be resolved by a trial. Recognizing that trial would require the United States to bring in witnesses who are now serving around the world, the United States entered into a settlement agreement on January 28, 2017, to resolve the one remaining retaliation claim. Settlement negotiations were assisted by Magistrate Judge Joaquin V.E. Manibusan, Jr., at the U.S. District Court. The settlement resolves all claims by the Plaintiff.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikel Schwab.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with St. James Parish Louisiana School District to Desegregate SchoolsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the St. James Parish School District in Louisiana that upon completion will end court supervision of the district’s schools. The consent order, approved yesterday by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, addresses all remaining issues in the school desegregation case, and when fully implemented will lead to the closing of that case.
The consent order, negotiated with the school district and private plaintiffs, represented by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, puts the district on a path to full unitary status within three years provided it:
- Implements a new student assignment plan that desegregates its three nearly all-black elementary schools to the extent practicable, by revising feeder patterns and creating specialized academic programs that will attract a diverse student body;
- Revises the district’s code of conduct to ensure fairness and consistency in the handling of subjective disciplinary offenses that do not threaten safety, and provides district staff with additional tools to address student misbehavior in nondiscriminatory ways;
- Takes reasonable steps to recruit a diverse pool of applicants for faculty and staff vacancies that arise in the course of implementing the new student assignment plan; and
- Incorporates into its student handbook a statement prohibiting discrimination in extracurricular activities and encouraging participation by students of all races.
The consent order declares that the district has already met its desegregation obligations in the area of transportation. The court will retain jurisdiction over the consent order during its implementation, and the Justice Department will monitor the district’s compliance.
“We are pleased to have worked hand-in-hand with the schools to ensure equal and fair treatment for the students of the St. James Parish School District,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to working with the district and private plaintiffs to implement the consent order and bring this case to a successful close.”
Promoting school desegregation and enforcing Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
St. James Parish Consent OrderActing Attorney General Boente Issues Guidance to Department on Executive OrderRead the Press Release
Dana J. Boente, who was appointed this evening to serve as acting Attorney General, tonight issued the following guidance to the men and women of the department:
On January 30, 2017, Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates issued a memorandum barring Department of Justice Attorney’s from presenting arguments in defense of the President’s January 27, 2017, Executive Order entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” At approximately 9:00 p.m., I was asked by the President to serve in the capacity of Acting Attorney General. After having dedicated the last thirty-three years of my life to this Department, I am humbled and incredibly honored to serve as Acting Attorney General. Based upon the Office of Legal Counsel’s analysis, which found the Executive Order both lawful on its face and properly drafted, I hereby rescind former Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates January 30, 2017, guidance and direct the men and women of the Department of Justice to do our sworn duty and to defend the lawful orders of our President.
Prior to this appointment, Boente had been serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia since his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 15, 2015. Boente was appointed by the Attorney General in December 2012 to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, a position he held until September 2013. Boente began his career with the Justice Department in 1984 with the Tax Division, and in January 2001 he became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Fraud Unit of the Eastern District of Virginia.
From 2005 to 2007, Boente served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Tax Division. Following his service with the Tax Division, he returned to the Eastern District of Virginia when he was selected as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. He served as acting U.S. Attorney for that office from October 2008 through September 2009 and from Sept. 23, 2013 until his Senate confirmation.
Nebraska Upgrades Access to INTERPOL Investigative DataRead the Press Release
In January 2017, the State of Nebraska joined the small but growing number of U.S. states participating in a process called “federation.” Through federation, INTERPOL Washington provides U.S. law enforcement agencies the information technology support to enable queries in both domestic and INTERPOL criminal databases with a single real-time search transaction. Currently, most state law enforcement officers run inquiries through the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) database. The NCIC catalogs information that officers enter on sex offenders, immigration violators, suspected gang members, people with outstanding warrants and individuals reported missing, for example. Police use the system to locate fugitives, identify missing people, and determine if a subject is driving a stolen car or is wanted elsewhere.
However, between 80 and 90 percent of INTERPOL data, including information on INTERPOL notices, wanted persons, stolen and lost travel documents, and stolen motor vehicles, does not meet the criteria for inclusion in NCIC databases. To capture the INTERPOL data, officers must run a separate query, lengthening the time before an officer determines whether a subject poses a specific threat. Federation solves this problem by connecting the databases, allowing law enforcement a complete view of a subject’s criminal domestic and international profile. Federation reduces the time officers spend running background checks, enhancing officer safety and efficiency.
Photograph courtesy of the National Criminal Information Center A police officer uses a vehicle-mounted mobile platform.Nebraska’s adoption of the program brings the number of participating states to 13, plus Washington, D.C. Federated searches are processed through the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets). These combined searches can be conducted from both fixed and mobile platforms, including vehicle-mounted and hand-held devices. Depending upon an individual state’s existing information technology structure, there is minimal to no charge to participate in federation.
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice, INTERPOL Washington is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As the designated representative to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) on behalf of the Attorney General, INTERPOL Washington serves as the national point of contact for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Four School Bus Company Owners Convicted for Bid Rigging and Mail Fraud Conspiracies Involving Puerto Rico Public School Bus ServicesRead the Press Release
Following a week-long trial, a federal jury in Puerto Rico convicted four individuals for participating in bid rigging and fraud conspiracies at an auction for public school bus transportation services in Puerto Rico’s Caguas municipality, the Department of Justice announced.
Gavino Rivera Herrera, Luciano Vega Martínez, Alfonso Gonzalez Nevarez and René Garay Rodríguez were found guilty today in the U.S. District Court of the District of Puerto Rico, in San Juan, for conspiring to rig bids and allocate the market for public school bus transportation contracts in the municipality of Caguas from approximately August 2013 until May 2015. Each individual was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and four counts of mail fraud for defrauding the municipality of Caguas to fraudulently obtain contracts for school bus transportation services. Sentencing is set for May 30, 2017.
“These defendants enriched themselves at the expense of Puerto Rico schools and have been held accountable by a jury of their peers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that school districts and other consumers benefit from competitive markets.”
“These convictions should serve as a reminder that Federal law enforcement agencies intend to vigorously prosecute those who manipulate government bidding processes to enrich themselves illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. “Federal law enforcement agencies will continue their ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute these crimes, in order to promote and protect free and fair competition in the marketplace.”
“The defendants’ actions in depriving the citizens of Caguas of the right to choose what is best for the transportation of their schoolchildren, while also putting the defendants’ own financial interests above those of equally deserving Puerto Rican business owners, were particularly harmful during these difficult economic times.” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff of the FBI’s San Juan Division. “The FBI is grateful for its partnership with the Antitrust Division and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General for their endless dedication to protecting the rights of all businesses, large and small, to compete in a fair marketplace.”
“Today's action demonstrated that these business owners willfully and intentionally sought to enrich themselves at the expense of students and taxpayers. That is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Yessyka Santana of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southeastern Regional Office. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue anyone who games the system for their own selfish purpose and protect these vital funds from this type of calculated plunder.”
According to evidence presented at trial, the four school bus company owners and other co-conspirators carried out the conspiracy by agreeing during meetings and communications to allocate contracts for transportation routes awarded by the municipality of Caguas. Trial evidence showed that the conspirators submitted fraudulent certifications and received award letters by certified mail in connection with their conspiracy to defraud the Municipality of Caguas.
The defendants were convicted of bid rigging and market allocation in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine. They were also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and four counts of mail fraud. Each count of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Today’s conviction arose from a federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in Puerto Rico’s school bus transportation services industry. This investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section, the District of Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Puerto Rico Field Office and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section at 202-307-6694, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or call the FBI’s Puerto Rico Field Office at 787-754-6000.
Court Authorizes Service of John Doe Summons Seeking the Identities of U.S. Taxpayers Who Have Used Debit Cards in Furtherance of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Today a federal court in Montana unsealed an order authorizing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to serve a John Doe summons on Michael Behr of Bozeman, Montana, seeking information about U.S. taxpayers who may hold offshore accounts established by Sovereign Management & Legal LTD (SML), a Panamanian entity. Specifically, the IRS is seeking records of U.S. taxpayers who, during the years 2005 to 2016, had been issued a “Sovereign Gold Card” debit card that could be used to access the funds in those accounts in such a manner as to evade their obligations under internal revenue laws. The IRS uses John Doe summonses to obtain information about possible violations of internal revenue laws by individuals whose identities are unknown.
U.S. taxpayers seeking to hide their offshore assets often utilize the services of offshore trusts and corporate service providers that open bank accounts, create corporations and other entities, and serve as nominee officers. In its petition seeking the issuance of the John Doe summons, the United States alleges that SML advertises various “packages” to allow taxpayers to hide their assets offshore. These packages include corporations owned by other entities (to include fake charitable foundations), all held in the name of nominee officers provided by SML. SML then opens bank accounts for these entities and provides debit cards in the name of the nominee to the taxpayer. By using such cards, taxpayers seek to access their offshore funds without revealing their identities. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris found that there is a reasonable basis for believing that U.S. taxpayers may be using the Sovereign Gold Card to violate federal tax laws.
“The Department of Justice and the IRS are committed to stopping the use of foreign bank accounts to evade U.S. tax laws,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “This John Doe summons is yet another example of how we are using all available tools to identify, investigate and hold accountable those who cheat our nation’s tax system by hiding money offshore, as well as those individuals and entities facilitating U.S. taxpayers engaged in this conduct. The time to come forward and come into compliance is running short, and those who continue to violate U.S. tax and reporting laws will pay a heavy price.”
“In seeking this John Doe summons, the IRS wants to ensure that certain pre-paid payment card users are meeting their responsibilities to properly pay their taxes,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “We are taking this step as part of our longstanding efforts against the use of secret offshore accounts. This action will help ensure that pre-paid cards aren’t being inappropriately used to repatriate hidden income and avoid taxes.”
This case is part of an ongoing effort to stop U.S. taxpayers from using offshore financial accounts as a way to evade federal tax laws. The Justice Department previously obtained a similar order from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, authorizing issuance of eight separate John Doe summonses on bank and other entities for information related to SML and its customers in the United States. The evidence submitted in this request to issue a John Doe summons was built in part on information provided in response to the earlier summons.
Federal tax law requires U.S. taxpayers to pay taxes on all income earned worldwide. U.S. taxpayers must also report foreign financial accounts if the total value of the accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. A deliberate failure to report a foreign account can result in a penalty of up to 50 percent of the amount in the account at the time of the violation. U.S. taxpayers are reminded that the IRS currently has in place an Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program where U.S. taxpayers can come forward and disclose their offshore accounts and income. For more details, please go to the IRS’s website: www.irs.gov/uac/2012-Offshore-Voluntary-Disclosure-Program or https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/options-available-for-u-s-taxpayers-with-undisclosed-foreign-financial-assets.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Two Associates of Wildboys Gang Plead Guilty to Charges Involving Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
Two associates of the Wildboys street gang in South Carolina have pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in gang-related shootings.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Captain Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division made the announcement.
Joshua Manigault, aka J-Rizzle and Rizzle Back, 30, and Damien Robinson, aka Sacked Up, 20, of Green Pond, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity. Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel of South Carolina.
According to admissions made in connection with the pleas, Manigault and Robinson were associates in the Wildboys, a violent criminal street gang based in South Carolina, with members operating in various South Carolina cities, including Summerville and Walterboro. Manigault and Robinson admitted that Wildboys members and associates have committed a wide range of racketeering activity, including assault with dangerous weapons, murder, robbery and narcotics trafficking.
Further, as part of their plea agreements, Manigault and Robinson admitted their involvement in a drive-by shooting in Walterboro on April 7, 2015. Robinson drove past a residence where members of the rival Dooley Hill gang were believed to reside while Manigault and another associate of the Wildboys fired multiple shots. One individual inside the home was hit by the gunfire and sustained serious bodily injury.
Manigault and Robinson were charged in an indictment with attempted murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses on Feb. 9, 2016.
Separately, also on Feb. 9, 2016, nine members and associates of the Cowboys gang were charged in an indictment with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses. The indictment further alleges that, for a period of time, the Cowboys were aligned with the Wildboys. To date, multiple members and associates of the Cowboys have pleaded guilty to charges in the indictment, including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ATF, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, the Walterboro Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department and the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office are investigating the cases. The Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section is prosecuting the cases in partnership with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Former New York Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Caused Tax Loss of More Than $250,000
A former Queens, New York return preparer pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
“As we enter filing season, today’s plea should remind tax return preparers across the country that there are significant consequences for willfully preparing and filing false income tax returns,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg. “Preparers who seek to attract business and increase their profits by stealing from the U.S. Treasury through the filing of false returns will be investigated and prosecuted.”
According to documents filed with the court, from in or about 2004 through 2014, Vanya Thompson, 39, ran a tax return preparation business, which operated under a number of names, including Lyn Services, Ricardo Multi-Service and Katie’s Multi-Service. To generate larger refunds for her clients, Thompson falsified items on their returns such as charitable deductions and business income, expenses, and losses, causing a tax loss of more than $250,000.Sentencing is scheduled for June 2. Thompson faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Thompson also agreed to an order prohibiting her from preparing tax returns on behalf of others.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Jason Scheff of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
U.S. District Court Blocks Aetna’s Acquisition of HumanaRead the Press Release
Merger Would Harm Seniors Relying on Medicare Advantage and Low-Income Families and Individuals Obtaining Insurance on Public Exchanges
Judge John D. Bates of the District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision today that found in favor of the Justice Department in its civil antitrust lawsuit to block health insurer Aetna Inc.’s acquisition of rival insurer Humana Inc.
“Today’s decision is a victory for American consumers – especially seniors and working families and individuals,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder, who is currently heading the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Competition spurs health insurers to offer higher quality and more affordable health insurance to seniors who choose Medicare Advantage plans and to low-income families and individuals who purchase insurance from public exchanges. This merger would have stifled competition and led to higher prices and lower quality health insurance. Aetna attempted to buy a formidable rival, Humana, instead of competing independently to win customers. Millions of consumers have benefited from competition between Aetna and Humana, and will continue to benefit because of today’s decision to block this merger.
“In concluding that Aetna’s acquisition of Humana would violate federal antitrust laws, the court has protected consumers and the competition on which they rely. I thank the hardworking staff of the Antitrust Division and our state partners who conducted a thorough investigation and offered a compelling trial presentation with determination and a deep commitment to preserving and protecting competition.
“The court’s decision will save customers and taxpayers up to $500 million per year. The Justice Department and our state partners brought this case because substantial evidence showed that direct competition between Aetna and Humana led the companies to offer more generous benefits at lower prices.”
Today’s decision follows a 13-day trial in December 2016. In July 2016, the Justice Department along with eight states and the District of Columbia sued to stop the merger. The complaint alleged that a combined Aetna and Humana would substantially reduce competition for the sale of Medicare Advantage – a form of Medicare coverage provided by private insurers –and health insurance to individuals through the public exchanges.
In blocking the transaction, the court ruled that the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in the sale of individual Medicare Advantage plans in 364 counties. The court ruled that the sale of Medicare Advantage is a relevant antitrust product market, meaning that competition among Medicare Advantage providers is protected by the antitrust laws. In addition, the court rejected Aetna and Humana’s claim that their proposal to divest 290,000 Medicare Advantage customers to Molina Healthcare, a health insurer, would prevent the competitive harm that the merger would produce. The court further found that Aetna withdrew from the individual public exchanges in three states to evade judicial scrutiny of the proposed merger. The court concluded that the proposed merger would have caused a substantial lessening of competition in three counties in Florida.
The United States was joined in the lawsuit by the District of Columbia and the States of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Aetna-Humana Memorandum Opinion Aetna-Humana OrderOwner of Tax Preparation Franchises in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
The owner of a St. Louis, Missouri tax return preparation business was sentenced to 27 months in prison Friday following his conviction on two counts of tax evasion, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court records, Semere Tsehaye, 39, was the owner and operator of at least 20 Instant Tax Service (ITS) franchise locations operating in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri from 2005 to 2011. ITS was a brand name of ITS Financial LLC, a nationwide tax preparation business headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Tsehaye owned and operated his ITS franchise locations using two entities named A&S Tax Service LLC (A&S) and ERI Enterprises LLC (ERI).
“As the owner and operator of numerous tax return preparation businesses, Semere Tsehaye was clearly aware of his obligation to accurately report his income and expenses to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and yet ignored his responsibilities in an effort to cheat the system,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg. “Tsehaye’s sentence makes clear that those who seek to evade paying their fair share will face severe consequences for their criminal conduct.”
“Mr. Tsehaye’s attempt to evade tax by hiding income and filing false returns was a theft from the American public,” said Special Agent in Charge Karl Stiften of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), St. Louis Field Office. “Tax evasion of this magnitude with this degree of dishonesty and deceit deserves to be punished and Mr. Tsehaye will now pay the price for his crimes.”
Court records show that during the years 2010 and 2011, Tsehaye generated fraudulent financial summaries that understated the gross receipts generated by A&S and ERI and provided them to his tax return preparer. Tsehaye’s tax return preparer used these financial summaries to prepare Tsehaye’s individual income tax returns, which Tsehaye then filed with the IRS. These tax returns were false in that they underreported A&S and ERI’s gross receipts by a total of approximately $547,895 in 2010 and $1.03 million in 2011, and resulted in Tsehaye evading a total of approximately $581,264 in tax due and owing.
On Oct. 4, Tsehaye was convicted of two counts of tax evasion by a federal jury sitting in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to the term of prison imposed, Tsehaye was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $$298,178 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg commended special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Senior Litigation Counsel Corey Smith and Trial Attorney Mark McDonald of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri for their substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Maryland MS-13 Member Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Including MurderRead the Press Release
A Hyattsville, Maryland, man was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to life in prison for murder in aid of racketeering, in connection with his gang activities as a member of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.
The sentence was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
In addition to today’s consecutive prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus of the District of Maryland ordered Miguel Angel Manjivar, aka "Masflow" or "Garra," 25, to serve five years of supervised release. Manjivar was convicted by a federal jury on Sept. 30, 2016.
MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or "cliques" of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as "chavalas," whenever possible.
According to evidence presented at the three-week trial, from at least 2009 through October 2014, MS-13 members planned and committed numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, assaults, robberies, and witness tampering and retaliation in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Gang members also extorted brothel operators and owners of other illegal businesses and tampered with and retaliated against witnesses, among other crimes. Manjivar was a member of the MS-13 Peajes Locotes Salvatrucha clique.
Trial evidence showed that on Sept. 16, 2010, Manjivar shot and killed an individual he believed to be a rival gang member on the footbridge of a park in Hyattsville. On Jan. 10, 2011, Manjivar and other MS-13 members murdered a person they believed was a rival gang member, and attempted to murder another purported rival gang member in a parking lot in Hyattsville. Manjivar and others repeatedly punched, kicked, and stabbed the victims, one of whom survived the attack.
In addition, trial evidence demonstrated that on Jan. 13, 2011, Manjivar attended a Peajes Clique meeting, where he criticized other MS-13 members for not committing enough violent crimes. Manjivar then left in a mini-van driven by a co-defendant with other Peajes members as passengers, and as a group, they attacked a person they believed to be an associate of a rival gang and dragged him back into the vehicle. Manjivar and others continued to assault him, at times attempting to use a seat belt to strangle the victim, as well as kicked, stabbed and choked him. Trial evidence demonstrated that they forcefully stripped the victim of his heavy winter clothing in order to stab him, and then dragged him into the woods, where they left him for dead and fled. The victim survived the attack.
Fourteen of the 15 defendants charged in this investigation have been convicted for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. The final defendant is a fugitive.
HSI Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police Departments, and Prince George’s County and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Offices investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan of the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). Former OCGS Trial Attorney Kevin Rosenberg assisted in the prosecution of this case.
Justice Department Seeks to Stop Florida Tax Return Preparer from Preparing Federal Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Broward County, Florida tax return preparer, Billy Philippe, unlawfully understates his customers’ income tax liabilities and overstates refunds by making deliberate misstatements on the tax returns, according to a new civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department today. The suit, filed in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, asks the court to permanently bar Philippe from preparing federal tax returns for others. The suit also asks the court to order Philippe to turn over a list of all the tax returns he has prepared since Jan. 1, 2012.
The complaint alleges that Philippe, the majority owner of Advantage Tax Center Plus Inc., prepares federal income tax returns for customers that fraudulently overstate the amount of the refunds due by falsely claiming refundable credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and credits for education expenses. The complaint further alleges that Philippe frequently claims fraudulently inflated wages or self-employment income in order to maximize the amount of EITC a customer claims. The IRS previously penalized Philippe over $24,000 for failure to exercise the due diligence required to claim the EITC for his customers and the failure to properly identify himself as the paid return preparer, according to the complaint.
From 2011 to 2015, Philippe prepared at least 899 returns, according to the complaint. The complaint alleges that audits of 44 returns prepared by Philippe in 2014 and 2015 revealed that he claimed credits his customers were not entitled to take and/or understated their correct tax liability by more than $300,000 in the aggregate.
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the 2017 individual income tax return filing season begins today, Jan. 23, 2017, and there is information available on the IRS’s website. Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
EOIR Statement on Erroneous Public Release of Immigration Judge InformationRead the Press Release
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a party to litigation related to the release of information regarding its immigration judge conduct and professionalism program. EOIR is committed to ensuring that any allegation of an immigration judge’s misconduct is investigated and resolved in a fair and expeditious manner, consistent with federal personnel and privacy laws and regulations that apply to non-supervisory, career civil servants.
During this still-active litigation, the plaintiff, the American Immigration Lawyers' Association, posted to the Internet the 16,000 documents that EOIR provided. These documents were released pursuant to a court order. A private attorney then took the time to manipulate some of the documents in order to uncover data not accessible on the face of the documents themselves, and post his personal assessment of the metadata contained therein.
EOIR believes the attorney, upon finding information was inadvertently provided, should have promptly notified the sender (EOIR) rather than taking steps to publish guesses. This unfortunate incident resulted in the attorney publishing a "key" to the documents. EOIR has determined that the “key” is inaccurate and does not correctly present the actual details associated with the documents. It is instead a representation of one person’s assumptions based on his own manipulations of the text, which resulted in the errors.
Individuals who file complaints about immigration judges are not bound to keep private the details of their complaint. EOIR will continue to defend its case in the referenced FOIA litigation, and remains committed to protecting the identities of the immigration judges against whom complaints, some substantiated and some unsubstantiated, have been filed.
It is unfortunate that some members of the agency’s highly talented and professional immigration judge corps have been negatively and falsely named in the private attorney’s action, and that he chose to publish his erroneous findings without any way of verifying his information.
Court Shuts Down Illinois Tax Return PreparerRead the Press Release
Today a federal court in Illinois permanently enjoined Daria Emma Valdivia, individually and doing business under the name Emma’s Agency, from preparing federal tax returns for others. Valdivia agreed to the civil injunction order entered against her, which requires her to turn over to the United States a list of all persons for whom she prepared federal tax returns since 2012. The court also authorized the United States to monitor Valdivia’s compliance with the terms of the injunction.
According to the government’s complaint, Valdivia, of Sterling, Illinois, routinely prepared federal tax returns, from her business Emma’s agency, for customers that falsely claimed unqualified individuals as dependents, such as persons who did not live in the United States or a country contiguous to the United States. The complaint alleges that Valdivia also improperly reported her customers’ filing status as Head of Household when the customers were ineligible for that status, according to the complaint. The complaint alleges that these two types of return preparer misconduct allowed Valdivia to understate her customers’ tax liabilities and claim undeserved refunds for them. According to the complaint, Valdivia continued to engage in this conduct despite the fact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assessed her with $132,000 in penalties for similar violations of the Internal Revenue Code. The complaint alleges that IRS audits of 65 returns prepared by Valdivia show that she underreported her customers’ tax liabilities on 89 percent (58) of them by more than $285,000, collectively.
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the 2017 individual income tax return filing season begins Jan. 23, 2017, and there is information available on the IRS’s website. Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
United States Reaches Settlement with Meadowvale Dairy of Rock Valley, Iowa, for Clean Water Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Meadowvale Dairy, LLC, has agreed to pay a civil penalty and take actions to prevent illegal discharges to Iowa streams in compliance with the Clean Water Act, officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced today. Meadowvale Dairy operates multiple concentrated animal feeding operations in Rock Valley, Iowa.
Since 2002, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified multiple violations of the dairy’s two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, which included fish kills in tributaries that lead to the Big Sioux River in 2004 and 2009. State and EPA inspections discovered evidence of additional unauthorized discharges of stormwater runoff into the tributaries in 2013 and 2014.
“This settlement sends a clear message that concentrated animal feeding operations must comply with Clean Water Act in order to prevent future discharges into our waters,” said John C. Cruden, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement requires remedial measures to reduce pollutants and protect aquatic ecosystems in the short term, as well as third party auditing to ensure long-term compliance with the terms of the consent decree and the controlling permits.”
“The vast majority of animal feeding operations adhere to the law and actively seek to be responsible stewards of the environment,” said Mark Hague, EPA Region 7 regional administrator. “The settlement today helps ensure a level playing field for all operators by holding those who violate environmental regulations accountable.”
“The scope of the injunctive relief and the size of the civil penalty are a clear signal to Iowa’s CAFOs about the importance of compliance. This settlement demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to enforcing the Clean Water Act as enacted by Congress” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Kevin Techau.
As outlined in the proposed consent decree lodged today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in addition to civil penalties Meadowvale Dairy will be required to implement injunctive relief that includes short-term and long-term corrective measures to prevent unpermitted discharges of pollutants into tributaries. Injunctive relief includes:
- Retain an independent third party to develop and perform an audit, verifying compliance with the requirements of the proposed consent decree.
- Comply with all requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, including adherence to its Nutrient Management Plan. A Nutrient Management Plan typically outlines management and conservation practices to optimize productivity of the operation while conserving nutrients and protecting the environment. It may include practices such as appropriate manure and fertilizer storage and handling methods, managing the diet of the animals, and/or irrigation practices.
- Ensure all production areas are designed, constructed and operated to prevent unpermitted discharges with an exclusion for a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.
EPA estimates that changes made by Meadowvale required by this proposed settlement will result in a reduction of approximately 200,000 pounds of pollutants discharged annually. These reductions help to protect aquatic ecosystems, decrease sedimentation and improve overall water quality. The settlement also requires Meadowvale Dairy to pay $160,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to mismanagement of animal wastes.
Meadowvale Dairy operates two NPDES-permitted large concentrated animal feeding operations, confining approximately 10,000 head of cattle on a combined 185 acres in Rock Valley. The operation includes four locations – North Site and South Site (both permitted), a calf barn/hut, and a satellite concrete manure storage structure.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Meadowvale Dairy would be required to pay the monetary penalty within 30 days of the court's approval of the settlement.
President Obama Grants CommutationsRead the Press Release
Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to 330 individuals:
• Abdulmuntaqim Ad-Deen – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 8, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lesly Alexis – Boca Raton, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine powder and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 384 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 29, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• Gary J. Anderson – Barre, VT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute MDMA; distribution of MDMA; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Terry Anderson – Mabank, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to launder money; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 1, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kevin Lavon Andrews – Clearwater, FL
Offense: Carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release (February 11, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 156 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Daniel Ary, Jr. – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 6, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Demetrius S. Autery – Winter Haven, FL
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 4, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Connie Avalos – Menifee, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 30, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Derrick L. Baines – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tonya Barney – Ivins, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Utah
Sentence: 204 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• David Barren – Pittsburgh, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine; conspiracy to structure financial transactions; concealment money laundering (31 counts); structuring (two counts); money laundering – avoid reporting requirements (six counts); promotion money laundering (2 counts); money laundering over $10,000 (seven counts); District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (August 11, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Herman Barron, III – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 25, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tony Barrow – New York, NY
Offense: Importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (November 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Senaca Bartlett – Chicago, IL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”); Western District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 210 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 29, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Bass – Orlando, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
• Damion Rurshe Bates – Kalamazoo, MI
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; 5 years' supervised release (February 22, 2010)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Todd Begley – Nashville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Carolyn Ann Bell – Lawton, OK
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 21, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Curtis Bell – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
- Henry P. Bennett, Jr. – Huger, SC
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of
cocaine; attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); District of South Carolina
2. Supervised release violation; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 18, 2008)
2. 33 months’ imprisonment (concurrent) (December 18, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 273 months' imprisonment.
• Dorian Lee Benoit – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 30, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Bernard – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 30, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Elaine Beston – Great Falls, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Montana
Sentence: 192 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 16, 2008); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (July 20, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Zell Bishop – Bay Minette, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Benjamin Blount – Oakdale, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Walter Bradberry – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Alonzo F. Brooks – Asheville, NC
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 26, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Adrian R. Brown – Athens, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 15 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct unlawful financial transactions affecting interstate commerce; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 12, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerome Brown – Pittsburgh, PA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Rodney Rodriguez Brown – Atmore, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 months’ supervised release (June 5, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Pamela Brownlee – Decatur, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Thomas Burton – Plain Dealing, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 17, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
• Tiara Buskey – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (November 8, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jeffrey Calhoun – Long Beach, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (two counts); Central District of California
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Willie Albert Cannon – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession of a firearm; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 17, 1995); amended to 352 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jose Carmona – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ramiro Cervantes – Blountsville, AL
Offense: Attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release; $2,000 fine (January 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John Dennis Chapman – Piedmont, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; conspiring to launder monetary instruments; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 4, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raul Chavez – San Jose, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (December 18, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• Artrone Cheatham – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Calvin Burkett Clark – Jefferson, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 13, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.
• Kenneth Clark – Calumet City, IL
Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with the intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 19, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.
• Jeffrey Glynn Coleman – Milwaukee, WI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 2, 2006); amend to 240 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Cassandra Collins – Jefferson, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 4, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ladarius Venice Cook – Florissant, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cortez Cooper – Harvey, IL
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to
distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
2. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; use of a telephone in the commission of a felony drug trafficking offense (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 1. 120 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 29, 2004)
2. 240 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); eight years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 2, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Trenton A. Copeland – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 23, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.
• John Timothy Cotton – Houston, TX
Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Johnnie L. Cotton – Venice, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $900 fine (August 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy G. Craig – Greenville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Japlin Cureton – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Steven Jermonte Cureton – Huntersville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, marijuana, and 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine a/k/a ecstasy; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Adell Dancer – Waco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $3,000 fine (February 16, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Timothy Lashaun Dandridge – Midfield, AL
Offense: Unlawful distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); unlawful possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; unlawful possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (January 9, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Terrance H. Darby – Newark, NJ
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (April 3, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Emanuel Jurel Davidson – Columbus, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (June 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Shondu Maurice Dawson – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and more than 500 grams of cocaine; carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possess said firearm in furtherance of such drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 241 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 12, 2005); amended to 214 months' imprisonment (September 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gary Allen Day – West Monroe, LA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 11, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Maria Aide Delgado – Weslaco, TX
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, 218.5 kilograms of marijuana (two counts); Southern District of Texas
2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 1. 100 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (October 10, 2007)
2. 240 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); 10 years’ supervised release (April 19, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence for conviction imposed in the Western District of Louisiana commuted to 110 months and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine imposed in the Southern District of Texas remitted when her sentence expires.
• Damon Andre Dill – Chester, PA
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (September 5, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Qustion Dingle – Okeechobee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a quantity of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 216 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (May 1, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael A. Douglas, Jr. – Lynchburg, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1500 fine (April 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dezmend Rashawn Doweary – Norfolk, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Lourdes Castro Duenas – Mangilao, Guam
Offense: Criminal conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine hydrochloride (ICE); possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride with intent to distribute; District of Guam
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 2, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Alton J. Easley – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Edgerson – Ann Arbor, MI
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 294 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 6, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Demetrius Elliott – Brandon, FL
Offense: Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Carla Grace Engler – Dubuque, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location; attempting to manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location (two counts); possession of red phosphorus knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; failure to appear on pretrial release; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 361 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2006); amended to 325 months’ imprisonment (March 21, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Delevan Engles – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm (two counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and sentencing enhancement; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (February 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Travis J. Every – Harvey, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 175 months’ imprisonment.
• Paul S. Fields – Emmalena, KY
Offense: Manufacture of over 100 marijuana plants; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 26, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 10 years’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Linda Finch –Anniston, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Carroll James Flowers – Galena, KS
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture or distribute more than one kilogram of methamphetamine; District of Kansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 19, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Chauncey Floyd – Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lance Foster – Gary, IN
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine/aiding and abetting; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Stacy Dean Foster- Bethel, OK
Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; establishment of manufacturing operations; Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 352 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (June 13, 2006); amended to 295 months’ imprisonment (August 17, 2016)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert L. Franklin – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of cocaine; carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking charge; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment
• James Anthony Frink – Chadbourn, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (three counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 187 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $9,050 fine (January 7, 2008); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (December 16, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $9,050 fine remitted.
• Mike Fulton – Winterville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of firearm by convicted felon; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (January 10, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Melvin Fudge – Grand Rapids, MI
Offense: Committing a drug trafficking offense within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (October 28, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jose Luis Garcia – Gretna, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (five counts); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 20, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Juan Garcia – Tyler, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana; witness tampering; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 28, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Raymond Garcia – Las Vegas, NV
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of Nevada
Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 13, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Rene Garcia, Jr. – Independence, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release, $261,600 fine (September 3, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $261,600 fine remitted.
• Antonio Maurice Gardner – Temple, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least five grams of “crack” cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic drug controlled substance, within 1,000 feet of a public school; aiding and abetting; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 4, 2006); $1,000 fine
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Reginald Stern Gardner – Mason City, IA
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana after having previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa
2. Escape from custody; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 1. 360 months' imprisonment (consecutive); eight years' supervised release (May 12, 2004)
2. 24 months' imprisonment (May 12, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 234 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gregory A. Garton – Casper, WY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; distribution of methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (three counts); District of Wyoming
Sentence: 900 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $2,200 fine (April 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,200 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dustin Gary – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: 1. Criminal conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base(crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
2. Possession of a prohibited object (marijuana) while in prison; District of New Jersey
Sentence 1. 292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $1,500 fine
(September 12, 2002); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 8,
2008)
2. Six months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 17, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Robert Raymond Garza – Harlingen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 30, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
• Tavaris Gay – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 130 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eric German – Haughton, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Daniel Gilliam – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 222 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 28, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Troy Gilmore ─ Eutawville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; conspiracy to launder money; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 10, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Terry Glasscock – Lebanon, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or possessing a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of such crime; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 425 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 17, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 295 months' imprisonment.
• Earl Glenn, Jr. – Chester, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 20, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Waymon Audra Goodley – Hillsboro, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug felony (two counts); Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• William Goodwill ─ Decatur, IL
Offense: Distribution of fifty or more grams of cocaine base; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 20, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Robby Joe Goram –Eight Mile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 140 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Leonardo Graham – Essex, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Wilbert Decosta Greaves – Jacksonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release; $17,100 fine (January 4, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Lee Green – Ville Platte, LA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (crack); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 23, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Samuel Green – Wilmington, DE
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of firearms; District of Delaware
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Vaughn Greene – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 1, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire May 19, 2017.
• Stuart John Greger – Glennville, GA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tyrone Grimes – Inwood, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana within 1,000 feet of a public elementary school; engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, convicted felon in possession of a gun; Eastern District of New York;
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 29, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Ricky Lee Groves – Smithfield, NC
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; trading food stamps for cocaine base and aiding and abetting (five counts); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release (February 16, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Thaddeas Kulani Thomas Hall – Waipahu, HI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 16, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Forrest Hamm – Miami, FL
Offense: 1. Possession of contraband (marijuana) in a federal correctionalinstitution; District of New Jersey
2. Possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
3. Supervised release violation; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 1. Two months' imprisonment (consecutive) (September 3, 2013)
2. 262 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2004)
3. 30 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (June 3, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eddie Harley – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, heroin, and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Monica Haro – Mission, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 12, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Anthony T. Harris – Murfreesboro, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and some quantity of marijuana; distribution of 50 grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected area; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 8, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Antone C. Harris – Indianapolis, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment’ 10 years’ supervised release (September 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Brandon W. Harris – Mt. Vernon, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $200 fine (May 3, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Clenneth J. Harris – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base for distribution; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 6, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Efrem Zemblish Harris – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine in excess of five kilograms, cocaine base in excess of 50 grams, and a quantity of marijuana, and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to use telecommunication facilities to commit or facilitate acts constituting a felony and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to establish or maintain a location for the purpose of storing or distributing controlled substances and sentencing enhancement; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; interstate travel in aid of racketeering; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 5, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Eric Harris – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and marijuana; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (four counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 12 years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (January 19, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Linwood Claude Harris, Jr. – Monroe, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 250 months' imprisonment; 20 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (February 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Shaun Kevin Harris – Sutton, WV
Offense: Cocaine conspiracy; aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); distribution of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (January 30, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tyrone A. Harris – Spotsylvania, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (August 15, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Harrison – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $25,000 fine (July 21, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted.
• Marlon R. Harrison – Savannah, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 26, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Todd Lowell G. Haworth – Kina, ID
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Idaho
Sentence: 276 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (December 21, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (October 13, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Andre Haynes – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 25, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on October 16, 2017.
• Gregory Hearn – Kilgore, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 2, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Antonio Jeron Hemphill – Rock Hill, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 14, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Michael Henderson – Newark, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 24, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Walter Henry, III – Capitol Heights, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; aiding and abetting; unlawful possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin (two counts); District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 12, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Lejandra Deshawn Herman – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Domingo Hernandez – Ledgewood, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; unlawful transport of firearms; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 2, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Jackie Hernandez – Park Forest, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; knowingly and intentionally used telephone in furtherance of a drug offense; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Angelo Hernandez – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during commission of a crime; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 25, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Ramiro Hernandez – Edinburg, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $8,400 restitution (March 13, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Hassan Hills – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,500 fine (December 19, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eric Hinton – Ypsilanti, MI
Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts); Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 9, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Brian Douglas Hoggard – Coatesville, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (2 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 204 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (March 27, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2018 and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Lawrence Honore – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 28, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Allen House – Garden Grove, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Daniel Alfonso Jacobo – Cedar Rapids, IA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after a conviction for felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 10, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Walter Jenkins – Colorado Springs, CO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (second and subsequent conviction); District of Colorado
Sentence: 720 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 8, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 322 months' imprisonment
• Antwaine Tacoma Johnson – Littleton, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 183 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 11, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dempsey Johnson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute MDMA and cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 162 months’ imprisonment.
• Karmell Demetrius Johnson – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 14, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Thomas Johnson – Miami, FL
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine powder; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment, eight years' supervised release (September 29, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Antonio D. Jones – Nashville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of firearms in relation to a drug trafficking offense; felon in possession of firearms; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life plus five years' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 15, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kiwanis Miyo Jones – Clayton, AL
Offense: Controlled substance - sell, distribute, or dispense (4 counts); violent crime/drugs/guns; unlawful transport of firearms; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 16, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 170 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ryan K. Jones – Ste. Genevieve, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; possess a listed chemical used to manufacture methamphetamine; Western District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 328 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (May 18, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wayne Jordan – Morrisville, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 1, 1998); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (January 29, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bobby Dale Kelley – Coweta, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (March 17, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kenneth Earl Kelley – Mossy Head, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Corey Kelly – Camden, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (September 5, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Kelly – Monroe, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics convictions; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alfred William Kemfort – Maui, HI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 17, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Douglas Kennedy – Hillside, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; narcotics possession (three counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime (two counts) possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (two counts); District of New Jersey
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 21, 2008); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2013)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Robert Ketchledge – Delano, PA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 195 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 10, 2007); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (April 4, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alonzo King – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 26, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Moses King – North Charleston, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wendell Dean Kopp – Billings, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offense (two counts); District of Montana
Sentence: Life plus five years’ imprisonment (October 21, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Allan Aquino Lafuente – Kapolei, HI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of five or more grams of methamphetamine (two counts); distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 14, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Dennis Chan Lai – San Francisco, CA
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute, aiding and abetting (31 counts); possession of illegal weapon (two counts); possession of weapon without serial numbers; Northern District of California
Sentence: Life plus 10 years’ imprisonment; five years’ parole (July 8, 1988)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Linnard O. Lawson – New Brighton, PA
Offense: 1. Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 5 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as crack; Western District of Pennsylvania
2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 1. 120 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2009)
2. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (October 6, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Wendell Layne – Soddy Daisy, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; obstruction of justice; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 3, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• James Marcus LeBlanc – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 14, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tarry Cordell London – Mansfield, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 7, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Gilbert Lopez – Fayetteville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; conspiracy to launder drug proceeds; laundering of monetary instruments and aiding and abetting (14 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 13, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment
• James Keith Loveless – Pixley, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Nebraska
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 30, 1997); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• James Lynch – Greenville, IN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 20, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Anthony Mahan – Flint, MI
Offense: Distribution of an unspecified quantity of cocaine base (2 counts); possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (May 9, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017, and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted
• Larry Steven Malone – Bend, OR
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacture methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Oregon
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 3, 1995); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (October 5, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Kenio Marshall – Snellville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 11, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Crystal Dawn Mattern – Dilworth, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance; District of North Dakota
Sentence: 228 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 5, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Valencia K. Matthews – Centralia, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of less than five grams of crack cocaine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $400 fine (June 28, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Johnny Ray McAtee – Dubuque, IA
Offense: Attempt to manufacture and aid and abet the manufacturing of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (pure) after being convicted of one or more felony drug offenses; possession of pseudoephedrine, knowing the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of red phosphorous, knowing the red phosphorous would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 7, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joseph McBride – Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John McCallum – Spring Valley, NY
Offense: Narcotics conspiracy; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 9, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John McCauley – Chicago, IL
Offense: Distribution of 4.41 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 3.61 grams of cocaine base and .76 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of .51 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 19.17 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; failure to appear; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 366 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,150 restitution (April 2, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James McCloud – Rochester, NY
Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of New York
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 20, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $1,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Preston McClung – Harrisonburg, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; distribution of marijuana; carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; money laundering; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 410 months' imprisonment; 48 months' supervised release (July 10, 1998); amended to 387 months' imprisonment (March 23, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John McCray, Sr. – East Saint Louis, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base; distribution of heroin and cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $750 fine (March 6, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James McDade – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to commit laundering of monetary instruments; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 10, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.
• Frederick McGary – Hammond, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 20, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Martin McGee – Beersheba Springs, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 9, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ezekial McLain – Albany, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cartell Alexander McLemore – Milwaukee, WI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; being a felon in possession of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• Randy McMahan – Wellford, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life plus 120 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Recco Salaves Meeks – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 230 months and six days’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Deone Antonio Melvin – Upper Marlboro, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; money laundering conspiracy; distribution of cocaine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts); felon in possession of a firearm; District of Maryland
Sentence: 540 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 26, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
• Luis Marin Mendoza-Esquivel – Riverside, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 290 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wayne Merrell – Dunlap, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Richard Glen Milburn – Limestone, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense (two counts); attempt to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of an unregistered short barreled firearm; possessing contraband in prison; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kristi Miller – Santa Maria, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual or 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 6, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy Wayne Miller – London, KY
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (4 counts); possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Kentucky
2. Knowingly failed to appear; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 1. 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)
2. 120 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); three years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert W. Mims – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (May 21, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ervin Mincey – Swainsboro, GA
Offense: Distribution of 27.72 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 17, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Edward Mitchell – Oxnard, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 31, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lewis Lynn Mitchell – Medical Lake, WA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: 288 months’ imprisonment, eight years’ supervised release (August 2, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Terry Mitchell – Miami, FL
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting (two counts); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Emmett Alvin Monson – Rosedale, NY
Offense: Conspiracy: possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and heroin; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); possess with intent to distribute heroin (four counts); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 20, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Richard Ruiz Montes ─ Escalon, CA
Offense: Conducting a continuing criminal enterprise; manufacture of marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (two counts); Eastern District of California
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (November 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Anthony Lawayne Moon – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 28, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Larry D. Moon ─ Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (2 counts); Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 21, 1996); amended
- 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (September 24, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Sentra Moore – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting possession to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base; aiding and abetting firearm/drug trafficking; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Steven Rayford Moore – Sherman, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 26, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted.
• Jeremy Jason Morefield – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Chico Untras Morgan – Opelika, AL
Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine base); Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 21, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Fred Lenard Morrison – Valdese, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; simple possession of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 320 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 13, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• David Andrew Mortensen – Salt Lake City, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine; District of Utah
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (September 18, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cory D. Mosby – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; felon in possession of firearms; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,500 fine (August 17, 2007); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (March 10, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 195 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Leo Muhammad – Compton, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 21, 2005); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (January 29, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.
• Saeed Abdul Muhammad – Spotsylvania, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment
• Dottie Nixon – Lincolnton, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (August 13, 2001); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (November 19, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alonzo Norman, Jr. – Springfield, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 18, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Deon Christopher Nowell – Charleston, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 10, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Lee Parker – Marietta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 25, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• William Howard Penn, Jr. – Morgan City, LA
Offense: Narcotics, sell distribute or dispense, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute; narcotics – sell, distribute or dispense, possession with intent to distribute; racketeering, narcotics – interstate travel in aid of illegal activity; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 10, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Christopher Clayton Pfaff – Ottumwa, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Hope Aree Pinkerton – Alta, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine actual after having been convicted of a prior felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 5, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Larry Blane Pittman – San Diego, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 20, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Max Orvel Plumlee – Newport News, VA
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (eight counts); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); renting, leasing, and making premises available for storing and distributing cocaine; conspiracy; money laundering (five counts); engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (four counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Edward Price – Vicksburg, MS
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 3, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $1,500 fine remitted.
• Calvin Pritchett ─ Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tony Roger Pullings – Ocala, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dennis Ragland – Lincoln, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of a firearm; use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 330 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Sergio Ramirez – Des Moines, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Alex Randell – Tallahassee, FL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 23, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Ernest Reagan ─ Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; felon in possession of firearms; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 16, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned on upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Johnnie C. Reed – Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 7, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment
• Kristen Reed ─ Winchester, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 27, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony Jaron Richardson – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 16, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cory D. Rigmaiden – Fresno, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 18, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert James Riley – Clackamas, OR
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute LSD; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 4, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.
• Jerry K. Roberson – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Samuel Roberts – Kinston, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts), simple possession of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 31, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Bernard Robinson – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 5, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gerald Robinson – Overland, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 220 months’ imprisonment; two years’ supervised release (December 14, 2006); amended to 177 months’ imprisonment (April 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Glenn Vincent Robinson – Stilwell, OK
Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense (two counts); Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 555 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 2004); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 21, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John Robinson – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.
• Joseph E. Robinson – Tallulah, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction (seven counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 6, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Luther Lee Robinson – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Everett Robinson – Crestview, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; convicted felon in possession of a firearm/armed career criminal; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 10, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017, conditioned upon enrollment in non-residential drug treatment (NRDAP).
• Juan Rodriguez ─ Edinburg, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of New York
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 18, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Germaine Roebuck ─ Champaign, IL
Offense: Distribution of five or more grams of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Marvin G. Roland – Wauchula, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (July 12, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted.
• Randolph Rolle ─ Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine), 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2007); amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (December 31, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months, conditioned on enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerrick Lamont Rorie – Marshville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 27, 2009); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2012)
Commutation grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charlie Lee Ross, Jr. – Houston, Texas
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (six counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (January 25, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $20,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ted Ross – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 16, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timnah Rudisill – Hendersonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tyrone Sain – Memphis, TN
Offense: 1. Attempt to possess with intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of cocaine, a controlled substance; Western District of Tennessee
2. Possession of a controlled object, marijuana, in a federal correctional institution; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 27, 1999)
2. Two months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 4, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Both prison sentences commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dyron K. Sampson – Arcadia, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 9, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jose Alfredo Sanchez, Jr. ─ Grafton, ND
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; District of North Dakota
- 240 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 29, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.
• Helen Evette Sanders – Altamont, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 9, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ramon A. Santos – Providence, RI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 260 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 24, 2005); amended to 211 months' imprisonment (February 11, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.
• David M. Scates ─ Richmond, VA
Offense: Possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 23, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joseph Schwartz – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $500 fine (November 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Aaron A. Scott – Petersburg, VA
Offense: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a public school; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (April 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Kenneth E. Scott ─ Scott City, MO
Offense: Possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it will be used to manufacture methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 296 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 2, 2003); amended to 237 months’ imprisonment (March 17, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Stephen Scott – Worcester, MA
Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 8, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy Wayne Seabury- Satsuma, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Burnette Trione Shackleford ─ Georgetown, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 14, 2007); amended to 212 months’ imprisonment (August 11, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Duane Sheffield – Augusta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (June 18, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Michael William Shranklen – Ankeny, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 30, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 17, 2017.
• Jeremy Simmons – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) and less than 500 grams of cocaine (mixture); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) (four counts); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 16, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Damenion Sims – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 20, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Willie Small – Denver, CO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.382 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.323 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.295 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 6.457 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.764 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.866 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 23.484 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 32.756 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 54.174 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.356 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 14 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute seven grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (five counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; use of a communication facility to conspire to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting (13 counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 3.5 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 56 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute .244 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute 175 grams or more of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; money laundering, aiding and abetting; District of Colorado
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 21, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bernard Gary Smith, Jr. – Warsaw, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Felicia Smith – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005); amended to 188 months’ imprisonment (January 4, 2017)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Wayne Smith – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 216 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 22, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lawrence Smith – Immokalee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, “crack cocaine”; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Nathaniel Smith, Jr. – Eden, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base crack; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 8, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ronald Benjamin Smith – Demopolis, AL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking felony; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 11, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Teresa Smith – Baird, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 309 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 24, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony B. Southard – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute approximately 100.3 grams of cocaine base; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Thaddeus A. Speed – Kankakee, Illinois
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession of five grams of more of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute it; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment (March 3, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Glen Alan Spicer – Dobson, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; possessed firearms in commerce after felony conviction; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 11, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Stacey – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (July 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jason L. Stewart – East Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (December 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jubali Dushawn Stokes ─ Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute “crack” cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” as a condition of supervised release (March 4, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment and condition of supervised release requiring repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” is also commuted.
• Jonathan L. Stout – Memphis, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five grams of cocaine base; possession of over five grams of cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1,200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (December 14, 2004); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.
• Tyrone Sturdivant ─ Mason City, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt; distribution of cocaine salt (two counts); Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 348 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006); amended to life imprisonment (May 3, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jorge Luis Suarez-Maya – Cabo Rojo, PR
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possess and carry a revolver during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raymond Roger Surratt, Jr. – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 31, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Andre Rashad Sutton – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lambert Dorell Sweat – Manning, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (July 19, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Alan Sylvester – Jamaica, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2006); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (August 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 260 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Tate – Chapel Hill, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Richard Len Taylor, Jr. – Deep Gap, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $10,142.86 restitution (August 9, 2005); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (November 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joshua John Terry – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (March 20, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Edward Thomas – Odessa, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 30, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Elton F. Thomas – Ontario, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”); Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 11, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Benjamin C. Thompkins, Jr. ─ Amelia, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 6, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony Dwayne Thompson – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 19, 2004); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (June 21, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerome Thompson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 20, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Wayne D. Thompson – Richmond, VA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base within one thousand feet of a school; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 16 years' supervised release (December 10, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 220 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Thorne – Patterson, NJ
Offense: Distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 28, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• James Mark Thornton ─ Knoxville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 327 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Tisdale – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 28, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jim L. Townsend – Memphis, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting in same; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 23, 1992)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.
• Brosarick Ernesto Trammell – Roanoke, Alabama
Offense: Distribution of (50) fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base “crack”; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 24, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Tranmer – Hackensack, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to import marijuana; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 3, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Melvin Tucker – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 12.39 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 16.83 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Robinson Turner – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 23, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Antonio Luna Valdez, Jr. – Weslaco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marihuana; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment (September 17, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Aldo Venegas – Pecos, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 11, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Donald LeRoy Wagaman – Glenwood, IA
Offense: Manufacture in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 185 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (February 22, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bernard A. Walker – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 25, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Yakez Walker ─ Deerfield Beach, FL
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
- Eric Arthur Walton – Wheeling, WV
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute
marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering (2 counts); laundering of monetary instruments; aiding and abetting in the possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school; Northern District of West Virginia
2. Conspiracy to defraud U.S., to wit: corruptly endeavor to influence, intimidate, or impede a petit juror; attempt to influence a petit juror and aiding and abetting; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (July 26, 1994)
2. 60 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); three years’ supervised release (June 2, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 387 months' imprisonment.
• Charles Ward – Martinsburg, WV
Offense: Aiding and abetting in the distribution of 28.7 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 28, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Ward – Memphis, TN
Offense: Possession and distribution of 57.9 grams cocaine base; possession and distribution of 70.2 grams cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 2, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Timmy Don Ware – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Participation in racketeering activities; conspiracy to participate in a criminal racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin (three counts); use of telephone to facilitate a conspiracy; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 33 years’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 29, 1988)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dan Russell Watson – Mediapolis, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $4,959 restitution (May 28, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $4,959 restitution obligation remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raymond Allen Watts – Hyattsville, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base commonly known as crack; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of Maryland
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.
• Harold Lindsey Webster – Des Moines, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 25, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Donald Welch ─ Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 12, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Derrick White – Schriever, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Carlos Whitehead ─ St. Louis, MO
Offense: Manufacture and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 25, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Winston Wilkins – West Palm Beach, FL
Offense: Distribution of crack cocaine (2 counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (January 23, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Glenn Williams – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 480 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,050 fine (March 18, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Harry David Williams – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; maintaining a residence to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 1, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Maurice Victor Williams – Oxon Hill, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of "crack" cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 31, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert Lee Williams, III – High Point, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Marshall R. Wilson – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of Kansas
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 20, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Wilson – Independence, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 15, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Gregory C. Womack – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Marshane Woods ─ Mebane, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months.
• Ayande Yearwood – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,500 fine (October 20, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $17,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment, unpaid remainder of fine remitted.
• Antonio Antwain Young – Maryville, TN
Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 29, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Calvin Tyrone Young – Winston-Salem, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: Distribute crack; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 15, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Connie Jermaine Young ─ Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 26, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in the residential drug treatment.
• Travis Demetrius Youngblood – Union Spring, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
- Henry P. Bennett, Jr. – Huger, SC
Magellan Pipeline Settles Alleged Clean Water Act Violations Related to Spills in Texas, Nebraska and KansasRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to gasoline, diesel and jet fuel spills in Texas City, Texas, Nemaha, Neb. and El Dorado, Kan. Magellan has agreed to complete approximately $16 million of injunctive relief across its 11,000-mile pipeline system and pay a $2 million civil penalty.
“This settlement holds Magellan accountable for multiple petroleum fuel pipeline spills that impacted waterways in three states,” said John C. Cruden, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The terms of the agreement require Magellan to improve training of its staff and monitoring of its pipeline system’s integrity, and increase public transparency about leaks and responses.”
“Fuel spills have real and lasting impacts on clean water for communities,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Companies need to take the necessary precautions to make sure fuel is transported safely and responsibly. This settlement puts in place important pipeline safety and spill prevention measures that make this industry safer for communities.”
According to a complaint and consent decree filed today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Okla.-based Magellan is responsible for spilling a combined total of approximately 5,177 barrels of petroleum products in three separate incidents. The complaint alleges that Magellan was responsible for the following illegal discharges:
- On Feb. 24, 2011, a Magellan owned 18-inch refined petroleum products pipeline ruptured in an area north of Texas City, Texas, and spilled approximately 482 barrels of gasoline. The spill impacted a local watercourse known as Pierre Bayou.
- On Dec. 10, 2011, two of Magellan’s refined petroleum products pipelines were struck by a third-party who was operating heavy machinery while attempting to clear a hedgerow in an agricultural field near the town of Nemaha, Neb. The strikes resulted in the spilling of approximately 650 barrels of diesel fuel from one line, and approximately 655 barrels of jet fuel and 1,529 barrels of gasoline from the other. The spills impacted a local watercourse know as Jarvis Creek. Cleanup efforts are still underway and will be completed as part of the proposed consent decree.
- On May 4, 2015, a Magellan owned 10-inch refined petroleum products pipeline ruptured near the City of El Dorado, Kan., and spilled approximately 1,861 barrels of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel form that spill impacted a local watercourse known as Constant Creek.
The consent decree requires Magellan to: (1) complete an ongoing spill cleanup effort in Nebraska; (2) institute an enhanced annual training program for its third-party damage prevention staff; (3) update and enhance company information resources concerning selective seam corrosion; (4) update its integrity management plan; and (5) create a publicly-accessible web page that will report information about certain types of pipeline releases and Magellan’s responses to them.
The requirement to create a publically-accessible web page directly supports EPA’s Next Generation Compliance efforts to expand transparency.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Information on how to comment on the consent decree will be available on the Department of Justice’s website: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
To learn more about this settlement:
www.epa.gov/enforcement/magellan-pipeline-company-lp-clean-water-act-settlement
Las Vegas Sands Corporation Agrees to Pay Nearly $7 Million Penalty to Resolve FCPA Charges Related to China and MacaoRead the Press Release
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (Sands), a Nevada-based gaming and resort company, agreed to pay a $6.96 million criminal penalty to resolve the government’s investigation into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with business transactions in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Macao.
Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas, Nevada, Field Office made the announcement.
According to admissions by Sands made in connection with the resolution, certain Sands executives knowingly and willfully failed to implement a system of internal accounting controls to adequately ensure the legitimacy of payments to a business consultant who assisted Sands in promoting its brand in Macao and the PRC, and to prevent the false recording of those payments in its books and records. Sands continued to make payments to the consultant despite warnings from its finance staff and an outside auditor that the business consultant had failed to account for portions of these funds. In addition, Sands terminated the finance department employee who raised concerns about the payments.
In total, from 2006 through 2009, Sands paid approximately $5.8 million to the business consultant without any discernable legitimate business purpose, it admitted.
Sands entered into a non-prosecution agreement and has agreed to continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing investigations and prosecutions relating to the conduct described in the agreement, including of individuals, to enhance its compliance program, and to report to the department on the implementation of its enhanced compliance program.
Pursuant to the non-prosecution agreement, Sands will pay a $6.96 million criminal penalty, which reflects a 25-percent reduction off the bottom of the applicable U.S. Sentencing Guidelines fine range. The department reached this resolution based on a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the internal controls violations, and the fact that Sands fully cooperated in the investigation and fully remediated. Sands’ cooperation included conducting a thorough internal investigation and voluntarily collecting, analyzing and organizing voluminous evidence and information for the government in response to requests, including translating key documents.
Sands no longer employs or is affiliated with any of the individuals implicated in the conduct described in the agreement, and it engaged in extensive remedial measures, including revamping and expanding its compliance and audit functions and programs and making significant personnel changes, such as the retention of new leaders of its legal, compliance, internal audit and financial gatekeeper functions.
In related proceedings, on April 7, 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a cease and desist order against Sands, whereby Sands agreed to pay a civil penalty of approximately $9 million.
The FBI’s Las Vegas field office investigated the case, and the case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney David M. Fuhr of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The department appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by the SEC, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs in this matter.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Las Vegas Sands NPA