District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Defendants in Bunkerville Standoff Case Plead Guilty to Obstruction of Court OrderRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two men from Idaho pleaded guilty today in federal court to obstructing a federal court order during the impoundment of Cliven Bundy’s cattle in Bunkerville, Nev., in 2014.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Acting Director Michael D. Nedd of the Bureau of Land Management made the announcement.
Eric J. Parker, 34, of Hailey, Idaho, and O. Scott Drexler, 47, of Challis, Idaho, each pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of court order. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro accepted the individual pleas and scheduled both defendants to be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2018. They each face the maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
According to their individual pleas, beginning on or around March 28, 2014, federal law enforcement officers from the BLM and the National Park Service were engaged in the official duties of executing federal court orders authorizing them to remove and impound Cliven Bundy’s cattle trespassing on federal public lands in and around Bunkerville. On April 12, 2014, Parker and Drexler attended a rally held by Cliven Bundy and his family and heard Bundy direct those present to go to the BLM impoundment site and to get his cattle. Parker and Drexler then went to the BLM impoundment site along with several hundred other people who took positions in a wash leading into the impoundment site and on the I-15 overlooking the BLM impoundment site. While on the overpass, Parker and Drexler, both armed with rifles, heard the officers’ announcements, but did not comply with the orders and remained on the northbound I-15 bridge overlooking the impoundment site. The defendants failed to comply with the officers’ orders to leave the area. They presented a show of force in order to interfere with and impede the officers in the performance of their duties pursuant to federal court orders.
The investigation is being handled by the FBI and BLM. The case is being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadia J. Ahmed and Daniel R. Schiess, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Creegan.
###
California Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Rosemeade, California man was sentenced Tuesday to 135 months in prison for his involvement in a drug conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in four states, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Martin Cisneros, aka “Moose,” 46, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and one count to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to evidence presented in connection to his plea and sentencing, Cisneros supplied at least 12 pounds and up to 42 pounds of methamphetamine as part of a drug conspiracy in central California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada. On May 2, 2014, in Whittier, Calif., Cisneros supplied methamphetamine to his co-conspirators, seven pounds of which went to Reno, Nev., where it was seized in its sale to an undercover agent for $102,000.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller prosecuted the case.
###
Department of Justice Reminds the Public Disaster Fraud Is A Federal Crime and to Report ItRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and the FBI’s Las Vegas Office remind the public to be aware of and report suspected fraudulent activity related to disaster assistance relief in the aftermath of a series of natural disasters in the United States and the recent tragedy in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, criminals may use tragic events to exploit individuals and communities for their own gain. Solicitations can originate from social media, e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods.
The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
###
Defendant in Nevada Standoff Case Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Impede or Injure A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A defendant charged in the case involving the armed standoff in Bunkerville, Nev. pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Acting Director Michael D. Nedd for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Peter T. Santilli Jr, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro accepted the guilty plea. Sentencing is set for Jan. 11, 2018. At the time of sentencing, Santilli faces up to six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Beginning on or around March 28, 2014, federal law enforcement officers from the BLM and the National Park Service were engaged in the official duties of executing federal court orders authorizing them to remove and impound Cliven Bundy’s cattle trespassing on federal public lands in and around Bunkerville.
According to admissions made in connection to his plea, Santilli admitted that he knew Cliven Bundy and his sons, Ammon, Dave, Mel, and Ryan, and others associated with them, planned to thwart, impede, and interfere with impoundment operations. He admitted that on April 9, 2014, he used his vehicle to block a convoy of BLM law enforcement officers and civilian employees as they were performing their official duties related to the impoundment. As a result, others were allowed to surround the convoy and threaten vehicle occupants by force, violence, and fear, inducing the officers to leave the place where their duties were required to be performed.
The investigation is being handled by the FBI and BLM. The case is being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadia J. Ahmed and Daniel R. Schiess, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Creegan.
###
Director of Community Development of Non-Profit Corporation and Six Others Indicted for Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The former Director of Community Development for the National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), a non-profit Nevada corporation created in 2008 in response to the national mortgage-housing foreclosure crisis, and four of six co-defendants made their initial appearances in federal court Wednesday on charges related to a bribery scheme involving NCST homes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge James Todak of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG).
The 14-count indictment, filed under seal on Sept. 26, was unsealed Wednesday in federal court. The indictment charges Sergio Barajas, 50, of Chino, Calif.; Alan Cassell, 47, of Chula Vista, Calif.; Elena Millner, 40, of Boerne, Texas; Benjamin Stuelke, 35, of Anaheim, Calif.; Michelle Acosta, aka Michelle Mullens, 33, of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; Art Acosta, 55, of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; and Ernesto Garcia, 45, of Upland, Calif., with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Stuelke and Garcia are also charged with bank fraud. Defendants Barajas, Cassell, Michelle and Art Acosta, and Garcia made their initial appearances in court before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach.
According to the indictment, from October 2010 to September 2015, Barajas, in his role as Director of Community Development, was involved in the approval of non-profits to participate in the NCST First Look Program and in the determination of which non-profit was ultimately awarded NCST homes, as well as provided oversight of the resale of NCST homes to ensure compliance with NCST and Neighborhood Stabilization Program guidelines. The NCST received more than $10,000 of federal grants during each 12 month fiscal year that Barajas served as the Director of Community Development.
The indictment alleges that Cassell, Millner, Stuelke, Michelle and Art Acosta, and Garcia bribed Barajas with monetary payment in exchange for his influence at the NCST in the First Look approval process, access to NCST homes, and oversight over the resale of NCST homes. As alleged in the indictment, Cassell, d/b/a Heartland Coalition and Ignition Ventures, paid Barajas approximately $185,025 in exchange for receiving approximately 626 NCST foreclosures and made approximately $2.8 million from the resale of those homes. Millner and Art Acosta, d/b/a Positive Housing Equations and Alliance for Revitalized Communities, allegedly paid Barajas approximately $149,828 in exchange for receiving approximately 167 NCST homes and made approximately $1.3 million from the resale of those homes. Stuelke, the C.F.O. of HomeStrong USA, wrote checks in the total amount of $34,800 to Barajas. Stuelke also wrote three checks totaling $193,763.13 to Garcia, d/b/a Fine Line Investments, as the purported realtor of three NCST home sale transactions. Garcia then wrote checks to Art and Michelle Acosta, d/b/a 33 LLC, who ultimately wrote checks to Barajas all in an effort to conceal payment to Barajas for three NCST properties awarded to HomeStrong USA.
The indictment further alleges that Stuelke and Garcia provided false information to lenders who funded the purchase of NCST homes resold by HomeStrong USA.
The maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds and 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for bank fraud. In addition, each defendant faces a criminal forfeiture money judgment: Barajas in the amount of $422,969; Cassell in the amount of $1.2 million; Millner in the amount of $3 million; Stuelke in the amount of $6 million; Michelle Acosta in the amount of $250,000; Art Acosta in the amount of $1.15 million; and Garcia in the amount of $193,000.
The investigation is being conducted by HUD-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Patrick Burns.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man who stole from 42 victims in connection with an investment fraud scheme was sentenced Tuesday to 46 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Sean Christopher Sladek, 40, pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ordered restitution in the amount of $1,422,923 and a forfeiture money judgment of $2,638,143.26.
According to the indictment, Sladek solicited investment funds from persons, including some he met through social media sites, such as online dating platforms Tinder and Bumble. According to admissions made in the plea agreement, Sladek falsely represented himself as a successful securities trader and investor. In May 2013, he caused a victim in California to transfer $100,000 to him. He told the victim that the monies would generate positive returns through trading, securities transactions, and investment in securities. Sladek did not generate positive returns and had no intent to do so. Instead, he used the stolen money for personal expenses to include gambling, dining, and entertainment.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer.
###
Former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Officer Pleads Guilty to Excessive Use of Force ViolationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer Richard Scavone pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to assaulting a handcuffed woman in his custody.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Office made the announcement.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, on January 6, 2015, Scavone, 50, was working as an LVMPD patrol officer, and was accompanied in his patrol car by an LVMPD jail corrections officer on a ride-along. At approximately 5:00 a.m., Scavone and the ride-along encountered A.O., who was talking on the phone and holding a cup of coffee. When Scavone told A.O. to “move along,” A.O responded that she was waiting on someone and threw her cup of coffee to the ground. Scavone, who was wearing a body-worn camera that recorded video and audio, exited his patrol car and approached A.O. with a Taser in hand.
Scavone admitted that during the interaction with A.O., and while A.O. was handcuffed, he: shoved A.O. to the ground; grabbed her around the neck with his hand and threw her to the ground; struck her in the forehead with an open palm; grabbed her by the head and slammed her face onto the hood of his patrol vehicle; grabbed her by the hair and slammed her face onto the hood of his patrol vehicle a second time; and slammed A.O. into the door of his patrol vehicle.
Scavone admitted that he took those actions without legal justification and that he knew his actions were against the law.
Scavone faces a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Sentencing will be held on January 11, 2018.
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Nevada citizens, regardless of their backgrounds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre. “The defendant took an oath to serve and protect with honor and integrity. Misconduct such as this will not be tolerated and those who break the law will be held accountable for their actions.”
“As Mr. Scavone realized today, no one is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “Law enforcement takes an oath to protect and serve our communities. We are, and rightfully should be, held to a higher standard. Every day, the vast majority of police officers in our community uphold that standard under difficult, dangerous conditions. However, when law enforcement breaks that vow, they will be held accountable.”
After conducting its own investigation into Scavone’s conduct, LVMPD terminated Scavone’s employment.
This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the cooperation of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip N. Smith, Jr. and Nicholas Dickinson of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
Medical Assistant Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distribution of Large Quantities of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A medical assistant for a pain management specialist was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distribution of large quantities of highly addictive prescription opioids, including oxycodone, and other controlled substances without a medical purpose, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
After a 10-week jury trial that ended in March, David A. Litwin, 58, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (oxycodone) and distribution of controlled substances. Co-defendant Dr. Henri Wetselaar, 93, was also found guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson presided over both sentencing hearings.
According to the indictment, Wetselaar performed house calls and maintained a medical practice on the east side of Las Vegas. He prescribed large amounts of prescription drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and Soma, to persons for no legitimate medical purpose. Litwin and Wetselaar conspired with each other and local drug dealers to distribute the prescription drugs prescribed by Wetselaar in and around Las Vegas.
The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor-OIG, and the U.S. Department of Human and Health Services-OIG. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina D. Silva and Andrew Duncan.
The overdose rates for synthetic opioids and pain relievers have continued to rise over the past several years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 144 drug overdose deaths every day and 63% of those deaths are pharmaceutical opioids or heroin related. Approximately 75% of new heroin users report having abused prescription opioids before using heroin. Heroin-related overdose deaths have more than quadrupled since 2010.
For information about the dangers of prescription opioids and other drugs, parents, educators, and caregivers may visit the DEA’s resource websites www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov or www.justthinktwice.gov. If you have a tip or information about illegal sales or distribution of prescription opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc., by doctors and pharmacies call the DEA at 1-877-RX-Abuse (1-877-792-2873).
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for His Role in Multi-Million Dollar Advance Fee Business Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his participation in a $3.2 million advance fee scheme to fraudulently obtain money from victims seeking business loans, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Ronald Gene Morgan, 62, pleaded guilty in February to one count of wire fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Morgan to three years of supervised release. Morgan agreed to pay $3,000,382 in restitution to victims of the fraud scheme.
According to the plea agreement, from March 2009 to April 2011, Morgan and others operated Argent Asset Management and Argent Securities, an Illinois-incorporated company and a Florida-incorporated company, respectively. Morgan admitted that he falsely promised victims in Las Vegas and elsewhere that he would provide business loans by using Argent assets to acquire bank-issued bonds at a discount and re-sell the bonds at face value to an investor, thereby producing hundreds of millions of dollars.
As part of the scheme, Morgan lulled the victims by creating and sending false communications and documents depicting escrow account balances containing millions of dollars held on behalf of the clients. He knew that no such funds were held in escrow. He required victims to pay substantial fees in advance of obtaining the loans and told the victims that their funds would be held in escrow, would be refunded if the loans were not obtained, and would be used to obtain the loans. He knew that Argent Securities had no assets. Morgan used the fees paid by victims for his own personal use, to recruit other victims, and to repay portions of other victims fees in order to conceal the fraud scheme.
The case was investigated by the FBI; and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Newman and Nicholas D. Dickinson.
###
Former Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A former felon who was found guilty by a jury in June was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the sentencing hearing.
After a three-day jury trial, Ricky Carter Jr., 39, of Reno, was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In November 2016, he illegally possessed a 9mm semiautomatic pistol after prior felony convictions in Washoe County.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Regional Gang Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Reno Lawyer Convicted of Filing False Tax Returns and Obstructing the IRSRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno, Nevada attorney was convicted today following a three-week jury trial, of filing false tax returns and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment and the evidence presented at trial, from approximately 2009 through 2010, Delmar L. Hardy, 63, concealed his business partner’s $700,000 investment in XYZ Real Estate. Hardy concealed his partner’s stake in XYZ and obstructed the internal revenue laws by falsely claiming all of XYZ Real Estate’s profits and losses on his own 2009 and 2010 individual tax returns. Hardy also falsified his 2008 through 2010 returns by not reporting more than $400,000 in cash income his law practice received.
U.S. District Court Judge Miranda M. Du scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2018. Hardy faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of filing a false return and obstructing the internal revenue laws. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller and Trial Attorney Lee F. Langston of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
###
Nevada Lawyer Convicted of Filing False Tax Returns and Obstructing the IRSRead the Press Release
A Reno, Nevada attorney was convicted today following a three-week jury trial, of filing false tax returns and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre for the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment and the evidence presented at trial, from approximately 2009 through 2010, Delmar Hardy, 63, concealed his business partner’s $700,000 investment in XYZ Real Estate. Hardy concealed his partner’s stake in XYZ and obstructed the internal revenue laws by falsely claiming all of XYZ Real Estate’s profits and losses on his own 2009 and 2010 individual tax returns. Hardy also falsified his 2008 through 2010 returns by not reporting more than $400,000 in cash income his law practice received.
U.S. District Court Judge Miranda M. Du scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2018. Hardy faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of filing a false return and obstructing the internal revenue laws. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller and Trial Attorney Lee F. Langston of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Reno Resident Indicted for Allegedly Using over 8,000 Fraudulent PayPal Accounts to Commit Approximately $3.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday for allegedly engaging in a $3.5 million fraud scheme involving over 8,000 fraudulent PayPal credit accounts, bank accounts, and prepaid credit and debit card accounts he created with stolen identities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Office, Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service Las Vegas Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Inspector in Charge Melisa Llosa of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Chief Jason Soto of the Reno Police Department made the announcement.
Kenneth Gilbert Gibson, 46, was indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; 10 counts of bank fraud; six counts of access device fraud; and six counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to allegations made in the indictment, between 2012 and 2017, Gibson allegedly obtained the identities of multiple victims and used those victim’s identities to open unauthorized online accounts, credit accounts, bank accounts, and prepaid debit and credit card accounts to obtain money and property. In total, he allegedly opened over 8,000 fraudulent and unauthorized accounts with PayPal, an online payment company, using the stolen identities. He then allegedly used 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.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud and mail fraud counts; a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for the bank fraud counts; a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the access device fraud counts; and a statutory maximum penalty of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft counts. 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, IRS, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Reno Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla B. Higginbotham.
If you believe you are a victim of the alleged fraud, phone the FBI at 1-866-4FBIOVA (1-866-432-4682), email [email protected], or visit https://forms.fbi.gov/RenoIDTheft.
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.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Jury Convicts Man of Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was convicted by a jury Thursday for receipt of child pornography found on his laptop computer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Office, and Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the indictment, in May 2013, Frankie Allen Peraza, 39, received videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the four-day jury trial. Sentencing is set for December 21, 2017. At the time of sentencing, Peraza faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, he faces a term of supervised release and would 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 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Alexandra Michael.
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.
###
California Man Convicted for Role in the Illegal Sale of Black Rhinoceros HornsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Edward N. Levine, 64, of Novato, Calif., was convicted Thursday for conspiracy to violate the Lacey and Endangered Species Acts and to a violation of the Lacey Act by knowingly selling black rhinoceros horns to an undercover agent from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), announced the Justice Department. Sentencing has been set for December 15. Levine’s co-defendant, Lumsden Quan, was sentenced in December 2015.
Levine was arrested in March 2014 for his role in a conspiracy to knowingly sell black rhinoceros horns across state lines. Levine worked with Quan to transport two horns from California to Nevada, where the men sold them to an undercover agent from Colorado for a sum of $55,000.
This case is part of “Operation Crash,” a nationwide crackdown by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against those who engage in illegal trafficking 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 August 2017, Operation Crash has resulted in the prosecution and sentencing of more than 30 subjects and recovery of approximately $5.6 million through forfeiture and restitution.
Since 1976, trade in rhinoceros horns has been regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by over 180 countries around the world to protect fish, wildlife, and plants that are or may become imperiled due to the demands of international markets. All species of rhinoceros are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
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 is represented by Trial Attorney Ryan Connors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Newman, Paralegal Christopher Kopf, and Paralegal Amanda Backer.
To report a wildlife crime such as the illegal trafficking and trade of species, call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or visit https://www.fws.gov.
###
Four Individuals Charged for Series of Armored Vehicle RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Three men and one woman, who were arrested on Sept. 8, in connection with a series of violent armored vehicle robberies that occurred in Las Vegas and Henderson, made their initial appearances in federal court Monday, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Office, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Acting Chief Todd Peters for the Henderson Police Department.
Trayvale Harrison, 30, of Barstow, Calif.; Phillip Shiel, 22, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Randel Burge, 35, and Ianthe Rowland, 34, both of Las Vegas, are each charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In addition, Harrison, Burge, and Rowland are charged with four more counts of interference with commerce by robbery. The defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Carl W. Hoffman. Harrison, Shiel, and Burge were detained and Rowland was released with conditions.
According to a criminal complaint, the defendants allegedly conspired to rob armored vehicles in Las Vegas and Henderson. The first robbery took place on June 5, at the Green Valley Grocery at 5324 South Fort Apache Road. An armed man told a Loomis armored vehicle guard to drop the money bag as the guard exited the store. The guard complied and the robber fled with the money bag. One month later, on July 5, two men wearing masks and armed with firearms robbed a Garda armored vehicle in front of a Walmart at 490 East Silverado Ranch Boulevard. The robbers told the guard “Drop the bags, drop the bags!” to which the guard complied. They fled with the money bag. Then, on Aug. 14, a Loomis armored vehicle was robbed in front of a Wells Fargo Bank at 101 North Pecos Road in Henderson. The robbers had firearms and fled with the money bag. The fourth armed robbery occurred on Aug. 25, in front of a Wells Fargo Bank at 445 Windmill Road. They robbed a Loomis armored vehicle and fled with the money bag. On Sept. 8, the defendants were set to rob another armored vehicle at the Chase Bank located at 2165 East Windmill Lane. The defendants were apprehended and taken into custody by law enforcement before the robbery took place.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is up to life in prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The investigation leading to the arrests and charges was conducted jointly by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery and Major Violators sections, and the Henderson Police Department. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force consists of FBI Special Agents and Detectives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Henderson Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina D. Silva and Phillip N. Smith Jr.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Reno Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident was sentenced Monday to 60 months in prison for receipt of approximately 3,500 images and videos depicting child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Scott Russell, 36, who pleaded guilty in June 2017 to one count of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks. In addition to the prison term, Russell was sentenced to 30 years of supervised release and is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act.
According to his plea agreement, between April 27, 2015 and September 9, 2015, while conducting an online undercover operation, law enforcement identified a computer possessing and sharing child pornography using the peer-to-peer file sharing program BitTorrent. During the execution of a search warrant, the defendant admitted to using file sharing software to search for and download child pornography. During a forensic examination of the defendant’s laptop computer and other electronic devices, law enforcement found approximately 3,370 images and 76 videos depicting child pornography including children as young as infants. In addition, over 8,000 images of child erotica was found on portable flash drives owned by the defendant.
The case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant.
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.
###
Russian Cyber-Criminal Pleads Guilty to Role in Organized Cybercrime Ring Responsible for $50 Million in Online Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A Russian cyber-criminal who sold stolen credit card data and other personal information through the identity theft and credit card fraud ring known as “Carder.su” pleaded guilty yesterday in two separate criminal cases to one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada, U.S. Attorney John A. Horn of the Northern District of Georgia, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service in Las Vegas made the announcement.
Roman Valeryevich Seleznev, aka Track2, aka Bulba, aka Ncux, 33, entered guilty pleas in both criminal cases at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia. Seleznev pleaded guilty to one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise pursuant to an indictment returned in the District of Nevada, and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud pursuant to an indictment returned in the Northern District of Georgia. He will be sentenced on December 11.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Nevada case, Seleznev admitted that he became associated with the Carder.su organization in January 2009. According to Seleznev’s admissions in his plea agreement, Carder.su was an Internet-based, international criminal enterprise whose members trafficked in compromised credit card account data and counterfeit identifications and committed identity theft, bank fraud and computer crimes. Seleznev admitted that the group tried to protect the anonymity and the security of the enterprise from both rival organizations and law enforcement. For example, members communicated through various secure and encrypted forums, such as chatrooms, private messaging systems, encrypted email, proxies and encrypted virtual private networks. Gaining membership in the group required the recommendation of two current members in good standing.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold compromised credit card account data and other personal identifying information to fellow Carder.su members. The defendant sold members such a large volume of product that he created an automated website, which he advertised on the Carder.su organization’s websites. His automated website allowed members to log into and purchase stolen credit card account data. The defendant’s website had a simple interface that allowed members to search for the particular type of credit card information they wanted to buy, add the number of accounts they wished to purchase to their “shopping cart” and upon check out, download the purchased credit card information. Payment of funds was automatically deducted from an established account funded through L.R., an on-line digital currency payment system. Seleznev admitted that he sold each account number for approximately $20. The Carder.su organization’s criminal activities resulted in loss to its victims of at least $50,983,166.35.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Northern District of Georgia case, Seleznev admitted that he acted as a “casher” who worked with hackers to coordinate a scheme to defraud an Atlanta-based company that processed credit and debit card transactions on behalf of financial institutions. Seleznev admitted that pursuant to the scheme, in November 2008, hackers infiltrated the company’s computer systems and stole 45.5 million debit card numbers, certain of which they used to fraudulently withdraw over $9.4 million from 2,100 ATMs in 280 cities around the world in less than 12 hours.
Fifty-five individuals were charged in four separate indictments in Operation Open Market, which targeted the Carder.su organization. To date, 33individuals have been convicted and the rest are either fugitives or are pending trial.
The cases were investigated by HSI and the U.S. Secret Service. The Nevada case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Catherine Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn of the District of Nevada. The Northern District of Georgia case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kamal Ghali of the Northern District of Georgia.
Seleznev is also a defendant in a wire fraud and computer hacking case brought by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. On Aug. 25, 2016, a federal jury convicted Seleznev of 38 counts related to his role in a scheme to hack into point-of-sale computers to steal and sell credit card numbers to the criminal underworld. On April 21, Seleznev was sentenced to 27 years in prison for those crimes.
Russian Cyber-Criminal Pleads Guilty to Role in Organized Cybercrime Ring Responsible for $50 Million in Online Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A Russian cyber-criminal who sold stolen credit card data and other personal information through the identity theft and credit card fraud ring known as “Carder.su” pleaded guilty yesterday in two separate criminal cases to one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada, U.S. Attorney John A. Horn of the Northern District of Georgia, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service in Las Vegas made the announcement.
Roman Valeryevich Seleznev, aka Track2, aka Bulba, aka Ncux, 33, entered guilty pleas in both criminal cases at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia. Seleznev pleaded guilty to one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise pursuant to an indictment returned in the District of Nevada, and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud pursuant to an indictment returned in the Northern District of Georgia. He will be sentenced on December 11.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Nevada case, Seleznev admitted that he became associated with the Carder.su organization in January 2009. According to Seleznev’s admissions in his plea agreement, Carder.su was an Internet-based, international criminal enterprise whose members trafficked in compromised credit card account data and counterfeit identifications and committed identity theft, bank fraud and computer crimes. Seleznev admitted that the group tried to protect the anonymity and the security of the enterprise from both rival organizations and law enforcement. For example, members communicated through various secure and encrypted forums, such as chatrooms, private messaging systems, encrypted email, proxies and encrypted virtual private networks. Gaining membership in the group required the recommendation of two current members in good standing.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold compromised credit card account data and other personal identifying information to fellow Carder.su members. The defendant sold members such a large volume of product that he created an automated website, which he advertised on the Carder.su organization’s websites. His automated website allowed members to log into and purchase stolen credit card account data. The defendant’s website had a simple interface that allowed members to search for the particular type of credit card information they wanted to buy, add the number of accounts they wished to purchase to their “shopping cart” and upon check out, download the purchased credit card information. Payment of funds was automatically deducted from an established account funded through L.R., an on-line digital currency payment system. Seleznev admitted that he sold each account number for approximately $20. The Carder.su organization’s criminal activities resulted in loss to its victims of at least $50,983,166.35.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Northern District of Georgia case, Seleznev admitted that he acted as a “casher” who worked with hackers to coordinate a scheme to defraud an Atlanta-based company that processed credit and debit card transactions on behalf of financial institutions. Seleznev admitted that pursuant to the scheme, in November 2008, hackers infiltrated the company’s computer systems and stole 45.5 million debit card numbers, certain of which they used to fraudulently withdraw over $9.4 million from 2,100 ATMs in 280 cities around the world in less than 12 hours.
Fifty-five individuals were charged in four separate indictments in Operation Open Market, which targeted the Carder.su organization. To date, 33individuals have been convicted and the rest are either fugitives or are pending trial.
The cases were investigated by HSI and the U.S. Secret Service. The Nevada case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Catherine Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn of the District of Nevada. The Northern District of Georgia case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kamal Ghali of the Northern District of Georgia.
Seleznev is also a defendant in a wire fraud and computer hacking case brought by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. On Aug. 25, 2016, a federal jury convicted Seleznev of 38 counts related to his role in a scheme to hack into point-of-sale computers to steal and sell credit card numbers to the criminal underworld. On April 21, Seleznev was sentenced to 27 years in prison for those crimes.
###
Henderson Man Convicted of Pawn Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – After a three-day trial, a jury convicted a man who wore a “Jason” style hockey mask during a robbery of a Las Vegas pawn shop, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Jessie Mendoza, 38, of Henderson, Nev., 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 jury trial and scheduled sentencing for Dec. 7, 2017.
According to the criminal complaint and indictment, on Sept. 12, 2016, Mendoza and his co-conspirators conspired with each other to rob an EZ Pawn store at 3010 South Valley View Blvd. in Las Vegas. During the robbery, Mendoza acted as a lookout at the front entrance to the store while his co-conspirators stole rings, jewelry, watches, gems, and other property from display cases. They stole approximately $123,000 worth of high value jewelry items and watches.
At the time of sentencing, the defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Three Men Sentenced for String of Convenience Store Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Three Las Vegas men were sentenced today to a total of 40 years in prison for their involvement in a string of convenience store armed robberies during the summer of 2014, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Kevin Hall, 29, Justin Loper, 29, and Keith Williams, 26, were sentenced to 154 months, 184 months, and 147 months, respectively. Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the sentencing hearings.
According to their individual plea agreements, on June 15, 2014, Hall, Loper, and Williams robbed a 7-Eleven at 30 West Wyoming Ave. in Las Vegas. Loper pointed a handgun at the store clerk and demanded money from the register and the safe. The defendants stole approximately $446.34 and the clerk’s cellular telephone. Then on July 13, 2014, the defendants robbed a Circle K at 5400 Vegas Drive. Loper pointed a handgun at the clerk and told the clerk to open the register. The defendants stole approximately $750. Later that morning, the defendants entered a Mini Mart at 3342 South Sandhill Road and ordered everyone in the store to get on the ground. Loper and Hall jumped the counter while Williams stayed in the front of the store watching the customers. The defendants stole a total of approximately $6,000 from the register and the safe.
After the Mini Mart armed robbery, the defendants fled in a vehicle. After a brief pursuit by law enforcement the defendants’ vehicle crashed. The defendants fled on foot and were arrested near the crash site. Approximately $6,000 in cash was found near one of the defendants. During a subsequent search of the car, investigators found a loaded .40 caliber pistol, Circle K plastic bags filled with cigarettes, three pairs of black cotton gloves, a black ski-mask, and baseball hats, all consistent with items taken in the robberies and clothing items used in the robberies. At the time of their arrests all defendants were wearing the same clothing worn by the robbers as observed in video surveillance.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the North Las Vegas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Michael.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Gardnerville Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Gardnerville, Nevada man pleaded guilty today to child sexual exploitation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Stephan L. DeGraffenreid, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Nov. 29, 2017. DeGraffenreid faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison for each charge.
According to the criminal complaint and plea agreement, law enforcement discovered child pornography on an Apple iPod Touch that was found at the Children’s Ski School at Heavenly Ski Resort. During the investigation, it was discovered the iPod belonged to DeGraffenreid who was formerly an employee at the ski school. On Jan. 26, 2017, during the execution of a search warrant at DeGraffenreid’s residence, officers with the Northern Nevada Online Child Exploitation Task Force located a thumb drive that contained explicit images of children in a childcare facility restroom in Gardnerville. DeGraffenreid admitted to taking the sexually explicit photos of the children found on the thumb drive.
The case is being 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 Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant.
To report child sexual exploitation, contact the FBI’s Las Vegas Office at (702) 385-1281 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
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.
###
Three Individuals Indicted in Nevada for Allegedly Stealing More Than $1 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada returned an indictment charging three individuals with stealing more than $1 million in refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
The indictment charges Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh with conspiring to file fraudulent claims for tax refunds and theft of government funds. Chanh V. Trinh is also charged with filing false claims for tax refunds, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh were residents of Las Vegas, who allegedly conspired to file federal corporate and individual income tax returns reporting fake income and income tax withholdings and as a result, obtained more than $1 million in refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the fraudulent returns were filed in the names of the defendants and others, including a long-deceased family member and fictitious businesses. Months after filing a fraudulent return, the defendants would allegedly file a fraudulent amended return requesting an additional refund. The indictment alleges that Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns, and that all three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using multiple bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. The indictment alleges that the defendants frequently concealed the funds by purchasing cashier’s checks to obtain gambling chips at casinos.
If convicted, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and each of the theft of government funds counts. Chanh V. Trinh also faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the mail fraud counts, five years in prison for each of the false claims counts and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Three Individuals Indicted in Nevada for Allegedly Stealing More Than $1 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada returned an indictment on Wednesday charging three individuals with stealing more than $1 million in refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
The indictment charges Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh with conspiring to file fraudulent claims for tax refunds and theft of government funds. Chanh V. Trinh is also charged with filing false claims for tax refunds, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Chanh V. Trinh, Cannedy Trinh, and Elizabeth Trinh were residents of Las Vegas, who allegedly conspired to file federal corporate and individual income tax returns reporting fake income and income tax withholdings and as a result, obtained more than $1 million in refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the fraudulent returns were filed in the names of the defendants and others, including a long-deceased family member and fictitious businesses. Months after filing a fraudulent return, the defendants would allegedly file a fraudulent amended return requesting an additional refund. The indictment alleges that Chanh V. Trinh prepared and filed the returns, and that all three defendants deposited or cashed the fraudulently obtained refund checks using multiple bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and check-cashing businesses in Las Vegas. The indictment alleges that the defendants frequently concealed the funds by purchasing cashier’s checks to obtain gambling chips at casinos.
If convicted, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and each of the theft of government funds counts. Chanh V. Trinh also faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the mail fraud counts, five years in prison for each of the false claims counts and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
###
Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Coin and Jewelry Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison and five years of supervised release for robbing a coin and jewelry store while pointing a firearm at the elderly store owner and a customer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Noah Patrick Fields, 23, pleaded guilty on May 17, 2017, to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. United States District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to the plea agreement, Fields admitted that on Oct. 14, 2016, he and a co-conspirator robbed Fremont Coin Company, a coin and jewelry store at 3375 Glen Avenue in Las Vegas, at gunpoint. Fields admitted that he held the 90-year-old store owner and a customer at gunpoint while his co-conspirator stole $3,500 in cash and approximately $42,424 worth of valuable coins and silver and gold bullion from the front display case.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, as part of the Safe Streets Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kilby Macfadden prosecuted the case.
###
Henderson Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Ammunition, Smoke Grenades and Equipment Stolen from U.S. MilitaryRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson, Nev., man pleaded guilty today to selling military-issued ammunition, smoke grenades, and other equipment that was stolen from the U.S. Air Force, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Temogen Tran Noguni, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized sale of property of the United States. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Nov. 17, 2017. At the time of sentencing, Noguni faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the plea agreement, Noguni met co-defendants Jonathan Joseph Owens and Daniel Schwartz through Vape and Shoot, a group that smoked vapors and shot firearms in the Las Vegas area. Owens, a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, offered to provide Noguni and Schwartz with military ammunition for their use in shooting their personal firearms, which they accepted. Owens had stolen the ammunition from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Owens then offered to sell Noguni ammunition along with smoke grenades, body armor plate carrier vests, and other stolen military equipment. Noguni and Owens met on 8-10 occasions for delivery of and payment for stolen military smoke grenades; military equipment including a red dot optical rifle scope; a set of night vision binoculars and goggles; military ammunition to include 9mm, 5.56x45mm, and .50 caliber cartridges; and other military equipment. The .50 caliber ammunition, which is not available for sale to the general public, is armor-piercing incendiary ammunition designed to pierce the shell of armored vehicles and explode inside. Many of the containers for the ammunition and grenades were designated with military unit markings from Nellis Air Force Base. Noguni then listed the stolen military ammunition, smoke grenades, and equipment for sale on the Internet and an undercover ATF agent purchased some of the stolen items.
Owens, 27, of North Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to theft of property of the United States and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 29, 2017. Schwartz, 42, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to retaining stolen property of the United States and was sentenced to three years probation.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared L. Grimmer.
###
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing over $200,000 from Armored Vehicle and Stealing 18 Firearms from Gun StoreRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to using a baseball bat to rob over $200,000 from an armored vehicle and for stealing 18 firearms, including a suppressor, from a gun store, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Anthony Jovan Greene, 31, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to one count each of interference with commerce by robbery and theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee. United States District Judge James C. Mahan accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Nov. 16, 2017.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, Greene and at least one other co-conspirator were both armed with baseball bats and robbed a Garda Cash Logistics armored truck on Oct. 5, 2012. One of the robbers used a baseball bat to strike the driver causing the driver to drop a bag containing approximately $210,889. Greene and the co-conspirator grabbed the moneybag and fled. Greene further admitted that on Sept. 8, 2016, he robbed the 2nd Amendment Gun shop at 4570 N. Rancho Drive, Suite #4, in Las Vegas. Greene stole a total of 18 handguns, rifles, and a suppressor from the display cases and racks inside of the business.
At the time of sentencing, the interference with commerce by robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr.
###
Man Indicted for Armed Bank Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A man who allegedly stole approximately $18,120 from a credit union, then took three people hostage during a carjacking made his initial appearance in federal court today, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
William C. Etheridge, 54, was indicted on Aug. 9, 2017, with one count of bank robbery and one count of carjacking.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint and indictment, on July 25, 2017, Etheridge entered a WestStar Credit Union, located at 110 East Harmon Avenue, in Las Vegas, brandished a semi-automatic pistol, and demanded money from four bank tellers. He then demanded a ride in one of the victim tellers’ personal vehicles to avoid law enforcement apprehension. When none of the tellers volunteered to provide him with a ride, he instructed one of the bank tellers to leave the bank with him. Etheridge stole approximately $18,120. Upon exiting the bank, Etheridge used force and violence to carjack a vehicle with two victims inside. At Etheridge’s request, the victims dropped him off at a Harley Davidson dealership to purchase a getaway vehicle with the stolen money so he could leave the area. Law enforcement arrested Etheridge at the dealership.
If convicted, Etheridge faces the mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bank robbery charge and 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the carjacking charge.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kilby Macfadden and Nicholas Dickinson.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Former Medical Doctor and Business Partner Indicted for $7.1 Million Medicare Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Californians, a former medical doctor and his business partner, who were indicted on July 5, 2017 for a $7.1 million Medicare health care fraud scheme that occurred at three Las Vegas hospices, made their initial appearances in federal court today, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Camilo Q. Primero, 74, of San Dimas, Calif., and Aurora S. Beltran, 61, of Glendora, Calif., are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud; one count of health care fraud; one count of fraudulent concealment involving a federal health care program; three counts of false statements relating to a health benefit program; and thirteen counts of money laundering. The defendants face a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of at least $7,083,130.
According to the indictment, from about Jan. 1, 2012 to about July 5, 2017, Primero, a former medical doctor and owner of Angel Eye Hospice, Vision Home Health Care, and Advent Hospice, all in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Beltran, Primero’s business partner, allegedly operated a scheme to fraudulently obtain $7.1 million from the federal Medicare program. They allegedly filed false enrollment documents with Medicare to enable Primero to operate hospice and home care agencies through nominees. Furthermore, they allegedly submitted hospice care claims for people who were not terminally ill and did not require hospice care.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-OIG, with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns.
For prevention tips and information about Medicare fraud, visit www.medicare.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Former Felon Indicted for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A former felon was indicted today for using a firearm during a carjacking in Sparks, Nev., announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Andrew Brigman, 28, of Layton, Utah, was charged with one count each of carjacking, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to allegations in the indictment, on July 6, 2017, Brigman brandished a semiautomatic pistol and used force and violence to steal a 2012 Nissan Altima from a person. He is also charged with illegal possession of the firearm used during the alleged carjacking after a prior felony conviction.
The maximum statutory penalty is 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for carjacking; the maximum statutory penalty is life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years that must run consecutive to the carjacking charge and a $250,000 fine for use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for felon in possession of a firearm.
The case is being investigated by the Sparks Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Two Men Indicted for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two men made their initial appearances today in federal court for bank fraud charges arising from a real estate scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steve W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Dustin M. Lewis, 42, of Henderson, Nev., and Brian Sorensen, 49, of Las Vegas, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud. If convicted, Lewis and Sorenson each face a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and up to a $1,000,000 fine.
According to allegations made in the indictment, from about August 15, 2011 to about January 17, 2014, Lewis and Sorensen conspired with each other to defraud OneWest Bank. The defendants allegedly devised and executed a scheme to avoid foreclosure so that Lewis could retain ownership of a 5,331 square foot, five-bedroom Henderson, Nev. home. As part of the scheme, Lewis submitted a fraudulent short sale application to the bank, which induced the bank to allow Lewis to sell the property to Sorensen’s family member for much less than Lewis owed under the existing mortgage loan. It is further alleged that Lewis did not disclose that he and Sorensen agreed that Lewis would continue to reside at the property and Sorensen would later cause the property to be sold back to Lewis free of the bank’s mortgage loan. It is further alleged that on or about July 21, 2017, Lewis then listed the property for sale at a price of $1,195,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Interior-Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilty. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Man Charged for His Role in Creating the Kronos Banking TrojanRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 11, 2017, following a two-year long investigation, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Marcus Hutchins, also known as “Malwaretech,” for his role in creating and distributing the Kronos banking Trojan. Hutchins, a citizen and resident of the United Kingdom, was arrested in the United States on August 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the indictment, Hutchins was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, three counts of distributing and advertising an electronic communication interception device, one count of endeavoring to intercept electronic communications, and one count of attempting to access a computer without authorization. The alleged conduct for which Hutchins was arrested occurred between in or around July 2014 and July 2015.
Publically available information for the Kronos banking Trojan indicates that it was first made available through certain internet forums in early 2014, and marketed and distributed through AlphaBay, a hidden service on the Tor network. On July 20, 2017, the Department of Justice announced that the Alphabay marketplace was shuttered through an international law enforcement effort led by the United States. See www.justice.gov/opa/pr/alphabay-largest-online-dark-market-shut-down
According to the indictment, the Kronos banking Trojan was designed to harvest and transfer the username and password associated with banking websites as they are entered on an infected computer to a control panel hosted on another computer inaccessible to the victim. According to publically available information, since it was created, Kronos has been configured to exfiltrate user credentials associated with banking systems located in Canada, Germany, Poland, France, and the United Kingdom, among others countries.
Kronos presents an ongoing threat to privacy and security, as the Kelihos botnet was observed loading Kronos on computers through email phishing campaign in late 2016. On April 10, 2017, the Department of Justice announced its efforts to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.
See www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-national-indicted-multiple-offenses-connection-kelihos-botnet and www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/956506/download
“Cybercrime remains a top priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Justin Tolomeo. “Cybercriminals cost our economy billions in loses each year. The FBI will continue to work with our partners, both domestic and international, to bring offenders to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Task in Milwaukee. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Chmelar and Benjamin W. Proctor.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Jewelry Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A man was sentenced on Tuesday to 102 months in prison for armed robbery of a jewelry store located in the Summit Sierra mall, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Al Christopher Braxton Allen, 35, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty on May 1, 2017, to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, on Sept. 14, 2016, Braxton entered the DeVons Jewelry store in the Summit Sierra mall, brandished a Llama .357 caliber revolver, and demanded “All the Rolexes and Diamonds” several times to an employee. Allen stole a total of approximately 106 watches and jewelry with a value of $449,600. One of the stolen watches was equipped with a 3SI tracking device. After a review of the store’s surveillance video, law enforcement detained Allen, who matched the robbery suspect’s description, near the mall.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Reno Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow.
###
Henderson Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson, Nev. man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
After a three-day jury trial, on April 27, 2017, a jury found Andrew John Gibson, 28, guilty of one count of receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson presided over the jury trial and sentencing hearing.
According to the indictment and other court documents, from about June 19, 2013 to about Nov. 21, 2013, Gibson used the Ares P2P network to access and download child pornography. During an interview with law enforcement, Gibson admitted to downloading child pornography. After forensic examinations of Gibson’s computers, law enforcement deemed 307 images and 201 videos were child pornography.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton, Patrick Burns, and Lisa Cartier-Giroux.
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.
###
Career Criminal Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Bank Robbery with A KnifeRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A career criminal was sentenced on Tuesday to 188 months in prison for robbing a bank with a knife, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Tommy Ray McAdoo, 77, of Reno, pleaded guilty on April 17, 2017, to one count of bank robbery with the use of a dangerous weapon. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to the indictment and court related documents, on Nov. 9, 2016, McAdoo entered a Nevada State Bank and showed a bank teller a demand note for money while holding a steak knife in his hand. The bank teller gave McAdoo four “bait bills” and an electronic tracker. He stole approximately $2,731. During a neighborhood canvas immediately following the robbery, law enforcement found discarded clothing and items that matched the video surveillance taken during the robbery. One of the items found was the demand note that was written on a casino sports betting sheet. Law enforcement identified McAdoo as a suspect and found him at a nearby casino. During an interview with law enforcement, McAdoo admitted to robbing the bank.
McAdoo has previously been convicted of multiple bank robberies. In 1981, he was convicted of two counts of armed bank robbery in Bakersfield, Calif., and an additional two counts of bank robbery in Las Vegas. He was then convicted of bank robbery again in 1990 in Seattle.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Reno Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow.
###
Physician Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Nevada physician practicing as a specialist in pain management was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distribution of large quantities of highly addictive prescription opioids, including oxycodone, and other controlled substances without a medical purpose, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson ordered a fine in the amount of $2.5 million.
Following a 10-week jury trial, on March 23, 2017, Dr. Henri Wetselaar, 93, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (oxycodone); distribution of controlled substances; money laundering; and structuring of money transactions. Co-defendant, David A. Litwin, 58, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2017.
According to the indictment, Wetselaar performed house calls and maintained a medical practice on the east side of Las Vegas. He prescribed large amounts of prescription drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and Soma, to persons for no legitimate medical purpose. Wetselaar and Litwin conspired with each other and local drug dealers to distribute the prescription drugs prescribed by Wetselaar in and around Las Vegas. Additionally, Wetselaar wired $105,000 for the purchase of a house using money obtained from the drug distribution activities. He also attempted to evade the bank reporting requirements by making dozens of cash deposits less than $10,000 in a 12-month period to three different banks.
The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor-OIG, and the U.S. Human and Health Services-OIG. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Silva and Andrew Duncan.
The Nevada U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to combat the prescription opioid epidemic and continues to charge local physicians who illegally sell or distribute prescription opioids for a non-medical purpose. Wetselaar is the fifth doctor sentenced for illegal distribution of drugs in recent years. Other cases include:
-
In April 2016, Dr. Robert Rand and eight others were charged with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs. Rand is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, 2017.
-
In December 2015, Dr. Sebastian Paulin Jr. was sentenced to 24 months in prison for selling prescription pain medications and Dr. Mahesh Kuthuru was sentenced to 28 months in prison for the unlawfully distributing prescription painkillers.
-
In October 2014, Dr. Victor Bruce was sentenced to 46 months for unlawfully writing oxycodone prescriptions for persons with no medical need for it.
-
In September 2014, Dr. Vinay Bararia was sentenced to 44 months in prison for unlawfully selling hydrocodone and oxycodone, both prescription opioids.
The overdose rates for synthetic opioids and pain relievers have continued to rise over the past several years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 144 drug overdose deaths every day and 63% of those deaths are pharmaceutical opioids or heroin related. Approximately 75% of new heroin users report having abused prescription opioids before using heroin. Heroin-related overdose deaths have more than quadrupled since 2010. For information on opioid overdose and how you can manage pain without prescription drugs, go to http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/index.html. If you have a tip or information about illegal sales or distribution of prescription opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc., by doctors and pharmacies call the DEA at 1-877-RX-Abuse (1-877-792-2873).
###
-
Lab Technician Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing Patient's Parent's Information and Using It to Apply for Credit CardsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman who worked as a laboratory technician at a local pediatric medical practice was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for unlawfully obtaining the personal identifying information of a patient’s parent and using it to apply for personal credit cards, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey also sentenced her to one year of supervised release.
Sherice Joan Williams, 42, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to aggravated identity theft. During the time the crime occurred, she was employed as a laboratory technician at Children’s Heart Center, a large pediatric cardiology practice in Las Vegas.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, between about Dec. 1, 2014 and Jan. 27, 2015, Williams accessed the personal identifying information of a patient’s parent, then using this information, she applied for personal credit cards without authorization. She submitted a credit card application online from an IP address registered to her employer.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Henderson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns.
If you are a victim of identity theft, visit www.IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338 to report and recover from identity theft.
###
Reno Woman Indicted for Failure to Report to PrisonRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno woman, who was sentenced for bank embezzlement and tax evasion, was indicted today for failure to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to serve her prison term, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
According to the indictment, Jennifer Ree Campbell, 51, is charged with one count of failure to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons, FCI Dublin, in Dublin, Calif., as directed by the court after her felony convictions. She was found guilty on Feb. 6, 2017, of theft, embezzlement, and misapplication by a bank employee and attempt to evade income tax. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones sentenced Campbell to 30 months in prison and ordered her to self-surrender by May 8, 2017, to the designated federal correctional institution to serve her sentence. However, Campbell failed to report as ordered.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for failure to surrender is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any term of imprisonment imposed for failure to surrender must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying conviction.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla B. Higginbotham.
An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Phoenix Man Sentenced to over 68 Years in Prison for Threat and Assault of Federal Law Enforcement and Other Charges Related to 2014 Armed Standoff in BunkervilleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Phoenix, Ariz. man was sentenced today to 819 months in prison in connection with the armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in the Bunkerville, Nev. area in April 2014, over rancher Cliven Bundy’s trespassing cattle from public lands. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Burleson to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Acting Director Michael D. Nedd of the Bureau of Land Management made the announcement.
Following a 32-day jury trial, Gregory P. Burleson, 53, was convicted on April 24, 2017, of assault on a federal officer; threatening a federal law enforcement officer; obstruction of the due administration of justice; interference with interstate commerce by extortion; interstate travel in aid of extortion; and three counts of use and carry of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the superseding indictment, Burleson traveled to Nevada with the intent to commit a crime of violence to extort federal law enforcement officers while they were executing a federal court order to remove and impound Cliven Bundy’s cattle that were trespassing on federal public lands in and around Bunkerville. On or about April 12, 2014, Burleson used and brandished a firearm to impede, intimidate, and to threaten to assault federal law enforcement officers involved in the federal impoundment operations. He also threatened and used force and violence to obstruct interstate commerce by extortion in that he obtained and attempted to obtain approximately 400 cattle that were in the possession of federal law enforcement officers.
The case was investigated by the FBI and BLM. The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas D. Dickinson and Nadia J. Ahmed, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Creegan.
###
Accounting Manager Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $725,000 from Two Employers and Committing over $193,000 in Tax Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty today to stealing more than $725,000 from two different employers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Nicole Marie Graziano, 42, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, two counts of filing a false tax return, and one count of attempt to evade or defeat tax. She was charged by a criminal information on June 13, 2017. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, between May 2009 through November 2015, Graziano worked as an Accounting Manager and Controller for two companies in Clark County. She 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. Graziano used the money she stole to pay for luxury items for herself and family members, including cars and real estate.
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 maximum statutory penalty is three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for filing a false tax return; the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempt to evade or defeat income tax; and the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud.
The case is being investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Possession of Nearly 8,000 Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervision for possession of over 7,915 images and videos of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
James Karman Ryan, 49, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2017, to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, on Jan. 14, 2014, during the execution of a search warrant by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Ryan barricaded himself in his room and began to delete files on his computer. He eventually surrendered and admitted that he was attempting to delete child pornography from his computer as the SWAT team was making entry into his house. After a forensic examination of his computer, hard drives, and other storage devices, over 7,915 images and videos were found to contain child pornography. Of the 7,915 images and videos, approximately 4,687 images and videos were deemed to be child sexual abuse.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Coumou and Lisa Cartier-Giroux.
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.
###
Three Individuals Indicted for Series of Cell Phone Store Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two men and one woman were indicted today in connection to five cell phone store armed robberies in the Las Vegas area, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Rushard Burton, 23, Kejon Ward, 23, and Erica Caldwell, 22, all of Las Vegas, were each charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. In addition, Burton was charged with five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and five counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Ward was also charged with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery; two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Caldwell was also charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, from March 18, 2017 to June 5, 2017, Burton, Ward, and Caldwell conspired together to commit robbery by means of threatened force, physical violence, and fear of injury. Burton is charged with robbing a Sprint store in North Las Vegas on March 18, an AT&T store on May 1, and a Verizon Wireless store in Henderson on May 26, all while brandishing a firearm. Burton and Ward are charged with robbing a Sprint store in Henderson on April 28. Burton, Ward, and Caldwell are charged with brandishing a firearm and robbing a Sprint store on June 5.
The case is a joint investigation by the FBI, North Las Vegas Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Henderson Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kilby Macfadden.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Reno Doctor Robert Rand Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter of Patient and Unlawful Distribution of Nearly 24,000 Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Local physician Dr. Robert Rand pleaded guilty today to involuntary manslaughter of a patient and unlawful distribution of oxycodone to another patient, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Miranda Du. At the time of sentencing, Rand faces a maximum of eight years in prison on the manslaughter count and a maximum of 20 years in prison on the drug count.
Robert Gene Rand, 54, a Nevada-licensed physician who operated Rand Family Care in Reno, and eight others, including Richard Winston West II, the former manager of the Jones-West Ford dealership, were indicted on May 11, 2016, with federal prescription drug distribution charges. A superseding indictment was returned against Rand, the last remaining defendant, on June 21, 2017.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, Rand prescribed an excessive amount of oxycodone to a patient without a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice that resulted in the patient’s death from oxycodone intoxication. From the start of treatment, in June 2014, Rand prescribed the patient oxycodone. In September 2014, a doctor spoke with Rand about the patient receiving 180 oxycodone pills per month from Rand and the patient’s history. The patient was hospitalized twice. Despite phone calls, records, and encounters, Rand continued to prescribe oxycodone to the patient. In September 2015, Rand prescribed 45 dosages of oxycodone in 30 mg amounts, as well as Xanax, to the patient. One week later, Rand prescribed an additional 180 dosages of oxycodone in 30 mg amounts to the patient. Rand acted with gross negligence in prescribing this oxycodone and did so in reckless regard for the patient’s life.
Furthermore, from March 2011 to April 2016, Rand prescribed another patient a total of 23,645 oxycodone 30 mg pills without a legitimate medical purpose. He prescribed a number of opioids to this patient at the same time, including oxycodone in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg dosages, Percocet, hydrocodone, fentanyl, as well as other substances, such as carisoprodol and alprazolam. The patient did not undergo any toxicology tests and Rand allowed another person to pick-up the oxycodone prescriptions for the patient. Rand also warned the patient at one time that his prescriptions would no longer be filled by the pharmacies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014. Overdose deaths from opioids, including prescription opioids and heroin, have nearly quadrupled since 1999. Overdoses involving opioids killed more than 28,000 people in 2014, more than any year on record, and over one-half of those deaths were from prescription opioids. For information on opioid overdose and how you can manage pain without prescription drugs, go to http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/index.html.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Enforcement, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Susanville, California Police Department, Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada Gaming Control, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Nevada Division of Welfare, Office of Investigations and Recovery.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Keller and Shannon M. Bryant.
###
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robbery with Homemade Simulated Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to robbing a bank with a homemade simulated explosive device with wires and blinking lights worn under his clothes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Vincent Earl Hagey, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of attempted armed bank robbery. United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2017. At the time of sentencing, Hagey faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to admissions in the plea agreement, on Feb. 17, 2017, Hagey, wearing a white hat, black suitcoat and a blue tie, entered a Bank of America and presented a bank robbery note to a teller stating that he had a bomb. Hagey then pressed a button in his clothing and a blinking blue light lit on his chest. The teller gave Hagey $1,131, and he left the bank.
On March 13, 2017, Hagey was arrested while leaving a Wells Fargo Bank wearing the same clothes and homemade device from the February bank robbery. The homemade contraption was made of batteries, wire, and a lighted circuit board, with a wire running up his sleeve to a push-button near his cuff. Hagey could activate the button on his cuff to make the blue light on the circuit board blink on and off. During an interview with law enforcement, Hagey confessed to robbing the Bank of America and attempting to rob the Wells Fargo Bank, both with the use of the simulated explosive device under his clothing.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Jaroch.
###
California Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Arson of Popcorn Store and ExtortionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California man was convicted by a jury on Wednesday of conspiring with others to burn down a Henderson popcorn business and threatening to injure the business owners, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Following a three-day jury trial, Joel Kenneth Ausbie, 53, of Fontana, Calif., was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit arson and one count of committing extortion by force or threat of injury. United States District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2017. Ausbie faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the indictment and court related documents, Ausbie and co-defendant Calvin Robinson paid co-defendant Joseph A. Strickland to set fire to Las Vegas Kettle Corn & Special Events, LLC, in Henderson. Robinson met Strickland in Victorville, Calif., and provided Strickland with directions as well as a note for Strickland to tape to the front window of the business. The note read: “I still don’t have my money. This is the last warning! Next time someone is going to be dead.” On Oct. 30, 2015, Strickland set fire to the business and as a result the business was closed. After the building fire, Robinson met Strickland and paid him for the act. Strickland also admitted to shooting at a private residence during the relevant conspiracy.
Robinson, 41, of Pomona, Calif., pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 10, 2017, and Strickland, 35, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 28, 2017.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Cristina D. Silva.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Murdering Drug Supplier During 2013 Drug DealRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 144 months in prison in connection to a man’s death during a drug deal at a North Las Vegas apartment in November 2013, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
John Thomas, 25, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime resulting in death. United States District Judge James C. Mahan also sentenced him to five years of supervised release.
According to admissions in his plea agreement, on Nov. 30, 2013, Thomas and co-defendant Louis Matthews arrived at a North Las Vegas apartment to purchase 20 pounds of marijuana from the victim, Luciano Madrigal-Herrera. Also present at the apartment were Julio Nunez and Angel Juarez. Madrigal-Herrera showed some of the marijuana to Matthews for inspection, and then went back outside to retrieve the rest. Matthews also left the apartment, stating he was going to get his friend, Thomas, as well as money to purchase the marijuana. The three men returned to the apartment, and then Thomas and Matthews each produced handguns in an attempt to rob Madrigal-Herrera of the marijuana. They repeatedly shot him causing his death. Thomas and Matthews took the marijuana and attempted to flee with it.
Three co-defendants were also charged in the scheme. Louis Matthews, 35, was sentenced on March 20, 2017, to life in prison for drug and firearm crimes that resulted in the death. Julio Nunez, 28, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 42 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Angel Juarez, 29, of North Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to time served with one year of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip N. Smith Jr. and Alexandra M. Michael.
###
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for $5.3 Million Advance Fee Grant Scheme Targeting Small Business OwnersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to commit a nearly $5.3 million advance fee fraud scheme targeting small business owners seeking grant funding, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Gregory Villegas, 37, pleaded guilty on March 17, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the term of prison, U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $5,908,726.38, and sentenced him to three years of supervised release.
According to his plea agreement, from March 1, 2008 to about May 2, 2012, Villegas and his co-conspirators Christine Gagnon, Mickey Gines, and others, defrauded at least 390 small business owners for an approximate total loss of $5,261,218. Villegas and his conspirators pretended to operate companies that would obtain grants for the small business owners from public and private sources. In truth, Villegas and his conspirators never intended to pursue any grant funding for the victims. The sole purpose of the scam was to enrich Villegas and conspirators. He and his conspirators made numerous false statements, including false promises of grant funding and false claims that grants had been obtained, but that the victims needed to pay additional fees for the grant agencies to release the funds. Villegas operated the scheme under multiple business names to avoid detection by consumer protection agencies and apprehension by law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig.
###
Sixteen Members and Associates of the Yung Money/Yung Gunz Bloods Street Gang Charged with Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Vehicles Across State Lines and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Sixteen members and associates of the Yung Money/Yung Gunz Bloods street gang have been indicted with conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen vehicles and wire fraud, transportation of stolen vehicles, sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, and wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
The 13-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in Las Vegas on June 14, 2017, and unsealed today. State and Federal law enforcement officials arrested individuals in Houston and Atlanta. The 16 defendants charged in the indictment are Channing Williams, a/k/a “Bhano,” 27, of Missouri City, Texas; Everly James, 27, of Houston, Texas; Korregan Washington, 28, of Houston, Texas; Keenan St. Hillaire, 26, of Missouri City, Texas; Maurice Lewis, a/k/a “Lew,” 22, of Missouri City, Texas; Kaleb Louis, a/k/a “Kay Lou,” 23, of Missouri City, Texas; Cody Williams-Jackson, a/k/a “Codeen,” 18, of Missouri, Texas; Torren James, a/k/a “Tee James,” 25, of Houston, Texas; Dominique Washington, a/k/a “D. Wash,” 24, of Missouri City, Texas; Demani Dancy, 21, of Houston, Texas; Trevionne Williams, 21, of Houston, Texas; Casey Walters Jr., 25, of Houston, Texas; Keith Bell, a/k/a “Daze,” 24, of Missouri City, Texas; Denzel Campbell, 26, of Houston, Texas; Trevaughn James, a/k/a “Lil Tre,” 21, of Missouri City, Texas; and Daniel Wilson, 24, of Missouri City, Texas.
The indictment alleges that, from July 2015 to about April 2017, the defendants conspired to fraudulently rent vehicles, then steal, transport, and sell the vehicles for profit, often at well-below the actual value of the vehicle. As alleged, they created and used fraudulent personal identification documents to open bank accounts and debit cards which they used to rent vehicles from car rental companies. The defendants are alleged to have stolen vehicles in Nevada, California, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, and Florida, and transported some of the vehicles across state lines to sell them to unsuspecting victims. As alleged in the indictment, to further the scheme, the defendants produced fraudulent car titles and other documents to deceive buyers who were required to pay cash for the vehicle; the defendants placed advertisements to sell the stolen vehicles on websites such as Craigslist and OfferUp; and they used social media to communicate with each other and to brag about their criminal activities. The total approximate value of the stolen vehicles was $1,046,179.
The indictment also alleges that, on Nov. 15, 2016, Channing Williams and Lewis, transported a stolen Ford F-150 from California to Nevada, then sold the vehicle in Nevada and that, on Nov. 21, 2016, Channing Williams, Lewis, and Torren James transported a stolen Ford Expedition from California to Nevada then sold the vehicle in Nevada. The indictment further alleges that Channing Williams, Lewis, Williams-Jackson, Torren James, Washington, Dancy, Trevionne Williams, Walters, Bell, and Trevaughn James used fraudulent identifications to open bank accounts, to obtain debit cards, to rent vehicles, and to sell the stolen vehicles.
The defendants face a statutory maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen vehicles and wire fraud; a maximum penalty of 10 years each for transportation of stolen vehicles and sale or receipt of stolen vehicles; and a maximum penalty of 20 years for wire fraud. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, forfeiture, and monetary penalties.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Division, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Houston Police Department with assistance from the FBI’s Houston and Atlanta Divisions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kilby Macfadden and Cristina D. Silva.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Twenty-Three Alleged Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed today charging 23 alleged members and associates of the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG), including some of its most senior leaders, in a conspiracy involving racketeering, murder, robbery, kidnapping and aggravated assault, among other charges.
While the indictment was returned by a grand jury in Las Vegas, earlier today, federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested individuals in Hawaii and across Southern California and Nevada, including in the Las Vegas metro area and in Reno.
Acting Assistant Attorney Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada; Acting Executive Associate Director Derek N. Benner for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) San Francisco Field Division; Sheriff Joseph Lombardo for Clark County, Nevada; and District Attorney Christopher Hicks for Washoe County, Nevada, made the announcement.
“Today, the rule of law dealt a serious blow to the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, a so-called ‘brotherhood’ responsible for drug addiction, death and mayhem in multiple locations, including California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon and Nevada,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “Today’s coordinated takedown of this biker organization’s leadership is a victory for all of us who respect and love our country, and a testament to the bravery and dedication of federal, state and local law enforcement men and women who to keep our communities safe.”
“Today’s indictment charges members and associates of a violent outlaw motorcycle gang with committing racketeering, murder, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault and other violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre. “These charges are the result of the outstanding work of multiple state, local and federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our joint effort to combat crime and to address the dangerous threats facing our communities today.”
“These arrests and indictments are the culmination of a far-reaching, meticulous, long-term probe involving HSI and multiple other law enforcement agencies aimed at dealing a crippling blow to one of this country’s most ruthless and violent criminal gangs,” said Acting Executive Associate Director Benner. “Members of this organization wrongly believed themselves to be above the law and immune from justice, but as today’s enforcement actions make abundantly clear, they should not have underestimated our collective resolve.”
“The Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang is a criminal organization which engages in acts of violence. Those acts, which included kidnapping and murder, threaten the safety of the communities in which the Vagos operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Snyder. “At ATF, our mission is to reduce violent crime within our communities and as a result of today’s arrests our neighborhoods are a safer place.”
“My department remains steadfast in its commitment to work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle violent crime and gang activities in Clark County, Nevada,” said Sheriff Lombardo. “This RICO indictment represents a critical step toward dismantling this violent organization and clearly signals that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to hold those individuals accountable who insist on creating an atmosphere of violence and fear in our communities.”
The 12-count superseding indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to participate in the affairs of the Vagos OMG, a transnational gang with approximately 87 or more chapters in at least seven countries, on four continents, and approximately 75 chapters in the U.S., including approximately 54 chapters in Nevada and California. The indictment alleges that the Vagos OMG is a highly organized criminal organization which adheres to a hierarchical chain of command, and whose members conspired to enrich the gang; to preserve, protect and enhance the power of the gang; and to keep victims in fear of the gang through acts and threats of violence. Among other crimes, the indictment charges eight Vagos OMG leaders and members, including Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, aka “Romeo,” for the September 23, 2011 murder of a member of the rival Hells Angels gang at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada.
“The murder committed by Ernesto Gonzalez in the Nugget Casino was always a part of a larger criminal conspiracy, which has been made even more clear today,” said District Attorney Hicks. “Prosecuting Gonzalez for his actions has been a priority for my office. As such, we welcomed the opportunity to work closely with federal authorities in this RICO investigation that not only seeks to hold Gonzales accountable but the entire involved Vagos criminal enterprise.”
The superseding indictment also alleges that the Vagos OMG is a closed society whose members value allegiance to the gang and its fellow members above all else, do not fear authority, and exhibit a complete disdain for the rules of society. According to the allegations in the indictment, witnesses to the gang’s criminal acts are typically victims of acts of obstruction, intimidation and harassment who are too afraid to approach law enforcement or testify in court proceedings.
The 23 defendants charged for their alleged roles in the federal racketeering conspiracy and violent crimes in aid of racketeering offenses are Pastor Fausto Palafox, a/k/a “Ta Ta,” 53, of Beaumont, Calif.; Albert Lopez, a/k/a “Al,” 39, of Canyon Country, Calif.; Albert Benjamin Perez, a/k/a “Dragon Man,” 57, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; James Patrick Gillespie, a/k/a “Jimbo,” 68, of Granada Hills, Calif.; Andrew Eloy Lozano, a/k/a “Hulk,” 42, of Fontana, Calif.; Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, a/k/a “Romeo,” of San Francisco; Victor Adam Ramirez, a/k/a “Slick,” 35, of Las Vegas; James Walter Henderson, a/k/a “CJ,” 64, of Henderson, Nev.; Steven Earl Carr, a/k/a “Big Steve,” 43, of Las Vegas; Robert Allen Coleman, a/k/a “Mayhem,” 59, of Las Vegas; Jeremy John Halgat, a/k/a “Maniak,” 39, of North Las Vegas, Nev.; Paul Jeffrey Voll, a/k/a “Shyster,” 52, of Pasadena, Calif.; John Joseph Siemer, a/k/a “Rocky,” 60, of Baldwin Park, Calif.; Bradley Michael Campos, a/k/a “Candy Man,” 50, of Alhambra, Calif.; Cesar Vaquera Morales, a/k/a “C,” 49, of San Jose, Calif.; Diego Chavez Garcia, a/k/a “Boo,” 34, of San Jose, Calif.; Edward Claridan Chelby, a/k/a “Recon,” 57, of Kailua, Hawaii; Johnny Russell Neddenriep, a/k/a “Johnny Bolts,” 51, of Reno, Nev.; Darin Kieth Grieder, a/k/a “Midget,” 48, of Sparks, Nev.; Bert Wayne Davisson, a/k/a “Flash,” 45, of Sparks, Nev.; Mathew Keith Dunlap, a/k/a “Big Mat,” 46, of Sparks, Nev., and John Chrispin Juarez, a/k/a “Quicky,” 69, of Moreno Valley, Calif.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of ICE-HSI; ATF; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department; Washoe County District Attorney’s Office; San Bernardino Police Department; San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; Riverside County Sheriff’s Office; California Department of Justice; San Diego County Sheriff’s Department; Sparks Police Department; Washoe County Sheriff’s Department; Carson City Sheriff’s Department; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Reno Police Department; North Las Vegas Police Department; Long Beach Police Department; Montebello Police Department; Henderson Police Department; San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office; Orange County, California District Attorney’s Office; Carson City District Attorney’s Office; and Clark County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Cristina D. Silva of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Twenty-Three Alleged Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging 23 alleged members and associates of the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG), including some of its most senior leaders, in a conspiracy involving racketeering, murder, robbery, kidnapping and aggravated assault, among other charges.
While the indictment was returned by a grand jury in Las Vegas, earlier today, federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested individuals in Hawaii and across Southern California and Nevada, including in the Las Vegas metro area and in Reno.
Acting Assistant Attorney Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada; Acting Executive Associate Director Derek N. Benner for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) San Francisco Field Division; Sheriff Joseph Lombardo for Clark County, Nevada; and District Attorney Christopher Hicks for Washoe County, Nevada, made the announcement.
“Today, the rule of law dealt a serious blow to the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, a so-called ‘brotherhood’ responsible for drug addiction, death and mayhem in multiple locations, including California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon and Nevada,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “Today’s coordinated takedown of this biker organization’s leadership is a victory for all of us who respect and love our country, and a testament to the bravery and dedication of federal, state and local law enforcement men and women who to keep our communities safe.”
“Today’s indictment charges members and associates of a violent outlaw motorcycle gang with committing racketeering, murder, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault and other violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre. “These charges are the result of the outstanding work of multiple state, local and federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our joint effort to combat crime and to address the dangerous threats facing our communities today.”
“These arrests and indictments are the culmination of a far-reaching, meticulous, long-term probe involving HSI and multiple other law enforcement agencies aimed at dealing a crippling blow to one of this country’s most ruthless and violent criminal gangs,” said Acting Executive Associate Director Benner. “Members of this organization wrongly believed themselves to be above the law and immune from justice, but as today’s enforcement actions make abundantly clear, they should not have underestimated our collective resolve.”
“The Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang is a criminal organization which engages in acts of violence. Those acts, which included kidnapping and murder, threaten the safety of the communities in which the Vagos operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Snyder. “At ATF, our mission is to reduce violent crime within our communities and as a result of today’s arrests our neighborhoods are a safer place.”
“My department remains steadfast in its commitment to work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle violent crime and gang activities in Clark County, Nevada,” said Sheriff Lombardo. “This RICO indictment represents a critical step toward dismantling this violent organization and clearly signals that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to hold those individuals accountable who insist on creating an atmosphere of violence and fear in our communities.”
The 12-count superseding indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to participate in the affairs of the Vagos OMG, a transnational gang with approximately 87 or more chapters in at least seven countries, on four continents, and approximately 75 chapters in the U.S., including approximately 54 chapters in Nevada and California. The indictment alleges that the Vagos OMG is a highly organized criminal organization which adheres to a hierarchical chain of command, and whose members conspired to enrich the gang; to preserve, protect and enhance the power of the gang; and to keep victims in fear of the gang through acts and threats of violence. Among other crimes, the indictment charges eight Vagos OMG leaders and members, including Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, aka “Romeo,” for the September 23, 2011 murder of a member of the rival Hells Angels gang at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada.
“The murder committed by Ernesto Gonzalez in the Nugget Casino was always a part of a larger criminal conspiracy, which has been made even more clear today,” said District Attorney Hicks. “Prosecuting Gonzalez for his actions has been a priority for my office. As such, we welcomed the opportunity to work closely with federal authorities in this RICO investigation that not only seeks to hold Gonzales accountable but the entire involved Vagos criminal enterprise.”
The superseding indictment also alleges that the Vagos OMG is a closed society whose members value allegiance to the gang and its fellow members above all else, do not fear authority, and exhibit a complete disdain for the rules of society. According to the allegations in the indictment, witnesses to the gang’s criminal acts are typically victims of acts of obstruction, intimidation and harassment who are too afraid to approach law enforcement or testify in court proceedings.
The 23 defendants charged for their alleged roles in the federal racketeering conspiracy and violent crimes in aid of racketeering offenses are Pastor Fausto Palafox, a/k/a “Ta Ta,” 53, of Beaumont, Calif.; Albert Lopez, a/k/a “Al,” 39, of Canyon Country, Calif.; Albert Benjamin Perez, a/k/a “Dragon Man,” 57, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; James Patrick Gillespie, a/k/a “Jimbo,” 68, of Granada Hills, Calif.; Andrew Eloy Lozano, a/k/a “Hulk,” 42, of Fontana, Calif.; Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, a/k/a “Romeo,” of San Francisco; Victor Adam Ramirez, a/k/a “Slick,” 35, of Las Vegas; James Walter Henderson, a/k/a “CJ,” 64, of Henderson, Nev.; Steven Earl Carr, a/k/a “Big Steve,” 43, of Las Vegas; Robert Allen Coleman, a/k/a “Mayhem,” 59, of Las Vegas; Jeremy John Halgat, a/k/a “Maniak,” 39, of North Las Vegas, Nev.; Paul Jeffrey Voll, a/k/a “Shyster,” 52, of Pasadena, Calif.; John Joseph Siemer, a/k/a “Rocky,” 60, of Baldwin Park, Calif.; Bradley Michael Campos, a/k/a “Candy Man,” 50, of Alhambra, Calif.; Cesar Vaquera Morales, a/k/a “C,” 49, of San Jose, Calif.; Diego Chavez Garcia, a/k/a “Boo,” 34, of San Jose, Calif.; Edward Claridan Chelby, a/k/a “Recon,” 57, of Kailua, Hawaii; Johnny Russell Neddenriep, a/k/a “Johnny Bolts,” 51, of Reno, Nev.; Darin Kieth Grieder, a/k/a “Midget,” 48, of Sparks, Nev.; Bert Wayne Davisson, a/k/a “Flash,” 45, of Sparks, Nev.; Mathew Keith Dunlap, a/k/a “Big Mat,” 46, of Sparks, Nev., and John Chrispin Juarez, a/k/a “Quicky,” 69, of Moreno Valley, Calif.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of ICE-HSI; ATF; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department; Washoe County District Attorney’s Office; San Bernardino Police Department; San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; Riverside County Sheriff’s Office; California Department of Justice; San Diego County Sheriff’s Department; Sparks Police Department; Washoe County Sheriff’s Department; Carson City Sheriff’s Department; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Reno Police Department; North Las Vegas Police Department; Long Beach Police Department; Montebello Police Department; Henderson Police Department; San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office; Orange County, California District Attorney’s Office; Carson City District Attorney’s Office; and Clark County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Cristina D. Silva of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.###