District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Reno Doctor and Seven Others Arrested and Indicted for Trafficking Oxycodone and Hydrocodone PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An indictment by a federal grand jury was unsealed today charging a doctor and seven others for conspiring to distribute Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
Myron Motley, 55, of Richmond, California; Eric Math, M.D., 50, of Reno; Michael Kwoka, 56, of Fair Oaks, California; Michael Slater, 42, of Reno; Joseph Jeannette, 51, of Reno; Ivy Elliott, 35, of Reno; and Alesia Sampson, 56, of Grass Valley, California, are all charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycodone. Motley and Elliott are also charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. Motley is also charged with four counts of distribution of Oxycodone and one count of distribution of Hydrocodone, Math and Slater are also each charged with one count of distribution of Oxycodone and one count of distribution of Hydrocodone, and Kwoka and Elliot are also charged with one count of distribution of Oxycodone. In a separate indictment, Motley and Randy Raihall, 58, of Reno, are each charged with one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Motley was arrested in Richmond, California this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned today before United State Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore in Oakland, California. Kowka and Sampson were arrested in Fair Oaks and Grass Valley this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Carolyn K. Delaney in Sacramento, California. Math, Jeannette, Slater, Elliott, and Raihall are scheduled to be arraigned today at 3:00 pm before United States Magistrate Judge Carla Baldwin Carry in Reno.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from January 2018 to May 2019, the defendants conspired to possess and distribute Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, each a schedule II controlled substance, with Dr. Math issuing prescriptions for the same without a medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice.
The mandatory minimum is 10 years in prison and the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are among the most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths. Oxycodone and other Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse that can lead to addiction, overdose, and sometimes death.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The joint investigation was conducted by the FBI; the Reno Police Department; Nevada Highway Patrol; the Department of Welfare and Social Services Nevada; the Office of the Attorney General; the Carson City Sheriff’s Office; the Nevada Department of Corrections; the Nevada Gaming Control Board; the Sparks Police Department; the University of Nevada-Reno Police Department; and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James E. Keller.
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President and CEO of Las Vegas Investment Company Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Running $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
The former president and CEO of MRI International Inc. (MRI), a purported investment company and medical collections business located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tokyo, Japan, was sentenced to 50 years in prison today for his role in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by Chief Judge Gloria Navarro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, who also sentenced Fujinaga to three years of supervised release, ordered restitution in the amount of $1,129,409,449 and forfeiture in the amount of $813,297,912.65. In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga, was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with his Ponzi scheme.
According to evidence presented during trial, from 2000 until approximately 2013, Fujinaga fraudulently solicited over $1 billion in investments in MRI from over 10,000 Japanese victims who resided in Japan. The victims would wire their funds from Japan to bank accounts in Las Vegas under Fujinaga’s control. Fujinaga approved and disseminated marketing materials that promised investors that their funds would only be used for purchasing medical claims and that an escrow agent would ensure that MRI used investor funds for only that purpose. In truth, Fujinaga spent less than two percent of investor funds to purchase medical claims. Instead, Fujinaga used the vast majority of new investors’ funds to pay off old investors. He used the balance of investors’ funds for impermissible business and lavish personal expenses, such as a private jet; a mansion on a Las Vegas golf course; real estate in Beverly Hills, California wine country and Hawaii; and Bentley, McLaren and Bugatti luxury cars. When the Japanese government revoked MRI’s license to market securities in April 2013, MRI owed its investors more than $1.5 billion. Victims traveled from Japan and other locations to testify about the funds they gave to Fujinaga. Some victims lost their life savings to the scheme.
Co-defendants Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, were extradited from Japan in April 2019, and are currently awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Justice and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. Forfeiture is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hollingsworth of the District of Nevada.
President and CEO of Las Vegas Investment Company Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Running $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The former president and CEO of MRI International Inc. (MRI), a purported investment company and medical collections business located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tokyo, Japan, was sentenced to 50 years in prison today for his role in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by Chief Judge Gloria Navarro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, who also sentenced Fujinaga to three years of supervised release, ordered restitution in the amount of $1,129,409,449 and forfeiture in the amount of $813,297,912.65. In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga, was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with his Ponzi scheme.
According to evidence presented during trial, from 2000 until approximately 2013, Fujinaga fraudulently solicited over $1 billion in investments in MRI from over 10,000 Japanese victims who resided in Japan. The victims would wire their funds from Japan to bank accounts in Las Vegas under Fujinaga’s control. Fujinaga approved and disseminated marketing materials that promised investors that their funds would only be used for purchasing medical claims and that an escrow agent would ensure that MRI used investor funds for only that purpose. In truth, Fujinaga spent less than two percent of investor funds to purchase medical claims. Instead, Fujinaga used the vast majority of new investors’ funds to pay off old investors. He used the balance of investors’ funds for impermissible business and lavish personal expenses, such as a private jet; a mansion on a Las Vegas golf course; real estate in Beverly Hills, California wine country and Hawaii; and Bentley, McLaren and Bugatti luxury cars. When the Japanese government revoked MRI’s license to market securities in April 2013, MRI owed its investors more than $1.5 billion. Victims traveled from Japan and other locations to testify about the funds they gave to Fujinaga. Some victims lost their life savings to the scheme.
Co-defendants Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, were extradited from Japan in April 2019, and are currently awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Justice and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. Forfeiture is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hollingsworth of the District of Nevada.
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Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Dispensing of Opioids and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A nurse practitioner was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,749,121.29 for unlawfully dispensing prescription opioids and Medicare and Medicaid fraud, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge Christian J. Schrank for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles Region.
Alejandro “Alex” Incera, aka Alexander Jiminez-Incera, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, 48, of Las Vegas, previously pleaded guilty to eight counts of distribution of controlled substance and eight counts of health care fraud. United States District Judge James Mahan presided over the sentencing hearing.
From January 2018 to about May 2018, Incera had an agreement with co-defendants Robert D. Harvey, a surgical technician, and Dr. Horace P. Guerra to distribute Hydrocodone and Oxycodone to patients without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash payments. Incera wrote illegal opioid prescriptions on prescriptions with his name and DEA number for patients without a medical purpose.
Furthermore, between July 2016 to about December 2017, Incera defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by writing Lidocaine, Modafinil, and Diclofenac Sodium prescriptions to patients without a legitimate medical purpose and at times without having examined the patient at all. These prescriptions were filled and processed by Atlas Pharmacy who paid Incera approximately $30,000 in exchange for patient referrals. The Medicare and Medicaid programs were defrauded out of approximately $3.7 million.
Dr. Guerra was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, Harvey was sentenced to six months in federal prison, and both face three years of supervised release following incarceration. Co-defendant Leslie Kalyn, aka Leslie Feth, a Doctor of Nursing, was also charged for her alleged role in the opioid distribution conspiracy. A jury trial is scheduled on September 23, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Ahmed and Assistant Chief Kilby MacFadden from the Department of Justice Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The District of Nevada was selected as one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a program that utilizes data to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The District of Nevada has assigned prosecutors that focus on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud related to medical professionals who prescribe opioids, that unlawfully divert of dispense prescription opioids for illegitimate purposes.
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Las Vegas Photographer Sentenced to over 29 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Child Sexual Exploitation in Multi-StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas photographer who posed as a professional modeling photographer and sports sponsor was sentenced Monday to 29 1/2 years in federal prison for child sexual exploitation, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
William Clyde Thompson, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. Thompson pleaded guilty in February 2019, to child exploitation enterprise, sexual exploitation of a child, conspiracy to produce child pornography, distribution of child pornography, conspiracy to distribute child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He was indicted in September 2013 in Nevada and in 2015 in Arizona. In addition to the term of imprisonment, he will be placed on a lifetime term of supervised release, he agreed to pay full restitution to his victims, and he will be required under the Sexual Offender Registration Notification Act to register as a sex offender.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in November 2011, Thompson took sexually explicit photos and videos of a 10-year-old boy under the ruse that Thompson was a professional photographer and wanted to assist the boy in getting sponsored as a professional skateboarder. In November 2012, the victim’s mother made a report to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after a potential sponsor informed her that he believed her son was being sexually exploited by Thompson. Later that month, during the execution of search warrants at Thompson’s residence and studio, law enforcement seized multiple digital devices belonging to Thompson. A forensic examination of the devices revealed over 10,000 files of child sexual exploitation photos and videos.
In January 2013, Thompson was arrested in Nevada on child pornography charges and the state court ordered him released on house arrest. However, Thompson cut off his ankle bracelet and fled the Las Vegas area. He was later indicted on federal charges in September 2013.
While on the run from law enforcement, in the spring and summer of 2014, Thompson contacted at least six boys at the Needles California Skate Park. He identified himself as “Tony Bailor” and “Jason Brock” and told the boys he was a “scooter sponsor.” He and others provided the boys with gifts to induce their compliance and to recruit other minors to be part of the “team” that he claimed he wanted to sponsor. In reality, Thompson and others recruited the “team” with the intention to produce child pornography and to sexually abuse the boys. Over a six-month period, Thompson produced over 20,000 images and videos depicting sexually explicit content of the children.
Thompson and a co-conspirator created multiple websites to distribute the child pornography he created. Thompson would post sample child pornography photos on one of the websites and when someone purchased the photos based on the sample, he would send the purchaser a hyperlink to the child pornography files on a cloud-based service.
Thompson was arrested during a traffic stop in Mohave Valley, Arizona, in January 2015. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement found over one million images ranging from child erotica to child pornography of several victims contained on digital devices belonging to him.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Elham Roohani 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 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.
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Third Nevada Family Member Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A third participant in a Las Vegas, Nevada, conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds was sentenced to prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
U.S. District Court Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Elizabeth Trinh to 18 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to defraud the government.
According to documents filed with the court, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh, conspired to file corporate and individual tax returns reporting false income tax withholdings and payments, in order to cause the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue fraudulent income tax refunds. The Trinhs filed the returns in the names of fictitious business entities, their own names, and the names of other individuals, including a long-deceased family member. Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns. All three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using bank accounts and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. To conceal the funds, the defendants regularly purchased cashier’s checks, which they used to obtain gambling chips at local casinos. The conspiracy resulted in false claims of more than $6 million, and more than $2 million in fraudulent refunds paid out by the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Mahan ordered Elizabeth Trinh to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $362,328 to the IRS.
On April 10, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mahan sentenced Chanh V. Trinh to 102 months in prison and Cannedy Trinh to 24 months in prison.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Third Nevada Family Member Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A third participant in a Las Vegas, Nevada, conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds was sentenced to prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. of the IRS-Criminal Investigation.
U.S. District Court Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Elizabeth Trinh to 18 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to defraud the government.
According to documents filed with the court, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh, conspired to file corporate and individual tax returns reporting false income tax withholdings and payments, in order to cause the IRS to issue fraudulent income tax refunds. The Trinhs filed the returns in the names of fictitious business entities, their own names, and the names of other individuals, including a long-deceased family member. Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns. All three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using bank accounts and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. To conceal the funds, the defendants regularly purchased cashier’s checks, which they used to obtain gambling chips at local casinos. The conspiracy resulted in false claims of more than $6 million, and more than $2 million in fraudulent refunds paid out by the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Mahan ordered Elizabeth Trinh to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $362,328 to the IRS.
On April 10, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mahan sentenced Chanh V. Trinh to 102 months in prison and Cannedy Trinh to 24 months in prison.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman, U.S. Attorney Trutanich, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Nevarez commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Armed Robberies of Bank and Two Jewelry StoresRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 24 years in prison for robbing a bank at gunpoint and for two jewelry store armed robberies while he was on supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Deandre Nakita Brown, 36, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of bank robbery. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced him to 3 years of supervised release.
According to admissions made in his plea agreement, on August 1, 2016, Brown, armed with a firearm, ran directly to and jumped over the cashier counter at a bank located at West Craig Rd. He yelled, “Everyone hit the floor!” He pointed his handgun at three employees demanding money. He stole a total of $17,862 from the bank. Brown was completing his sentence at the Residential Re-entry Center on his 2009 federal conviction for Brandishing a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence when he committed this offense.
On January 3, 2017, Brown and co-conspirators Aquail Harris and Brian Wright robbed a jewelry store located at N. Rainbow Blvd in northwest Las Vegas. Brown and Harris entered the store pointing their firearms at employees and customers, including two young children, and forcing them to their knees. Harris physically removed the security guard’s firearm and the robbers took the firearm along with the stolen jewelry. The two gunmen delivered the stolen jewelry and watches valued at over $850,000 to the getaway vehicle driven by two additional co-conspirators, Kendareen Hudson and Safiyyah Christopher.
Ten days later, on January 13, Brown, Wright and co-defendants Carl Whitley and Randy Jerousek robbed a jewelry store located at W. Charleston Blvd in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas. Brown entered the store pointing a gun at employees and directing them to fill garbage bags with jewelry and watches. Approximately $765,000 worth of jewelry was stolen. Brown fled in a getaway vehicle driven by co-conspirator Randy Jerousek. Brown was on federal supervision relating to his 2009 conviction at the time that he committed the two jewelry store robberies.
Harris and Wright were also on federal supervised release at the time that they planned and committed the jewelry store robberies with Brown.
Co-defendants Christopher, Hudson, Jerousek, and Whitley, all pleaded guilty for their involvement in the armed robberies. Wright was convicted by a jury and sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in the jewelry store robberies.
Brown’s 2009 conviction arose from his armed robbery of an Albertsons grocery store. Brown was previously convicted in 2005 for robbing a series of five banks around Las Vegas.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Michael, Nadia Ahmed, and Lisa Cartier-Giroux prosecuted the case.
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Former IRS Employee Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday convicted Craig P. Orrock, a former attorney and former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee, of tax evasion and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of IRS-Criminal Investigation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, starting in the early 1990s, Orrock, currently of Sandy, Utah, evaded the payment of his federal income taxes and obstructed IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Orrock filed federal individual income tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but failed to pay the income taxes reported as due. He attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes through the use of nominee entities, bank accounts and trusts to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers. Orrock attempted to evade the assessment of a large part of the income tax he owed for 2007, by concealing from the IRS both the ownership of real estate he held through a nominee known as Arville Properties LLC as well as the proceeds from the sale of the property.
From 1993 through 2015, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
Orrock faces up to five years in prison on each of the first two counts and up to three years in prison on the third count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen, who are prosecuting the case.
Former IRS Employee Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday convicted Craig P. Orrock, a former attorney and former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee, of tax evasion and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of IRS-Criminal Investigation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, starting in the early 1990s, Orrock, currently of Sandy, Utah, evaded the payment of his federal income taxes and obstructed IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Orrock filed federal individual income tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but failed to pay the income taxes reported as due. He attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes through the use of nominee entities, bank accounts and trusts to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers. Orrock attempted to evade the assessment of a large part of the income tax he owed for 2007, by concealing from the IRS both the ownership of real estate he held through a nominee known as Arville Properties LLC as well as the proceeds from the sale of the property.
From 1993 through 2015, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
Orrock faces up to five years in prison on each of the first two counts and up to three years in prison on the third count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen, who are prosecuting the case.
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Felon Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to two years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
William Edward Jones, 37, previously pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to admissions made in Jones’ plea agreement, on July 7, 2018, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a fatal car accident. Following the accident, Jones underwent a medical check. When he stood up, a semi-automatic handgun fell from his waist area. Jones was a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.
This 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.
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Nevada U.S. Attorney Recognizes Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Nevada United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed from Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country. We thank the brave men and women who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer in Nevada, I recognize and acknowledge their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. They have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in the line-of-duty in 2018. In Nevada, Department of Public Safety Corrections Officer Kyle L. Eng died in the line of duty on July 19, 2018.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. No tickets are required and everyone is welcome. For additional information please call 202-737-3400.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Yields over 6,000 Pounds of Prescription Pills in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In Nevada, 6,323 pounds, or three tons, of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medications were turned-in at the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day held in April, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Neill for the DEA.
“These results are heartening. Nevadans recognize that combating the opioid epidemic starts with prevention,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continue working in communities to turn the tide on this public health and safety crisis.”
Nationwide, the total weight collected was 937,443 pounds, or 468 tons, of prescription medications. There were 4,969 participating law enforcement agencies and 6,258 collection sites throughout the country.
Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70,237 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2017. Take Back Day is part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the DEA and it is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs.
Complete results for DEA’s spring Take Back Day are available at www.DEATakeBack.com.
The next Take Back Day is October 26, 2019.
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Nevada Cardiologist Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Unlawful Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Dr. Devendra I. Patel, aka Devendrakumar I. Patel, a northern Nevada cardiologist was sentenced Tuesday to three years and one month in federal prison for prescribing highly addictive pain pills Oxycodone and Hydrocodone at a high rate to his patients without a medical purpose.
United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, Resident Agent in Charge Marc C. Kuzmicki of the DEA’s Reno Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christian J. Schrank of the Office of Inspector General, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office Los Angeles Region made the announcement.
“Medical professionals who violate their oath and the law by prescribing addictive opioids without a legitimate medical purpose will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to the investigation and prosecution of medical professionals who abuse their position of trust and by a stroke of the pen directly contribute to the opioid crisis.”
“Let those who would betray their oath to do no harm take notice of the penalty for such callous mistreatment of their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in a unified effort to battle the opioid crisis in the state of Nevada.”
“This case is a direct result of the hard work of the investigators and prosecutors from the DOJ and their partners in Reno, Nevada,” said Resident Agent in Charge Kuzmicki. “This should serve as a warning to practitioners in Northern Nevada who are helping fuel the opioid epidemic. While the vast majority of medical professionals are following the appropriate guidelines and prescribing well within the law, we will find those who are harming members of our community and bring them to justice.”
“It is difficult to believe that a physician, sworn to do no harm by his Hippocratic oath, would needlessly prescribe these highly addictive opioid medications,” said Special Agent in Charge Schrank. “Yet our investigation revealed that Dr. Patel did exactly that. Physicians using prescribing privileges to fatten their profits rather than easing the pain of patients should expect aggressive investigation and prosecution.”
Patel, 60, of Elko, pleaded guilty in November 2018, to distribution of controlled substances, and was indicted by a grand jury in December 2017. His DEA license was suspended upon his arrest in December 2017. He owned and operated Northeastern Nevada Cardiology. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Patel to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $500,000 fine. Patel was ordered to self-surrender to begin serving his sentence on August 6, 2019.
Between September 2015 and February 2016, he prescribed Oxycodone and Hydrocodone to patients without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. His prescribing practices allowed him to see a high volume of patients and easily prescribe opioids, while not addressing any legitimate medical concerns of his patients.
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Secret Service, the Elko Combined Narcotics Unit, Elko Police Department, Elko County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami prosecuted the case.
More than 42,000 people died from a prescription opioid overdose in 2016, and over 1,000 people are treated in the emergency room daily for improper use of prescription opioids, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2016, there were 408 opioid-related deaths in Nevada, according to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.
The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection unit is a program that utilizes data to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. In 2017, the District of Nevada was selected as one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the program. The District of Nevada has assigned an experienced prosecutor that focuses solely on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud related to medical professionals who prescribe opioids, that unlawfully divert of dispense prescription opioids for illegitimate purposes.
For information about the harmful effects of illicit drug use, visit www.JustThinkTwice.com for teens and www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for parents, educators, and caregivers. To report suspected opioid-related crimes, the public is encouraged to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or the DEA at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/tips_online.htm.
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Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with multiple armed robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Bailey Aaron Hall, 23, pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over today’s sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on August 13, 2016, Hall entered a restaurant at North Decatur Blvd. pointing a .45 caliber firearm at an employee and a customer. He demanded money from the register and the employee complied. Hall received approximately $114 of the business cash and fled in a stolen vehicle. A few days later on August 17, Hall entered another restaurant at North Decatur Blvd. pointing a .45 caliber firearm at an employee. He demanded the employee put money from the register into his backpack. The employee explained that the register was locked. Hall then struck the employee in the head with his gun and gave the employee to the count of three to open the register or he would shoot the employee. The employee opened another register and Hall fled with approximately $150 of the business cash in a stolen vehicle. The third armed robbery occurred on August 21 at a grocery store on North Decatur Blvd. Hall entered the grocery store again pointing a .45 caliber firearm at an employee. He told the employee to empty the register and place the money into his backpack. He also demanded cartons of cigarettes. Before exiting the store, Hall dropped the cigarettes and discharged his firearm. He collected the cartons and fled the store with approximately $950 of the business cash and the cartons of cigarettes. Hall again fled in a stolen vehicle.
At the time of the offenses, Hall had absconded from state parole.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Michael prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of First Degree Murder in Connection with Drug Deal Gone BadRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man Tuesday of drug and firearm crimes that resulted in the death of a man during a drug deal in November 2013, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
After a seven-day trial, Louis Matthews, 37, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime resulting in death. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and set a sentencing date for August 1, 2019.
The evidence at trial showed that Matthews and his co-defendant John Thomas, met in a North Las Vegas apartment in November 2013, to buy 20 pounds of marijuana from three suppliers: Angel Juarez, Julio Nunez, and Luciano Madrigal-Herrera. During the deal, Matthews and Thomas drew handguns and shot Madrigal-Herrera seven times in the chest, killing him, and robbing him of the marijuana. As Matthews and Thomas made their getaways, Nunez chased after them with a shotgun, shooting Thomas in the back shoulder, wounding him, and causing the two to drop the marijuana they stole. All four men fled the scene with no arrests.
The ensuing police investigation, however, led to their arrests and federal charges. Thomas, Nunez, and Juarez have all been sentenced to prison on charges related to the homicide. Matthews was the last of the four to be convicted.
Matthews has prior felony convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2001, Bribing or Intimidating Witness to Influence Testimony in 2004, Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2005, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base in 2005 and Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm in 2015. Matthews had been released from federal custody less than a month prior to committing the murder on November 30, 2013. Matthews also had three prior arrests for murder and attempted murder with a deadly weapon along with an additional arrest for discharging a weapon.
Matthews faces a maximum term of life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and North Las Vegas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Michael and Steven Myhre.
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Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, returned a three-count indictment today against three alleged gang members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) for their involvement in connection with a kidnapping and murder.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Macias of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles made the announcement.
Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, aka Molesto, 25, Miguel Torres-Escobar, aka Chamilo, 21, and David Arturo Perez-Manchame, aka Walter Melendez and Herbi, 20, are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. Reyes-Castillo and Torres-Escobar are citizens of El Salvador and Perez-Manchame is a citizen of Honduras. All of the defendants are illegally in the United States.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a violent, transnational criminal organization that operates throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas, Nevada. MS-13 is a street gang composed primarily of persons from Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. The Parkview clique of MS-13 operated in the Las Vegas, Nevada sector. MS-13 members are required to commit crimes, including acts of violence, to maintain membership and discipline within the group.
The indictment alleges that, on Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Torres-Escobar and Perez-Manchame, kidnapped and murdered Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez. As alleged, the defendants intentionally participated in the act of violence that resulted in the death of Sandoval-Martinez.
Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and Torres-Escobar remain in federal custody. Reyes-Castillo is pending federal charges in the Eastern District of California. All three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on May 21, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the DEA. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime & Gang Section is prosecuting the case.
Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada returned a three-count indictment today against three alleged gang members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) for their involvement in connection with a kidnapping and murder.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Macias of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles made the announcement.
Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, aka Molesto, 25, Miguel Torres-Escobar, aka Chamilo, 21, and David Arturo Perez-Manchame, aka Walter Melendez and Herbi, 20, are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. Reyes-Castillo and Torres-Escobar are citizens of El Salvador and Perez-Manchame is a citizen of Honduras. All of the defendants are illegally in the United States.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a violent, transnational criminal organization that operates throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas, Nevada. MS-13 is a street gang composed primarily of persons from Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. The Parkview clique of MS-13 operated in the Las Vegas, Nevada sector. MS-13 members are required to commit crimes, including acts of violence, to maintain membership and discipline within the group.
The indictment alleges that, on Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Torres-Escobar, and Perez-Manchame kidnapped and murdered Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez. As alleged, the defendants intentionally participated in the act of violence that resulted in the death of Sandoval-Martinez.
Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, and Torres-Escobar remain in federal custody. Reyes-Castillo is pending federal charges in the Eastern District of California. All three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on May 21, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the DEA. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime & Gang Section is prosecuting the case.
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Child Sexual Predator Sentenced to 140 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man convicted of sexually exploiting children by producing child pornography and possessing hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, was sentenced today to 140 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
“Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will hold child sexual predators accountable and bring them to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Through our Project Safe Childhood initiative, in collaboration with local and federal partners, we will prosecute individuals who prey on our children and commit heinous and violent acts against them.”
A jury convicted Lonny Joseph DiTirro, 37, of four counts of sexual exploitation of children by producing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson presided over the jury trial and sentencing hearing. After being released from custody, under the Sexual Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA), DiTirro will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the three-day jury trial, on September 10, 2015, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a concerned citizen’s report of possible child pornography found on a SD card belonging to DiTirro. Law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for the SD card. A forensic examination of the SD card found 254 images and 42 videos of child pornography, depictions that included infants and toddlers being sadistically and violently sexually assaulted.
Additionally, DiTirro had organized and catalogued dozens of folders titled with the name and age of nearly 50 girls from multiple states. The folders contained nude photos and videos of the girls, including videos of DiTirro raping several girls. Law enforcement identified several victims who all testified that they met DiTirro on a social media dating application when they were under the age of 16. The victims further testified that DiTirro lied about his age, claiming he was a teenager or in his early 20s, and went as far as falsifying his birth certificate in an effort to coerce, entice, and induce the victims into various sexual activities. DiTirro recorded sex acts with the minor victims, and he also created screenshots of sexually explicit video chats of the victims.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan 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 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.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA Encourage Nevadans to Take Part in National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 27, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Neill for the DEA Las Vegas office.
“Prevention starts at home. Cleaning out the family medicine cabinet could save a life,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “I encourage Nevadans to be responsible citizens and safely dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications at a collection site on Take Back Day before the pills end up lost, stolen or misused.”
“This is an excellent opportunity for all Nevadans to empty out their medicine cabinets to prevent misuse,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Neill.
On April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., partner law enforcement agencies will collect prescription medications at more than 30 collection sites throughout Nevada. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 1-800-882-9539. DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 457 tons (914,236 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 of its local and tribal law enforcement partners. Overall, the DEA and its partners have taken in almost 11 million pounds (nearly 5,500 tons) of pills at past Take Back Days.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. For more information about the safe disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Collection Sites
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Collection Site
Address
City
Lander County Sheriff Department
#2 State Route 305
Battle Mountain
Food Maxx Parking Lot
3325 Hwy 50 East
Carson City
Smith’s Food & Drug Front of Store
599 E. Williams St.
Carson City
Save Mart Front of Store
3620 North Carson St.
Carson City
Save Mart Front of Store
4348 South Carson St.
Carson City
Walmart Parking Lot
3770 Hwy 395
Carson City
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Dayton Substation
801 Overland Loop
Dayton
Fallon Tribal Health Clinic Parking Lot
1001 Rio Vista Dr.
Fallon
CVS Pharmacy Parking Lot
461 W. Williams Ave.
Fallon
Walgreens Pharmacy Parking Lot
2020 Reno Hwy.
Fallon
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Fernley Substation
555 E. Main St.
Fernley
Walgreens Parking Lot
1342 U.S. Hwy 395
Gardnerville
Tillman Substation Parking Lot
1281 Kimmerling Rd.
Gardnerville
Henderson Police Department,
West Police Station
300 S. Greenvalley Pkwy.
Henderson
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, South East Area Command
3675 E. Harmon Ave.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Downtown Area Command
621 N. 9th St.
Las Vegas
Smith’s Pharmacy Parking Lot
8555 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Enterprise Area Command Parking Lot
6975 W. Windmill
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Northwest Area Command
9850 W. Cheyenne
Las Vegas
Summerlin’s Farmer’s Market
1980 Festival Plaza
Las Vegas
Pershing County Sheriff’s Office
395 9th St.
Lovelock
Walmart Parking Lot
1807 W. Craig Rd.
North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas Police Department, Northwest Area Command Station
3755 W. Washburn Rd.
North Las Vegas
CVS
3360 S. McCarran Blvd.
Reno
Smith’s Food and Drug
750 S. Meadows Pkwy.
Reno
Smith’s Food and Drug Center Front Entrance
175 Lemmon Dr.
Reno
Save Mart
4995 Kietzke Lane
Reno
Raley’s Market & Pharmacy Inside Entrance
18144 Wedge Pkwy.
Reno
Walmart Front Entrance
5260 W. 7th St.
Reno
Smith’s Food and Drug Front Entrance
1255 Baring Blvd.
Sparks
East Fire Station #4 Inside Station
1476 Albite Rd.
Wellington
Ridley’s Market Parking Lot
1125 W. Winnemucca Blvd.
Winnemucca
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
911 Harvey
Yerington
Yerington Police Department Parking Lot
30 Nevin Way
Yerington
Safeway Store Parking Lot
212 Elks Point Rd.
Zephyr Cove
Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A repeat child sex offender who used a social media site to solicit sexually explicit images from a boy was sentenced Monday to 14 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Christopher Phernambucq, aka “Christopher Phernambuco,” 37, of California, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. In addition to the incarceration, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced him to a lifetime of supervised release. Under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to admissions in Phernambucq’s guilty plea, from July 2016 to December 2016, he posed as a successful businessman on a social media site under the false name “Alex Carrasco.” Phernambucq offered to pay children for services related to modeling or music and solicited photos, offered to buy electronics, and discussed his desire to engage in sexual activities with the children. Between August 2016 and December 2016, he exchanged messages and sexually explicit images with a 16-year-old boy through the social media site. The criminal conduct occurred shortly after he was released from California state custody.
Phernambucq has prior California convictions for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, abusive sexual conduct involving a minor, or the production, possession, receipt, mailing, sale, distribution, shipment, or transportation of child pornography. His prior convictions qualified him for additional criminal penalties.
The case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Lopez and Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by phone at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com.
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 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Japanese Investment Company Executives Extradited on Charges Relating to $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Japanese authorities have extradited to the United States two former executives of a Las Vegas, Nevada, investment company in connection with their alleged roles in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, who are father and son and are both Japanese nationals, were each charged in a July 2015 indictment filed in the District of Nevada with eight counts of mail fraud and nine counts of wire fraud. Japanese authorities arrested the Suzukis in January 2019 at the request of the United States, and extradited them to the United States on April 17. The Suzukis will make their initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach of the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment, Junzo Suzuki previously was executive vice president for Asia Pacific of MRI International (MRI), an investment company which was headquartered in Las Vegas and had an office in Japan. Paul Suzuki previously was the company’s general manager for Japan operations, based in Tokyo. MRI purportedly specialized in “factoring,” whereby the company purchased accounts receivable from medical providers at a discount, and then attempted to recover the entire amount, or at least more than the discounted amount, from the debtor.
According to allegations in the indictment, from at least 2009 to 2013, the Suzukis and their co-defendant Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, fraudulently solicited investments from thousands of Japanese residents. When MRI collapsed, it allegedly owed investors over $1.5 billion. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Fujinaga and the Suzukis promised investors a series of interest payments that would accrue over the life of the investment and that would be paid out along with the face value of the investment at the conclusion of the investments’ duration. The defendants allegedly solicited investments by, among other things, promising investors that their investments would be used only for the purchase of medical accounts receivable (MARS) and by representing that investors funds would be managed and safeguarded by an independent third-party escrow company.
The indictment further alleges that MRI operated as a Ponzi scheme, in which the defendants used new investors’ money to pay prior investors’ maturing investments. According to the indictment, the defendants also allegedly used investors’ funds for purposes other than the purchase of MARS, including paying themselves sales commissions, subsidizing gambling habits, funding personal travel by private jet and other personal expenses.
In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with this Ponzi scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. The case was investigated by Assistant Chief Albert Stieglitz of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre of the District of Nevada.
The indictment contains allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent if and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with the defendants’ extradition. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan and the Japanese Ministry of Justice also provided assistance.
Japanese Investment Company Executives Extradited on Charges Relating to $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Japanese authorities have extradited to the United States two former executives of a Las Vegas, Nevada investment company in connection with their alleged roles in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, who are father and son and are both Japanese nationals, were each charged in a July 2015 indictment filed in the District of Nevada with eight counts of mail fraud and nine counts of wire fraud. Japanese authorities arrested the Suzukis in January 2019 at the request of the United States, and extradited them to the United States on April 17. The Suzukis will make their initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach of the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment, Junzo Suzuki previously was executive vice president for Asia Pacific of MRI International (MRI), an investment company which was headquartered in Las Vegas and had an office in Japan. Paul Suzuki previously was the company’s general manager for Japan operations, based in Tokyo. MRI purportedly specialized in “factoring,” whereby the company purchased accounts receivable from medical providers at a discount, and then attempted to recover the entire amount, or at least more than the discounted amount, from the debtor.
According to allegations in the indictment, from at least 2009 to 2013, the Suzukis and their co-defendant Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, fraudulently solicited investments from thousands of Japanese residents. When MRI collapsed, it allegedly owed investors over $1.5 billion. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Fujinaga and the Suzukis promised investors a series of interest payments that would accrue over the life of the investment and that would be paid out along with the face value of the investment at the conclusion of the investments’ duration. The defendants allegedly solicited investments by, among other things, promising investors that their investments would be used only for the purchase of medical accounts receivable (MARS) and by representing that investors funds would be managed and safeguarded by an independent third-party escrow company.
The indictment further alleges that MRI operated as a Ponzi scheme, in which the defendants used new investors’ money to pay prior investors’ maturing investments. According to the indictment, the defendants also allegedly used investors’ funds for purposes other than the purchase of MARS, including paying themselves sales commissions, subsidizing gambling habits, funding personal travel by private jet, and other personal expenses.
In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with his Ponzi scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. The case was investigated by Assistant Chief Albert Stieglitz of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre of the District of Nevada.
The indictment contains allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent if and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with the defendants’ extradition. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, and the Japanese Ministry of Justice also provided assistance.
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Former Medical Doctor and His Business Partner Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Prison for $7.1 Million Medicare Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former medical doctor and his business partner were sentenced Tuesday to 33 months in prison for their individual roles in a $7.1 million Medicare health care fraud scheme that occurred at three Las Vegas hospice and home healthcare agencies, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Camilo Q. Primero, 76, of San Dimas, California, and Aurora S. Beltran, 63, of Glendora, California, each pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced each defendant to three years of supervised release and ordered them to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment of $2,492,627. The defendants agreed to make full restitution in the amount of $2,492,627 to the United States.
From about January 2012 to about July 2017, Primero, a former medical doctor and owner of Angel Eye Hospice, Vision Home Health Care, and Advent Hospice, all in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Beltran, Primero’s business partner, operated a scheme to fraudulently obtain $7.1 million from the Medicare program. They filed false enrollment documents with Medicare to enable Primero to operate hospice and home care agencies through nominees despite his prior exclusion from all federal health care programs. Furthermore, they submitted fraudulent hospice care claims for people who were not terminally ill and did not require hospice care.
Primero and Beltran were previously convicted in California state court for defrauding that state’s insurance system in relation to another business named Beltran House, a residential care facility for disabled adults.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns prosecuted the case.
You can report suspected Medicare fraud by calling HHS-OIG at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or online at https://forms.oig.hhs.gov/hotlineoperations/report-fraud-form.aspx.
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Department of Justice Releases Reports Focused on Improving Safety and Wellness of the Nation's 800,000 Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Department of Justice today released two complementary reports that focus on the mental health and safety of the nation’s federal, state, local and tribal police officers. The reports, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, were published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) as required by the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) of 2017.
The LEMHWA passed both chambers unanimously and without amendment and was signed by the President shortly thereafter. These actions show that its purpose and intended effects are uncontroversial among policymakers – law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in their ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of their employees. Congress took the important step in improving the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services that will help our nation’s more than 800,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers.
"Serving as a law enforcement officer requires courage, strength, and dedication," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "The demands of this work, day in and day out, can take a toll on the health and well-being of our officers, but the Department of Justice is committed to doing our part to help. I want to thank the men and women of our COPS office for their hard work to support our officers every day, and specifically for these thoughtful and insightful reports, which detail both the challenges facing our officers and some specific ways we can give them the support that they deserve."
"A damaging national narrative has emerged in which law enforcement officers – whether federal, state, local, or tribal – are seen not as protectors of communities but as oppressors," said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “In this environment, where an inherently stressful job is made more so by a constant undercurrent of distrust and negative public opinion, the risks to officer wellness are exacerbated. This report is an important measure and reflection in our ongoing commitment to protect those who protect us."
“The reports address current issues facing law enforcement nationwide,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “Law enforcement put their lives on the line to combat violent crime to make our neighborhoods safer. At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the safety, health, and wellness of our law enforcement officers is a top priority.”
Under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, the COPS Office was required to submit reports to Congress that addressed:
(1) Recommendations to Congress on effectiveness of crisis lines for law enforcement officers, efficacy of annual mental health checks for law enforcement officers, expansion of peer mentoring programs, and ensuring privacy considerations for these types of programs;
(2) Mental health practices and services in the U.S. Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) that could be adopted by federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies; and
(3) Case studies of programs designed primarily to address officer psychological health and well-being.
The first report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress, includes 22 recommendations to Congress ranging from supporting programs to embed mental health professionals in law enforcement agencies to supporting the development of model policies and implementation guidance for law enforcement agencies to make substantial efforts to reduce suicide.
The case studies report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, is designed to provide an overview of multiple successful and promising law enforcement mental health and wellness strategies with the joint aims of informing Congress, state and local government officials, and the law enforcement field. The report includes 11 case studies from a diverse group of sites across the United States.
The Department of Justice is pleased to respond to the LEMHWA as officer safety, health, and wellness is a longstanding priority of the agency. The reports released today address some of the most pressing issues currently facing our law enforcement community.
The COPS Office has a near 25-year history of supporting the efforts of state, local and tribal law enforcement, including the management of the National Blue Alert Network. The agency awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Two Violent Takeover Robberies and Assault on A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man, Brian Wright, who was convicted for his role in planning and participating in the armed robbery of two jewelry stores while he was on federal supervised release for a conviction related to unlawful possession of a firearm, was sentenced Monday to 328 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. In a separate case, Wright was previously sentenced to 92 months in prison after a jury convicted him of Assault on a Federal Officer. The Court ordered the 328-month sentence in this case to run consecutive to his sentence in the assault case for a total sentence of 35 years in federal prison.
Brian Wright, 34, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to the incarceration, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced him to three years of supervised release concurrent on each count. Wright has been previously convicted in Nevada of robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm, and he has multiple parole and supervised release violations.
“Every time law enforcement takes a gun out of the hands of a violent criminal we are potentially saving lives,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “This significant sentence is the result of our continued efforts to keep the community safe from dangerous repeat offenders by working together with our local and federal law enforcement partners.”
During the six-day trial, the government proved that Wright planned and recruited two gunmen and several getaway drivers to rob a jewelry store located at N. Rainbow Blvd in northwest Las Vegas in January, 2017. On January 3, 2017, the two gunmen, co-conspirators Deandre Nakita Brown and Aquail Harris, entered the jewelry store pointing their firearms at employees and customers, including two young children, forcing them to their knees. Harris physically removed the security guard’s firearm and the robbers took the firearm along with the stolen jewelry. The two gunmen delivered the stolen jewelry and watches valued at over $850,000 to the getaway vehicle driven by two additional co-conspirators, Kendareen Hudson and Safiyyah Christopher. Wright, using a police radio scanner app on his phone, relayed information to his co-conspirators to avoid apprehension. However, shortly following the robbery Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers found and arrested Hudson and Christopher and recovered the stolen merchandise.
Ten days later, Wright recruited co-conspirators Carl Whitley and Deandre Brown to help him rob a jewelry store located at W. Charleston Blvd in Boca Park. Wright provided a gun to Brown to use in the robbery. On January 13, Brown entered the jewelry store pointing a gun at employees and directing them to fill garbage bags with jewelry and watches. Approximately $765,000 worth of jewelry was taken. Brown fled in a getaway vehicle driven by co-conspirator Randy Jerousek. Brown ultimately abandoned the vehicle and the jewelry in the backseat when the it became clear that police were searching for the getaway vehicle. This vehicle driven by co-conspirator Randy Jerousek was quickly located at a casino with the stolen merchandise in it. The co-conspirators were arrested soon thereafter.
Brown, Harris, and Wright met and planned the robberies while each of them were serving on federal supervised release.
Co-defendants Harris, Christopher, Hudson, Jerousek, Whitley, and Brown all pleaded guilty for their involvement in the armed robberies.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Michael, Nadia Ahmed, and Lisa Cartier Giroux prosecuted the case.
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Henderson Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of over 47,000 Images and Videos of Child Pornography Including Infants and ToddlersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson, Nevada, resident who pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing more than 47,000 images and videos of child pornography was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
“As part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to the safety and well-being of every child in Nevada,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “We will prosecute child sex predators who exploit the youngest and most vulnerable citizens and bring them to justice. We remain vigilant in our continued efforts to work with local, state, and federal partners to protect Nevada’s children.”
Robert William Surdel, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography, which carries a five year mandatory minimum sentence, and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ordered him to pay $40,000 in restitution to his victims and sentenced him to lifetime supervised release. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
Between November 2016 to January 2017, law enforcement officers were able to download images and videos of child pornography from Surdel’s computers. On February 22, during the execution of a search warrant at Surdel’s residence, he admitted to downloading child pornography using the internet and peer-to-peer programs. A forensic analysis of the seized devices discovered 46,001 images and 1,291 videos of child pornography that he meticulously sorted by subfolders, source, and genre. The longest video recovered during the search was over 26 hours. In one image that was recovered, the victim was only between 9 and 18 months of age.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by phone at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com.
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 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Jury Convicts Reno Felon of Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A jury sitting in northern Nevada convicted a felon of a federal firearm violation, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Clifton James Jackson, 55, of Reno, was found guilty of felon in possession of a firearm. He has a prior conviction for felon in possession of a firearm in Nevada. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben scheduled a sentencing hearing on July 10, 2019.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, in December 2018, a deputy with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a man holding a handgun while walking towards a business. Gunshots were also reported by the caller. As responding law enforcement officers located and pursued a truck driven by the suspect, the deputy observed an object being thrown from the truck. When additional units arrived on scene, Jackson and a juvenile were arrested. A subsequent search of the truck and the area where the object had been thrown revealed a 7.65mm semi-automatic pistol and a box of .32 caliber ammunition. A records check of the recovered firearm revealed that it had been stolen in Plumas County, California in May 2018.
The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Randy St. Clair are prosecuting the case.
To report a tip about a stolen firearm contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-3473).
This 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.
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Two Nevada Family Members Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Two Las Vegas, Nevada, co-conspirators, who filed false tax returns seeking millions of dollars of fraudulent tax refunds, were sentenced to prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Defendant Chanh V. Trinh was sentenced to 102 months in prison and defendant Cannedy Trinh was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
According to documents filed with the court, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh, conspired to file federal corporate and individual tax returns reporting false income tax withholdings and payments, in order to cause the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue fraudulent income tax refunds. The Trinhs filed the returns in the names of fictitious business entities, their own names, and the names of other individuals, including a long-deceased family member. Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns. All three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using bank accounts and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. To conceal the funds, the defendants regularly purchased cashier’s checks, which they used to obtain gambling chips at local casinos. The conspiracy resulted in false claims of more than $6 million, and more than $2 million in fraudulent refunds paid out by the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge James C. Mahan ordered the defendants to each serve three years of supervised release. Defendant Chanh V. Trinh was ordered to pay restitution of $2,331,021, and defendant Cannedy Trinh was ordered to pay restitution of $1,144,902. Co-defendant Elizabeth Trinh is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2019.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Two Nevada Family Members Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Las Vegas, Nevada, co-conspirators, who filed false tax returns seeking millions of dollars of fraudulent tax refunds, were sentenced to prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Defendant Chanh V. Trinh was sentenced to 102 months in prison and defendant Cannedy Trinh was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
According to documents filed with the court, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh, conspired to file federal corporate and individual tax returns reporting false income tax withholdings and payments, in order to cause the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue fraudulent income tax refunds. The Trinhs filed the returns in the names of fictitious business entities, their own names, and the names of other individuals, including a long-deceased family member. Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns. All three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using bank accounts and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. To conceal the funds, the defendants regularly purchased cashier’s checks, which they used to obtain gambling chips at local casinos. The conspiracy resulted in false claims of more than $6 million, and more than $2 million in fraudulent refunds paid out by the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge James C. Mahan ordered the defendants to each serve three years of supervised release. Defendant Chanh V. Trinh was ordered to pay restitution of $2,331,021, and defendant Cannedy Trinh was ordered to pay restitution of $1,144,902. Co-defendant Elizabeth Trinh is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2019.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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Brazilian Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Credit and Debit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The twelfth defendant to plead guilty in a large international counterfeit credit and debit card fraud scheme was sentenced Tuesday to eight years and two months in federal prison for his involvement in the multimillion dollar conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Andre Araujo Rodrigues, aka “Andre Rodriguez,” “Andre Gonzales,” “Andre Menudo,” and “Andre Rodrigues,” 35, of Porto Velho, Brazil, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. He pleaded guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices, three counts of Possession Of Access Device-Making Equipment, Production, Use or Trafficking of Counterfeit Access Devices, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. In addition to incarceration, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,288,180, and a criminal forfeiture money judgment of in the amount of $5 million was imposed.
From October 2015 to May 2016, Rodrigues conspired with others to commit credit and debit card fraud by using “skimmers” placed on automatic teller machines, cash-out transaction ticket dispensing terminals, such as Global Cash Advance (GCA) machines, and other means to obtain stolen account information. The group also obtained stolen credit card information through the use of malware and point of sale intrusions. Rodrigues and his co-conspirators set-up credit card forgery “laboratories” in residences and hotel rooms to manufacture counterfeit credit and debit cards. Equipment in the laboratories included counterfeit card production systems, thermal dye printers, foil tipping machines, card embossers, and card scanners and encoders.
Rodrigues and his co-conspirators used the counterfeit credit and debit cards to obtain cash withdrawals from ATMs and GCA machines located in Nevada and elsewhere and also to purchase high-end merchandise including luxury watches, jewelry, and clothing at hotel-casinos and businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities throughout the United States, including: Del Mar, California; Detroit, Michigan; New Orleans, Louisiana; Nassau County, New York; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The group laundered the fraud proceeds and resold the fraudulently obtained retail items on the black market or online marketplaces.
In addition to Rodrigues, the following co-defendants have also pleaded guilty and either been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing:
- Lucas Coelho Paiva Rego, pleaded guilty to Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device and Aggravated Identity Theft, and was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
- Henrique Ortolani De Souza Vila Real pleaded guilty to Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device and Aggravated Identity Theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, 2019. The parties have stipulated to a 60 month prison sentence for Real. He has also been sentenced to 30 months in prison in an unrelated drug distribution case.
- Vitor Domingues Valentini Dos Reis pleaded guilty to Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device and was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
- Pedro Igor Alves Barbosa pleaded guilty to Possession of Access Device-Making Equipment and Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2019. The parties have stipulated to a 57 month prison sentence for Barbosa.
- Amysterdan Barbosa Da Silva has pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2019. The parties have stipulated to a 50 month prison sentence for Da Silva.
- Leonardo Augusto Oliveira Santos has pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices and Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
- Davi Dias Fernandes pleaded guilty to Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device and was sentenced to 32 months in prison.
- Lorenzo Ramon Sala Moura pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices and Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device, and was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
- Anderson Clayton Mariano Alcantara pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices, Use or Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Device, Aggravated Identity Theft, Possession of Access Device-Making Equipment, Production, Use, or Trafficking of Counterfeit Access Device, Possession of Fifteen or More Counterfeit or Unauthorized Access Devices, Count 29 – Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and Money Laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2019.
- Bruno Macedo Correia pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2019.
- Francisco Rui De Alencar Mendes Filho pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices, Possession of Access Device-Making Equipment, Production, Use, or Trafficking of Counterfeit Access Device, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2019.
- Two defendants, Fausto Teixeira Martins Neto and Felipe Augusto Vicale Martins, are currently scheduled for a jury trial beginning on August 13, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns is prosecuting the case.
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Sparks Resident Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of A ChildRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Sparks, Nevada, man who posed online as a teenage boy to coerce a teenage girl to send nude photos of herself to him was sentenced Monday to 12 and a half years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Steven Streit, 59, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced him to a lifetime of supervised release. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, he is required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in October and November 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip advising that suspected child pornography was uploaded to an online file-sharing account. Law enforcement opened an investigation and learned the account belonged to Streit. During the execution of a search warrant at Streit’s apartment, electronic devices and other items belonging to Streit were located and forensically analyzed. During the forensic analysis of the four devices, law enforcement found a total of 560 images and 92 video files of child pornography and chats Streit had with a 12-year-old girl in Florida. In the chats, Streit portrayed himself as a 15-year-old boy and enticed the girl to send sexually explicit videos of herself to him. He saved these video files for himself for later viewing. During an interview with law enforcement, Streit admitted to utilizing a file-sharing network to download and trade child pornography with others, and to having the deceptive online relationship with the 12-year-old girl.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Keller prosecuted the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by phone at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com.
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 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Prior Hands-On Sex Offender Convicted of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – After a one-day bench trial, a Las Vegas resident was convicted of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Gilbert Davila Jr., 55, was found guilty of one-count of possession of child pornography by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan. At the time of the offense that resulted in his conviction, Davila had been previously convicted in California of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and lewd acts with a minor under 14.
In August and October 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from an online email service provider in reference to possible child pornography uploaded by a user. The report was sent to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, who in turn obtained a search warrant for information regarding the user who had uploaded the child pornography. The search warrant revealed that user account had more than 600 images of child sexual exploitation and child abuse material. A search warrant was also executed at Davila’s home. Davila was interviewed after execution of the warrant at his home, during which he confessed that he had a problem and that he had been looking at child pornography for approximately four to five years. He also stated that he performed a factory reset on his phone on the way to the interview to delete all images and videos of child pornography saved to his phone.
Sentencing has been scheduled for July 11, 2019. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Rebecca Clinton are prosecuting the case.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, you are urged to make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.org.
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.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was convicted by a jury today to committing two armed robberies at the same bank in Henderson, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
After three days of trial, a federal jury found Anthony Delano Hylton Jr., 33, guilty of two counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was also found guilty of one count of felon in possession of a firearm at a separate bench trial. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben presided over both trials and scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2019.
The evidence at trial established that on October 7, 2016, Hylton entered a Citibank on S. Eastern Avenue in Henderson, armed with a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Once inside he pointed the gun at the customers and bank employees and ordered everyone to get down on the ground. He jumped over the teller counter and discharged the firearm into the floor. He then demanded money from the tellers while pointing his gun at them. He fled the bank with approximately $69,565. Three months later, on January 17, 2017, he entered the same bank armed with a revolver. He pointed the gun at the customers and bank employees and ordered everyone to the ground. He again jumped over the counter and demanded money from the tellers at gunpoint. The tellers complied and Hylton fled the bank with approximately $13,046.
Hylton is a previously convicted felon for battery with substantial bodily harm in Clark County, Nevada.
At the sentencing hearing, Hylton faces a minimum of 17 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Peter S. Levitt are prosecuting the case.
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Two Defendants with Multiple Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In connection with the U.S. Attorney’s Office continuing efforts to reduce violent crime through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich today announced the results of two sentencings in firearms-related cases.
- Terry Tremell Lomax, 30, of Las Vegas, was sentenced April 1, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in December 2018, to felon in possession of a firearm. On May 17, 2017, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop after Lomax committed a series of traffic infractions. In an attempt to flee and avoid the vehicle stop, Lomax sped through a red light, drove up onto a sidewalk, then stopped the car and fled on foot around a residence. During the foot pursuit, he threw a fully loaded .40 caliber handgun on the front porch of the house. Law enforcement was able to apprehend Lomax and they recovered his handgun. He has four prior felony convictions in Nevada, including battery with use of a deadly weapon, battery with use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
- Giuseppe Russo, 30, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to five years and five months in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. On July 18, 2017, police attempted to stop Russo outside of a department store. While fleeing from law enforcement, he grabbed a 9mm handgun from his pants and rotated his body toward the officer who was in pursuit, aiming the weapon in the direction of the officer. The officer shot Russo and then administered first aid and called for medical assistance. Russo has three prior felony convictions in Nevada, including assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The prison sentence is to run concurrently with any sentence imposed in two separate state court cases. The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
These cases were 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.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Hosts Statewide Project Safe Neighborhoods Gang and Violent Crime Prevention SummitRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich hosted a statewide gang and violent crime prevention summit in Las Vegas today for local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement, prosecutors, victims services, and community partners to discuss gang and youth violence prevention.
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is one of the most effective crime prevention tools in the Department of Justice’s toolshed to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners are committed to the same critical mission - securing the right of all Nevadans to live free from violent crime.”
More than 150 law enforcement officers from several different agencies throughout the state, community leaders, and stakeholders attended the daylong summit. Presenters and panelists covered topics including: developing positive community relationships in neighborhoods, proven practices for gang prevention and intervention, utilizing social media to identify gang activity and recruitment, and discussions of potential approaches and solutions to violent crime. Attendees also heard from community and faith based leaders who discussed the need for community involvement in preventing and stopping violent and gun crimes.
As a result of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, violent crime in Henderson went down 12.5%; Las Vegas went down 27%; and Reno went down 4%, according to the 2017 FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, has prosecuted 525 firearms-related cases since Fiscal Year 2016.
Fiscal Year
Firearms-Related Cases
Number of Defendants
October 1, 2018 to Present
160
176
October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018
137
148
October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017
140
149
October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016
88
90
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
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Las Vegas Tax Business Owner Indicted for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A North Las Vegas man who operated two tax preparation businesses was arrested last night and appeared in federal court today for devising a fraud scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder millions of dollars from the sale of his businesses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
King Isaac Umoren, 38, was indicted for six counts of wire fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and five counts of money laundering. He was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. An arraignment has been scheduled for March 26, 2019.
As alleged in the indictment, from on or about May 2016 to May 2018, Umoren devised a scheme to defraud and to obtain money and property from a prospective buyer, and the buyer of his tax preparation business, Universal Tax Services, by fraudulently misrepresenting that the business had a vastly greater client base and annual revenue than it actually did. In furtherance of the scheme, Umoren provided the victims fraudulent bank and financial statements, personal income tax returns, and assorted financial records. The bank statements and financial records provided to the victims had been forged to reflect millions of dollars on deposit when in fact the accounts held little or no money. And the income tax returns showing Umoren earning millions of dollars through the business also were forgeries. Umoren never filed with the Internal Revenue Service in tax years 2014 and 2015. Umoren also stole client information from unrelated tax preparation businesses, including the names, social security numbers, and confidential taxpayer information of those businesses’ clients. In August 2017, as a result of the scheme, Umoren was able to fraudulently sell the business to one of the victims for $6.7 million, of which he received approximately $4,050,000.
At the time of sentencing, the maximum statutory penalty is $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss caused by the offense. The indictment seeks a criminal forfeiture judgment of at least $4,050,000, including amounts of $1,999,875; $888,855.17; $192,325; and $97,807.75 seized from various bank accounts, as well as real property located in Henderson, Nevada, and a 2018 Honda Accord sedan.
Umoren is also currently pending trial in a separate 2016 federal case where he is alleged to have stolen refund money from his tax preparation clients, impersonated an FBI agent, and possessed a firearm while being a prohibited person.
An indictment is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns and Trial Attorney Sarah Kiewlicz of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division.
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California Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sex Trafficking and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California man who was convicted of recruiting and transporting a child from California to Las Vegas, Nevada, to engage in commercial sex acts was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
After a three-day jury trial in February of 2018, Brandon Lamar Pruitt, 35, of Compton, California, was found guilty of child sex trafficking and transportation of a minor for prostitution. He was previously convicted by a jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with a witness or a victim. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Pruitt to a term of lifetime supervised release.
Beginning in 2013, Pruitt persuaded and recruited a 14-year-old girl to prostitute for him. Over the course of the following three years, Pruitt convinced the minor female to stay with him and arranged her travel from California to Las Vegas to engage in commercial sex acts. He acted as the victim’s pimp, took photos of her that were posted online for prostitution dates, and booked hotel rooms for the dates. Pruitt used violent force and the victim’s romantic feelings for him to coerce and entice the victim’s compliance. The victim would give him money she earned from working as a prostitute. After he was arrested, Pruitt tampered with the victim and attempted to prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement in prosecuting the federal criminal charges. Furthermore, Pruitt unlawfully possessed two stolen guns, a Browning .22 caliber buck mark and a Glock .40 caliber, after sustaining prior felony convictions in California.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Innocence Lost Task Force. 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.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Prosecution ResultsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In connection with the U.S. Attorney’s Office continuing efforts to reduce violent crime through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich today announced the results of three sentencings in firearms-related cases.
- Virlee Osborne, 48, of North Las Vegas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in August 2018, to possession of a stolen firearm. On June 27, 2017, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Osborne in connection with a separate investigation. During his arrest, officers found a pink and silver .38 revolver with an obliterated serial number inside a bag that Osborne was carrying. He admitted he knew the firearm was stolen. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
- Armando Bazua, 35, of Compton, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement in December 2018, to felon in possession of a firearm. On February 10, 2017, Bazua was seen on social media posting photographs and videos shooting a .40 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun at a firing range in Las Vegas. He has a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in California and is prohibited from possessing firearms. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
- Julio Abundis, 24, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Miranda Du to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in October 2018, to felon in possession of a firearm. On September 29, 2017, Abundis was stopped by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers for driving a suspected stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a .38 caliber revolver under the front passenger seat. Abundis admitted it was his firearm. He has a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault in California and is prohibited from possessing firearms. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
These cases were 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.
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Leader of Serial Robbery Crew Sentenced to over 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The leader of a serial robbery crew was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison for two armed robberies in Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Cortez Harris, 29, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Harris to five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on the morning of July 13, 2017, Harris and co-conspirators Leonard Tremillo Jr., Janellcie Gibbons, and a juvenile robbed a convenience store located on S. Rainbow Blvd. in Las Vegas. Harris pointed a firearm towards the customers in the lobby, then he and the juvenile walked behind the counter. He then pointed the firearm at an employee and told the victim to open the safe. After the victim gave Harris money from the safe, he demanded more money, pointed the gun at her head, and threatened to kill her. Tremillo stayed in the lobby with the customers. They stole approximately $1,626, and fled from the business.
Less than one hour later, Harris and his co-conspirators robbed a cash advance business located on E. Bonanza Rd. Harris approached an employee and told her not to call the police while he held a firearm to her head. During the robbery, Harris pistol-whipped the victim. They stole approximately $4,838, and fled in a get-away car driven by co-conspirator, Janellcie Gibbons.
Law enforcement identified Harris and his co-conspirators from video surveillance footage at both businesses. The robbery crew was linked to a larger series of armed robberies in Utah, Texas, and Colorado, between July 3 and July 25, 2017.
Leonard Tremillo Jr. pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 108 months in prison; Janellcie Gibbons pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 87 months in prison; and the juvenile co-conspirator pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Texas for a related robbery.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Michael prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Following a two-day jury trial, a Las Vegas resident was convicted of distributing large quantities of Oxycodone pills, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Neill for the DEA Las Vegas office.
Damien Norris, 39, was found guilty of distributing Oxycodone, a Schedule II opioid. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2019. The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to evidence presented at trial, Norris trafficked large quantities of Oxycodone in Las Vegas. He sold Oxycodone to an individual who made bi-weekly trips from Arizona for the purpose of purchasing pills from Norris. On February 23, 2107, Norris sold approximately 900 30mg oxycodone pills for $15,300.
The case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Whang is prosecuting the case.
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North Las Vegas Man Convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A North Las Vegas resident who was indicted with a federal child pornography charge was found guilty yesterday, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Richard Lee Saterstad, 41, was convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the two-day bench trial. The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a life term of supervised release. If imposed by the Judge, Saterstad will also have to register as a sex offender.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that from November 23, 2013 to March 6, 2014, Saterstad received and distributed sexually explicit videos and images containing children over the Ares file sharing program. After law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, law enforcement found 14 different electronic devices belonging to Saterstad contained thousands of photos and videos depicting child pornography. Saterstad is a prior convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Kevin Schiff are prosecuting the case.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, you are urged to make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.org.
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 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.
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Las Vegas Real Estate Broker Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A real estate broker, who failed to file federal income tax returns for nearly 20 years and attempted to evade more than half a million dollars in income taxes, was convicted today by a jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
William Waller Jr. was convicted of one count of attempting to evade the payment of federal income taxes of more than $500,000 for the years 2004-2009 and two counts of failing to file his 2011 and 2012 income tax returns.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Waller, after filing his tax return for 1998 reporting zero income, failed to file federal individual income tax returns for almost two decades. He concealed his real estate income from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with various methods, including using bank accounts in the name of a business to receive his commissions and pay his personal expenses, drawing substantial amounts of cash from those accounts, and borrowing against a piece of real property he owned to eliminate his equity in the property. For example, despite earning income of more than $400,000 in 2011 and $170,000 in 2012, Waller filed no tax returns in those years.
Waller faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the tax evasion count and one year in prison on each failure to file a tax return count as well as a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution.
U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled Waller’s sentencing for June 21.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and United States Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Christopher Magnani and Michael Landman, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/tax.
Las Vegas Real Estate Broker Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A real estate broker, who failed to file federal income tax returns for nearly 20 years and attempted to evade more than half a million dollars in income taxes, was convicted today by a jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
William Waller Jr. was convicted of one count of attempting to evade the payment of federal income taxes of more than $500,000 for the years 2004-2009 and two counts of failing to file his 2011 and 2012 income tax returns.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Waller, after filing his tax return for 1998 reporting zero income, failed to file federal individual income tax returns for almost two decades. He concealed his real estate income from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with various methods, including using bank accounts in the name of a business to receive his commissions and pay his personal expenses, drawing substantial amounts of cash from those accounts, and borrowing against a piece of real property he owned to eliminate his equity in the property. For example, despite earning income of more than $400,000 in 2011 and $170,000 in 2012, Waller filed no tax returns in those years.
Waller faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the tax evasion count and one year in prison on each failure to file a tax return count as well as a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution.
U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled Waller’s sentencing for June 21, 2019.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and United States Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Christopher Magnani and Michael Landman, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/tax.
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Justice Department Awards $1.2 Million to Address Youth Gang Prevention EffortsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded $1.2 million in grant funding aimed at reducing gang and youth violence in Clark County, specifically the development of programs that are crucial for the prevention, intervention, and suppression of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization, in Clark County.
“The Department of Justice views partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, and community partners as a key component in combating transnational criminal enterprises,” said United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a cornerstone of our violent crime prevention strategy and is a proven crime-reduction strategy to take violent offenders off of Nevada’s streets. We are proud to partner with law enforcement and community stakeholders to make Nevada safer.”
The application and administration of the grant is the result of a partnership by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nevada Office of the Attorney General, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County School District School Police Department, Southwest Gang Information Center, Latin Chamber of Commerce of Nevada, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and with commitments from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada Division of Child and Family Services, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Nevada Victims of Crime Program, State of Nevada Advisory Council for Prosecuting Attorneys, and Nevada District Attorneys Association.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to work with its partners to utilize the grant funds to augment its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The grant funds will be utilized to develop and implement culturally-specific and culturally-sensitive programs, conduct outreach, create a customized gang suppression strategy, build information exchange protocols between local jurisdictions and other agencies, and strengthen collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, and other key stakeholders. The goal of the program is to dismantle MS-13, disrupt illegal enterprises, incarcerate MS-13 members and affiliates, and eliminate the threat of reprehensible crimes committed by MS-13 such as rape, murder, human trafficking, and robbery, thereby creating safer, healthier neighborhoods while restoring law and order.
PSN is 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.
More information about the OJJDP can be found at https://www.ojjdp.gov/.
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Former Nevada Senate Majority Leader Pleads Guilty to Misusing $250,000 of Donor Money for Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Nevada State Senate Majority Leader Kelvin Atkinson, who resigned his position last week, pleaded guilty in federal court to a wire fraud scheme involving the misuse of at least $249,000 of donor money on personal expenses. Those expenses included operating a Las Vegas night club, payments to personal credit cards, and leasing a luxury car.
United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI Las Vegas Office, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
“In the Silver State, the vast majority of public officials serve with integrity. They serve others, not their own self-interests,” said United States Attorney Trutanich. “Public service is a public trust. And when federal law enforcement learn of potential violations of that trust, justice requires us to do our level best to conduct a fair and dispassionate inquiry into the facts.”
“Rooting out corruption is exceptionally difficult, but it is a top criminal priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “Public corruption erodes public confidence and undermines the strength of our democracy. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate elected officials who choose to exploit the public’s trust for their personal gain.”
“Public corruption erodes the trust and confidence the public has for our elected officials,” said Special Agent in Charge Sullivan. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate individuals who violate that trust.”
Before his resignation, Atkinson, 49, represented District 4. He was elected to Nevada State Senate in November 2012, having previously served in the Nevada State Assembly since November 2002. He was named the Senate’s Majority Leader in November 2018.
Atkinson admitted that, from at least January 2010 to about December 2017, he devised a scheme to mislead donors contributing to his campaign by falsely representing to them that he would use donations for lawful campaign purposes. But in reality, Atkinson misused contributions in his campaign account for personal expenses and not for legitimate campaign purposes.
According to the plea agreement and today’s court proceedings, the manner in which Atkinson withdrew the money, how he spent the money, where he spent it, the age of certain transactions, and his failure to keep adequate records, make Atkinson’s precise fraud amount presently indiscernible. In total, however, Atkinson admitted that he spent nearly $250,000 of unreported withdraws on personal expenses and not for legitimate campaign purposes. Atkinson’s personal spending of campaign funds included $100,000 in payments to his personal credit cards, $75,000 towards opening and operating a Las Vegas night club, and $20,000 on leasing a Jaguar Sports Utility Vehicle, among many other personal expenditures.
Atkinson remains out of custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for July 11, 2019. The statutory maximum term of imprisonment for wire fraud is 20 years. He has agreed to pay $249,900 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Schiess is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Takes Part in Largest-Ever Nationwide Elder Fraud SweepRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.
“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”
“Our goal is to reduce crime against Nevada’s seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Each year an estimated $3 billion is stolen or defrauded from millions of American seniors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has actively pursued and continues to pursue criminals who prey upon and exploit Nevada’s seniors. I commend the tremendous efforts by our partners who work tirelessly every day to bring justice for our seniors.”
Edgar Del Rio, 51, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to defraud more than $1.5 million from senior citizens using a prize promotion scam. Between May 2011 and February 2018, Del Rio and others carried-out a direct-mail prize scam targeting seniors. The mailings misled victims to believe they would receive a large sum of money, if they paid a small fee. He faces up to 20 years in prison at the May 30, 2019, sentencing hearing.
Patti Kern, 49, of Henderson, was charged by a criminal information for her involvement in the same prize promotion scam as Del Rio. She is scheduled to plead guilty on March 14.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has a designated Elder Justice Coordinator to help prevent crime by educating seniors about scams and other threats. The District of Nevada has a customized strategy to protect seniors and coordinates prosecutions with state and local partners.
The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
The Department’s Elder Justice Initiative published its Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) last year. EAGLE contains helpful information for prosecutors, including overviews of state and local law as well as best practices for evidence collection, interviewing older adults, and for documenting elder abuse. EAGLE is free and available to every law enforcement officer in the country.
A fact-sheet with technical-support fraud case information can be found here.
A fact-sheet with cases on mass mailing fraud can be found here.
A fact-sheet with examples of a few elder fraud cases involving extradition in which the Office of International Affairs played a substantial role can be found here.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Nearly 18 Years in Prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A 61-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 210 months in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of using a file sharing network and the internet to receive and distribute sexually explicit images and videos of children, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Bret Alan Humphries, of Las Vegas, was convicted in August 2018 of one count of receipt and/or distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Humphries to a lifetime term of supervised release.
Between 2007 and 2012, Humphries downloaded child pornography and used a peer-to-peer file sharing program to share the pornography with others. Agents and Officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence and seized three devices containing child pornography. After a forensic examination of the devices, law enforcement discovered 71 images and 120 video files depicting pre-pubescent children and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct and being subjected to sado-masochistic sexual abuse. Computer forensics showed that Humphries had been using various file sharing networks to receive and view child pornography since as early as 2007.
The defendant was on pre-trial release pending trial in this case. While on pre-trial supervision, Humphries violated the conditions of his release by possessing a firearm and ammunition, and a portable device having access to the internet.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan 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.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Assaulting A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man who was convicted by a jury for using his car as a dangerous weapon as he attempted to flee from law enforcement officers was sentenced today to 92 months in prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada.
Brian Keith Wright, aka “Calione,” 34, was found guilty following a two-day trial in August 2018, of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, assault on a federal officer with intent to commit another felony, and assault on a federal officer. In sentencing Wright, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey stated that the 92-month sentence was necessary because of the defendant’s “flagrant disrespect for the law” and the safety of the community.
In February 2016, Wright was placed on federal supervised release as part of his sentence arising from a separate felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In February 2017, members of the FBI’s Las Vegas Safe Streets Task Force attempted to execute an arrest warrant issued by a federal judge for alleged violations of Wright’s supervised release conditions along with a state search warrant for Wright’s residence. Upon arriving at the residence, law enforcement knocked and announced their presence. Wright failed to open the door causing law enforcement to force entry into the house. As they were doing so, Wright attempted to flee the residence in his BMW sedan by pulling out of the garage in an erratic manner. Seeing that his escape route was partially blocked by an officer’s vehicle, Wright continued to reverse his vehicle until he struck the officer’s car, causing the officer to quickly move out of the way to avoid being struck. Wright initially refused to comply with officers’ commands to stop and exit his vehicle after he was surrounded by task force members with their weapons drawn. After finally complying with the officers’ commands, Wright was arrested.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadia Ahmed and Alexandra Michael prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A 30-year-old man was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to selling Fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid with the street name “China White,” in North Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Angel Garcia Flores, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan. In addition to the prison term, Flores was sentenced to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
As part of a drug conspiracy, on January 30, 2018, Flores and others agreed to sell approximately 4,550 grams, or 10 pounds, of Fentanyl for $200,000. The mid-day drug sale took place at a gas station in North Las Vegas while other customers were present. A co-conspirator gave Flores a firearm and was told to watch the other person’s back during the drug transaction.
Co-conspirator Archie Elmer-Lokela Gorai pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and Nevada Gaming Control Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Jaroch prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl poses a high risk of death not only to users, but to law enforcement since the drug may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. A few milligrams, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt may be deadly. The powerful synthetic opioid is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine and is added to heroin to increase its potency. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and actually don’t know that they are purchasing Fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
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