District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Felon Charged for Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A felon who robbed two Las Vegas banks at gunpoint on the same day and stole a total of approximately $22,000 made his initial appearance in federal court today, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Robert Carl Litheredge, 58, of Las Vegas, is charged in a criminal complaint with two counts of armed bank robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Carl W. Hoffman who scheduled a preliminary hearing for July 5, 2018.
According to allegations contained in the complaint, on April 17, 2018, Litheredge, who was wearing a dark colored ski mask and carrying a handgun, entered the Bank of America at 2638 Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson. He told the customers and employees to get down on the floor as he waved the handgun in the air. He told a teller that he wanted $100,000 while pointing the handgun at the teller who was overcome with fear. The Branch Manager stepped in and provided Litheredge with cash from the teller’s drawer. He fled the bank with $1,999.
It is further alleged that several hours later, Litheredge entered the Bank of America at 4080 Spring Mountain Road in Las Vegas. He wore a black ski mask and carried a handgun. He demanded $50,000 from a teller, then walked the teller to the back of the bank. The teller went through a door behind the teller stations and closed himself off from Litheredge who was left in the bank’s lobby. Litheredge then fired one round from his handgun into the ceiling. The teller pushed two wrapped stacks of cash totaling $20,000 through the teller window trays. Litheredge then fired another round into the ceiling before fleeing the bank.
Later that day, the Henderson Police Department released the bank robbery suspect’s photo to the media. On April 18, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received an anonymous tip identifying Litheredge as the perpetrator. The police located Litheredge on April 19, 2018, and arrested him. Litheredge had a .45 caliber handgun on his person when he was taken into custody. Later on April 19, during an interview with detectives from the Henderson Police Department and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Litheredge admitted to robbing both banks on April 17.
Litheredge is also charged with felon in possession of a firearm. He has eight prior felony convictions including two bank robbery convictions from 2001 and 2007.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Henderson Police Department, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Reno Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Receipt of over 2,000 Child Pornography Photos and VideosRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident who used KIK Messenger to view more than 2,000 images and videos of child pornography was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Ian Michael Ramsey, 21, previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, he will be required under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA) to register as a sex offender. United States District Judge Miranda Du presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, Ramsey admitted that he chatted online with others who looked at child pornography on the KIK Messenger application. During chat sessions, he would often suggest engaging in child trafficking and discussed meeting up in Las Vegas to potentially abuse children. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, law enforcement discovered 500 videos and 1,500 images on his computer. An additional 300 videos had been deleted from his computer, but law enforcement was able to recover them during the investigation.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami prosecuted the case.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Two California Men Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of Reno Convenience Store on Black FridayRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Two Sonoma County residents were each sentenced today to 154 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for robbing a Reno convenience store at gunpoint on Black Friday in 2016, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
In March, a jury found Connor Timothy Woods, 28, and Michael Miller, 31, both of Santa Rosa, California, guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben presided over the jury trial and sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on November 25, 2016, Woods entered a 7-11 located at 6150 South McCarran Boulevard, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at a store clerk, and demanded money from the cash register and the slots register drawers. When the clerk went to grab the slots register drawer, he saw Woods had put the gun down on the counter. The clerk attempted to grab the gun and they began to struggle. The gun fell to the floor and the clerk threw the cash drawer at Woods. Woods left the store and fled the scene in a mini-van driven by Miller. They stole approximately $100.
A few days later, a Reno Police Department detective found the get-away vehicle parked on the side of I-80 and the vehicle was towed to the police station. Law enforcement was able to identify Woods as a robbery suspect based on evidence discovered in the mini-van and from the surveillance videos. In an interview with the detective, Woods stated, “I admit to the 7-11 robbery. I admit to it, there that’s all you need.”
The investigation was conducted by the Reno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and James E. Keller.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Winnemucca Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Conspiracy and Theft of Elder Client's MoneyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Thomas Michael Bidegary, 67, a tax return preparer who co-owned Winnemucca Tax and Bookkeeping Service, a tax preparation and bookkeeping services business, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit tax fraud and theft of government money, related to two separate criminal indictments, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones received his guilty pleas and scheduled a sentencing hearing on January 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Bidegary conspired with a co-defendant to prepare and file fraudulent individual income tax returns on behalf of clients. Beginning in at least 2009 and continuing through December 2014, he advised clients that by making small “investments” into various businesses he owned, the clients could decrease their annual taxable income and increase their tax refunds. As part of the scheme, after receiving checks from clients, Thomas would prepare false tax forms for the corresponding tax year that included large fictitious business losses in order to reduce the client’s taxable income and obtain a larger refund than what the client was entitled to receive. As a result of the false tax returns, he caused a tax loss of approximately $259,880.
The statutory maximum penalty is five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
In relation to a separate criminal case filed against Bidegary, he also admitted to preparing and filing an unauthorized tax return on behalf of an elderly woman in Battle Mountain, Nevada. After receiving the $12,500 tax refund, he deposited the check into a bank account which was then converted for his own personal use. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison for theft of government property. He also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Higginbotham.
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Second Winnemucca Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Winnemucca tax return preparer pleaded guilty today for her role in a tax fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Ginger Bidegary, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones received her guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing on September 17, 2018.
According to court documents, Bidegary was a co-owner of Winnemucca Tax and Bookkeeping Service, a tax preparation and bookkeeping services business. She admitted that, from at least 2011 through at least December 2013, she conspired with her co-defendant to prepare and file fraudulent individual income tax returns on behalf of a client who is identified in court paperwork by initials only. She admitted she advised the client that by making small “investments” into various businesses she owned, the client could decrease her annual taxable income and increase her tax refunds. As part of the scheme, Bidegary would prepare false tax forms for the corresponding tax year that included large fictitious business losses in order to reduce the client’s taxable income and obtain a larger refund than what the client was entitled to receive. As a result of the false tax return she participated in drafting and filing on behalf of the client, Bidegary caused a tax loss of approximately $39,588, for tax years 2011 and 2012.
The statutory maximum penalty is five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Bidegary also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Higginbotham.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Recommits to Elder Justice on World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Nevada’s seniors are some of the most respected and cherished members of our communities, but also some of the most vulnerable members. Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness and combatting elder abuse and exploitation.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has a shared commitment with our partners to protect Nevada’s seniors from abuse, neglect, fraud, and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada. “We are dedicated to prosecuting and preventing crimes targeting the elderly, educating seniors and their loved ones, and raising awareness of elder abuse and exploitation.”
Criminals prey on seniors through scams or threats to steal their savings. It is widely estimated that one in ten seniors in the United States is abused, but often that abuse takes the form of financial exploitation or fraud. Each year, an estimated $3 billion is stolen or defrauded from millions of American seniors. Through “grandparent scams,” fake prizes, romance scams, fraudulent IRS refunds, and even outright extortion, criminals try to exploit some of the most vulnerable Americans and steal their life’s savings.
The mission of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative is to strengthen awareness about elder abuse and financial exploitation through education, build law enforcement capacity to respond to elder justice issues, and facilitate prosecution efforts to make our community safer for all. In January, AG Sessions ordered all 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices to each designate an elder justice coordinator, who will customize a strategy to protect seniors in their district. This ensures a greater cooperation between the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners. In 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted elder crimes to include:
- Daniel Martin Boyar, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty to committing a $3.3 million telemarketing scam to defraud more than 1,000 victims, many of them elderly. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 24, 2018.
- Angela Fischer, a former Business Manager for a Reno retirement center in Fernley, Nevada, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for stealing more than $190,000 from an elderly resident’s bank account.
- Willie James Montgomery, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment for targeting the elderly as part of a $1.2 million telemarketing scam.
- Noah Patrick Fields, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment for pointing a firearm at an elderly owner of a coin and jewelry store during a robbery.
In addition to the prosecution of criminals, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners participate in public forums educating senior community members and concerned citizens about elder financial fraud. In 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department conducted four public forums. The forums are intended to raise awareness to the various types of fraud schemes targeting seniors and offers prevention tips on how to protect themselves.
Today, the Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture announced the forming of a working group to focus on ways to empower and to support rural and tribal communities to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation.
For more information about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, visit www.elderjustice.gov to learn more about the ways you can assist in preventing fraud, neglect, and abuse of elders. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
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Former Felon Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years in Prison for Distribution of Cocaine and Possession of Six FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former felon who sold cocaine and possessed six firearms was sentenced today to 105 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Oren Snowden, 29, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty on March 12, to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He has a prior federal felony conviction in Nevada for felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to three years in prison in 2011. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on June 21, 2017, Snowden sold cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer for $280, at a gas station in Las Vegas. During the execution of a search warrant of his residence, law enforcement recovered six firearms including a Jimenez JA .380 semi-automatic handgun; a Smith and Wesson 10-7 .38 special revolver; a Ruger P345 .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun; a Ruger p950C 9mm semi-automatic handgun; a Bryco T380 .380 caliber; and a Ruger mini 307 .62 caliber semi-automatic rifle with scope. He voluntarily admitted to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detective that he knew what he was doing “on the side” was bad.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation (ICE-HSI) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Michael and Nadia Ahmed prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Deputy Attorney General Recognizes District Employee for Superior PerformanceRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Levitt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada was recognized by Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell IV at the 34th Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. today.
The District of Nevada was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the mission of the Department of Justice.
In addressing the award recipients and guests, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said, “Today’s honorees earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, they earned the gratitude of our fellow citizens — the people whose communities you made safer, whose lives you improved, and whose trust you rewarded. Today, we pause to honor and recognize a small portion of your work.”
“Peter is recognized for his exceptional work as an appellate advocate in tackling some of the most difficult cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in particular for preserving convictions and sentencings imposed on defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson. “He has dedicated his expertise, energy, and service to the pursuit of justice and his commitment to excellence.”
Mr. Levitt has handled complicated cases with a tireless commitment to justice. For example, he handled United States v. Grimm and Mazzarella, where the defendants received sentences of 25 years and 14 years, respectively, and were ordered to pay more than $2.275 million in restitution for losses resulting from the massive mortgage fraud scheme; and United States v. Lindsey, where the Ninth Circuit affirmed the conviction imposed on a loan officer who secured more than $3 million in mortgage loans using straw buyers and false and fraudulent loan applications. Mr. Levitt’s exceptional work in these and other important criminal appeals has helped to shape Ninth Circuit law, and promotes the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office in Nevada.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit www.justice.gov/usao. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nevada, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Using Gas Pump Skimming Devices to Steal Credit and Debit Card InformationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas resident who used gas pump skimming devices to steal customers’ personal credit and debit card information was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Virab Torosyan, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. In addition to the prison term, he was ordered to pay $41,475.22 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Torosyan possessed 1,673 stolen credit and debit card account numbers. He admitted that, from February 2014 to July 2014, he and his co-conspirators placed card skimming devices at gas pumps in order to steal victims’ personal credit and debit card data. Torosyan would re-encode the stolen credit and debit card information to any plastic card with a magnetic strip. Then, he used the counterfeit cards to purchase fuel in North Las Vegas and elsewhere for pick-up trucks that had custom-made 400 gallon fuel tanks hidden under the truck’s hardtop bed cover. Torosyan would resell the fuel at a discounted price to gas stations and other drivers.
The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Dickinson, Kilby Macfadden, and Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.
If you are a victim of identity theft, you may make a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-438-4338 or online at www.identitytheft.gov. For identity theft prevention tips and free resources visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
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Shoshone Paiute Tribe Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – An Owyhee, Nevada, man was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for second-degree murder of a person on Duck Valley Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Borden Bitt, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks. Bitt pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder within Indian Country. He is a member of the Shoshone Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Owyhee is located within the exterior boundaries of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and is designated as Indian Country.
According to court documents, on July 23, 2017, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) received an emergency phone call about a fight at a house on Atkins Road in Owyhee. A BIA officer arrived on scene and found the victim face down in a pool of blood on the floor. Emergency medical services arrived and determined that the victim was deceased. Bitt admitted that he approached the victim from behind with a large single-blade hunting knife and slit the victim’s throat.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami.
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On 500th Day of Trump Administration, Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement Assistant U.S. Attorneys will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force that targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
“The District of Nevada is grateful for the addition of three new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions,” said U.S. Attorney Elieson. “One will focus on violent crime prosecutions, one on affirmative civil enforcement, including civil opioid enforcement, and one on prosecuting criminal and civil immigration enforcement work. We look forward to hiring talented, experienced, and service-minded individuals who are committed to making Nevada a safer state.”
To see more information on the locations of the 311 Assistant United States Attorney positions click here.
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Nurse Practitioners Arrested and Indicted for Unlawful Distribution of Prescription Opioids and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Three Southern Nevada residents, including two nurse practitioners, have been arrested and charged in a 29-count indictment for unlawful distribution of prescription opioids and Medicare/Medicaid fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
The defendants were arrested this morning and had their initial court appearance before U.S. District Magistrate Judge George Foley Jr. A jury trial has been set for July 30, 2018. The defendants and their criminal charges in the indictment are:
• Robert D. Harvey, a surgical technician, 45, of Henderson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, three counts of distribution of controlled substance, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud;
• Alejandro “Alex” Incera, aka Alexander Jiminez-Incera, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, 48, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, three counts of distribution of controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, eight counts of health care fraud, one count of fraudulent concealment involving a federal health care program, and one count of false statements relating to a health benefit program; and
• Leslie Kalyn, aka Leslie Feth, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, 35, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and six counts of health care fraud.
According to the allegations contained in the indictment, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute prescription opioids and to commit health care fraud. Incera and Harvey, using a prescription pad belonging to an unnamed physician, distributed Hydrocodone and Oxycodone to patients without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash. Incera and Kalyn further prescribed Lidocaine, Modafinil, and Diclofenac Sodium to patients without a legitimate medical purpose, many of which were billed to Medicare/Medicaid by a pharmacy that filled the prescriptions. Harvey, Incera, and Kalyn were all paid cash kickbacks for their patient referrals to the unnamed pharmacy.
The maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $250,000 for each count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and false statements relating to a health benefit program charges, and the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of health care fraud and fraudulent concealment involving a federal health care program.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being 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 U.S. Attorney Kilby Macfadden is prosecuting the case.
This is the third indictment in Nevada since Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the formation of the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a program that utilizes data to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The District of Nevada was selected as one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the pilot program. The District of Nevada has assigned a 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.
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Two Las Vegas Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Las Vegas residents pleaded guilty in federal court to assisting others to enter into a sham marriage for the purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Las Vegas.
Jennifer Hamoy, 58, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, and co-defendant Antonio Ybanez, 76, pleaded guilty on May 8, to the same criminal charge. United States District Judge James C. Mahan accepted their individual guilty pleas. A sentencing hearing for Hamoy and Ybanez are scheduled on August 30, and August 8, 2018, respectively. The maximum statutory penalty is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the indictment and individual plea agreements, from December 10, 2013 to July 10, 2015, Hamoy and Ybanez conspired to assist others to enter into marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws without intending to establish a life together as husband and wife. They arranged a sham marriage so that the non-citizen immigrant could obtain permanent resident status. The defendants instructed couples on how to make the marriage appear genuine by opening joint bank accounts, filing joint tax returns, obtaining driver’s licenses with the same address, and taking photos together.
In addition, Ybanez, who is not an attorney, introduced Hamoy as his paralegal who assisted him in filing fraudulent immigration paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which she did for a fee. They filed a visa petition and application that contained false and misleading statements to the USCIS for adjustment of citizenship status.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Jaroch is prosecuting the case.
If you suspect someone is committing marriage fraud, contact the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or at www.ice.gov/tips. For more information on marriage fraud, visit https://www.ice.gov/identity-benefit-fraud.
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Winnemucca Felon Arrested and Charged for Possession of an Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. — A former felon who was arrested Tuesday in Winnemucca for possession of an explosive device had his initial court appearance today in U.S. District Court in Reno, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
The indictment, returned last week and unsealed today, charges Terry J. Hanson Jr., 36, of Winnemucca, with one count of felon in possession of an explosive. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb. A jury trial is set for July 17, 2018.
According to the indictment, Hanson unlawfully possessed Thermalite Igniter Cord, an explosive material under federal law. He has a prior felony conviction in Humboldt County for possession of a controlled substance.
The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The arrest and charge are the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance by the Nevada Department of Public Safety - NDI, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, Winnemucca Police Department, Elko Police Department, Elko Sheriff's Office, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Dayton Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Dayton, Nevada, man was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for receiving approximately 850 photos and videos of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Monte Chaix, 48, pleaded guilty on February 20, to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced him to lifetime supervised release. Chaix is also required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to information contained in the plea agreement and other court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Twitter about a user posting possible child pornography. Task Force Officers from the Northern Nevada Online Child Exploitation Task Force identified the user as Chaix and executed a search warrant at his residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices revealed approximately 700 images and 150 videos of children being sexually abused by adults and engaged in explicit sexual conduct. During a consensual interview, Chaix admitted to searching for and downloading child pornography from the internet.
The case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Online Child Exploitation Task Force which is comprised of members of the FBI, the Reno Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami prosecuted the case.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Nevada U.S. Attorney’s Office recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers during National Police Week. During Police Week, which is observed from May 13 to 19, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”
“National Police Week is a time to recognize, honor, and thank the noble and brave men and women in blue who serve in Nevada’s law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada. “We honor and remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members and friends they left behind. I want to thank every law enforcement officer for their service and sacrifice.”
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents. Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018.
Among those to be added this year from Nevada will be:
- Charleston Vernon Hartfield, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, was shot and killed while rescuing concert attendees during a mass shooting in Las Vegas. He was killed on October 1, 2017.
- Chad William Parque, of the North Las Vegas Police Department, was injured in a traffic accident while exiting the North Las Vegas Justice Court’s parking lot. He died of his injuries on January 7, 2017.
So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018. For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution 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.
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Reno Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Opioid Drug U-47700Read the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute U-47700, a dangerous synthetic opioid with street names “China white” and “pinky” that is more potent than morphine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Dan Neill for the DEA’s Las Vegas office.
Randy Ray Paulsen, aka “Frank,” 41, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute U-4700, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, Paulsen and a co-conspirator agreed to sell one pound of U-47700, a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act, for $8,000. He arranged the sale with the buyer and his co-defendant via text messaging. On February 10, 2017, the co-conspirator left the one pound of U-47700 in a plastic bag in one of the washing machines at a laundromat on 5th Street, in Reno, which is near the Gold Dust West casino. Paulsen watched the events from a nearby location. As law enforcement approached, he texted his co-defendant, “Leave, setup, all bad,” and “911 leave.” Law enforcement found 445.2 grams of U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, in the plastic bag left in the washing machine.
During the execution of a search warrant at Paulsen’s residence, in a safe concealed in the ceiling of his bedroom, law enforcement discovered: 121.65 grams of U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl; 51.6 grams of methamphetamine; 7.82 grams of heroin; 206.9 grams of dimethyl sulfone (which can be used as a cutting agent for drugs); baggies; cash; and a .40 caliber pistol.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller prosecuted the case.
Controlled substance analogues are designer drugs that have chemical structures and hallucinogenic effects similar to Schedule I controlled substances. U-47700 is a synthetic opioid that is 7-8 times more potent than morphine. The illegal drug looks like a white or light pink powder and poses the same risks as heroin and prescription opioids.
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Reno Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced Monday to 222 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine in a motel parking lot and possession of a semiautomatic handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Ronald Robinson, 49, was sentenced by United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 162 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty to the criminal charges in September 2017.
According to information in the plea agreement, on September 19, 2017, detectives with the Street Enforcement Team were conducting surveillance at the Reno Royal Motel due to numerous complaints of drug activity. Detectives observed Robinson carrying a fanny pack-type bag and meeting several people in the motel parking lot. Detectives observed Robinson drive away and he was subsequently stopped after committing a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Robinson reached for a .40 caliber pistol that was holstered on his right hip
A K9 police dog alerted detectives to drugs in the car. Inside the fanny pack, detectives found a plastic bag with approximately 91 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, used drug-packing baggies, and a ledger. During an interview with law enforcement, Robinson admitted to purchasing the firearm two hours before the traffic stop. He also admitted that he had three to four ounces of methamphetamine in the car and that he typically payed $275 per ounce for the methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Street Enforcement Team consisting of the Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department, and the University of Nevada; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
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Nevada Collects over 8,000 Pounds of Unused Pills at National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Americans nationwide did their part to drop off a record number of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications during the DEA’s 15th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Together with a record-setting number of local, state, and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed close to one million pounds—nearly 475 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, making it the most successful event in DEA history. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected nationwide by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,964,714 pounds, or 4,982 tons.
The Silver State collected a total of 8,012 pounds of prescription pills at 21 sites across the state, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dan Neill for the DEA Las Vegas office.
“Turning in unused and expired prescription drugs at a Take Back Day collection site may have prevented someone from becoming an addict or helped save a life in Nevada,” said U.S. Attorney Elieson. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to safely remove dangerous drugs from homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members, including children and teens. I am grateful to every Nevadan and law enforcement agency who participated in the DEA Take Back Day.”
“National Prescription Drug Take Back is an opportunity for the community to come together and rid their medicine cabinets of unwanted prescription drugs,” said ASAC Neill. “The growing opioid epidemic must be confronted at every level - in our communities, across the State, and across our Nation - and Take Back events afford us a unique opportunity to collaborate at each level.”
DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—posed potential safety and health hazards.
Complete results for DEA’s 15th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at www.deatakeback.com. The next Take Back Day is October 27, 2018.
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Accounting Manager Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing $725,000 and Committing $193,000 in Tax Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former Accounting Manager and Controller was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for committing $193,000 in tax evasion and stealing more than $725,000 from two different employers, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Nicole Marie Graziano, 42, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson. She pleaded guilty on July 26, 2017, to three counts of wire fraud, two counts of filing a false tax return, and one count of attempt to evade or defeat tax.
“Nicole Graziano lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of her employers and the American people,” said SAC Sullivan. “Today, justice was served and Ms. Graziano is being held accountable for her actions.”
According to information in the plea agreement, between May 2009 through November 2015, Graziano used several schemes, including manipulation of her employers’ payroll tax records, to conceal the thefts. She would transfer the stolen funds by wire to her own personal bank accounts. She used the stolen money to pay for luxury items for herself and family members, including cars, jewelry, and to pay her rent. Furthermore, Graziano admitted to filing false individual Federal income tax returns for tax years 2013 and 2014, and grossly underreporting her income and tax liability. She also failed to file an individual Federal income tax return for tax year 2015.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Man Charged for Arson of the Drew Las Vegas Resulting in Approximately $10 Million in DamageRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man charged by a federal criminal complaint for starting a fire causing approximately $10 million in damage to The Drew Las Vegas, made his initial court appearance today, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Andrew Joseph Sanders, 26, was charged with one count of arson. He made his initial court appearance before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach. A preliminary hearing is set for May 16, 2018.
According to allegations contained in the complaint, Sanders was observed on video surveillance trespassing at The Drew Las Vegas property, formerly the Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino, on March 1, 2018. The surveillance depicted Sanders at the approximate time and near the location where man-made (incendiary) fires were set in the structure. When leaving the structure, Sanders engaged in a physical altercation with a responding firefighter, which delayed the firefighters’ efforts to get water to the fire. Sanders fled the scene and was later arrested by officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The majority of the fire damage occurred within 3,000 square feet of unfinished ballroom space on the 11th floor of a tower structure. A second fire was set in another ballroom space.
Fire investigators determined that both fires were incendiary and not the result of an accidental cause, such as an electrical or appliance malfunction. Based on a preliminary estimate, approximately $10 million in damage was caused by the fire.
It is further alleged that during an interview with Fire Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clark County Fire Department, Sanders admitted to trespassing at The Drew Las Vegas property and being on the 11th floor of the parking tower where the fire was started.
The maximum statutory penalty for arson is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clark County Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns is prosecuting the case.
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Henderson Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Stealing Nearly $123,000 Worth of Jewelry from Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson man who wore a “Jason”-style hockey mask during the robbery of a Las Vegas pawn shop and stole nearly $125,000 worth of jewelry was sentenced today to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson.
After a four-day jury trial in September 2017, Jessie Mendoza, 38, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of interference with commerce by robbery. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Mendoza helped coordinate the robbery of EZ Pawn located at 3010 South Valley View Blvd. in Las Vegas. On September 12, 2016, Mendoza entered the pawn store and smashed the jewelry case with a sledgehammer. Mendoza stood guard at the front door wearing a “Jason”-style hockey mask and threatened the victims by swearing and waiving a firearm. He and his co-conspirators stole $122,936.50 worth of high value rings, jewelry, watches, gems, and other property from display cases. Mendoza was later identified when his DNA was located on the hockey mask and other items of clothing he discarded after the robbery. Law enforcement recovered video surveillance of Mendoza dumping his disguise, and then fleeing with his co-defendants in a switch car.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina D. Silva and Kilby Macfadden prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Former Felon Sentenced to 6 1/2 Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Including Automatic RifleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A five-time felon who posted photos on Instagram of himself shooting firearms, including an automatic rifle, was sentenced today to 77 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Jack Benjamin Hessiani, 39, of Ventura, California, was convicted of one count of felon in possession of a firearm following a three-day jury trial in December 2017. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.
According to evidence presented at trial and related court documents, Hessiani posted on his Instagram account photos of himself holding and firing machine guns at the Battlefield Vegas gun range in Las Vegas. At the gun range, he signed a waiver falsely representing that he did not have any criminal history that would prevent him from legally using firearms. In fact, he had five prior felony convictions, to include California felony convictions for Threats to Commit a Crime Resulting in Death; Stalking; and Inflicting Corporal Injury on Spouse / Cohabitant / Dating Partner.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip N. Smith, Jr. and Alexandra Michael prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Telemarketing Scheme Targeting Small Business OwnersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Las Vegas men involved in a $14 million telemarketing fraud scheme targeting small business owners pleaded guilty in federal court today, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Mark L. Bausch, aka Mark Eting, 43, and Alan W. Rodrigues, 59, both of Las Vegas, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson accepted their guilty pleas. Sentencing is set for August 14, 2018.
According to their individual plea agreements, from March 2009 to about October 2010, Bausch, Rodrigues, and their co-conspirators organized and operated four telemarketing companies: Small Business Funding Co., Inc., Company Funds, Inc., Foundation Research, Inc., and Silver State Holding Company. They charged a fee for their services and offered to help small business owners obtain grants from public and private entities.
In furtherance of the fraud scheme, they made false statements to victims to make it appear that they were likely to or guaranteed to receive a grant. They hired salespersons to market the services and to provide false information to the customers. In order to convince the customers that their service was legitimate, the defendants instructed their employees to conduct research about funding entities and send letters to customers and funders, knowing that many of the customers would not qualify for the grants. The defendants also solicited customers by conducting seminars throughout the United States. Throughout the entire scheme, the telemarketing companies received numerous complaints, and the defendants made false statements to them to prevent or delay them from contacting law enforcement. Bausch and Rodrigues used the proceeds from the scheme to enrich themselves and others and to pay the expenses necessary to continue operating the scheme.
The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, and the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for money laundering. As part of the plea agreement, each defendant has agreed to pay $13,966,329.30 in restitution to victims and to pay between $631,142 and $1,050,955 in a criminal forfeiture money judgment.
In December 2014, Bausch, Rodrigues, and co-defendants were indicted for their roles in the telemarketing fraud scheme. Several co-defendants have already pleaded guilty and have been sentenced for their role in the scheme, including Craig Rudolph was sentenced to 77 months in prison; Jonas Bowen was sentenced to 63 months in prison; Lee Panelli was sentenced to 41 months in prison; and David Bergstrom was sentenced to 51 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Jared L. Grimmer prosecuted the case.
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Reno Lawyer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno, Nevada, attorney was sentenced today to 25 months in prison for filing false federal income tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman, U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Delmar Hardy was convicted, following a jury trial in September 2017, of filing false individual income tax returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.
According to documents and evidence presented to the court, Hardy falsified his 2008 through 2010 returns by not reporting more than $400,000 in cash income his law practice received. Hardy’s practice of not reporting cash dated back to at least 1999, which resulted in a total tax loss of more than $250,000.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Miranda M. Du ordered Hardy to serve one year of supervised release and to pay a fine in the amount of $10,000.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman, U.S. Attorney Elieson, and SAC Sullivan thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller and Tax Division Trial Attorney Lee F. Langston, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
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Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nevada Inc. Agrees to Pay $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nevada, Inc. (CTS), a Las Vegas medical practice whose principal physician is Dr. Bashir Chowdhry, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to the United States to resolve allegations relating to its potential liability under the civil False Claims Act.
United States Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Christian J. Schrank for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge A.E. Pleasant for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Criminal Investigations Division, Western Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from January 1, 2006 through May 31, 2011, CTS violated the False Claims Act by billing federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for surgical services not actually provided to its cardiac patients, and also billing for more expensive surgical and evaluation and management services than those actually provided to its patients.
“It is important to maintain the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Elieson for the District of Nevada. “Medical providers who misuse these programs negatively impact patients and taxpayers.”
“When providers bill government health programs for services never rendered, as alleged here, precious resources are diverted from vulnerable individuals,” said SAC Schrank for the HHS-OIG. “Suspected violators can expect to pay a price.”
“Physicians who engage in cost mischarging for services provided to veterans will be aggressively pursued by the Office of Inspector General and held accountable to the full extent of the law,” said SAC Pleasant for the VA-OIG.
“The FBI will continue to investigate companies that profit from exploiting patients who are searching for treatments to critical medical illnesses,” said SAC Rouse for the FBI.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Wenthe handled the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Reno Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Posing Online as A Teenage Boy to Receive Sexually Explicit Photos from GirlsRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno parolee who posed online as a teenage boy and enticed about a dozen girls to send him sexually explicit photos was sentenced in federal court today to 22 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
Ira Gene Weirich Jr., 59, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2017, to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Miranda Du sentenced him to lifetime supervised release. He is also required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Weirich was serving a life sentence in state prison for the 1978 rape, kidnapping, and robbery of a woman. He was granted parole in February 2013. During his parole, the State of Nevada provided him an iPad to take online classes. In December of the same year, during a search, Nevada parole officers discovered Weirich was using the iPad to obtain nude and sexually explicit photos of girls. He had been posing as a teenage boy on social media and chat applications and contacting girls. He engaged in sexually explicit chats and convinced as many as 15 girls to send him nude and sexually explicit photos of themselves. He received and saved a total of 300 sexually explicit photos and videos that he later traded with others.
During an interview with law enforcement, Weirich admitted he received and distributed child pornography. He stated it was the enjoyment he felt in having control and power over the victims and “it wasn’t necessarily about the nude picture, it was about getting the nude picture.”
The case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, the Reno Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant prosecuted the case.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Reno Man Pleads Guilty to Creating over 8,000 Fraudulent Online Accounts with Stolen Identities to Commit $3.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using stolen identities to create more than 8,000 fraudulent online accounts to commit a $3.5 million fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Kenneth Gilbert Gibson, 47, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of filing a false tax return, and one count of aggravated identity theft. United District Court Judge Miranda Du accepted the guilty pleas. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2018.
According to admissions made in connection to his plea agreement, between 2012 and 2017, Gibson developed and operated a scheme to fraudulently obtain the identities of multiple victims and used their identities to open unauthorized online accounts, credit accounts, bank accounts, and prepaid cards. He obtained the identities of multiple victims from a database in Reno. Then, he used those stolen identities to create approximately 8,000 unauthorized and fraudulent online accounts. He would use those fraudulent and unauthorized accounts to transfer, deposit, and send approximately $3.5 million to himself via hard copy checks and through electronic transactions to approximately 500 bank accounts and pre-paid debit cards owned and under his control.
In addition, he admitted to filing a false federal income tax return for the 2013 tax year. He did not include approximately $1,049,070 of taxable income he received from the fraud scheme.
At the time of sentencing, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud and mail fraud counts; the maximum statutory penalty is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the filing a false tax return count; and the statutory maximum penalty of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. The defendant also faces a period of supervised release and a criminal forfeiture money judgment.
The case is being jointly investigated by a Task Force consisting of the FBI, United States Secret Service, the IRS, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla B. Higginbotham is prosecuting the case.
You can report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www.identitytheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. For identity theft prevention tips and free resources visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
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Father and Son Plead Guilty to Robbing Six Smoke Shops and Two Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A father and son pleaded guilty in federal court today to committing six smoke shop robberies and two bank robberies in early 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Jeffrey Alan James, 53, and Jessy Stewart James, 23, both of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to a criminal information that charged them with seven-counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of Bank Robbery. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware accepted their guilty pleas and scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 26, 2018.
According to documents filed in court, on January 19, 2017, Jeffrey James threatened an employee at KS Smoke Shop, located at 3827 E. Sunset Road, with a BB gun revolver and demanded money. Jessy James, his son, watched the store’s entrance and acted as a lookout. They stole approximately $205. The second robbery occurred on January 22, when each defendant used a firearm to threaten an employee at D Smoke Shop located at 3711 S. Valley View. They stole approximately $300. On January 24, Jeffrey James pointed a BB gun revolver in the direction of a teller’s head during a robbery at the Silver State Schools Credit Union located at 9302 S. Eastern Avenue in Henderson. During that robbery, Jessy James placed a suitcase on the counter and told another teller that if she followed their instructions she would not get shot. They got away with approximately $4,000. On January 31, Jeffrey James threatened a clerk at Smokes and Vapors Smoke Shop, located at 9101 W. Sahara, with a revolver while Jessy James instructed the clerk to “pull [the money] out fast.” They stole approximately $100.
The defendants further admitted that, on February 1, during the fifth robbery, Jessy James pointed a replica assault rifle at two employees at Smoke Shop Plus, located at 7320 S. Rainbow Blvd., and instructed them to “open the register and give me all the money you have.” He fled with approximately $900, while Jeffrey James acted as a getaway driver. Then, on February 5, they simulated the possession of firearms and demanded money from two employees at Smoke and Cigar Smoke Shop, located at 8550 W. Desert Inn, stating that they were committing a “robbery.” They stole approximately $300. Then, on February 14, Jeffrey James threatened a clerk at EZ Smokes Smoke Shop, located at 8930 S. Maryland Parkway, with a revolver and demanded money. The employee explained that there was no money in the register, so Jeffrey James stole Marlboro cigarettes while Jessy James waited outside as a getaway driver. The eighth and final robbery occurred on February 16, when the father-son duo robbed the America First Credit Union located at 10608 S. Eastern Avenue, in Henderson. Jessy James threatened a teller with a BB gun and a presented a note that read, “This is a robbery, not a joke.” Jeffrey James waited outside and acted as a getaway driver. They stole approximately $4,207.
The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of Hobbs Act Robbery and Bank Robbery.
The case was investigated by the Henderson Police Department, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns is prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Man Charged with Selling Hundreds of Firearms Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man who allegedly sold hundreds of firearms without a license, some of which were subsequently used in crimes, was charged in federal court today, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Sylvester Mitchell, 47, made his initial appearance in court before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen. He was charged by a federal criminal complaint with one count of dealing in firearms without a license. The charge carries a maximum term of five years in prison. A preliminary hearing is set for May 16, 2018.
As alleged in the criminal complaint that was unsealed today, Mitchell purchased approximately 438 firearms between January 2004 and November 2017. Of those firearms, approximately 42 were subsequently recovered and found to have been illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected to have been used in a crime. Those firearms were recovered in Southern California, Nevada, and Mexico. Two of the most recent recoveries were from homicide scenes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the course of 2017, Mitchell purchased 199 firearms for a total cost of $58,942.
The complaint alleges that Mitchell, who did not have a license to sell firearms, placed several advertisements offering firearms for sale on Backpage.com. ATF records showed a pattern of Mitchell purchasing new firearms from Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) on a weekly basis and that he went to multiple FFLs on the same day. In some instances, he purchased firearms from FFLs and posted the firearms for sale on Backpage.com a few days or weeks later. It further alleges that between June 1, 2017 and September 14, 2017, law enforcement conducted multiple undercover firearms purchases from Mitchell based on his Backpage.com advertisements. Among the purchases was an AR-15 rifle.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that the defendant has committed a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Burton is prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Realtor Indicted for Tax and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury for the District of Nevada has returned an indictment yesterday, charging a former Las Vegas, Nevada, realtor with tax evasion, corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the internal revenue laws, making a false statement to a bank and failure to file tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment, William Waller evaded over $500,000 in taxes owed for 2004 through 2009 and obstructed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by directing third parties to pay nominee entities for services Waller provided, and then using bank accounts in the names of those nominees to pay his personal expenses. Waller also allegedly failed to timely file federal income tax returns for the years 2011 and 2012, despite having an obligation to do so.
The indictment further charges Waller with making a false statement to a bank in order to obtain a loan modification by falsely representing that he had not worked in several years and had no source of income, when in fact he had been employed and received income.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for making a false statement to a bank, five years in prison for tax evasion, three years in prison for obstruction of the internal revenue laws, and one year in prison on each failure to file a tax return count. Waller also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Elieson commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Andrea Kafka and John Mulcahy, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Las Vegas Realtor Indicted for Tax and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury for the District of Nevada returned an indictment yesterday, charging a former Las Vegas, Nevada, realtor with tax evasion, corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the internal revenue laws, making a false statement to a bank and failure to file tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment, William Waller evaded over $500,000 in taxes owed for 2004 through 2009 and obstructed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by directing third parties to pay nominee entities for services Waller provided, and then using bank accounts in the names of those nominees to pay his personal expenses. Waller also allegedly failed to timely file federal income tax returns for the years 2011 and 2012, despite having an obligation to do so.
The indictment further charges Waller with making a false statement to a bank in order to obtain a loan modification by falsely representing that he had not worked in several years and had no source of income, when in fact he had been employed and received income.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for making a false statement to a bank, five years in prison for tax evasion, three years in prison for obstruction of the internal revenue laws, and one year in prison on each failure to file a tax return count. Waller also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Elieson commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Andrea Kafka and John Mulcahy, 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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Reno Man Sentenced to A Total of over 16 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine After High-Speed Police ChaseRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A wanted fugitive who shot at law enforcement during a high-speed chase through the northeast Reno area was sentenced today to 175 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Eugene Enrique Corona, 35, of Reno, pleaded guilty in November 2017, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Corona was a wanted fugitive for violation of his supervised release. In addition, he received a 24 month prison sentence to run consecutive to today’s sentence term for revocation on his supervised release violation.
According to the plea agreement, on January 18, 2017, a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit attempted to stop Corona’s vehicle. However, he sped away, drove through a stop sign and a red traffic light, and almost caused two separate accidents — one at Wedekind Road and Sullivan Lane and the second at Wedekind Road and El Rancho Drive. During the pursuit, Corona fired a shot at law enforcement following him, then threw the firearm out of the driver’s side window. Corona lost control of his truck and crashed into the front yard of a residence on the corner of Montello Street and Wilder Street. He attempted to flee the scene on foot, but law enforcement was able to apprehend him. They recovered a Taurus 5 shot revolver near Wedekind Road and El Rancho Drive. Inside Corona’s truck, deputies found two clear bags with approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale.
The case was investigated by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
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Pahrump Man Sentenced to A Total of 15 Years in Prison for Selling Stolen Firearms Including A High-Powered RifleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Pahrump, Nevada, man was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in federal prison for selling a stolen revolver and a stolen semi-automatic rifle with a large capacity magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Paul Scott Nelson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro. He pleaded guilty in September 2017 to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. Nelson has six prior felony convictions, including convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Aggravated Stalking.
According to court documents, Nelson admitted that on December 8, 2014, he sold a stolen Dan Wesson .357 caliber revolver to an undercover ATF officer. Then, on February 6, 2015, he sold a stolen Norinco SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, along with a 30-round high capacity magazine, a tri-pod, and an optional wooden stock. The semi-automatic rifle is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Former Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former Las Vegas tax preparer was charged in federal court today with 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Martha L. Williams, 40, of Las Vegas, prepared taxes for customers at Across the Board Management Company, a business in Las Vegas. She made her initial appearance today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. A jury trial is set for June 19, 2018.
The indictment alleges Williams knowingly prepared fraudulent Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, and accompanying Schedules A or C, for individuals during tax years 2011, 2012, and 2013. As a result, individuals fraudulently paid less income tax owed and they received inflated tax refunds. The approximate loss is $146,542.
If convicted, Williams faces the statutory maximum of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared L. Grimmer is prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Receipt, Possession and Advertising of over 30,000 Child Pornography Images and VideosRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 293 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release for receiving, possessing, and advertising more than 30,000 images and videos of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
James Scott Alva, 45, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. In January, after a four-day trial, a jury convicted him of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and advertising of child pornography.
During an investigation into the online receipt and distribution of child pornography on a peer-to-peer network, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detective identified and downloaded child sexual exploitation files shared by Alva. The detective also obtained a “browse list” from Alva’s computer advertising 92 child pornography files available for sharing over the network. During the subsequent execution of a search warrant at Alva’s residence, law enforcement seized nine electronic devices from Alva’s bedroom, which contained a total of 28,403 images and 2,851 videos of child pornography. Of the child pornography images and videos, 167 depicted bondage, 1,136 depicted infants, and 20 depicted bestiality. In an interview with a detective, Alva admitted he searched for and received child pornography via peer-to-peer networks and the internet over the course of approximately 10 years. He also identified a laptop found in his room as containing child pornography and stated the child pornography on that laptop would be mostly videos and that some would depict “very young” children.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Henderson Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Shooting at Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina Security GuardsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A man who fired multiple shots at security guards at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina was sentenced today to 81 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Chief Ranger Adam Kelsey of Lake Mead National Recreational Area.
Jamie Joe Dulus, 29, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. In January, Dulus pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On August 10, 2017, as the bar was closing at the Lake Mead National Park Las Vegas Boat Harbor, two security guards asked Dulus to leave the area because he was acting belligerent. Dulus argued with the guards as he walked along the walkway leading to the parking lot. The guards followed him to ensure he left the area. Dulus then set his beer bottle on the ground, lifted his shirt, and grabbed a .25 caliber Raven handgun from his waistband. Dulus aimed and fired once at each security guard, and then started running towards the guards firing one more shot. When Dulus reached the two guards, he pressed the barrel of the handgun to one guard's forehead. The second guard was able to pull Dulus's hand away as another shot was fired. The guards were able to wrestle Dulus to the ground, remove the gun from his hand, and hold him until National Park Service Rangers arrived on scene. No one was injured during the incident.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elham Roohani.
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Reno Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Infant DaughterRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually exploiting his infant daughter and to distributing images of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Derrick Joseph Rady, 36, of Reno, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben accepted the guilty pleas and scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 27, 2018.
According to court documents, Facebook and Google both reported possible child pornography on their sites to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Members of the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation Task Force executed search warrants and seized multiple electronic devices containing child pornography from Rady’s residence. He admitted to using his cell phone to take photos of his infant daughter’s genitals and of her touching his penis. These photos were uploaded automatically from the cell phone to a Google Drive cloud account. He further admitted to using his computer to distribute images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Sexual exploitation carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, the Reno Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline 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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Four Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Charged in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Four alleged MS-13 gang members were charged late Tuesday in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a rival gang member whose body was found on federal property in southern Nevada.
United States Attorney Dayle Elieson 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 for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles made the announcement.
Josue Diaz-Orellana, 22, Luis Reyes-Castillo, a/k/a “Molesto,” 24, David Perez-Manchame, a/k/a “Herbi” and “Walter Melendez,” 19, and Miguel Torres-Escobar, 20, all El Salvadoran nationals, are charged with assault with intent to commit murder, kidnapping, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The defendants are illegally in the United States and are in federal custody. Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, and Torres-Escobar are scheduled to make their initial appearance this afternoon at the federal courthouse in Las Vegas before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach. A date for Diaz-Orellana has not yet been set.
MS-13 is an identified transnational organized crime group. MS-13, which is short for “La Mara Salvatrucha,” is a gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador. In the United States, MS-13 has been functioning since at least the 1980s.
According to allegations contained in the complaint, on January 21, 2018, Diaz-Orellana, Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, and Torres-Escobar, kidnapped and murdered Arquimidez Sandavol-Martinez. His body was discovered on February 2, on federal property on East Lake Mead Boulevard, near mile marker 12, in rural Clark County, Nevada. Examination of the crime scene indicated that Sandoval-Martinez had been bound and had made some effort to escape his captors before being shot and stabbed to death. Fired 9mm cartridge cases with “Blazer” and “FC” head-stamp markings on them were located within the crime scene.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that Sandoval-Martinez was last seen on January 21, at Club 2100, located at 2100 Fremont Street. Investigators obtained cell phone records that indicated Diaz-Orellana’s phone used cell towers near the club, heading eastbound along Lake Mead Boulevard, and in the area where Sandavol-Martinez’s body was found. On March 2, law enforcement stopped Diaz-Orellana who was in a vehicle with Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, and Torres-Escobar. A large butcher knife, a baseball hat with an apparent bloodstain on it, and three 9mm handguns were recovered in the vehicle.
The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years of imprisonment for the assault charge and life imprisonment for both the kidnapping and the discharging of a firearm count.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police with the assistance of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip N. Smith, Jr. and Frank J. Coumou are prosecuting the case.
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California Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for the Sale of Black Rhinoceros HornsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Edward N. Levine, 67, a resident of Novato, California, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison and followed by three years of supervised release for the sale of two black rhinoceros horns in Las Vegas. Levine will also be prohibited from wildlife and antique sales as a result of today’s sentencing.
A jury convicted Levine on September 14, 2017, of conspiracy to violate the Lacey and Endangered Species Acts and a substantive violation of the Lacey Act for knowingly selling the horns to an undercover agent from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). His co-defendant, Lumsden Quan, had previously pleaded guilty to the indictment and was sentenced in December 2015 to 367 days of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada, and Acting Chief of Law Enforcement Edward Grace for USFWS.
The Honorable Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro in U.S. district court in Las Vegas sentenced Levine for his role in the conspiracy, which involved negotiating the sale and transporting the horns from California to Nevada in March 2014. Levine and Quan ultimately sold the horns to an undercover agent posing as a taxidermist for $55,000 in a Las Vegas casino hotel room. Levine had faced a maximum of five years imprisonment for violating the Lacey Act.
“Complex international investigations such as Operation Crash have demonstrated the link between wildlife trafficking and criminal organizations also involved in other serious transnational organized crimes including trafficking of illegal firearms and drugs,” said Acting Chief of Law Enforcement Edward Grace for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Mr. Levine not only illegally bought and sold horns from critically endangered black rhinos; he was previously convicted and served time for his role in drug trafficking with South American drug cartel.”
Levine was identified as part of “Operation Crash” – a nationwide effort led by the USFWS and the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of rhinoceros horns. A “crash” is the term for a herd of rhinoceros. Operation Crash is an ongoing effort to detect, deter, and prosecute those engaged in the illegal killing of rhinoceros and the unlawful trafficking of rhinoceros horns. As of October 2017, Operation Crash has resulted in the prosecution and sentencing of nearly 50 subjects and recovery of approximately $7.8 million through fines, forfeiture, and restitution. Levine was the only Operation Crash target to proceed to trial.
The black rhinoceros is an herbivore species native to Africa of prehistoric origin and one of the largest remaining mega-fauna on earth. They have no known predators other than humans. All species of rhinoceros are protected under U.S. and international laws, including the Endangered Species Act. Since 1976, trade in rhinoceros horn has been regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by over 183 countries around the world to protect fish, wildlife, and plants that are or may become imperiled due to the demands of international markets.
The investigation was handled by the USFWS’s Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, and the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section. The government was represented by Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Newman.
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Two California Men Convicted for Armed Robbery of Convenience Store on Black FridayRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A federal jury convicted two men from California today for robbing a Reno convenience store at gunpoint on Black Friday, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Connor Timothy Woods, 27, and Michael Miller, 31, both of Santa Rosa, California, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben presided over the four-day jury trial. Sentencing is set for June 19, 2018.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Woods entered a 7-11 located at 6150 South McCarran Blvd. on November 25, 2016. He pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the store clerk and demanded money from the cash register and the slots register drawers. When the clerk went to grab the slots register drawer, he saw Woods had put the gun down on the counter. The victim attempted to grab the gun and they began to struggle. The gun fell to the floor and the victim threw the cash drawer at Woods. Woods left the store and jumped into a mini-van outside where Miller was waiting. They stole approximately $100.
A few days later, a Reno Police Department detective found the get-away vehicle parked on the side of I-80 and the mini-van was towed back to the police station. Law enforcement was able to identify Woods as a suspect in the robbery based on evidence discovered in the mini-van and from the surveillance videos. The detective searched Woods’s criminal history and found that he was in custody in Sonoma County, California, on an unrelated charge. In an interview with the detective, Woods stated, “I admit to the 7-11 robbery. I admit to it, there that’s all you need.”
The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery change, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years consecutive to the robbery charge.
The investigation was conducted by the Reno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and James E. Keller.
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Carson City Man Faces Life in Prison for Kidnapping and Assaulting A Woman After 12-Hour Armed Standoff with Police in WadsworthRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Carson City man made his initial appearance today in federal court on charges related to kidnapping and assaulting a woman after holding her hostage during a 12-hour armed standoff with law enforcement on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Rocky Neil Boice Jr., 39, was indicted with one count of kidnapping, one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke.
According to allegations contained in the indictment and criminal complaint, on February 26, 2018, in Wadsworth, Nevada, Boice threatened two women with a knife and he stabbed one of the women in the face and abdomen. The second woman ran to a neighbor’s house to call for help. During an armed 12-hour standoff with law enforcement, Boice pointed a .22 caliber rifle multiple times at the hostage and shot her in the shoulder and head. He was arrested the next morning by law enforcement after the Washoe County SWAT team entered the home. Boice was convicted in 2002 of second degree murder and battery with a deadly weapon in Carson City.
If convicted, the statutory minimum penalty is life in prison for the kidnapping charge.
An indictment merely contains an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Pyramid Lake Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Sparks Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant.
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Texas Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violently Kidnapping A Las Vegas WomanRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Texas man was sentenced today to life in prison for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend in Las Vegas, then chaining her to the floorboard of his van and driving her to a cave in New Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Jack William Morgan, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson. Morgan was previously found guilty by a jury of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of kidnapping.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Morgan and co-defendant Samuel Brown conspired to use force and violence to kidnap Morgan’s ex-girlfriend and to take her to New Mexico. On January 30, 2017, Brown went door-to-door at the woman’s apartment complex until he found her. Morgan forced his way into her apartment and kidnapped her. He gagged her, dragged her down the stairs, and choked her unconscious. He then handcuffed her wrists and ankles and chained her to the floorboard of his van where Brown was waiting. They drove to a cave that Morgan carved out in the side of a remote hill in Española, New Mexico. A law enforcement alert was issued and the New Mexico State Police and Española Police Department found the van driving along U.S. Highway 84. They arrested Morgan and Brown and rescued the woman.
Brown pleaded guilty prior to the trial and was sentenced to 63 months in prison and five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Cushman and Kathryn Newman prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Resident Sentenced in Multimillion Dollar Prize Promotion Scams Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An individual who ran multimillion dollar prize promotion scams was sentenced on March 12, 2018, to serve 87 months in prison by a federal judge in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Department of Justice announced.
Glen Burke, 58, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey also ordered Burke to pay $2,785,508.36 in restitution, reflecting the consumer loss from one of Burke’s schemes.
Burke pleaded guilty in December 2017 to criminal contempt of court and conspiracy charges arising from his operation of two predatory schemes that defrauded thousands of victims, many of whom were elderly, out of more than $20 million. Burke conducted those fraudulent campaigns in violation of a 1998 court order obtained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) permanently banning him from telemarketing and making misrepresentations to consumers. A co-defendant, Michael Rossi, 52, also of Las Vegas, also pleaded guilty in connection with one of Burke’s schemes. Rossi is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2018.
“This case exemplifies the Department’s commitment to halt schemes that target seniors, which the Attorney General announced in an historic elder fraud sweep a few weeks ago,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are sending a clear message: Perpetrators of telemarketing fraud will be prosecuted and law enforcement will not stop until fraudulent mass mailing practices are halted.”
Burke pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court for violating a court order prohibiting him from making misrepresentations to consumers. The charge stemmed from Burke’s operation of a mass-mailing fraud scheme that misled consumers into believing that they had won large cash prizes, often millions of dollars. Burke specifically mailed consumers solicitations that used fake names and, in many cases, looked like they came from law firms or financial institutions, advising consumers to pay a fee – usually $20 to $30 – to claim their promised winnings. Once consumers paid, however, Burke never sent any consumer a promised prize.
Burke, along with Rossi, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for running a fraudulent telemarketing operation. Telemarketers working for Burke and Rossi falsely told victims that they had won one of five valuable prizes, typically: a Chevy Camaro; a Boston Whaler boat; a diamond-and-sapphire bracelet; $3,000 cash; or a cruise that could be exchanged for $2,300. To claim the prize, consumers were told to pay hundreds, or in some cases thousands, of dollars. Once they paid, victims received a nearly worthless piece of costume jewelry or nothing at all.
In January 2013, the FTC filed a civil contempt case against Burke for violating the 1998 court order. The district court found Burke in civil contempt and ordered him to pay contempt sanctions of over $20 million, reflecting consumer loss from both the telemarketing and mass-mailing schemes.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and thanked the FTC for its valuable assistance. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Timothy Finley and Daniel Zytnick of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson of the District of Nevada.
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Former Felon Charged for Armed Robbery of Cashier Cage at New York-New York Hotel and CasinoRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An armed man who robbed a casino floor cashier cage at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in January was charged today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Cameron James Kennedy, 26, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint, Kennedy was on federal supervision for a bank robbery charge and he was required to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet. On January 10, 2018, about three hours after he cut off his GPS monitoring bracelet, Kennedy demanded money from a casino floor cage cashier at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. He lifted his hooded jacket and displayed a black semiautomatic handgun in his waistband. He told the cashier: “I want all your hundreds and don’t mess around. I am not kidding, I want all the hundreds.” He stole approximately $23,367 and fled in a taxi cab.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez is prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of Armed Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was found guilty by a jury yesterday for robbing two jewelry store employees at gunpoint and stealing more than $450,000 in cash and jewelry, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Following a four-day trial, Joshua Sadat Washington, 37, was found guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of transportation of stolen goods. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2018. At the time of sentencing, Washington faces the statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
According to the indictment and other court documents, on August 13, 2016, Washington and co-defendant Fedel Ezekiel Sakers, who was armed with a handgun, stole cash and jewelry from Alfredo’s Jewelry in Las Vegas. The day of the robbery, Washington mailed some of the stolen jewelry to Miami, Florida. The remaining jewelry was mailed by Washington the day after the robbery. A total of approximately $471,000 in cash and jewelry were stolen in the robbery.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
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Gardnerville Man Arrested and Indicted for Butane Hash Oil ExplosionRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Gardnerville, Nevada, man was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court today for causing an explosion at his apartment while trying to illegally make butane hash oil, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Adam Fitzgerald-Wermes, 22, is charged with one count of endangering human life while manufacturing a controlled substance. United States District Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke scheduled a jury trial to begin on May 8, 2018.
According to the indictment, on January 14, 2018, Fitzgerald-Wermes allegedly caused an explosion in his kitchen by trying to make butane hash oil containing a high potency of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The chemical extraction process is dangerous because it involves the use of butane, a highly flammable and odorless gas, to burn parts of marijuana to draw concentrated THC from the plant into a wax-like substance. THC is a psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces the “high” feeling users seek.
If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Keller is prosecuting the case.
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Reno Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man pleaded guilty yesterday to robbing a US Bank located inside a Safeway, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Mathew Eugene Hovious, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks accepted the guilty plea. Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2018.
According to court documents, Hovious admitted that, on October 23, 2017, he approached a bank teller and said, “Sorry, I have to do this,” then proceeded to give the teller a note that read: “I have a gun and a friend outside. We will use it. Do not pursue. $50s, $20s, $10s only. No dye packs or Transponders. I will kill you.” The teller put money in an envelope for Hovious and he left the bank. He stole approximately $2,600.
At the time of sentencing, Hovious faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow is prosecuting the case.
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Former Therapist Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Possession and Receipt of Child Pornography and Enticement of A ChildRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former marriage and family therapist who was convicted by a jury of possession and receipt of child pornography and for soliciting a child to have sex with him was sentenced today to 300 months in prison and lifetime supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
Ian Alexander Pincombe, 49, of Las Vegas, was found guilty by a jury last year of one count of coercion and enticement, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, he is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the jury trial and sentencing hearing.
“The defendant sent sexually explicit messages to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and he kept a collection of violent child pornography," said U.S. Attorney Elieson. "Children deserve to be protected from child predators. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to the protection of the most vulnerable community members—our children.”
“I want to recognize the excellent work of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force; a combined effort that exhibits the FBI’s commitment to our community and our partners,” said SAC Rouse. “Their actions removed this individual from the community where our children live.”
According to court documents, Pincombe posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking an underage girl for sex. An undercover detective, posting as a 13-year-old girl, began communicating with Pincombe. Over the next two days, Pincombe exchanged sexually explicit emails and text messages with the girl. On May 2, 2014, law enforcement arrested Pincombe at a shopping center parking lot in Henderson, Nevada where he had agreed to meet the girl for a sexual encounter. During the execution of a search warrant at Pincombe’s residence, law enforcement recovered digital devices, including his personal cell phone, that contained more than 450 depictions of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Henderson Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Coumou 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 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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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography over TwitterRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former Henderson resident pleaded guilty today to distributing images of child pornography, some of which were tweeted to his followers, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Mark Alan Stoneking, 40, previously of Henderson, Nevada, now a resident of Elyria, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Richard Boulware II accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2018.
According to the plea agreement, Stoneking admitted that, on December 20, 2014, and January 6, 2015, he distributed using a Twitter account sexually explicit photos of children. On January 12, 2016, the Henderson Police Department and members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence in Henderson and seized electronic devices containing more than 600 videos and more than 200,000 images of child pornography.
The minimum statutory penalty is five years in prison and the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Stoneking will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez is prosecuting 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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