District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
RENO – A Sacramento, Calif., resident was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for committing two armed robberies of financial institutions.
Devon Jones, 32, pleaded guilty to one-count each of interference with commerce by robbery, bank robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and admissions made by Jones, on January 24, 2022, he robbed a money lending business in Reno. During the robbery, he pointed a semi-automatic 9mm pistol at an employee and demanded money. Jones then fired a round and fled the scene with cash. Later, on January 27, 2022, Jones robbed a bank in Carson City. After he entered the bank, he started yelling and fired a shot. Then, he approached a teller and demanded money. Jones fired another shot after noticing alarm lights flashing. He ordered all the employees to the ground and fired another shot before leaving the bank with the stolen cash.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
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United States Reaches Agreement with Clark County to Ensure Polling Place Accessibility for Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has entered into an agreement with the Clark County Election Department to resolve a compliance review that identified numerous physical barriers at polling sites. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into Clark County’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services. The agreement will be in place through the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.
“Voting is a fundamental right and the ADA guarantees that every person with a disability has an equal opportunity to exercise that right and cast their ballot in person and independently,” said Sue Fahami, First Assistant United States Attorney, District of Nevada. “We commend Clark County for its willingness to work collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office to achieve this goal.”
On June 11, 2024, during Nevada’s primary election, the United States made a compliance review of eight Clark County polling sites by conducting physical surveys. During the surveys, the United States found numerous physical barriers including missing van accessible parking and signage, steep ramps, abrupt level changes at walkways and entrance doors. In advance of the 2024 General Election, Clark County reviewed and made temporary adjustments to remedy the identified concerns.
Under the agreement, Clark County will engage the technical assistance of an accessibility expert and use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The Clark County Election Department will also survey polling locations for accessibility throughout the term of the agreement. Additionally, when selecting future polling sites, Clark County will ensure that new locations are ADA accessible. The United States Attorney’s Office will monitor the agreement and provide technical assistance. Clark County will train poll workers on the County’s obligations under the ADA.
The Clark County investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities across the country. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ednin D. Martinez.
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability, please submit a report www.civilrights.justice.gov.
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voluntary_compliance_agreement_between_the_u.s.a._and_clark_county_nv_dj_no._204-46-181_0.pdfUnited States Attorney Jason M. Frierson Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson is resigning on January 17, 2025. He has served in the position since May 2022.
Mr. Frierson was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on November 15, 2021, and confirmed by the United States Senate on April 27, 2022. He is the first African American to hold the position in the District of Nevada. Mr. Frierson leads a team of over 100 prosecutors and staff professionals with offices located in Las Vegas and Reno.
In addition to his duties as United States Attorney, he served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s Subcommittees on Voting Rights and Native American Issues.
Statement from United States Attorney Frierson:
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. I thank President Biden for nominating me and am grateful to Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto and Senator Jacky Rosen for their support and confidence in me to lead our team of dedicated public servants to carry out the Justice Department’s mission. Every day, I held each team member to the highest standards to gain the trust of the public we serve, and of our partners in law enforcement. As a team, we have valued integrity, respect and compassion, and excellence in all that we do to make Nevada a safer place. I am also grateful to have been able to work alongside local, state, tribal, and federal partners to build effective relationships that advance the cause of doing the right thing. Together, we prioritized taking guns off the streets, fighting drug trafficking, and reducing violent crime. I have been especially fortunate to be the face of the Office in the community we serve, increasing our presence in the District and fostering strong relationships with local organizations and law enforcement leadership. I look forward to seeing the continued success and courageous work ahead for the Office.”
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Agreement with Washoe County to Ensure Polling Place Access to Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
RENO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has entered into an agreement with the Washoe County Board of Commissioners to resolve a compliance review that identified numerous physical barriers at polling sites. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into Washoe County’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services. The agreement will be in place through the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.
“We must continue to protect the rights of all Nevadans to participate in one of the most fundamental rights we possess, voting rights,” said Sue Fahami, First Assistant United States Attorney, District of Nevada. “That is why we are proud to protect the rights of voters with disabilities to cast their ballot in person, privately, independently and without barriers. We are grateful for Washoe County’s commitment to helping accomplish this mutual goal.”
On June 11, 2024, during Nevada’s primary election, the United States surveyed 10 polling locations in Washoe County. The surveys found a multitude of architectural and equipment barriers both in the exterior of polling sites and inside voting areas rendering the facilities inaccessible. These physical barriers included obstructions at accessible voting stations, unreachable voting machine controls, missing accessibility signage at parking spaces, surface openings from the public sidewalk to the accessible entrance, gaps and level changes.
As part of the agreement, Washoe County will train poll workers on the County’s obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and how to employ temporary measures if necessary. It will also use the technical assistance of an accessibility expert and an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. Washoe County will also survey polling locations for accessibility throughout the term of the agreement. Importantly, when selecting future polling sites, Washoe County will ensure that new locations are ADA accessible. The United States Attorney’s Office will monitor the agreement and provide technical assistance.
The Washoe County investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities across the country. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ednin D. Martinez.
If you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability, please submit a report www.civilrights.justice.gov. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov.
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voluntary_compliance_agreement_between_the_u.s.a._and_washoe_county_nevada_dj_no_204_46_180_with_attachment_u.s.a_0.pdfNevada Man Sentenced for Dumping Waste into Cities’ Wastewater System and Lying to InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced today for illegally discharging waste, collected by a business he managed, into a local wastewater treatment system, in violation of the Clean Water Act.
Matthew Thurman, general manager of Environmental Resources Inc., doing business as Easy Rooter Plumbing (ERP), was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay a $680,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release for knowingly violating pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act. ERP was separately sentenced to three years of probation and a $680,000 fine.
For years, ERP and Thurman orchestrated illegal discharges of grease waste and wastewater collected from food-service businesses into the wastewater treatment system of the cities of Reno and Sparks, Nevada. Local regulators warned ERP and Thurman regarding the illegal discharges, but when the scheme continued, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened an investigation. During the investigation, Thurman lied to federal agents and falsely blamed competitors for the illegal discharges. The actions by Thurman and ERP jeopardized the integrity of the wastewater treatment system, creating significant environmental risks and increased maintenance costs which were passed on to consumers.
“This case underscores the importance of holding individuals and corporations accountable when they knowingly harm our environment and attempt to obstruct justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Violations of the Clean Water Act are serious crimes, and today’s sentencing sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
“The defendant defrauded clients, exposed Nevada communities to contaminated sewage, and engaged in conduct that required taxpayer dollars to be spent on costly repairs," said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today's significant sentencing demonstrates that EPA will continue to bring to justice environmental criminals."
“Nevadans depend on our clean water system for everyday life. By knowingly illegally dumping waste into the treatment system, the defendants jeopardized the quality of life of our citizens in violation of the Clean Water Act,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We will continue to prosecute these crimes and hold the violators responsible.”
This case represents a collaborative effort among local, state and federal agencies to protect America’s water systems.
EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division led the investigation with assistance from the City of Reno’s Utility Services Department-Environmental Control and the City of Sparks’ Environmental Control Section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans for the District of Minnesota, formerly of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Keenan for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
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President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Sentenced for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $6.1 million in restitution stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May.
On Nov. 21, Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government has moved to dismiss the Colorado case.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former Fraud Section Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Sentenced for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and was ordered to pay $6.1 million in restitution stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May.
On Nov. 21, Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government has moved to dismiss the Colorado case.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former Fraud Section Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding More Than $7 Million from Loan LendersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for orchestrating a scheme to defraud loan lenders and cause more than $7 million in losses.
According to court documents, from February 1, 2017 to October 1, 2018, Brandon David Sattler, 47, devised a scheme to defraud and obtain loans from three individual lenders. As part of the scheme, Sattler made false representations that his company needed loans to fulfill renovation contracts that he had with one hotel and casino and claimed to hold with other hotels and casinos. Sattler altered information from his bank to show his bank account held more than it actually did in order to influence the three individual lenders to loan money to his company. After obtaining the loans, Sattler made misrepresentations in order to extend the maturity date of the loans and delay the deadline for repayment. In total, Sattler caused a loss of more than $7 million.
Sattler pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He has two prior convictions for fraud in California and Texas.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case.
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President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.
Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)'s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.
Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
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Reno Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno resident was sentenced by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 10 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a teenage boy.
According to court documents, in March 2023, Gregory Weeks (37) engaged in sexually explicit conversations with and sent nude videos of himself masturbating to a 15-year-old boy. The conversations included making plans to have sex in a hotel in Reno. Weeks drove from Utah to Reno and picked the victim up outside the gate leading to the victim’s home. Weeks then drove the victim to a hotel where Weeks made reservations and engaged in sexual activities with the victim.
In July 2024, Weeks pleaded guilty to one-count of coercion and enticement. In addition to imprisonment, Weeks was also ordered to pay $6,150 in restitution to the victim. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), after his release from prison, Weeks will be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI-led Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of detectives and investigators from the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at https://report.cybertip.org.
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Computer Programmer Convicted for Helping Run One of the Biggest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services in the United StatesRead the Press Release
After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas yesterday convicted a Cuban citizen and U.S. permanent resident for helping operate an illegal streaming service with one of the largest quantities of infringing works. The defendant, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, is the eighth and final defendant to be convicted in the case.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Yoany Vaillant, 43, worked as a computer programmer for Jetflicks, an online, subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas that permitted users to stream and, at times, download copyrighted television episodes without the permission of relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, far more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or any other licensed streaming service. At Jetflicks, Vaillant worked directly with Kristopher Dallmann and Jared Jaurequi, who were convicted of criminal copyright offenses by a different jury earlier this year.
According to his resume, Vaillant had 15 years of computer programming experience when he started at Jetflicks and knew 27 computer languages. During the four-and-a-half months that Vaillant worked at Jetflicks he made significant contributions to the operation of the service, including fixing issues affecting the automated downloading, processing, syncing, uploading, and streaming of Jetflicks’ inventory of infringing television episodes.
Evidence at trial showed that Vaillant and his co-conspirators scoured the internet to find infringing television programs from pirate sites around the world — including some of the biggest sites specializing in infringing content such as The Pirate Bay, RARBG, altHUB, and Nzbplanet — using automated software and computer scripts that ran nonstop. Vaillant and his co-conspirators reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization and streamed the infringing programs to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States, often providing episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The vast scale of Jetflicks’ piracy affected every significant copyright owner of a television program in the United States and resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the U.S. television show and streaming industries.
Vaillant was one of eight defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2019 for running Jetflicks. In that case, Vaillant’s co-defendant Darryl Polo, a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to four criminal copyright counts and one money laundering count, which related to Jetflicks as well as another illegal streaming site he operated. Co-defendant Luis Villarino, also a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement at Jetflicks. The court sentenced Polo to four years and nine months in prison and Villarino to one year and one day in prison.
In February 2022, the court transferred the case to the District of Nevada for trial. The court in the District of Nevada subsequently severed Vaillant’s case from the other remaining five defendants — Dallmann, Jaurequi, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, and Peter Huber — and those defendants were tried in Las Vegas last June. Dallmann ran the Jetflicks operation with assistance from Jaurequi and Courson; Garcia was in charge of customer support and helped obtain television show content; and Huber provided computer programming services. A jury found all five defendants guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and Dallmann was also found guilty of three additional counts of criminal copyright infringement and two counts of money laundering by concealment. This was the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works — and first illegal streaming case — ever to go to trial.
The court will sentence Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, Huber, and Vaillant on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025. The court will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
Computer Programmer Convicted for Helping Run One of the Biggest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services in the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas yesterday convicted a Cuban citizen and U.S. permanent resident for helping operate an illegal streaming service with one of the largest quantities of infringing works. The defendant, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, is the eighth and final defendant to be convicted in the case.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Yoany Vaillant, 43, worked as a computer programmer for Jetflicks, an online, subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas that permitted users to stream and, at times, download copyrighted television episodes without the permission of relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, far more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or any other licensed streaming service. At Jetflicks, Vaillant worked directly with Kristopher Dallmann and Jared Jaurequi, who were convicted of criminal copyright offenses by a different jury earlier this year.
According to his resume, Vaillant had 15 years of computer programming experience when he started at Jetflicks and knew 27 computer languages. During the four-and-a-half months that Vaillant worked at Jetflicks he made significant contributions to the operation of the service, including fixing issues affecting the automated downloading, processing, syncing, uploading, and streaming of Jetflicks’ inventory of infringing television episodes.
Evidence at trial showed that Vaillant and his co-conspirators scoured the internet to find infringing television programs from pirate sites around the world — including some of the biggest sites specializing in infringing content such as The Pirate Bay, RARBG, altHUB, and Nzbplanet — using automated software and computer scripts that ran nonstop. Vaillant and his co-conspirators reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization and streamed the infringing programs to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States, often providing episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The vast scale of Jetflicks’ piracy affected every significant copyright owner of a television program in the United States and resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the U.S. television show and streaming industries.
Vaillant was one of eight defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2019 for running Jetflicks. In that case, Vaillant’s co-defendant Darryl Polo, a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to four criminal copyright counts and one money laundering count, which related to Jetflicks as well as another illegal streaming site he operated. Co-defendant Luis Villarino, also a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement at Jetflicks. The court sentenced Polo to four years and nine months in prison and Villarino to one year and one day in prison.
In February 2022, the court transferred the case to the District of Nevada for trial. The court in the District of Nevada subsequently severed Vaillant’s case from the other remaining five defendants — Dallmann, Jaurequi, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, and Peter Huber — and those defendants were tried in Las Vegas last June. Dallmann ran the Jetflicks operation with assistance from Jaurequi and Courson; Garcia was in charge of customer support and helped obtain television show content; and Huber provided computer programming services. A jury found all five defendants guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and Dallmann was also found guilty of three additional counts of criminal copyright infringement and two counts of money laundering by concealment. This was the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works — and first illegal streaming case — ever to go to trial.
The court will sentence Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, Huber, and Vaillant on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025. The court will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty to Committing Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud While on Pretrial ReleaseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty today to using a California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit card in another person’s name without the person’s authorization.
Deandra Michelle Smith (39) pleaded guilty to illegal transaction with access devices issued to another person. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey. Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 35 years in prison.
According to court documents and admissions made in court by Smith, around March or April 2020, she helped a friend file for unemployment insurance with the California EDD, and the friend began receiving benefits and used the benefits through an EDD debit card. In December 2020, the friend was able to resume employment and told Smith to stop the unemployment claim. However, Smith did not notify the California EDD and unemployment insurance benefits continued to be deposited into the debit card account. Between January 22, 2021 and August 17, 2021, Smith used the debit card to receive more than $16,100 in benefits that she used for her own personal expenses.
At the time of the crimes, Smith was on pretrial release after pleading guilty to unemployment insurance fraud using the personal identifying information of a family member.
“Deandra Smith engaged in a scheme to defraud DOL’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program by using a friend’s personally identifiable information to obtain UI benefits without the friend’s permission or consent. Despite being previously prosecuted and convicted for similar conduct, Smith exploited the UI program. This case highlights our strong collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office and our mutual commitment to secure justice for the American workforce,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the DOL-OIG, Western Region made the announcement.
The DOL-OIG investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 16 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of TeenagerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 16 years and eight months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for coercion and enticement, child sexual exploitation, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Kenton Hardy King (29) met a 15-year-old child through Omegle, an online chat platform. In June 2020, he coerced and enticed the victim to engage in sexual activity with him and to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing sexually explicit material. King possessed CSAM on two of his cell phones. He threatened to send images and video of the victim to the victim’s family, friends, and schoolmates.
In June 2024, following a five-day trial, a jury found King guilty of one count each of coercion and enticement; sexual exploitation of children; and possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI and the Henderson Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Rose and Jean Ripley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or https://report.cybertip.org.
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Jury Convicts Reno Man of Assaulting A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RENO – A federal jury convicted a Reno man on Wednesday for assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon during the execution of an arrest warrant.
According to evidence presented at trial, on February 16, 2022, Matthew John Nason, 38, fired a handgun in the direction of a Deputy United States Marshal while the Deputy was attempting to serve a valid arrest warrant for Nason and his girlfriend at Nason’s residence.
Following a three-day trial, the jury found Nason guilty of one-count of assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
United States District Judge Miranda M. Du presided over the jury trial. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2025. Nason faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow and Randy St. Clair are prosecuting the case.
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Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Clark CountyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Clark County for the Nov. 5 general election.
The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at 702-388-6336.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
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Reno Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Three Minors on ReservationRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno man was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting three teenagers, leaving one seriously injured, on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony reservation.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2023, Roy Ramirez, 25, pistol-whipped a teenager in the face, pistol-whipped a second teenager in the head, and pointed the firearm at a third teenager. The second teenager was a 13-year-old child who suffered multiple life-threatening injuries. Ramirez was on state parole at the time of the assault.
Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Within Indian Country and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury Within Indian Country.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI, Nevada Parole and Probation, and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Announces District Election Officer for 2024 General ElectionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Daniel R. Schiess will lead the efforts for the District of Nevada in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Schiess has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Nevada, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Frierson said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Frierson stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Schiess will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 702-388-6336.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 702-385-1281.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Frierson said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Las Vegas Man Indicted for Cyberstalking via Social MediaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident made his initial appearance Tuesday for allegedly sending thousands of messages, including threatening messages, via Instagram to two employees of the University of Texas at Austin.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, beginning on or about June 6, 2024 to September 16, 2024, Brian Patrick Solomon, 38, sent direct messages threatening to injure two high level employees of the school. In May and June of 2024, Solomon requested a total of $450 via CashApp from a victim. A records check of Solomon revealed that on July 26, 2023, he was arrested in Austin for burglary of vehicle and criminal mischief; and on February 27, 2024,
Solomon was arrested in Nevada for stalking. As a result, a protection order was entered against Solomon. In July 2024, one victim attended the ESPYs and was scheduled for a speaking engagement. Solomon communicated to the victim that he had purchased a ticket for the event. While the event revoked his ticket due to safety concerns, the victim paid out of pocket to hire security.
On September 16, 2024, the FBI arrested Solomon. After he was advised of his Miranda rights, Solomon admitted that he used multiple Instagram accounts to send a few thousand direct messages to the victim and that he had become angry with her. Additionally, Solomon admitted he had requested money from the victim to travel to the victim, and he had previously traveled via airplane to Austin.
A jury trial has been scheduled for December 17, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. Solomon is charged with one count of interstate communications with threat to injure and one count of cyberstalking. If convicted, he faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the University of Texas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Strange is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man with an extensive criminal history was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of two firearms after he exchanged gunfire on Fremont Street.
According to court documents, on September 1, 2022, DaJuan Lamar Gamble, also known as “Popeye,” 41, fired at least three shots from a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm semi-automatic pistol from a walkway of a motel on East Fremont Street at an SUV that had stopped in the street in front of the motel. An occupant in the SUV fired at least two .40 caliber rounds at Gamble. Security camera recordings at the motel captured the gunfire. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department recovered the 9mm pistol and a Norinco MAK-90 7.62 x 39mm semi-automatic rifle in a black bag hidden in the boiler room of the motel. A records check showed that the 9mm semi-automatic pistol previously had been stolen in Dallas, Texas.
In October 2023, Gamble pleaded guilty to felon in possession of firearms. He has prior felony convictions in Clark County including attempt discharge firearm at or into occupied structure, vehicle, aircraft or watercraft; accessory to murder; possession of stolen property; and possession of controlled substance with intent to sell. Gamble is prohibited by law to possess a firearm as a result of those prior felony convictions.
“Ensuring the safety of the public is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). “We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to ensure that this type of violent conduct is not tolerated within the Las Vegas community and that the prosecution of those prohibited from having a firearm remains a priority.”
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Cicolani for ATF made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Cowhig and David Kiebler prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.
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Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Convicted in Charity Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and gubernatorial candidate yesterday on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for executing a scheme to defraud charitable donors by falsely claiming she was raising money to memorialize police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michele Fiore, 54, of Pahrump, Nevada, while serving as a Las Vegas city councilwoman, solicited donors for money to build statues honoring two Las Vegas police officers who had been killed in the line of duty. The evidence at trial demonstrated that Fiore promised donors that “100% of the contributions” would be used towards the construction of memorials for the fallen officers. However, Fiore did not use any of the more than $70,000 in charitable donations she raised for the memorials. Instead, Fiore spent the money donated by the victims on a variety of personal and political expenses, including political fundraising bills, personal rent payments, and payments to family members.
Fiore is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Las Vegas Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Dahoud Askar and Alexander Gottfried and paralegal specialist Heather DePremio of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada provided substantial assistance.
Department of Justice Awards Additional $16 Million in Grants to Support Public Safety Efforts in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson today announced awards totaling $16,231,466 in Department of Justice grants to support public safety efforts in the District of Nevada. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women.
“These grant awards will be used to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and sex trafficking,” said United Sates Attorney Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We are committed to working with local, state, and Tribal governments, and community organizations to address and reduce violence against women in our communities.”
The following organizations received funding:
- Nevada Attorney General’s Office – $3,232,136
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 STOP Formula Grant Program – $1,877,858
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program – $854,278
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program – $500,000
- Reno-Sparks Indian Colony – $1,322,192
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program
- Shoshone-Paiute Tribes – $1,549,951
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program – $799,951
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program – $750,000
- Walker River Paiute Tribe – $871,600
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program
- Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe – $738,793
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program
- Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California – $601,681
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program
- Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence – $367,379
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program
- County of Elko – $700,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program
- Gay & Lesbian Community Center – $599,927
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations Program
- Board of Regents of Nevada System of Higher Education – $397,807
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program
- Nevada Outreach Training Organization No to Abuse – $500,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $5,350,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative – $1,450,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative – $1,800,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative – $1,600,000
- OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative – $500,000
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OVW awards can be found on the OVW Grant Awards Page.
About the Office on Violence Against Women
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent reauthorizing legislation. Created in 1995, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion in funding to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW supports policy development and undertakes special initiatives in response to community-identified needs. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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- Nevada Attorney General’s Office – $3,232,136
Former Las Vegas Teacher Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Distributing Approximately 130 Files of Child Sexual Abuse Material via A Social Media Messaging ApplicationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who was employed as a second-grade teacher was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to nine years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) via, Kik, a social media messaging application.
According to court documents, between April 11, 2021 and August 23, 2021, Alexander Scott Derringer (38) distributed over 130 CSAM files through two accounts on the mobile application Kik messenger. Of these files, approximately 59 of those files were recovered from two cellphones, both owned by Derringer. These files were among the approximately 2,584 images and 269 videos of CSAM found in the aggregate of both devices. The images and videos depicted minors as young as infants.
The Henderson Police Department identified Derringer after receiving two CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual using an IP address associated with Derringer’s residence uploaded and shared CSAM with other users and groups.
In June 2024, Derringer pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
“Mr. Derringer abused his position of public trust to prey on those we expected him to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet, it re-victimizes a child. The sexual exploitation of children is among the most unscrupulous crimes we investigate, and today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the FBI and our partners will work tirelessly to protect children from abuse and exploitation.”
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Evans made the announcement.
The FBI-led Child Exploitation Task Force which consists of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, Henderson Police Department, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at https://report.cybertip.org.
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Department of Justice Awards Nearly $32 Million in Grants to Support Public Safety Efforts in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson today announced awards totaling $31,746,860 in Department of Justice grants to support public safety efforts in the District of Nevada. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
“These grants are a nearly $32 million dollar investment in our state that will be used to assist local governments and Tribal communities; fund law enforcement services, resources, and trainings; and support survivors,” said U.S. Attorney Frierson for the District of Nevada. “I thank the Office of Justice Programs for awarding this critical funding that will help us build trust with and keep communities safer in Nevada.”
The following organizations received funding:
- Bureau of Justice Assistance
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $1,500,000
- BJA FY24 Extreme Risk Protective Order and Firearm Crisis Intervention Training and Technical Assistance Initiative- Invited to Apply
- City of Henderson – $782,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- Reno-Sparks Indian Colony – $1,865,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program – $265,000
- FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation – $1,600,000
- County of Lander– $563,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- City of Reno – $1,500,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- Diphrent Inc. – $963,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- County of Washoe – $996,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- City of North Las Vegas – $1,620,000
- BJA FY24 Invited to Apply- Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
- Nevada Department of Public Safety – $2,103,677
- BJA FY24 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant Solicitation – $348,149
- BJA FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation – $1,755,528
- County of Elko – $512,976
- BJA FY24 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
- Clark County Parent – $1,000,000
- BJA FY24 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Program
- Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone – $150,000
- FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation
- Nevada State – $65,292
- BJA FY24 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $1,500,000
- National Institute of Justice
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $2,000,000
- NIJ FY24 National Juvenile Court Data Archive
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $2,000,000
- Office for Victims of Crime
- Noah’s Animal House Foundation – $81,710
- OVC FY24 Technical Assistance for Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grants - Invited to Apply
- Eighth Judicial District Court – $800,000
- OVC FY24 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program - Invited to Apply
- Division of Child and Family Services – $9,959,406
- OVC FY24 VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant – $7,597,406
- OVC FY24 VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant – $2,362,000
- Noah’s Animal House Foundation – $81,710
- Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada – $396,816
- OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program - Invited to Apply
- Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe – $229,973
- OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program - Invited to Apply
- Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe – $229,973
- OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program - Invited to Apply
- Reno-Sparks Indian Colony – $229,973
- OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program - Invited to Apply
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $600,000
- OJJDP FY24 National Youth Justice Training and Technical Assistance - Invited to Apply
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – $600,000
- SMART Office
- Shoshone-Paiute Tribes – $343,966
- SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
- Nevada Department of Public Safety –$175,000
- SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
- Shoshone-Paiute Tribes – $343,966
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
- Nevada Department of Public Safety – $3,079,098
- BJS FY24 NICS Act Record Improvement Program NARIP – $2,413,463
- BJS FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program – $665,635
- Nevada Department of Public Safety – $3,079,098
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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- Bureau of Justice Assistance
Las Vegas Doctor Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Unlawful Distribution of Opioid MedicationsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas doctor was sentenced today by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of $75,000 for unlawfully distributing opioid pain medications without a medically legitimate purpose.
“By prescribing medically unnecessary prescription medications in exchange for cash payments, the defendant put vulnerable patients at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to find and investigate practitioners in the medical community who target and victimize vulnerable populations.”
According to court documents, Dr. William Alvear (69) unlawfully distributed Hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Instead, he prescribed opioids when a patient offered to pay him cash. In addition, Alvear unlawfully distributed and dispensed Alprazolam, common brand name Xanax.
Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that also has the potential for abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence. Hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
In November 2023, following a six-day jury trial, Alvear was found guilty of three-counts of distributing a controlled substance – Schedule II and five-counts of distributing or dispensing a controlled substance – Schedule IV.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Evans made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office to Work with Local Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.
“The strength of our local partnerships plays a key role in our focused efforts to address and reduce intimate partner firearm violence in Las Vegas, and to support and seek justice for victims and survivors,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to leveraging our resources to combat firearm violence against intimate partners. We will continue to work hand in hand with the ATF and Clark County District Attorney’s Office to hold violent intimate partner offenders accountable.”
“ATF is committed to our pledge of ensuring the safety of the public, which includes continuing our efforts to ensure protection from intimate partner firearm violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. “We will continue to work with our prosecutorial partners and local law enforcement to ensure that this conduct is not tolerated within the Las Vegas community and that the prosecution of domestic offenders, who are prohibited from having a firearm, are a priority.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada works closely with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office to address intimate partner gun violence in the Las Vegas Valley. Where appropriate, possession of firearms by dangerous, repeat domestic violence offenders are adopted for prosecution under federal law. Prosecution of the most dangerous offenders under the federal statute often results in a substantially longer sentence for that offender.
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation is an indicator of partnership and coordination between the Department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.
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Nevada Man Convicted of $11.2M COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Nevada man today for defrauding three banks of more than $11.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Meelad Dezfooli, 30, of Henderson, engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a program that provided loans to help small businesses continue paying employee salaries and certain other basic business expenses during the pandemic. Dezfooli submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications to federally insured banks, purportedly for the benefit of companies that the defendant controlled, and obtained more than $11.2 million in proceeds from those loans.
The evidence at trial showed that Dezfooli falsely represented certain material information in his loan applications, including information about payroll, employees, and use of the loan proceeds. After fraudulently obtaining more than $11.2 million in PPP funds, Dezfooli laundered and/or spent the proceeds by, among other things: buying approximately 25 residences and two luxury cars, funding a personal investment account, and gambling extensively. After he was originally charged, Dezfooli continued laundering criminal proceeds by selling five of the residences that he acquired with the fraudulently obtained PPP funds.
The jury convicted Dezfooli of three counts of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the bank fraud counts, 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering counts, and 10 years in prison on each of the counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General (FRB-CFPB OIG), Western Region; Special Agent in Charge Weston King of the Small Business Association Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Western Region; and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FRB-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and SBA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Taylor G. Stout of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Legal Assistant Alexa Stiles and Paralegal Holly Butler of MLARS provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation and trial.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Nevada Man Convicted of $11.2 Million COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted a Nevada man Wednesday for defrauding three banks of more than $11.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Meelad Dezfooli, 30, of Henderson, engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a program that provided loans to help small businesses continue paying employee salaries and certain other basic business expenses during the pandemic. Dezfooli submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications to federally insured banks, purportedly for the benefit of companies that the defendant controlled, and obtained more than $11.2 million in proceeds from those loans.
The evidence at trial showed that Dezfooli falsely represented certain material information in his loan applications, including information about payroll, employees, and use of the loan proceeds. After fraudulently obtaining more than $11.2 million in PPP funds, Dezfooli laundered and/or spent the proceeds by, among other things: buying approximately 25 residences and two luxury cars, funding a personal investment account, and gambling extensively. After he was originally charged, Dezfooli continued laundering criminal proceeds by selling five of the residences that he acquired with the fraudulently obtained PPP funds.
The jury convicted Dezfooli of three counts of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the bank fraud counts, 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering counts, and 10 years in prison on each of the counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General (FRB-CFPB OIG), Western Region; Special Agent in Charge Weston King of the Small Business Association Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Western Region; and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FRB-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and SBA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Taylor G. Stout of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Legal Assistant Alexa Stiles and Paralegal Holly Butler of MLARS provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation and trial.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Two Men Indicted for Damaging Rock Formations at National Recreation Area in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury indicted two Henderson men for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, on April 7, 2024, Wyatt Clifford Fain (37) and Payden David Guy Cosper (31) pushed large chunks of ancient rock formations over the edge of a cliff onto the ground below while on or near the Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, resulting in damages in excess of $1,000.
Fain and Cosper were each charged with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. They were arrested by the United States Marshals Service, and they made their initial court appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy Koppe. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 8, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to ten years imprisonment.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and United States Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service made the announcement.
The National Park Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case.
If you see something suspicious in any National Park location, or if you have information that could aid an investigation, call the NPS-wide Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submit a tip online at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Last Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Role in Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Jose Carlos De La Rosa-Lopez was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Las Vegas.
From August 2021 to May 4, 2022, De La Rosa-Lopez and co-defendants Eduardo Lopez, Jose Luis Marin-Flores, Luis Alfredo Vela-Aguirre, Jose Rivera-Hernandez, Irene Alejo-Hernandez, and Luis Alberto Lopez Benitez conspired to distribute over three kilograms of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
Previously, six co-defendants were sentenced. Eduardo Lopez was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Jose Luis Marin-Flores was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Luis Alfredo Vela-Aguirre was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Jose Rivera-Hernandez was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Irene Alejo-Hernandez was sentenced to time served. Luis Alberto Lopez Benitez was sentenced to 37 months in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
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Las Vegas Man Indicted for Sending Threatening Text MessagesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Las Vegas resident with sending threatening text messages to injure and kill two people and their families in California.
Idriss Qibaa, 28, is charged with two counts of interstate communications. An arraignment and plea hearing is scheduled before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler on Friday, August 16, 2024. He was previously charged by a criminal complaint on July 23, 2024; and he remains in custody.
According to allegations contained in court documents, on July 19, 2024, Qibaa sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill a victim and members of the victim’s family. Later, on July 24, Qibaa sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill another victim.
If convicted, Qibaa faces a maximum sentence of five years confinement and a $250,000 fine on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Las Vegas Field Office and the Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Kidnapping and Death of Woman Whose Body Was Found in Nevada DesertRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Pennsylvania man who was convicted by a federal jury was sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping a woman in Pennsylvania then driving her to Nevada and killing her in the desert.
Following an eight-day jury trial in May 2024, John Matthew Chapman, was found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death. United States District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and sentenced Chapman to the maximum penalty.
“The defendant violated the victim’s trust by luring her away from her family and friends in Pennsylvania and out into the Nevada desert where he viciously killed her,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This sentence should send a clear message to others that kidnapping and killing another person will result in a substantial prison sentence. Thank you to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their hard work in bringing justice for the victim’s family.”
“Today’s sentencing holds the defendant accountable for the callous and brutal murder of an innocent young woman,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “We hope it will bring a sense of closure to the victim’s family, while affirming the FBI and our law enforcement partners' commitment to pursuing justice for those affected by violence.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on November 14, 2019, the Bethel Park Police Department in Pennsylvania conducted a welfare check on the victim at the request of a friend. During the welfare check, neighbors stated that they had not seen the victim in approximately two months, but they had observed a person whom they believed to be her boyfriend (Chapman) entering and leaving the victim’s residence. Inside the victim’s residence, officers found identification cards with Chapman’s name and photograph, the victim’s cellular telephone, multiple zip ties, and a roll of duct tape.
On November 15, 2019, Bethel Park Police Department detectives arrested and interviewed Chapman. During the interview, Chapman admitted that in September 2019 he drove the victim from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, to Las Vegas, Nevada. He further admitted that he misled the victim to believe the trip was a vacation and they would potentially purchase a residence in Las Vegas. Chapman, however, had planned to kill the victim before their departure to Nevada. Chapman told investigators that he drove the victim out to the desert in Lincoln County, Nevada. Under the pretext of a bondage photo shoot, Chapman bound the victim’s hands and feet with plastic zip ties and affixed her to a signpost. Then he applied duct tape to her mouth and nose and watched her die from asphyxiation.
The joint investigation revealed that Chapman returned to Pennsylvania. He pretended to be the victim, including using the victim’s Facebook messenger account, and he continuously used the victim’s residence and money following her death.
The FBI, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada, and the Bethel Park Police Department in Pennsylvania investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Steven Rose prosecuted the case.
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Canadian Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Millions of Dollars from Bank Accounts of Thousands of Victims in the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Canadian man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Las Vegas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from thousands of victims in the United States.
According to court documents, Poupak Jannissar, 52, of Quebec, Canada, operated and controlled sham companies that used fake checks and other fraudulent debits to steal from victims’ accounts at banks in the United States. The defendant and his co-conspirators used various names for the sham companies, including Computer Run, EBooks, Joreeb, Memo Storage, Our Online Backup, You Can Fax Too and Your E-Library. These companies pretended to sell various internet-based services for consumers, such as cloud storage, internet faxing and online books. However, the sham companies did not actually provide any real products or services. Instead, the sham companies served to conceal the theft of money from bank accounts by Jannissar and his co-conspirators.
According to court documents, Jannissar and his co-conspirators bought lists containing misappropriated personal information belonging to thousands of potential victims. Jannissar and his co-conspirators then falsely represented to banks and others that individual victims had authorized debits from their bank accounts. If the individual victims did not notice and dispute initial charges made by the sham companies, the sham companies would fraudulently debit bank accounts multiple times. Jannissar and his co-conspirators transferred money they stole to accounts in Canada.
Jannissar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering in front of U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.
Jannissar was arrested on Jan. 22, at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida based on a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Nevada by U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. He was subsequently indicted on the charges to which he pled guilty today.
“Through various sham entities, the defendant and his accomplices stole consumers’ hard-earned money directly from their bank accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will use all of the tools at its disposal to apprehend and prosecute criminals, whether located inside or outside the United States, who steal from Americans.”
“Yesterday's guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to finding and prosecuting individuals who steal from consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Defrauding consumers and stealing their hard-earned dollars is a crime against the individuals but it also violates the trust we have in free commerce. With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to holding accountable those who violate federal law. We thank our partners for their investigative efforts to help bring justice for victims.”
“Mr. Jannisar and his co-conspirators used sham companies to steal from unknowing victims by accessing their bank accounts using personal identifiable information from illegally obtained lists, and sadly nothing more than a keystroke on a computer,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations (USPIS-CI). “His actions and those of his co-conspirators represent a crime of greed and opportunity but will not go unpunished thanks to the law enforcement community, who have dedicated their mission to uncovering and putting an end to devious schemes like these.”
"The defendant's guilty plea holds him accountable for perpetrating a fraudulent scheme that stole funds from thousands of victims' bank accounts,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) Chicago Regional Office. “The FDIC OIG continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who cause financial harm to consumers and threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation's banking system."
Jannissar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
USPIS-CI and FDIC OIG are investigating the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided valuable assistance.
Senior Trial Attorney Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
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Las Vegas Man Arrested and Indicted for Threatening to Murder Federal Officials and State EmployeesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury returned a 22-count indictment charging a Las Vegas man with threatening to assault and murder federal officials, including federal judges, and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Montana.
According to court documents, between November 30, 2023, and July 7, 2024, Spencer Christjencody Gear, 32, made threatening phone calls and sent a threatening email to assault and murder eight federal officials with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the officials while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the officials on account of the performance of official duties. Gear also threatened three state employees.
Gear was arrested and made his initial court appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. He is charged with 10-counts of threatening a federal official and 12-counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 24, 2024 before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey.
If convicted, Gear faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of threatening a federal official and 5 years for each count of transmitting a threat to injure.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service, and Chief J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, United States Capitol Police, New York State Courts Department of Public Safety, New York County District Attorney’s Office – Investigations Bureau, and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Operskalski is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Nevada Man Arrested and Indicted for Threatening to Murder Federal Officials and State EmployeesRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned a 22-count indictment charging Spencer Christjencody Gear, 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, with threatening to assault and murder federal officials, including federal judges, and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey and Montana.
“The citizens we rely on to serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts and threats of violence targeting public servants, and we will stop at nothing to find and bring to justice those responsible.”
“The FBI will not tolerate individuals who threaten government officials for doing their jobs and who create a climate of fear,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch. “As this case demonstrates, we will work with our partners to investigate and hold accountable all those who threaten or interfere with government officials as they carry out their duties.”
According to court documents, between Nov. 30, 2023, and July 7, Gear made threatening phone calls and sent a threatening email to assault and murder eight federal officials with intent to impede, intimidate and interfere with the officials while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the officials on account of the performance of official duties. Gear also threatened three state employees.
Gear was arrested and made his initial court appearance today. He is charged with 10 counts of threatening a federal official and 12 counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. A jury trial has been scheduled for Sept. 24.
If convicted, Gear faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of threatening a federal official and five years for each count of transmitting a threat to injure.
The FBI, United States Marshals Service and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Operskalski for the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Sextorting Numerous MinorsRead the Press Release
RENO - A Nevada man was sentenced today to 65 years in prison, to be followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting multiple minors and advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he coerced these minors into producing.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2018 and 2021, James Patrick Burns, 55, of Sparks, “sextorted” multiple minors online, via Omegle, Snapchat, Tiktok, and Mega, by threatening these minors into producing CSAM and then posting the CSAM on dark web forums. During this period, Burns was the most prolific creator of illegal content on these forums. He victimized over 100 children, many of whom have yet to be identified. Burns’s offenses came to the attention of law enforcement when the mother of one of his victims saw threats on the victim’s phone and reported what she saw to the police.
Burns was also ordered to pay $82,655.92 in restitution and $21,000 in assessments under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
On March 5, a federal jury convicted Burns of eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, eight counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count each of advertising, receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography. At the time of these offenses, Burns was already a registered sex offender, and the jury also convicted Burns of committing certain specified felony offenses while required to register as a sex offender.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Miller of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Las Vegas made the announcement.
The FBI-led Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of detectives and investigators from the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and HSI, investigated the case. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, HSI Chicago Field Office, and local law enforcement around the country provided substantial assistance.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Making Threats to Kill Family Member of Federal OfficialRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Tuesday to 46 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for leaving a threatening voicemail and text messages threatening to kill a family member of a then member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to court documents, in the late evening of June 1, and the early morning of June 2, 2023, Anthony Lewis Hamelin, also known as “Tony Hamelin,” 52, called the spouse of a then-member of the U.S. House of Representatives and left a voicemail threatening to kill their son. Hamelin stated that he was enroute to his intended victim. Hamelin sent text messages stating anger and frustration with the U.S. Representative for carrying out his official duties. On June 2, 2023, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers and U.S. Capitol Police agents located Hamelin and arrested him.
On March 11, 2024, Hamelin pleaded guilty to one count of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member, and one count of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the sentencing hearing.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Chief J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Operskalski prosecuted the case.
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Colorado Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Assault with A Tomahawk HatchetRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Colorado man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for using a Tomahawk hatchet to attack and cause serious injury to a person at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 2018.
According to court documents, on September 7, 2018, Christopher Dewey Booker, 48, repeatedly struck and bludgeoned a person using a Tomahawk hatchet. The victim sustained at least 22 injuries including fractures, lacerations, partial detachment of his left hand, and partial facial paralysis. These injuries resulted in protracted loss and impairment of the victim’s jaw and permanent impairment of the victim’s left hand.
In May 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Booker; and in April 2024, Booker pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. In addition to imprisonment, United States District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Booker to three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorney Mina Chang prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Tuesday to 97 months in prison for selling large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, from January 2022 to September 14, 2022, Jacobo Aguilar Humberto (43) conspired with co-defendant Eduardo Flores-Martinez to sell methamphetamine and heroin for cash. At times, as part of the conspiracy, Humberto would call Flores-Martinez, his courier, to sell narcotics on his behalf. During the conspiracy, Humberto directly sold or dispatched Flores-Martinez to sell methamphetamine and heroin on multiple dates.
On September 14, 2022, law enforcement agents recovered one pound of heroin and one ounce of methamphetamine, as well as $2,060 in cash and two loaded firearms from Humberto’s vehicle. Agents also conducted a traffic stop on Flores-Martinez’s vehicle where they recovered one pound of methamphetamine, one ounce of heroin, and a loaded firearm. During a search of Humberto’s residence, agents recovered $16,156 and three firearms.
Humberto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. In addition to 97 months in prison, United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Humberto to five years of supervised release.
Flores-Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. On July 25, 2023, United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Flores-Martinez to 84 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.
If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
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Las Vegas Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Submitting over $700,000 in Fraudulent Invoices to HospitalRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas business owner was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in prison for submitting over $700,000 in false invoices to a hospital, causing the hospital to mail checks to the defendant for products not provided to the hospital.
According to court documents, beginning in 2020 and continuing through June 14, 2022, Roland Sagun Torres devised a scheme to defraud a hospital located in Nevada. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Torres used the names of at least 100 patients and doctors at the hospital to submit false invoices from his business for products that he did not provide to the hospital. In total, Torres’s submission of these false invoices caused the hospital to mail checks to Torres’s company in the amount of $712,000 for products he never provided.
On November 3, 2023, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In addition to imprisonment, United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Torres to three years of supervised release and ordered Torres to pay $712,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case.
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California Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Large Quantities of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A California man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring with others to distribute hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills throughout the United States.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2021, George Anthony Manzo (37), of Redlands, California, sold 500 fentanyl pills to an individual. As part of the conspiracy, Manzo primarily utilized Snapchat to arrange drug transactions and communicate with customers. On April 2, 2021, Manzo sold approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills to his co-defendant Michel Flores-Paredes. Later, on June 29, 2021, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Manzo’s girlfriend and Manzo was in the front passenger seat. They were traveling back to Las Vegas from Phoenix where they picked up the pills. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found approximately 30,000 pills. A DEA laboratory analysis found that the pills contained fentanyl. Manzo and his girlfriend were released from custody while investigators waited for the drug test results on the pills found in their car. After their release, Manzo, his girlfriend, and her three minor children fled the United States. In December 2021, Manzo was taken into custody in Tijuana, Mexico and returned to the United States that day.
On January 2, 2024, Manzo pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance – Fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – Fentanyl.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, killing 38,000 Americans in the first six months of 2023 alone. In 2022, more than two thirds of the reported 107,081 drug overdose deaths in the United States involved fentanyl. Just one fentanyl pill can kill. Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose and laboratory testing indicates seven out of 10 pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
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Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Crimes Including Coercion and Enticement, Child Sexual Exploitation, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas resident yesterday of coercion and enticement, child sexual exploitation, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between June 2, 2020, and June 3, 2020, Kenton Hardy King (29), met a child through the anonymous online chat platform Omegle. He coerced and enticed the victim to engage in sexual activity and to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing sexual images. Furthermore, King possessed child sexual abuse material on two of his cell phones.
Following a five-day trial, the jury convicted King of one count each of coercion and enticement; sexual exploitation of children; and possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey on September 23, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI and the Henderson Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Rose and Jean Ripley are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Reno Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno resident was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to 36 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release for possessing over 600 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, between December 11, 2022 and February 14, 2023, Carl Baker (78) possessed and accessed computers and hard drives that contained CSAM. He admitted that he possessed more than 600 images of minors younger than 12 years of age.
In January 2024, Baker pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Baker must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Penelope Brady and former Assistant United States Attorney Richard Casper prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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El Aero Services LLC Agrees to Pay over $2.1 Million for Response to Sheep Creek FireRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – El Aero Services, LLC has entered into a civil settlement agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to pay over $2.1 million dollars for fire response and suppression costs arising out of the Sheep Creek Fire in 2018.
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) incurred $2,173,872.44 in costs and damages to suppress the Sheep Creek Fire, which started on August 18, 2018, after a helicopter crashed in the Sheep Creek Range, North of Battle Mountain, Nevada. The BLM investigated the fire and determined that El Aero Services, LLC was responsible.
“Thanks to the diligence of Assistant United States Attorneys and professional staff in the Civil Division, we have recovered over $2.1 million spent in response to the Sheep Creek Fire, which was sparked by a helicopter accident,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This settlement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring full recovery of wildfire suppression costs.”
Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson handled this matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Omaha Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Victor Henderson, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced June 21, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Henderson to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Henderson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On July 30, 2023, Omaha Police observed the driver of a Ford Edge commit a traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop on that vehicle. The driver was identified as Christopher Grutel. Henderson was seated in the front passenger seat. Officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, so they detained Grutel and Henderson for a probable cause search of their persons as well as the vehicle.
While searching the vehicle, officers located marijuana shake on the front passenger floorboard, an open container of alcohol on the driver’s seat, and an ammunition box in the back seat inside a plastic bag that contained four live “Aguila” 9mm rounds of ammunition. In 2021, Henderson was convicted in Douglas County District Court for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Grutel also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and will be sentenced on September 6, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
CEO of Health Care Center Indicted for Stealing Federal Grant MoneyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury indicted the Chief Executive Officer of Silver State Health Services, LLC, for allegedly stealing federal grant funding intended for the health care center to provide services to indigent persons.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, David Ryan Linden, 35, was the Chief Executive Officer of Silver State Health Services, LLC, a not-for-profit limited liability corporation in Las Vegas. On behalf of Silver State Health Services, LLC, Linden applied for federal grant money from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. As part of the grant application, Linden represented that $735,200 of the budgeted costs would be used to meet projected personnel costs for the health center. In February 2019, Silver State Health Services, LLC was awarded $735,200 in grant funding.
As alleged, on June 10, 2019, Silver State Health Services, LLC withdrew in excess of $357,000 from the grant and deposited the funds into a bank account belonging to Silver State Health Services, LLC. Then, on June 16, 2019, Linden became a signatory on a bank account belonging to a company named Freedom Infusions, LLC, which was not affiliated with the grant or Silver State Health Services, LLC. Further alleged, on June 24, 2019, Linden transferred $340,000 of federal grant funds from the Silver State Health Services, LLC bank account to the bank account for Freedom Infusions. The $340,000 was allegedly used for the benefit of others.
A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on August 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. If convicted, Linden faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Myhre and Justin Washburne are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Five Men Convicted for Operating Major Illegal Streaming ServiceRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men this week for their roles in running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the United States, which generated millions of dollars in subscription revenue while causing substantial harm to television program copyright owners.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning as early as 2007, Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber operated an online, subscription-based streaming service known as Jetflicks. The Jetflicks group used sophisticated computer scripts and software to scour pirate websites for illegal copies of television episodes, which they then downloaded and hosted on Jetflicks servers. The group reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization, amassing a catalog larger than the combined catalogues of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Dallmann and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars streaming and distributing this catalogue of stolen content to tens of thousands of paid subscribers.
“The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illicit streaming service they used to distribute hundreds of thousands of stolen television episodes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, while causing copyright owners to lose out. These convictions underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights by prosecuting digital piracy schemes and bringing offenders to justice.”
“The defendants conspired to operate an online streaming service that unlawfully reproduced and distributed thousands of copyrighted television programs for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This case is another example of our steadfast commitment to combat intellectual property theft and to hold accountable those who violate intellectual property rights laws.”
“The defendants ran a platform that automated the theft of TV shows and distributed the stolen content to subscribers,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “When complaints from copyright holders and problems with payment service providers threatened to topple the illicit multimillion-dollar enterprise, the defendants tried to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”
The jury convicted Dallman, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanor criminal copyright infringement. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and Dallmann faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael Christin, Christopher Merriam, and Matthew Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the CCIPS Paralegal Edie Britman.
Five Men Convicted for Operating Major Illegal Streaming ServiceRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men this week for their roles in running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the United States, which generated millions of dollars in subscription revenue while causing substantial harm to television program copyright owners.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning as early as 2007, Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber operated an online, subscription-based streaming service known as Jetflicks. The Jetflicks group used sophisticated computer scripts and software to scour pirate websites for illegal copies of television episodes, which they then downloaded and hosted on Jetflicks servers. The group reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization, amassing a catalog larger than the combined catalogues of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Dallmann and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars streaming and distributing this catalogue of stolen content to tens of thousands of paid subscribers.
“The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illicit streaming service they used to distribute hundreds of thousands of stolen television episodes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, while causing copyright owners to lose out. These convictions underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights by prosecuting digital piracy schemes and bringing offenders to justice.”
“The defendants conspired to operate an online streaming service that unlawfully reproduced and distributed thousands of copyrighted television programs for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This case is another example of our steadfast commitment to combat intellectual property theft and to hold accountable those who violate intellectual property rights laws.”
“The defendants ran a platform that automated the theft of TV shows and distributed the stolen content to subscribers,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “When complaints from copyright holders and problems with payment service providers threatened to topple the illicit multimillion-dollar enterprise, the defendants tried to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”
The jury convicted Dallman, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanor criminal copyright infringement. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and Dallmann faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael Christin, Christopher Merriam, and Matthew Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the CCIPS Paralegal Edie Britman.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Friday by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to 43 months in prison for using stolen debit and credit cards and checks to make fraudulent purchases at retail stores.
According to court documents, from January 2023 to March 8, 2023, Andy Phouphayry, devised and carried out a scheme to fraudulently obtain debit and credit cards and checks for the purposes of withdrawing cash or making fraudulent purchases at retail stores in Las Vegas. As part of the scheme, Phouphayry stole debit or credit cards or checks from the mail. He would fraudulently obtain pin numbers for the debit and credit cards. Furthermore, he would steal victims’ checks and alter them so that they could be deposited into other victims’ bank accounts. Phouphayry deposited a stolen check into a victim’s bank account, then he fraudulently used a debit card in the name of that victim to withdraw cash from the victim’s account.
On March 8, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Phouphayry’s hotel room. Law enforcement found stolen mail including checks totaling more than $150,000. As a result of this scheme, Phouphayry stole mail from more than 10 victims and he caused at least $20,256.02 in loss to the bank.
Phouphayry pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In addition to imprisonment, Phouphayry was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $22,473.12.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
The United States Postal Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case.
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