District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday to 111 months in prison for using skimming devices to steal victims’ identities and credit card account information to buy luxury merchandise — including Rolex watches and high-end purses — and to obtain cash advances at various properties on The Strip.
According to court documents, from about January 1, 2013, to January 3, 2017, Fausto Teixeira Martins Neto (41) — also known as “Margrello,” “Fausto Neto,” and “Fausto Martins” — and co-conspirators placed skimming devices on ATMs and cash-out transaction ticket dispensing terminals, such as Global Cash Advance machines, in order to steal credit card account information. Martins Neto and others would then encode the stolen account information onto forged credit cards. They used the counterfeit cards to purchase high-end retail items, such as Rolex watches and luxury designer purses, and to withdraw money from hotel-casino cash advance machines and ATMs. In total, Martins Neto and co-conspirators stole over $2.28 million through their fraud scheme.
Martins Neto pleaded guilty in March 2020 to one count of use or trafficking in unauthorized access device and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Martins Neto to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
Martins Neto is the 14th defendant to be sentenced in this case. Twenty-one individuals were charged in a 2017 indictment for their alleged roles in the conspiracy. The remaining seven indicted defendants are currently at large. The charges as to these seven defendants are allegations only: they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was the product of a ten-month investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung is prosecuting the case.
###
U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes Law Enforcement Partners for Outstanding Contributions to Public Safety and Department of Justice's MissionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada recognized nine federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and special agents who went above and beyond in 2021, putting themselves at risk to support the Department of Justice’s mission.
“These awards honor law enforcement’s commitment to maintaining public safety across Nevada,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Each recipient has made a significant impact in our communities, and our office is grateful for the opportunity to work with them.”
The award recipients were honored for their dedication, contributions, and collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office towards reducing violent crime, combatting human trafficking, and preventing fraud. The recipients came from the following law enforcement agencies:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Henderson Police Department
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
- U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks all of the recipients, their colleagues, their families, and agency leadership for their continued commitment to promoting public safety.
# # #
Northern Nevada Man Convicted of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
RENO – A federal jury convicted a northern Nevada man yesterday of making false statements on his U.S. passport application.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 27, 2018, William Phillip Neidinger (60), also known as William Joseph Beck III, provided a false birthdate, place of birth, and Social Security number on his U.S. passport application.
U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben presided over the three-day jury trial. Neidinger was found guilty of one count of false statements in application for a U.S. passport. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2022, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Latent Print Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, California Department of Health Care Services, Placer County California Health and Human Services, Nevada Department of Welfare and Social Services, Placer County District Attorney’s Investigators, Colusa-Sutter-Yolo Regional Child Support Agency (CA), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (Naval Air Station Fallon). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randolph St. Clair and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.
If you are aware of fraud associated with a U.S. passport application, please contact [email protected].
###
Henderson Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Sex Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nevada, resident was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for engaging in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook with three girls, requesting nude photos from them, and sexually assaulting two of the girls after purchasing airline tickets for them to travel to Las Vegas from New York City.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2018, Robert Marcellus Jones Jr. (55) used Facebook and phone calls to communicate with three victims in New York City. He coerced and enticed the girls to send sexually explicit images of themselves to him. Jones promised to pay them a weekly allowance in return for sexual attention and nude photographs and videos.
On November 2, 2018, Jones purchased two airline tickets to fly two of the girls to Las Vegas. After picking them up at the airport, Jones sexually assaulted both girls at his home. On November 5, the National Human Trafficking hotline received a tip that Jones was enticing three victims over Facebook. Law enforcement arrested him on November 8. A forensic review of Jones’ cellphones revealed sexually explicit images of the girls.
Jones was charged in a superseding indictment in April 2019. He pleaded guilty in November 2019 to one count each of distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, transportation of minors for prostitution or other illegal sexual activity, and coercion and enticement.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Jones to 15 years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Brian Whang prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting U.S. Postal Carrier with A Metal Pipe During RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to eight years and six months in prison after assaulting and robbing a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who was delivering mail in North Las Vegas.
According to court documents, on February 28, 2018, Ryan Joseph Ritter (31) ambushed and repeatedly swung a 13-inch metal pipe at the mail carrier’s head, causing bodily injuries. During the attack, Ritter also stole the mail carrier’s postal keys.
Ritter pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of aggravated robbery of a postal mail carrier. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Ritter to two years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
###
Carson Colony Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing His Son on Tribal LandRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Carson Colony tribe member was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in prison for killing his son on tribal land in December 2019.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 13, 2019, Steven Bryan (52) shot his son in the head with an AR-15 style rifle on the Carson Colony of the Washoe Tribe Reservation. Bryan and his son had been in a quarrel over money owed.
On June 16, 2021, following a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Bryan of one count of voluntary manslaughter. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Bryan to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Washoe Tribe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, you are urged to contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online – tips can remain anonymous – at TIPS.FBI.GOV.
The Department of Justice is committed to addressing violent crime in native communities and to improving the federal response to reports of missing or murdered American Indians or Alaska Natives. For more information about the Department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons initiative, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal.
###
Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Related Unemployment Insurance Fraud Conspiracy and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Florida man was sentenced today to 54 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess and use California Employment Development Department (EDD) debit cards issued in other people’s names.
According to court documents, during a traffic stop on September 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, officers found that Joseph Holmes Jr. (23) and co-conspirator Emelio Vladimir Rochester (25) possessed at least 17 California EDD debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, and $89,710 in cash. Holmes and Rochester had used the debit cards — without the victims’ authorization — to withdraw at least $192,234.29 in cash from ATMs in California. The debit cards had been approved for at least $385,000 of unemployment insurance benefits.
Holmes pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Holmes to two years of supervised release.
Co-conspirator Rochester, who was indicted in November 2021, is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in January 2022 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Department of Justice Awards More Than $17.5 Million Nationwide to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded $201,426 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of Nevada.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance — part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) — will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“Our office and our law enforcement partners appreciate the Department of Justice’s commitment to providing additional resources to promote public safety and address violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Through the PSN program, we will continue working together to identify and resolve the most pressing violent crime issues in our communities.”
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
For a list of all grantees, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf.
###
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Reno Man Sentenced for Selling Hundreds of Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Laced with FentanylRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced yesterday to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to selling hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
According to court documents, from June 12 to September 2, 2020, Octavio Mendoza Jr. (24) sold counterfeit oxycodone pills stamped with “M30” containing fentanyl. On September 6, law enforcement arrested Mendoza after observing him using drugs in a vehicle in downtown Reno. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found approximately 374 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
Mendoza pleaded guilty in November 2021 to seven counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced Mendoza to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Credit and Debit Card Account Numbers to Purchase Show TicketsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for stealing credit and debit card account numbers and profile information to spend on Las Vegas Strip show tickets and gift certificates, totaling over $500,000.
According to court documents, from about October 25, 2016 to September 30, 2017, Shaun Patrick Anderson (39) stole credit and debit card account numbers and victims’ personal identifying information. He used the stolen account numbers to purchase approximately $503,842.30 in Las Vegas Strip show tickets and gift certificates.
Anderson pleaded guilty on November 1, 2019 to one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, one count of use or trafficking of unauthorized access devices, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon ordered Anderson to pay $503,842.30 in restitution.
During the course of the investigation in this case, law enforcement discovered nearly 1,300 files of child pornography on Anderson’s devices. In October 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty that Anderson faces for the child pornography charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan in February 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung prosecuted the case.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Gas Pump Skimming Fraud Scheme in Nevada and CaliforniaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme to steal thousands of credit and debit card numbers from victims at gas pumps in Nevada and California.
According to court documents, between November 2018 and June 2019, Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez was personally involved in installing at least ten skimmer devices at several gas stations, and also assisted co-conspirators in acquiring skimmer devices. After obtaining the stolen account information, Rodriguez Gonzalez and his co-conspirators re-encoded that information onto counterfeit cards to fraudulently make purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. Collectively, Rodriguez Gonzalez and his co-conspirators obtained at least 3,120 stolen credit and debit card account numbers and caused a loss of at least $157,695.51.
Rodriguez Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, one count of use of unauthorized access devices, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Rodriguez Gonzalez to three years of supervised release.
Co-conspirators Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo and Adrian Leyva Tamayo await a jury trial on July 12, 2022. Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez was sentenced to 61 months in prison in November 2021 for his role in the conspiracy.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy for the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography Using Instant Messaging AppRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 11 years in prison for distributing more than 600 child pornography images and videos using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging application.
According to court documents, between about September 27, 2019 to November 1, 2019, Cyrus Orlando Ortega (28) distributed child pornography images and videos to other Kik Messenger users, in exchange for child pornography from those users. The images and videos depicted underage victims — some as young as infants — being sexually exploited.
Ortega pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Ortega to a lifetime term of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Las Vegas Felon Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of A Loaded Firearm and Drug Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man with prior felony convictions was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, on August 11, 2020, law enforcement conducted a compliance check on Eddie Joe Perez, 34, who was staying at a hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. During the check, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun, a scale with methamphetamine residue, and over eight grams of methamphetamine. Perez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in Nevada and Hawaii.
Perez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Perez to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Nevada Department of Public Safety Division of Parole and Probation, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Lake Tahoe Area Man Indicted for Committing $4.5 Million Bank Fraud Scheme and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RENO – A Glenbrook, Nevada, man was arrested yesterday in Reno on criminal charges related to allegedly obtaining at least $4.5 million through a bank fraud scheme.
According to allegations in the indictment, in April and May 2019, Sukhdev Singh Sidhu (36) used more than 26 bank accounts at over 11 financial institutions to carry out his bank fraud scheme. Sidhu falsely claimed that he did not authorize Automated Clearing House withdrawals from his bank accounts. But in fact, Sidhu knew the withdrawals were being deposited in “pass-through” accounts that were held in his father’s name, and the monies were then transferred to a receiving account that Sidhu controlled at a different bank. As a result of the false claims, Sidhu obtained at least $4.5 million by the banks. Further, Sidhu fraudulently used his father’s identity — specifically, a driver’s license belonging to his father and a check drawn for an account in his father’s name — to execute the scheme.
Sidhu made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla Baldwin. A jury trial is scheduled for February 14, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. Sidhu is charged with three counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud and a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Myhre and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Las Vegas Woman Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – On Friday, a Las Vegas woman was sentenced to 84 months in prison — to be followed by four years of supervised release — for distributing methamphetamine on multiple occasions.
According to court documents, from January 30, 2020 to March 26, 2020, Alexis Catalan (41) sold a total of 391.9 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, she possessed 271.8 grams of methamphetamine.
Catalan pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the sentencing hearing.
Co-defendants Justin Wright (36) and Daniel Leath (29) each pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In September 2021, Wright was sentenced to 24 months in prison. In November 2021, Leath was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Using Skimming Devices at Gas Pumps to Steal Credit and Debit Card InformationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 61 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme to steal thousands of credit and debit card numbers from victims at gas pumps in Nevada and California.
According to court documents, between November 2018 and June 2019, Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez (23) was a key member in a conspiracy to install skimmer devices at numerous gas pumps. Alarcon Rodriguez installed at least 27 skimmer devices that obtained at least 481 stolen card numbers.
After obtaining the stolen credit and debit card account information, Alarcon Rodriguez and his co-conspirators would re-encode that account information onto the magnetic strips of counterfeit cards, and then use the counterfeit cards to fraudulently make purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. Collectively, Alarcon Rodriguez and his co-conspirators obtained at least 3,120 stolen credit and debit card account numbers and caused a loss of at least $157,695.51.
Alarcon Rodriguez pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of conspiracy, one count of use of unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Alarcon Rodriguez to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution.
Co-defendant Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez (35) pleaded guilty in July 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced in December 2021. Co-defendants Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo (32) and Adrian Leyva Tamayo (32) are scheduled for a jury trial to begin in July 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.
###
Texas Woman Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Texas woman was sentenced yesterday to 18 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for her role in a child sex trafficking conspiracy to recruit and exploit a child in multiple states.
“This conviction and sentence demonstrates our office’s and our law enforcement partners’ unwavering commitment to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Through our ongoing collaboration and expanded partnerships, we will keep working to hold accountable in federal court those who use fraud, force, or other illicit means to victimize children.”
“This sentencing is a success in the fight against those who exploit the vulnerable and illustrates our dedication to bring these criminals to justice,” said Aaron C. Rouse, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge.
After a six-day jury trial in May 2021, Demecia Shontres Washington (42, of Dallas, Texas) was found guilty of one count each of: conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking; conspiracy to transport for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; transportation for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; conspiracy to sexually exploit children; sexual exploitation of children; and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from August 2018 to September 2018, Demecia Washington conspired with co-defendant Jimmy David Washington Jr. (36, of Lubbock, Texas) to recruit and coerce a child to engage in commercial sex acts and to produce child pornography. Demecia Washington and Jimmy Washington Jr. transported the child from Texas to New Mexico and Nevada with the intent that she engage in prostitution.
Co-defendant Jimmy Washington Jr. previously pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution. In April 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton, Bianca Pucci, and Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Nevada, three law enforcement agencies were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“The District of Nevada appreciates this grant from the COPS Office to help safeguard our communities and schools,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “These funds are an important step towards reducing violence and increasing community policing capacity in Nevada and across the country.”
The following law enforcement agencies in Nevada received awards:
• Nevada System of Higher Education —– $125,000
• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe —– $125,000
• City of Sparks —– $500,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Attempting to Sexually Exploit A Child and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday to 27 years in prison for attempting to sexually exploit a child and for receiving child pornography using a file sharing network.
“Child pornography and sexual exploitation of children are appalling crimes that have been on the rise as predators use technology to gain easier access to communication with children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to prioritize protecting children from sexual abuse.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Aaron C. Rouse, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”
According to court documents, in June 2016, Richard Fred Dittmer III (25) utilized the BitTorrent file sharing network to download child pornography. During the execution of a search warrant at Dittmer’s residence, he admitted to receiving images and videos of child pornography, as well as to uploading child pornography to YouTube. A forensic examination of electronic devices belonging to Dittmer revealed over 365 images and 18 videos of child pornography, including sadistic and masochistic images. He was charged in federal court and released on pretrial supervision.
While on pretrial supervision, between December 2018 and February 2019, Dittmer III coerced a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat into creating sexually explicit images and videos of herself. He then threatened to send those images to students at the victim’s school unless she sent him additional images.
Dittmer III pleaded guilty in January 2021 to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a child. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced him to a lifetime term of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution to the victims.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Christopher Burton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
###
Las Vegas Couple Sentenced for Stealing over $300,000 by Assuming Deceased Federal Employee's IdentityRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas husband and wife were each sentenced today to 21 months in prison for assuming a deceased person’s identity and stealing more than $300,000 in retirement payments intended for that person.
According to court documents, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management deposited annuity payments into a former federal employee’s bank account because it was not notified of the person’s death. From about November 12, 2005 to November 1, 2017, Rodolfo Segovia (53) and Jennifer Segovia (48) assumed the deceased person’s identity and stole at least $308,391.72 by redirecting the annuity payments into their own accounts.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money or property. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced each defendant to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung prosecuted the case.
###
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Including Stolen AR-15Read the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man with multiple prior felony convictions was sentenced today to four years and seven months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, including a stolen assault rifle.
According to court documents, on January 27, 2020, Matthew Robert Smith, 38, was arrested after law enforcement officers found an AR-15 rifle and a Glock 9mm pistol in his car. Both weapons previously had been stolen from parked vehicles. Smith is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in Nevada and California.
Smith pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Smith to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley prosecuted the case.
###
California Man Indicted for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California man made his initial court appearance today for allegedly making false statements in connection with the unlawful purchase of multiple firearms and selling the firearms without a license.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from about May 13, 2020, to about August 17, 2021, Kenneth Earl Smith Jr. — 28, of Lancaster, California — engaged in dealing firearms without a firearms business license. During the purchase of 19 firearms at several Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas, he made false statements on ATF Firearms Transactions Records (Form 4473). As alleged, Smith represented that he was the buyer of the firearms, when in fact he was acquiring the firearms on behalf of other persons. Smith likewise represented that he was a Nevada resident, when in fact he was a California resident.
Smith is charged with eight counts of illegal acquisition of a firearm and one count of engaging in the firearms business without a license. He was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on January 3, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. If convicted, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 90 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected], or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.
###
Reno Man Indicted for Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man made his initial court appearance yesterday for alleged sexual exploitation of children and child pornography offenses.
According to allegations in the indictment, James Patrick Burns, 53, threatened two children on social media applications to coerce them into producing multiple images and videos of child pornography. Burns then advertised and distributed those child pornography images and videos online to others. In addition, he allegedly advertised, possessed, distributed, and received sexually explicit images of children. Burns is registered as a sex offender related to a previous conviction.
Burns is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of advertising child pornography, one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb and was detained pending trial.
A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on January 3, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du. If convicted, Burns faces a statutory maximum penalty of 50 years in prison for each count of child exploitation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, FBI, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
###
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining over $170,000 in Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Lawrenceville, Georgia, man pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining over $170,000 in unemployment benefits by submitting multiple unemployment claims in other people’s names and using benefits debit cards not belonging to him.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, on September 11, 2020, Robert Devon Barber (25) and co-conspirator Keheir Jordan Parker (25, of Victorville, Calif.) were stopped in Las Vegas for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officers recovered 12 California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, along with ATM receipts showing that the debit cards had been used to make cash withdrawals totaling $7,400 in Nevada and California.
At least $249,460 in unemployment benefits was approved for the claims associated with the 12 recovered EDD cards. Approximately, $170,715.78 was withdrawn from accounts associated with those 12 cards, including $148,400 in ATM cash withdrawals and $22,315.78 in purchases.
Barber pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effectuate illegal transactions with access devices. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of seven and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for February 1, 2022.
Co-defendant Parker pleaded guilty in June 2021, and he is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Loaded Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A convicted felon was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for unlawfully possessing a sawed-off shotgun, which was recovered during a traffic stop in Searchlight, Nevada.
According to court documents, on October 28, 2020, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped a vehicle for traveling more than 50 miles per hour on a 25 mile per hour section of U.S. Route 95 through Searchlight. Ronald Allen Class, Jr. (31, of Las Vegas) was a backseat passenger in the vehicle.
While speaking with the driver and passengers, the officer noticed a sawed-off shotgun on the floor at Class’ feet. The officer secured the firearm — a Remington 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun that had a cut-down barrel and was loaded with a chambered round — and took Class into custody. Class is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. During the traffic stop, records checks revealed that: (a) the car had been stolen; and (b) three of the four people in the car, including Class, had outstanding arrest warrants.
Class pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Class to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Reno Man Sentenced for Selling Methamphetamine While on Work Release for Prior Drug Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison for selling methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Bay Johnson (aka “Pissy,” 33) sold 105 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover detective in Reno. Additionally, Johnson sold 98 grams of methamphetamine on two other occasions. These drug transactions occurred while Johnson was on work release from the Nevada Department of Corrections, where he was serving a prison sentence for a 2015 drug trafficking conviction.
Johnson pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Johnson to 20 years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
If you suspect a possible violation of controlled substance laws and regulations, such as the growing, manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, please report the alleged violation to the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
###
Man Sentenced for Lake Mead ShootingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Mexican citizen was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison for shooting a man in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
According to court documents, on March 6, 2020, the victim was at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area when he responded to a male voice calling for help. The victim saw Eliel Urrutia-Jimenez (26) lying on the ground and attempted to see if Urrutia-Jimenez needed help. When the victim approached, Urrutia-Jimenez turned and shot the victim four times, wounding him in the torso.
Urrutia-Jimenez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, admitting that he knowingly and intentionally shot the victim — with the intent to do bodily harm — four times in the torso. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Urrutia-Jimenez to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Chief Ranger Trouper Snow for the National Park Service made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Filing Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims Totaling over $250,000Read the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 49 months in federal prison for filing two dozen fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, which were approved for more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Antwine Demon Hunter, 34, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of mail fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon ordered Hunter to pay restitution and sentenced him to three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, from June 1, 2020 to September 28, 2020, Hunter and co-conspirators used personally identifiable information belonging to victims to submit 24 false unemployment claims to DETR and EDD. As part of the scheme, Hunter had DETR and EDD mail debit cards containing unemployment benefits to addresses he had access to. In total, more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits was approved, and at least $189,118 was withdrawn by Hunter.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty to Using at Least 40 Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Collect over $175,000 in Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty today to using at least 40 stolen identities to fraudulently collect approximately $175,622 in unemployment insurance benefits from the California Employment Development Department (EDD), the administrator of the federally funded unemployment insurance benefit program for residents of the State of California.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Danielle Lacharis Buck (aka Danielle Lacharis Lakey), 45, participated in a scheme from September 2010 to April 2019 to defraud the California EDD into paying her approximately $175,622 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of the scheme, Buck obtained stolen identities through her job in the medical industry. She used her access to patient and co-worker information to steal personal identifying information — such as names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of unsuspecting individuals — and then electronically filed false unemployment claims using the stolen names and information. In total, Buck filed more than 50 false unemployment insurance claims using at least 40 different stolen identities. She withdrew cash from an unemployment insurance benefits debit cards at ATMs in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
Buck pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud and a mandatory minimum two-year term in prison for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
To learn more about the Department of Justice’s COVID response, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
###
Undocumented Individual Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Claims for Close to $1 Million in Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An undocumented individual pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to use over 100 victims’ identities (without their consent) to unlawfully submit fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims, totaling at least $934,129.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, from March 2020 to late October 2020, Alan Ray, 33, conspired with others to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, California Employment Development Department, and other state workforce agencies. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Ray had the state workforce agencies mail debit cards — not in his name — containing unemployment benefits to addresses he had access to. In total, more than $934,129 in unemployment benefits was approved by the state workforce agencies, and at least $698,655 was withdrawn by Ray and his co-conspirators. The fraud was discovered when Ray attempted to ship fraudulently-obtained debit cards from Las Vegas to his residence in Houston, Texas.
Ray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2022. Ray faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Department of Justice Awards over $21 Million in Grants to Enhance Victim Services and Support Public Safety Efforts in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada announced today that the Department of Justice has recently awarded $21,997,467 in grant funding to improve services for crime victims and to support state, local, and tribal public safety across Nevada.
“By providing additional resources for victim service providers in Nevada, these grants will help secure victims’ legal rights and get survivors on the road to recovery,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “The grants also reflect the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to protecting public safety and reducing crime in our communities and homes.”
Since mid-September 2021, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its components:
- Bureau of Justice Assistance:
- The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded: (a) $2,174,534, as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; (b) $21,783, as part of the Prison Rape Elimination Act Reallocation Funds; and (c) $358,297, as part of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant.
- The State of Nevada was awarded $36,901, as part of the John R. Justice Program Formula Grant Solicitation.
- Office for Victims of Crime:
- Noah’s Animal House Foundation in Reno was awarded $500,000, as part of the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program.
- The Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada was awarded $3,082,025, as part of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program.
- The Division of Child & Family Services was awarded: (a) $10,054,895, as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant; and (b) $1,119,000, as part of the VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant.
Further, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW):
- The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges was awarded $2,600,000, as part of the Training and Technical Assistance Initiative Program.
- The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California was awarded $600,000, as part of the Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program.
- The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was awarded $900,000, as part of the Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program.
- The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence was awarded $270,782, as part of the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Grant Program.
- The Nevada Attorney General’s Office was awarded $279,250, as part of the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Grant Program.
*******
OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
###
Undocumented Individual Sentenced for Trafficking of FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An undocumented individual residing in Las Vegas was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for trafficking firearms, specifically three AK-47 rifles and one AR-style rifle.
In February 2021, Eduardo Israel Islas-Orozco, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Islas-Orozco to three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, on May 19, 2016 and June 9, 2016, Islas-Orozco — who is undocumented — sold three AK-47s and one AR-style semi-automatic firearms to an undercover Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) task force officer working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). When selling these firearms, Islas-Orozco insisted on completing a bill of sale, but did not use his own name as the seller. He also admitted that he believed the firearms would be transported out of the United States to Mexico.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the ATF made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance by LVMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
The public is urged to report illegal firearms activity to the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
###
Nevada Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $1.9 Million in COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme and Failing to Pay over Employee Tax Contributions to the IRSRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to participating in a scheme to defraud multiple financial institutions by filing fraudulent bank loan applications that sought more than $1.9 million dollars in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The man also pleaded guilty to collecting over $350,000 from employees as income tax and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) withholdings for tax years 2014 to 2019, which he failed to pay over to the IRS on the employees’ behalf.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Jorge Abramovs, 40, submitted at least 12 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to seven different lenders in spring 2020. As part of the scheme, he submitted the loan applications in the names of multiple different businesses while falsely claiming to have numerous employees earning wages. In fact, these businesses were non-operational: they had no employees and no monthly payroll.
To support the fraudulent loan applications, Abramovs submitted false information about the businesses, fake tax documents and payroll schedules, and other forged documents. In total, Abramovs fraudulently obtained $1,986,737 in PPP loans. Rather than spending these funds to pay workers or for other specified business expenses as certified in the loan applications, Abramovs spent these funds on purchases for himself, including luxury condominiums, a Bentley, a Tesla, and payments on his home mortgage.
Abramovs further admitted that he failed to pay $475,000 in taxes owed to the IRS, relating to a different set of companies Abramovs controlled and operated. From 2014 through 2019, Abramovs was responsible for collecting and paying over employee-related taxes to the IRS, including withheld employee federal income tax, employee and employer FICA contributions, and federal unemployment tax. But Abramovs did not pay these withheld funds over to the IRS. Similarly, he failed to pay employer FICA contributions and unemployment tax payments the entities owed the IRS for those employees.
Abramovs pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and one count of willful failure to collect or pay over tax. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2022. Abramovs faces a total statutory maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.
Christopher Chiou, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada; Aaron C. Rouse, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office; Weston King, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General’s (SBA OIG) Western Region Office; J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); and C. Darren Lian, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, SBA OIG, TIGTA, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Boulder City Man Sentenced for Assaulting Wife at Lake Mead National Recreation AreaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Boulder City man — with a history of domestic violence — was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for assaulting his wife when they were camping together at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 21, 2020, Michael David Thompson, 66, repeatedly punched the victim’s face and body while camping at the Boulder Beach Campground within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The victim suffered significant injuries.
In May 2021, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Thompson of one count of felony assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Thompson to two years of supervised release.
Thompson was previously convicted in 2008 of misdemeanor battery and felony intimidation of a witness for assaulting his then-girlfriend. While on probation, he committed a second felony battery against the same victim. In 2001, he was convicted of battery against a child.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.
###
Las Vegas Man Indicted for Distributing Methamphetamine While on ParoleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man made his initial court appearance Thursday for allegedly distributing methamphetamine while he was on parole for a previous offense.
Nathaniel Royal, aka “Champ,” 50, is charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah scheduled a jury trial for November 15, 2021 before U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan.
As alleged in the indictment, on February 3 and 7, 2021, Royal distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. At the time, Royal was on parole for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon out of California.
If convicted, Royal faces a statutory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the DEA made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you suspect a possible violation of controlled substance laws and regulations, such as the growing, manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, please promptly report the alleged violation to the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
###
Two Nevada Men Charged with Defrauding Victims Out of $3.3 Million in Home Rental SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Las Vegas residents — Norbert Ozemena Ikwuegbundo (28) and Omniyi Jonathan Omotere (35), both citizens of Nigeria — have been indicted for defrauding people seeking to rent houses out of $3.3 million, through a scheme that involved using multiple false identities and counterfeit drivers’ licenses.
According to allegations in court documents, from about March 2018 until about September 2019, Ikwuegbundo, Omotere, and others engaged in the following fraudulent scheme:
- The defendants assumed the identities of homeowners who were advertising on websites to rent their properties.
- They posted imposter rental advertisements online at reduced rent prices, using the names and personal identifiers of true homeowners — but changing the contact information to email addresses and phone numbers controlled by the defendants.
- Using wire transmission instructions provided by the defendants through emails and text messages, prospective renters wired money for first and last month’s rent (and security deposits) to commercial businesses that provide wire transfer services to their customers.
- The defendants used various lulling techniques, such as sending false rental agreements for victims to sign, so that they would have more time to pick up the wired money.
- The defendants laundered proceeds from the scheme by using some of the stolen money to buy cars at auction.
Ikwuegbundo and Omotere are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition, Omotere is charged with one count of wire fraud, while Ikwuegbundo is charged with two counts of wire fraud, one count of possessing equipment used to make counterfeit drivers’ licenses, one count of concealment money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Ikwuebundo made his initial court appearance on August 11, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah. Omotere made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 18, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. If convicted, Ikwuegbundo faces a statutory maximum penalty of 97 years in prison; and Omotere faces a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Charles R. Beckmeyer of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by HSI and DSS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn is prosecuting the case.
A criminal indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Conspiring with Brother in Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal prison inmate was sentenced today to an additional six years and three months in prison for conspiring with his brother to defraud the IRS as part of a fraudulent income tax refund scheme.
According to court documents, Jabari Laquan Marshall, who was serving a federal prison sentence for a prior mortgage fraud conviction, and his brother Jalen Tony Henry devised a scheme to defraud the IRS. As part of the scheme, Marshall provided Henry with false documents and directed Henry to file a false amended tax return for tax year 2014, claiming that over $5.5 million in federal income tax had been withheld on his behalf as a result of a fictitious intellectual property sale. Henry later submitted other fraudulent documents that supposedly documented the sale, and the IRS ultimately relied on these documents to issue a refund check for $1,439,039. Henry deposited the check into his bank account, and Marshall directed Henry to split the funds among their family members. Henry withdrew approximately $5,000 before his bank account was frozen. The IRS successfully recovered the remaining funds.
Marshall pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan ordered Marshall to pay restitution and sentenced him to three years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Henry pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of theft of government property. He was sentenced on August 26, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge C. Darren Lian for IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.
###
North Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Kidnapping and Sexually Exploiting A MinorRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A North Las Vegas man was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years and four months in prison for kidnapping a girl in Arizona and repeatedly sexually assaulting her at his house in North Las Vegas, where he held her hostage.
“The sentence imposed by the Court reflects the serious nature of the defendant’s crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office is grateful to the victim in this case for exemplifying strength and courage, and we’re thankful for the FBI’s and North Las Vegas Police Department’s hard work, which helped ensure the defendant’s conviction.”
“I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to ensure this defendant was brought to justice and will no longer be able to harm children again,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI. “Knowing that the defendant will serve the next 16 years in federal prison, ensures there is one less predator victimizing the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community. Our community is a lot safer because of today’s sentencing.”
According to court documents, Jimmy Carter Kim, 32, met and communicated with a 14-year-old girl through a social media application. Sometime between November 2 and 3, 2015, he and the victim met in person in Bullhead City, Arizona. Kim kidnapped the girl and drove them to his residence in North Las Vegas, where he held her hostage in a locked room for one month. He repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, and took photos and videos of the assaults. On December 3, 2015, the victim escaped and called the police. Kim was arrested the same day.
Kim pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Kim to 36 years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou and Special Agent in Charge Rouse made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance by the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Christopher Burton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
###
Justice Department Charges Resident of Ukraine and Files Case to Halt Unauthorized Debits to Consumer Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced charges against a U.S. citizen residing in Ukraine for his alleged participation in a scheme to deceive banks. In a related case, the department filed a civil complaint and secured a temporary restraining order against a ring of individuals and corporations allegedly responsible for using the scheme to steal funds directly from thousands of consumers’ bank accounts. The civil complaint was unsealed yesterday.
On Aug. 24, a grand jury in the District of Nevada indicted Harold Sobel, 68, a U.S. citizen who resides in Ukraine, for conspiracy to make false statements to a bank and two counts of false statements to banks. Sobel was arrested on Aug. 12 pursuant to a criminal complaint at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, before he could return to Ukraine. According to the indictment, Sobel traveled from Ukraine to the United States in October 2019 and February 2020 and used his identity to open accounts at federally insured banks, control of which he immediately transferred to a co-conspirator who then impersonated Sobel in communications with the banks.
In a related civil complaint unsealed yesterday, the Department of Justice alleges that a transnational network of fraudsters, including Harold Sobel, Guy Benoit, Edward Courdy and more than two dozen other defendants, stole millions of dollars from American consumers by charging unauthorized debits against their bank accounts. The fraudsters used sham companies to cover their tracks and make the unauthorized debits appear legitimate.
“The scheme alleged in these cases involves an elaborate plot to reach into consumers’ bank accounts and steal their hard-earned savings,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Through these cases, the Department of Justice makes clear that it will use all tools at its disposal, including civil and criminal remedies, to halt such practices and bring offenders to justice.”
“Today’s charges allege insidious individuals and companies alike, employed deceptive techniques to steal money from thousands of unsuspecting victims,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “This investigation showcases the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s relentlessness is pursuing justice and holding individuals and corporations, be it domestically or internationally, accountable for their criminal actions. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate sophisticated fraud cases targeting U.S. consumers.”
According to the civil complaint, the defendants posted unauthorized debit transactions in the name of sham corporate entities against the bank accounts of unsuspecting consumers. To hide the fraudulent nature of these transactions from consumers and banks, defendants allegedly took elaborate steps to portray the sham corporate entities as legitimate businesses that provided internet-related services, creating bogus websites for the entities, fake customer authorizations for the entities’ services, and a “customer service” call center to field complaints. The complaint further alleges that the defendants used thousands of sham “micro transactions” so that banks would not detect the chargebacks of their unauthorized debits. The temporary restraining order obtained by the government enjoined the defendants from making unauthorized debits from consumers’ bank accounts and from using micro transactions to disguise chargebacks. The government also successfully petitioned for the appointment of a receiver to stop defendants from dissipating assets obtained through the fraud scheme.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented in the criminal case by Trial Attorneys Wei Xiang and Meredith Healy of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang of the District of Nevada. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance.
The government is represented in the civil matter by Trial Attorneys Michael Wadden and Amy Kaplan, and Assistant Director Lisa Hsiao of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
The conspiracy charge against Harold Sobel provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison. Making a false statement to a bank provides for a maximum of 30 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Woodlands, Texas, man pleaded guilty today for his role in an unemployment insurance benefits scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
According to court documents and admissions made in court, around May 2020, Paul Andrew Naeger (38) and his co-conspirators began submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the EDD, using other people’s personal identifying information without their consent. Some of the EDD debit cards associated with those fraudulent unemployment claims were mailed to rental mailboxes in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and Sherman Oaks. The debit cards were used for cash withdrawals and to purchase goods and services. In total, EDD approved at least $334,230 in benefits for the fraudulent claims. Naeger and his co-conspirators used at least $164,137 of the unemployment insurance benefits, including to pay for Naeger’s bail after he was arrested and detained on unrelated state charges in Houston, Texas.
Naeger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2021. Naeger faces statutory maximum penalties of seven and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices, and two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
Co-defendant Brittany Danielle Griesel has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Kenneth Edward Greenland has been indicted by a grand jury and is currently awaiting trial.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Reno Man Indicted for Dealing Large Amount of Methamphetamine and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Reno man for allegedly distributing a large amount of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to allegations in court documents, on August 16, 2021, James Raymond Ellis (51, also known as “Jimbo”) distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Several days later, on August 20, Ellis possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. In addition, Ellis possessed a 9mm pistol after having been previously convicted in Nevada for possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, which is a felony. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force arrested Ellis on August 20 in Reno.
Ellis is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. His initial court appearance is scheduled for August 30, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin. If convicted, Ellis faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of members from the FBI, Reno Police Department, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
###
Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On Wednesday, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man for committing three armed robberies of businesses in Las Vegas and Henderson.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lesean Roger Dennis Braddock Jr. (28) and co-defendant Byron Joshua Jarell Porter (24) conspired to commit a series of three armed robberies over a four-day period in September 2019.
Following a three-day trial, the jury found Braddock guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2021. Braddock faces the statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment. For each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Braddock faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence.
Co-defendant Porter pleaded guilty in October 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Henderson Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Clarkson and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case.
###
Las Vegas Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas tax preparer was sentenced today to two years in prison for filing fraudulent tax returns for her clients over approximately five years, causing a total tax loss of $529,782 to the IRS.
According to court documents, Martha L. Williams, 43, owned and operated MJW and Associates (formerly known as Across the Board Management Company), which were tax preparation businesses in Las Vegas. Between 2009 and 2014, Williams prepared more than 1,000 tax returns on behalf of her clients. She admitted to preparing 750 false tax returns that inflated the clients’ refunds by claiming fictitious deductions related to businesses that did not actually exist. To make these businesses appear legitimate, Williams used the IRS’ website to apply for and receive Employer Identification Numbers for fictitious businesses. In total, Williams caused a tax loss of at least $529,782 to the IRS.
In January 2020, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Williams to one year of supervised release and ordered Williams to pay $529,782 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge C. Darren Lian for the IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer prosecuted the case.
You can report a tax return preparer for misconduct or improper tax preparation practices associated with your individual tax return by visiting the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer.
###
Repeat Offender Convicted of Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On Friday, a federal jury convicted James Bates (50, of Las Vegas) — who previously had been convicted of multiple felonies in Clark County, Nevada and Broward County, Florida — for unlawful possession of a firearm following a drug transaction.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in August 2020, Bates unlawfully possessed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Bates’ prior felony conviction history includes second degree murder, robbery, burglary of a dwelling, and grand theft. As a result, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Following a four-day trial, the jury found Bates guilty of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2021. At sentencing, Bates faces: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 for the possession with intent to distribute charge; up to 10 years prison and a fine of $250,000 for the felon in possession of a firearm charges; and for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Andrew Duncan are prosecuting the case.
###
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Tallahassee, Florida, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to use 17 victims’ identities (without their consent) to unlawfully submit fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims, totaling at least $385,000.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Joseph Holmes Jr., 22, conspired with others to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). During a traffic stop on September 18, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers discovered in the car and on Holmes and co-defendant Emelio Rochester: 17 EDD debit cards, all in different names; $89,710 in cash; five cellphones; three laptop computers; and a tablet. At least $385,000 in unemployment benefits was approved for unemployment claims associated with the EDD debit cards, and at least $192,234 was withdrawn using the cards.
Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2021. Holmes faces a total statutory maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
Jury Convicts Felon of Drug Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man Monday of distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on October 29, 2019, Donnell Henry (35) distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Three weeks later, on November 19, 2019, he possessed a multi-caliber pistol. Henry is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in California state court for first degree burglary and maintaining a place to sell narcotics.
After a four-day trial, the jury found Henry guilty of one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2021. At sentencing, Henry faces: a statutory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine for the distribution of methamphetamine charge; and a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the felon in possession of a firearm charge.
Co-defendant Ozzie Morrison pleaded guilty in May 2021. U.S. District Judge Dorsey sentenced him to two years in prison on August 11, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Kimberly Sokolich are prosecuting the case.
This case was part of Operation Nora, a joint investigation by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Central Intelligence Unit, focusing on the Sherwood Forest and Naked City areas in Las Vegas. Operation Nora was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
###
Jury Convicts Defendant of Double Murder on Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe member today for murdering two women who were also members of the Tribe.
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on January 31, 2018, Stoney Prior (43) shot and killed two people on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, at the home of one of the victims. Both victims were members of the Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe.
Prior was found guilty of two-counts of second-degree murder in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.
###
Northern Nevada Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Fernley man — who used various encrypted messaging applications and numerous online aliases to conceal his identity and avoid detection by law enforcement — was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for distributing images of young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court documents, Benjamin D. Morrow, 36, used encrypted messaging applications, numerous online aliases, and various email addresses — including foreign email service providers — to send unsolicited emails to approximately 182 recipients. Those unsolicited emails contained images of the sadistic and masochistic sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. A forensic analysis of seized devices belonging to Morrow revealed 119,371 images and 4,945 videos of child pornography.
Morrow pleaded guilty in April 2021 to two counts of distribution of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Morrow to a lifetime term of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was a joint investigation by the FBI, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Washoe County Sherriff’s Office, Lyon County Sherriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sherriff’s Office, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
If you know of a child who may have been a victim of exploitation, please contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit NCMEC’s web site at https://www.missingkids.org/HOME.
###
California Man Charged with Unemployment Insurance Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday, a Stockton, California, man has been charged for allegedly using multiple California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization.
According to allegations in court documents, on September 20, 2020, Breon Dante Mims, 30, was stopped by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers after he was observed smoking a marijuana blunt in public. During the stop, officers obtained Mims’ consent to search his backpack, which revealed: (a) ten EDD debit cards, none of which were in Mims’ name; (b) $10,080 in cash; and (c) narcotics, including marijuana, ecstasy, and hydrocodone pills. Between August 19, 2020, and September 19, 2020, Mims allegedly withdrew at least $77,000 from various ATMs in Nevada and California using these fraudulently obtained EDD debit cards. At least $261,600 in benefits were approved for the unemployment claims associated with the cards.
Mims is charged with one count of illegal transaction with access devices issued to other persons and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah. If convicted, Mims faces a statutory maximum penalty of 17 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
California Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Santa Clarita woman pleaded guilty today to her role in a conspiracy to use other peoples’ personal information — without their consent — to unlawfully apply for and obtain over $250,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
According to court documents and admissions made in court, around May of 2020, Brittany Danielle Griesel, 38, and her co-conspirators submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the EDD using other people’s personal identifying information. In total, EDD approved more than $250,000 in benefits for these fraudulent claims, which Griesel and her co-conspirators spent on goods and services. During a traffic stop in Las Vegas on August 8, 2020, law enforcement discovered Griesel was in possession of $45,464 in fraudulent proceeds obtained as part of the conspiracy.
Griesel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Richard F Boulware II scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2021. Griesel faces a statutory maximum penalty of nine and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles region made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###