District of Nevada
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Firearm at A Casino When He Shot A Security GuardRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson resident was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2021, during which he shot a security guard.
Michael Joseph Kasper (34) pleaded guilty in October 2022 to felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva on April 10, 2023.
According to court documents, on December 16, 2021, casino security guards believed Kasper had attempted to cash a fraudulent check at the casino cage. Security attempted to detain Kasper, but he resisted and immediately began fighting the security guards. During the scuffle, Kasper possessed a 9mm semi-automatic firearm and shot twice at and injured a security guard. Kasper has prior felony convictions in Clark County, and he is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Kasper was charged in Clark County for the shooting of the security guard, and Kasper pleaded guilty to one count of battery with use of deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm.
The 46-month sentence in this case was ordered to run consecutive to Kasper’s unrelated prior criminal conduct arising out of Lincoln County, Nevada, for three counts of battery by prisoner upon a first responder, in which was he was sentenced to 108 to 432 months in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Unemployment Insurance Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A California resident pleaded guilty today to using multiple California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization.
Breon Dante Mims (32), of Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty to illegal transaction with access devices. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2023, before United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. Mims faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
According to court documents and admissions made in court by Mims, on September 20, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped Mims walking along Las Vegas Boulevard after he was observed smoking a marijuana blunt in public. During the stop, officers obtained Mims’ consent to search his backpack, and they found $10,080 in cash and 10 EDD debit cards none of which were in Mims’ name. He admitted that he possessed and used these EDD debit cards without authorization; and that he submitted the unemployment claims associated with the EDD debit cards without authorization. At least $261,600 in benefits were approved for the unemployment claims associated with the cards, and Mims withdrew at least $77,000 from various ATMs in Nevada and California using these fraudulently obtained EDD debit cards.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Western Region made the announcement.
The DOL-OIG investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fang 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 Prison After Carrying Out Mail Forwarding and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to three years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for participating in a scheme that victimized nearly 400 people by redirecting their mail, stealing the victims’ identities, and using bank accounts in the victims’ names without their consent.
In March 2022, after a two-day trial, Nosa Frank Obayando (31) was found guilty of mail theft, using an unauthorized access device, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was alerted to a fraudulent mail forwarding scheme. An investigation found that between February 2017 and February 2018, Obayando and a co-defendant worked together to steal mail through a fraudulent forwarding scheme where hundreds of victims from around the country had their mail forwarded without their knowledge or consent to addresses under Obayando and the co-defendant’s control. As part of the scheme, Obayando and the co-defendant checked the mailboxes for fraudulently-forwarded mail, then used the identities in that mail to steal funds from bank accounts.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Tony Lopez prosecuted the case.
If you suspect potential mail fraud or mail theft, you may contact the USPIS by calling 877-876-2455 or by making a report online at https://www.uspis.gov/report.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident with prior felony convictions was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 78 months in prison for unlawful possession of multiple firearms and ammunition.
Lorenzo Lindsey (28) pleaded guilty in September 2020 to felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and admissions made by Lindsey, on November 16, 2018, he possessed three 9mm firearms and 100 rounds of ammunition while he was in a gun store. From June 2018 to January 2019, he possessed a 9mm firearm and ammunition at his residence. He had previously fired the 9mm at an indoor shooting range. Lindsey has at least three felony convictions, and he is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Use of A Firearm in A CarjackingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for carjacking two people at gunpoint.
Steve Francis Pitchford Jr., 39, pleaded guilty on March 24, 2022, to use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2019, Pitchford approached two people sitting in a car in the parking lot of a Las Vegas dentist’s office and pointed a firearm at them. Pitchford told them to get out of the car, then drove off in the car. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Pitchford on June 28, 2019.
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 the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Two Las Vegas Felons Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm and Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two convicted felons and Las Vegas residents were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey for unlawful possession of firearms and for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. Nicholas Eddards was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Justin Chester was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Justin Chester (42) and Nicholas Eddards (36) each pleaded guilty in January 2023 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on January 3, 2019, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped a car carrying Eddards and Chester. During a search of the car, the officers discovered a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and methamphetamine.
Eddards has prior felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, ex-felon not to possess a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm in the District of Nevada. Chester has prior felony convictions for attempted battery with a deadly weapon and domestic battery.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
If you have information pertaining to illegal firearms activity such as a straw purchase, please contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). Anonymous tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Nevada Attorney Indicted in Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas attorney made his initial appearance on March 31, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme causing more than 1,000 victim-investors to part with more than $460 million.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment on March 29, 2023, charging Matthew Wade Beasley (50) with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. A detention hearing was scheduled for April 7, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach. A jury trial was scheduled for June 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from about 2017 to March 2022, Beasley falsely represented to another person that he could find plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits who wanted to borrow money against their pending settlements and would pay high interest rates to do so. He created fake contracts to lend money to purported personal injury plaintiffs. Beasley caused others to find investors to invest in these fake contracts.
The indictment further alleges that, Beasley caused victim investors to wire transfer their investments to Beasley’s IOLTA account, which is a bank account set up by an attorney to hold client monies. He used the money from the scheme to buy luxury homes, cars, and recreational vehicles.
“This indictment alleges the defendant devised and orchestrated a large-scale, multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme with thousands of victims across the country,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “While the allegations are intolerable regardless of the defendant’s position, they are even more egregious when considering defendant’s position of trust as an attorney. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue, investigate, and prosecute individuals who lure victims with a false promise and take advantage for their personal benefit.”
“Investment fraud can be crippling for its victims, with life savings obliterated in a flash,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “The defendant used fraudulent means to mislead multiple victims into believing they were investing in legitimate legal contracts. The FBI is committed to identifying and working with anyone impacted by this brazen scheme. This indictment is only one piece of an ongoing investigation. We will continue to follow the facts and pursue anyone who seeks to defraud others through deceptive and illegal practices.”
If convicted, Beasley faces up to 160 years in prison and fines up to $2,750,000 or twice the value of property involved in the scheme, whichever is greater. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Eric Schmale are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Las Vegas Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 65 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine.
Adeline Coronel (31) pleaded guilty in December 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in September and October 2021, Coronel conspired with co-defendant Melinda Rodriguez and others to sell and possess with the intent to sell 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine. Coronel arranged and negotiated the sale of drugs, and on one occasion she drove from California to Las Vegas to sell about three pounds of methamphetamine. Additionally, she admitted to working with individuals in Mexico to smuggle the drugs into the United States.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance - methamphetamine and she was sentenced to 96 months in prison.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.
If you have information of a potential violation of controlled substances laws and regulations, including the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, please contact the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
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Las Vegas Felon Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of Short-Barrel Rifle with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A prior convicted felon and Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a short-barrel AR-15 pattern rifle with an obliterated serial number.
Martel Deavon Nelson, 38, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2020, Nelson left his car running at the curb in the valet parking area outside a Las Vegas casino’s entrance. He entered the casino and walked bare-footed to the bar and said to the cashier “Give me my money.” He refused to leave the casino and he became belligerent, lunging at one of the security officers. While Nelson scuffled with security personnel inside the casino, a security officer outside the casino looked into Nelson’s car and observed an AR-15 pattern firearm between the driver seat and center console. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded and during the execution of a search warrant of Nelson’s vehicle recovered the short-barreled rifle with an obliterated serial number, a vertical fore-grip, and a large-capacity magazine inserted.
Nelson has a prior felony conviction in San Bernardino County, Calif., for attempted murder, and by law he is prohibited to possess a firearm.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
If you have information pertaining to illegal firearms activity such as a straw purchase, please contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). Anonymous tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Reno Woman Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno woman who made false statements when she purchased multiple firearms that were bought for her son, a convicted felon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
In December 2022, a jury found Gail Manney (48) guilty of illegal acquisition of firearms.
According to court documents, on April 21, 2021, Manney illegally purchased seven firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee for her son — who is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law from buying and possessing firearms. At the time of purchase, Manney completed a federal firearms transaction form representing that she was the actual buyer of the firearms.
“Buying a firearm for someone who is a prohibited person — be it a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger — is a serious offense and a violation of federal law,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Our office and ATF combine resources to ensure firearms do not end up in the hands of prohibited persons.”
“Straw purchasing is not a victimless crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The act of willfully providing a prohibited person with a firearm by purchasing the firearm on their behalf puts firearms in the hands of criminal organizations and violent criminals which presents a grave threat to the safety of our communities. It is a federal crime to conduct the act of straw purchasing and ATF will continue to work with our prosecutorial partners to ensure that straw purchasers are held accountable.”
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
If you have information pertaining to illegal firearms activity such as a straw purchase, please contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). Anonymous tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Operator of Tax Return Preparer Business Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas tax return preparer was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 15 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for preparing false tax returns for clients and causing the returns to be filed with the IRS.
Brenda Eleana Reyna (38) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, Reyna — the operator of USA Tu Casa Tax Services, a tax return preparation business in Las Vegas — fraudulently claimed deductions and misrepresented to her clients the contents of their returns that she would file on their behalf. For tax years 2015 through 2019, Reyna caused at least $2,750,000 in tax loss to the IRS. In addition, when preparing her own tax returns, Reyna fraudulently filed returns that did not accurately report her income. For tax years 2015 through 2020, Reyna failed to report approximately $606,663 in net income, causing at least $169,866 in tax loss to the IRS.
“During the ongoing tax season, tax return preparers are entrusted by their clients to accurately prepare and file tax information,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Together with IRS Criminal Investigation, we are committed to investigating and charging those who act improperly and attempt to defraud the IRS.”
“Ms. Reyna not only cheated the IRS, but she victimized her clients as well,” said Albert Childress, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “She claimed larger refunds on her client’s behalf so that she could steal some of the refund for herself. Tax preparers should take note that if they attempt to defraud the IRS and their clients, they will be caught and held accountable.”
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tony Lopez prosecuted the case.
If you suspect tax fraud, you can report a tax return preparer for misconduct to the IRS at www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer.
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Health Care Staffing Executive Indicted for Fixing Wages of NursesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment yesterday charging a health care staffing executive with conspiring to fix the wages of Las Vegas nurses, in violation of the Sherman Act.
According to the one-count felony indictment, Eduardo Lopez, of Las Vegas, held executive positions at three different home health agencies. For each company, Lopez oversaw recruitment, hiring, retention and assignments of nurses and other health care staff. Lopez and other unnamed co-conspirators are charged with agreeing to suppress and eliminate competition for the services of nurses between March 2016 and May 2019. Specifically, Lopez and his co-conspirators are charged with participating in a series of meetings and communications to fix wages of nurses.
“Wage fixing is a crime that deprives workers of hard-earned wages,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will be vigilant in protecting workers.”
“We will continue to partner with the Antitrust Division and the FBI to protect the marketplace and the rights of workers to earn fair wages,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We will investigate and prosecute those who engage in anticompetitive activities.”
“The wage fixing alleged in this case harmed hardworking Americans and cheated them of fair opportunity and compensation,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI is committed to rooting out anti-competitive activity and corruption.”
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum.
Today’s announcement is the result of a federal investigation being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the International Corruption Unit of the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
The charges in this case were brought in connection with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing commitment to prosecute anticompetitive conduct affecting American labor markets. Anyone with information on market allocation or price fixing by employers should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 33 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for committing multiple child sexual exploitation crimes.
Stephen Thomas Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” (38) pleaded guilty in October 2022, to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Parshall is required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned of Parshall’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to cause destruction during protests on May 30, 2020, and of Parshall’s alleged membership in the “Boogaloo” movement. Parshall was arrested and search warrants were executed on Parshall’s electronic devices. Law enforcement officers located 10 images of child sexual abuse material, and numerous images of child erotica, on Parshall’s cellular phone. Investigators identified Victim 1, a child under the age of 18 years old, in two of the child sexual abuse images located on Parshall’s phone. Parshall forced Victim 1 to perform sex acts upon him while he photographed it.
Investigators also located social media conversations on a second cell phone owned by Parshall, under account names “cptkiwi1”, “nopictoobad”, and “pervysage”. In some of those social media conversations, Parshall messaged with Victim 2, another child under 18 years old, and convinced Victim 2 to take sexually explicit pictures. Victim 2 sent the requested child sexual abuse material to Parshall.
Additionally, in separate social media conversations, Parshall traded child pornography material with other users.
“As part of our Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with law enforcement partners, we will use all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who exploit children,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the hard work by the prosecution team and law enforcement, the defendant is no longer a threat to children and the community.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”
The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.
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Tribe Member Sentenced to Prison for Shooting at Police OfficerRead the Press Release
RENO – A Winnemucca Indian Colony tribe member was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for shooting at a law enforcement officer and pointing his firearm at a second officer.
Martin Williams (39) pleaded guilty in November 2022 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon within Indian Country.
According to court documents and admissions made in court by Williams, on April 2, 2020, he fired a shot at a law enforcement officer while on the Winnemucca Indian Colony reservation and pointed his firearm at a second officer.
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, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Winnemucca Police Department, and the Elko Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
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Tribe Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for the Death of A ChildRead the Press Release
RENO – An enrolled member of the Ely Shoshone Tribe was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, the maximum sentence, for voluntary manslaughter of a three-year-old girl.
Colon Jackson (31) pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one count of voluntary manslaughter within Indian Country.
According to court documents and facts presented in court, on January 9, 2019, on the Ely Shoshone Indian Reservation, the victim’s mother picked her up from day care and took her home so Jackson could care for her while her mother was at work. While the three-year-old girl was in Jackson’s care, he shook and threw the victim’s body. Jackson called the victim’s mother to tell her that the girl was unconscious. The mother came home from work and took the child to the emergency room in Ely. The girl was then flown from Ely to Salt Lake City. She died from the injuries caused by Jackson.
“The defendant’s senseless act resulted in the death of a child,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working steadfast to seek justice for victims. In collaboration with state, local, Tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating reports of missing and murdered Indigenous people, also prioritizing the disproportionately high rates of violence against women and girls.”
“I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to hold the defendant accountable for his actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “The FBI stands strongly with tribal and law enforcement partners in our joint commitment to bring justice for victims. Violent crimes, such as this horrendous act, will never go unchallenged.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, BIA, the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ely Shoshone Tribal Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.
If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, please contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
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Last Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Shipping Cocaine via MailRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to 57 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to ship cocaine and money proceeds via the U.S. Postal Service from Las Vegas to Columbus, Ohio.
According to court documents, between November 18, 2020 and January 28, 2021, Luis Enrique Ortiz-Ibarra (30) and co-conspirators Marcell Arturo Perez-Aranda (25) and Juan Carlos Montalvo-Navarrete (28) shipped cocaine and money through the U.S. Postal Service. As part of the conspiracy, Ortiz-Ibarra and Montalvo-Navarrete shipped parcels containing cocaine from Las Vegas to Columbus, Ohio. Over the course of the conspiracy, Ortiz-Ibarra and Montalvo-Navarrete shipped 17.9 kilograms of cocaine from Nevada to Ohio. During the same period, Perez-Aranda shipped parcels containing tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds from Columbus back to Las Vegas.
Ortiz-Ibarra pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Montalvo-Navarrete was sentenced to 60 months in prison; and Perez-Aranda was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.
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Last Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Large Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The last two of seven defendants charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced for their roles in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from California and Mexico to Nevada.
Ivan Salazar, a four-time convicted felon, aka “Evil,” (40) and Domingo Montes, a three-time convicted felon, aka “JR,” (36) were sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 140 months and 100 months in prison, respectively.
According to court documents, in 2019, law enforcement began investigating co-conspirator Luis Arellano and other members of the Pomona Sur Lokotes (PSL) drug trafficking organization. In 2020, Salazar and Montes conspired with others to distribute 946 grams and 204 grams of methamphetamine, respectively, in Las Vegas. Salazar and Montes obtained the methamphetamine from Arellano, the leader of the drug trafficking organization.
Salazar and Montes each pleaded guilty in November 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced earlier. Luis Arellano, aka “Lewis Arellano” and “Laughter,” (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 168 months in prison; Jacqueline Martinez (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 78 months in prison; Amelio Che Medina (45) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in prison; Anna Barrios (34) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and Victor Manuel Rodriguez, aka “Smokey” (39) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 100 months 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’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Las Vegas Resident Sentenced to Prison for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 30 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan (EIDL) loan applications seeking more than $1 million under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents, from May 2020 to June 2020, Jeremy Lee Attebery (42) submitted two false PPP loan applications and one false EIDL application. Attebery provided false information on his loan applications, such as number of employees, amount of monthly payroll, and gross revenues. In total, he applied for approximately $1,043,000 in fraudulent loans. Furthermore, he falsely stated on each application that he had not been convicted of a felony within the past five years.
Attebery pleaded guilty in August 2022 to three counts of wire fraud.
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 investigated the case; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva prosecuted 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 augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson Statement in Recognition of Black History MonthRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada issued the following statement from United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson in recognition of Black History Month:
“As our celebration of Black History Month comes to a close this year, I would like to acknowledge the generations that have come before us as well as those who continue their work advancing justice and equality in our country. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has joined communities throughout Nevada to celebrate African American history and culture, and have paid tribute to individuals whose achievements impacted our community and society as a whole. We acknowledge individuals at all levels who work today to advance the Department of Justice’s mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.
I am humbled to serve as the first African American to hold the position of United States Attorney in the District of Nevada. As we strive to reflect the community that we serve, I am also proud that we have more African American Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of Nevada than ever before. It is an honor to work alongside dedicated Assistant United States Attorneys, professional staff, law enforcement partners, and community organizations to make Nevada a safer place to live and work.”
Las Vegas Woman Pleads Guilty to Committing COVID Relief Fraud While on Federal ProbationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva to filing fraudulent applications seeking thousands of dollars in loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
According to court documents, Mikaela Marie Cuevas (24) — while on probation for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer — submitted at least two fraudulent loan applications and received thousands of dollars of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding she was not eligible to receive. As part of the scheme, Cuevas submitted PPP loan applications in the name of a fake management consulting business, falsely claiming gross annual revenues of $106,000 from the non-existent business. Shortly after receiving the PPP funds, she filed fraudulent loan forgiveness applications, seeking to have her responsibility to re-pay the stolen loans absolved. In total, Cuevas caused a loss of about $47,000.
Cuevas pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2023, and faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison. In addition to time in prison, Cuevas faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 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; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI; Special Agent in Charge Weston King for the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General’s (SBA OIG) Western Region Office; Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress for the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI); Acting Special Agent in Charge Cory Nootnagel for the Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (FRB-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI, SBA OIG, IRS CI, FRB-OIG, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Frayn prosecuted 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 (NCDF) 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 Prison for $12 Million Advance Fee Telemarketing Scheme Targeting Small Business OwnersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for defrauding hundreds of small business owners – many of them elderly – of about $12 million.
Michael Jones (43) pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. In addition to the prison term, Jones was ordered to pay restitution in the total amount of $11,509,087.67 to the victims, and a forfeiture money judgment in the total amount of $7,934,095.32.
According to court documents, from October 2009 to February 2014, Jones and his co-defendants convinced more than 2,100 small business owners to pay nearly $12 million for what Jones and his co-defendants described as advance fees to fund expenses to apply for supposed government, private and charitable grants for the victims’ businesses. Following a script, Jones and others would falsely tell the victims that government, private and charitable organizations would provide grants to them regardless of the type of business they operated, but the victim first needed to pay thousands of dollars in fees to access those grants. Jones and his co-defendants induced the small business owners to give them money in exchange for services that were never provided. The scheme functioned solely to enrich Jones and his co-defendants.
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 investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two men pleaded guilty yesterday for their involvement in a conspiracy to apply for and use Nevada and California unemployment insurance benefits debit cards that were issued in other peoples’ names.
Luigi J. Montes (42), of Sugar Land, Texas, and Peter Alexander Stincer (34), of Sylmar, California, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2023.
According to court documents and admissions made in court, from at least March 2020 to January 2021, Montes, Stincer, and co-defendant Alexander Hoyos Rivera, of Marion, Ohio, conspired to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD). As part of the scheme, they used stolen personal identifying information – such as victim names, dates of birth, and social security numbers – to defraud DETR and EDD. Once the claims were approved, unemployment insurance debit cards were sent to mailing addresses to which the defendants had access. After receiving the debit cards, they withdrew the funds at various ATMs located in several states, including Nevada, California, and Texas. In total, DETR, EDD, and other state agencies approved at least $934,129 in benefits for these fraudulent claims. During the conspiracy, the defendants fraudulently obtained at least $698,655 in benefits for their personal use.
At sentencing, Montes and Stincer each face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
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 investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced to 121 months in prison for selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and multiple firearms – including three machineguns.
Francis Araujo (33) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and illegal possession of machineguns. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Araujo on Tuesday to five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, between August 1, 2021 and February 24, 2022, Araujo conspired with others to distribute cocaine and at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. On December 9, 2021, Araujo sold three privately made AR-15 style firearms.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Miller for HSI Las Vegas; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
HSI, ATF, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
If you have information about potential criminal activity, call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or submit a tip online at: https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Las Vegas Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas tax preparer pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns.
Maria Magdalena Mendoza (51) pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false income tax returns. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023.
According to court documents, from at least 2007 to 2017, Mendoza worked as a tax preparer and owned tax preparation businesses “Taxes & More” and “Taxs y Mas.” She used false or inflated deductions and credits on tax returns filed on behalf of her clients. Additionally, she used her clients’ personal identifying information to falsely obtain a larger refund on her own tax returns. Mendoza prepared more than 700 tax returns that claimed more than $3 million in refunds from the IRS. She caused more than $1.2 million in tax loss.
The maximum statutory penalty is three years in prison per count, a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress for the IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
The IRS CI and the Treasury Inspector General’s Office for Tax Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.
If you have information about an individual or a business you suspect of tax fraud, you can submit a report to the IRS at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity.
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Sparks Man Sentenced to Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Sparks resident was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du to five years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl pills out of his barbershop.
Jaime Collazo Munoz, aka “Chivo,” (36) was convicted by a jury in September 2022 of two counts of distribution of a controlled substance - fentanyl.
According to evidence presented at the five-day trial and court documents, from July to November 2020, Munoz distributed at least 80 grams of fentanyl in exchange for over $10,000. Munoz distributed the M30 fentanyl pills out of his barbershop “Stay Faded,” located in Sparks, Nevada. During the execution of a search warrant at Munoz’s residence, law enforcement located an electronic scale, cocaine and MDMA, an AR-15 rifle, and loaded firearms.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and Regional Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andolyn Johnson and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl – a Schedule II controlled substance – is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, a record number of Americans – 107,622 – died from a drug poisoning or overdose. Sixty-six percent of those deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
If you have information of a potential violation of controlled substances laws and regulations, including the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, please contact the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Nevada Return Preparer Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment today charging a Nevada woman with assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns.
According to the indictment, from 2015 through 2020, Jessica Avras, of Las Vegas, owned and operated a tax preparation business. Avras allegedly prepared and filed materially false federal income tax returns for clients that fraudulently reduced their federal income tax liability and/or inflated their tax refunds. The indictment charges that Avras routinely reported fictitious businesses on her clients’ returns and claimed that those businesses had generated significant losses. She also allegedly fabricated deductions on her clients’ tax returns, including noncash charitable contributions, sales taxes and unreimbursed employee expenses.
Avras is charged with 31 counts of assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2), and scheduled for her initial court appearance on Feb. 22, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Thomas Flynn and Samuel Robins of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison for Committing Robberies While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to four years and nine months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for carrying out a series of commercial robberies while on supervised release.
Alfonzo Dale Lobas (34) pleaded guilty in November 2022 to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to court documents, on November 19, 2021, Lobas began a term of supervised release after an earlier conviction for a series of robberies. He admitted that, between January 16 and 28, 2022, he brandished an air pistol to intimidate cashiers at three gas station and convenience stores. During a robbery on January 20, 2022, Lobas told the cashier to “empty the register and hurry up,” and on January 24, when asked by a witness why he was robbing the store, he replied “because it’s fun.” At each of the robberies, he approached the cashier and demanded money while holding what the cashier believed to be a handgun.
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 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Ninth Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson resident was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 65 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Brian Scarborough (47) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance – methamphetamine. Scarborough was the ninth defendant to plead guilty for his role in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, from a date unknown to April 17, 2019, Scarborough conspired with others – including Miriam Elizabeth Suarez-Contreras, aka “Ella” and “Liz,” who was an organizer of the criminal conspiracy – to distribute methamphetamine in the Las Vegas area. As part of the conspiracy, Suarez-Contreras, a Mexican national, received methamphetamine orders via telephone while she was living in California, and dispatched different drug couriers to deliver the methamphetamine in Las Vegas. On April 3, 2019, the FBI executed a search warrant of Scarborough’s hotel room after he had ordered methamphetamine from Suarez-Contreras via telephone and discovered about 130 grams of methamphetamine and a 9mm handgun.
Co-defendants Suarez-Contreras was sentenced to 135 months in prison; Roberto Blancas-Mata, aka “Carlos Delgado,” of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison; Rahdsma Henderson, aka “Weezy,” of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 41 months in prison; Stephen Lloyd, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to time served; Doug Stumpf, of Henderson, was sentenced to 46 months in prison; Renea Barnes, aka “Renea Valdez,” of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 48 months in prison; Quentin Armstrong, of Sandy Valley, Nevada, was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and Jose Guillermo Tello-Albarran, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to time served. Charles Parr, aka “Charles Magnuson,” of Salt Lake City, Utah, awaits sentencing.
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 Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith is prosecuting this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Member of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison for Role in Large Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A member of the Pomona Sur Lokotes (PSL) drug trafficking organization was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his leadership role in trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from California and Mexico to Nevada.
Luis Arellano, aka “Lewis Arellano” and “Laughter,” (31) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
According to court documents, in December 2019, law enforcement began investigating Arellano and other members of PSL. The evidence showed that Arellano was responsible for distributing over 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in Las Vegas. He also directed other members to import methamphetamine from California and Mexico to Las Vegas.
Co-defendants Jacqueline Martinez (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 78 months in prison; Amelio Che Medina (45) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in prison; Anna Barrios (34) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and Victor Manuel Rodriguez, aka “Smokey” (39) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 100 months in prison. Co-defendants Ivan Salazar, aka “Evil,” (40) and Domingo Montes, aka “JR,” (36) pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Las Vegas Resident Sentenced to Prison for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to 24 years and four months in prison followed by lifetime supervised release. In June 2022, a jury convicted Barry Allen Gabelman (52) of coercion and enticement. Under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act, Gabelman is required to register as a sex offender after completion of his prison term.
According to court documents, from October 31 to December 6, 2019, Gabelman exchanged sexually explicit messages and photos via social media and a messaging account with individuals whom he believed to be an 11-year-old girl and her stepfather. During their communications, Gabelman discussed having sex with the girl, requested nude images of the girl, and sent the girl photos of his genitals. On December 6, 2019, he traveled to a pre-arranged location in Las Vegas intending to have sex with the girl, but instead he was arrested by law enforcement.
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 the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for distributing counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, that resulted in the death of another person.
Gabriel Ulloa (30) pleaded guilty in May 2022 to distribution of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, in June 2020, Ulloa sold three counterfeit M-30 oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl. Ulloa’s phone records indicated that he was aware he was selling counterfeit pills. A 27-year-old man – who believed he was buying oxycodone pills from Ulloa – died as result of ingesting the fentanyl-laced pills.
Fentanyl – a Schedule II controlled substance – is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose. In 2021, a record number of Americans – 107,622 – died from a drug poisoning or overdose. Sixty-six percent of those deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Las Vegas District Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Miller for HSI Las Vegas made the announcement.
The DEA, HSI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Major Violators Narcotics Crimes Bureau, Overdose Response Team, and the Henderson Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
This case was part of the Southern Nevada’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program that enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States.
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Las Vegas Dentist Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Nevada-licensed dentist pleaded guilty yesterday to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes withheld from employees of his Las Vegas practice.
According to court documents, Timothy Wilson, of Phoenix, Arizona, was a Nevada-licensed dentist who owned and operated Starsmiles Children’s Dentistry, LLC, a pediatric dental practice with offices located in North Las Vegas and Las Vegas. As the sole owner of Starsmiles, Wilson was responsible for collecting and paying over to the IRS the income, Medicare, and Social Security taxes withheld from the wages paid to Starsmiles’ employees. From 2011 through 2014, Wilson withheld these taxes from his employees’ wages but did not pay the withholdings to the IRS. In total, Wilson caused a tax loss of $289,654.63.
Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Patrick Burns and Regina Jeon of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
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Jury Convicts Former U.S. Postal Service Clerk of Stealing Mail and Money OrdersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A jury convicted a former U.S. Postal Service clerk on Wednesday for stealing a customer’s mail and cashing the postal money orders worth over $2,300 that were inside.
Following a three-day trial, James Earl Magee, 32, of Las Vegas, was found guilty of theft of government money and mail theft by a postal employee. U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the trial. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 25, 2023.
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, between June 28, 2016 and July 6, 2016, Magee stole an envelope containing three money orders worth about $2,340.27 and cashed the money orders for his personal use.
The maximum statutory penalty for Theft of Government Money is 10 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory penalty for Mail Theft by a Postal Employee is five years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge London Mulcahy for the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, Western-Pacific Area Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Complaints regarding fraud, waste, and misconduct within the U.S. Postal Service involving employees and/or contractors, please file an online complaint form with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General Hotline at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Collects over $3.9 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson announced today that the District of Nevada collected more than $3.9 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $3,355,703.29 was collected in criminal actions and $593,501.29 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $3,906.46 in criminal actions pursued jointly by these offices.
“This total amount demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the successful collection of funds in civil matters and criminal cases,” said U.S. Attorney Frierson. “The dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support personnel in our Financial Litigation Program and Asset Forfeiture Unit worked tirelessly with partners in Fiscal Year 2022 to enforce and recover debts owed to the United States and crime victims.”
Highlights of the District of Nevada’s Fiscal Year 2022 collection efforts include:
- Following a guilty plea to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return, Graciela Alvarez agreed to pre-pay her restitution in advance of sentencing. Alvarez paid $458,728.52 towards the satisfaction of her restitution obligation to the IRS.
- In 2002, Ronda Hubbard pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a counterfeited security. In addition to five years’ probation, Hubbard was ordered to pay restitution to Bank of America in the amount of $208,752.74. In February 2022, Financial Litigation staff was advised that Hubbard was selling her home. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was able to secure the funds from the sale of the property. In March 2022, the remainder of Hubbard’s restitution obligation was paid in full.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Nevada, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,878,306 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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Five-Time Felon Sentenced to Prison for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A five-time convicted felon was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 10 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy with his brother to sell large amounts of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Robert Dillon (46) agreed with his brother Melvin Dillon and others to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. In May 2019, Dillon possessed a .380 caliber pistol during a drug sale.
Robert Dillon pleaded guilty in July 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Melvin Dillon (49), a nine-time convicted felon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and was sentenced to 128 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
The ATF and DEA Las Vegas District Office investigated the case.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose. In 2021, a record number of Americans – 107,622 – died from a drug poisoning or overdose. Sixty-six percent of those deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
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Statement from U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson on National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office released the following statement from U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada today to commemorate National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness:
“January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and today is National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.
“Traffickers exploit and deprive some of our most vulnerable populations of their freedom. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working together with state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners to increase our combined prevention efforts and to raise awareness, investigate, vigorously prosecute perpetrators of human trafficking crimes, and support victims and survivors.
“Combating human trafficking takes an all-hands-on-deck approach – It’s a partnership between law enforcement and the community. We can end human trafficking and prevent this crime. Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking incident is encouraged to report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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Digital Advertising Business Owner and Operator Sentenced to Prison for $5 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas business owner and operator who pleaded guilty to wire fraud was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 34 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for fraudulently soliciting more than $5 million in investments for his digital advertisement business.
According to court documents, Robert Cortez Marshall, 43, operated a Ponzi scheme between January 2014 and April 2015 by fraudulently soliciting over $5 million for his business R.B.J. Generational Wealth Management LLC d/b/a Adz on Wheelz from more than 200 unwitting investors. He devised a scheme to defraud victims by falsely claiming that: (1) Adz on Wheelz owned and operated a fleet of luxury vehicles that could be customized for digital advertising; (2) Adz on Wheelz had already received millions of dollars in contracts from advertisers; (3) investors would receive a guaranteed weekly royalty payment; and (4) investors could cancel at any time or receive a refund of their investment.
In reality, Marshall would use money solicited from new investors to make the “royalty payments” owed to prior investors. He also transferred investor funds to other accounts under his control and used investor money for his own personal expenses. Through this scheme, investors lost approximately $3.5 million.
“The defendant wined and dined his investors, and he promised annual returns of more than 200% on investments,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who take advantage and defraud others for profit.”
“Financial crimes like Ponzi schemes may not be violent, but they certainly are not victimless,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Under the guise of an established business Mr. Marshall solicited investments from individuals and secured their trust, swindling more than 200 victims out of more than $5 million for his personal benefit. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to investigate financially devastating schemes and seek justice for victims of fraud.”
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Fang and Tony Lopez prosecuted the case.
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Former Airline Executive Sentenced to Prison for Willfully Failing to Pay $2.6 Million in Taxes Owed to the IRSRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A former airline executive was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to two years in prison after pleading guilty to failing to pay over $2.6 million in employment taxes to the IRS.
William Acor pleaded guilty in March 2022 to willful failure to collect and pay over employment taxes. In addition to the prison term, Acor has also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,667,290.46 to the IRS.
According to court documents, Acor had been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Airlines Inc., an airline headquartered in North Las Vegas. On behalf of Vision Airlines, Acor was responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the IRS taxes withheld from employee wages, including federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. In addition, Vision Airlines was responsible for paying the employer matching share of Social Security taxes. From 2014 to 2016, Acor failed to pay over on behalf of Vision Airlines a total of $2,657,254.75 in combined employee tax withholdings and employer matching share of taxes. The government further alleged that Acor thwarted IRS collection efforts by transferring assets and income to a third party.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress for the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
IRS-CI investigated the case; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.
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Department of Justice Awards over $46 Million in Grants to Support Public Safety Efforts in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice has awarded $46,438,846 in grants to various Nevada entities to support victims’ services and public safety efforts, announced United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson.
“These grant awards totaling more than $46 million represent the Justice Department’s commitment to provide the support and resources needed to keep Nevada’s communities safer for all to live and work,” said U.S. Attorney Frierson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work closely with partners throughout the Battle Born State to build safer communities.”
From August to December, Nevada entities were awarded the following grants from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its components:
- Office for Victims of Crime:
- The Division of Child & Family Services was awarded $2,252,000, as part of the OVC FY 2022 Invited to Apply - Administrative Funding Adjustment to Previously Funded FY2019 VOCA Victim; $2,349,000, as part of the OVC FY 2022 VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant; and $13,690,070, as part of the OVC FY 2022 VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant.
- The Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada was awarded $3,766,170, as part of the OVC FY 2022 Invited to Apply Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program.
- Washoe County was awarded $100,000, as part of the OVC FY 2023 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program.
- The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges was awarded $1,000,000, as part of the OVC FY 2022 Field-Generated Strategies to Address the Criminalization of Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking.
Total: $23,157,240
- Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention:
- The Division of Child & Family Services was awarded $610,587, as part of the OJJDP FY 2021 Title II Formula Grants Program, and $608,073, as part of the OJJDP FY 2022 Title II Formula Grants Program FY 2022 Title II Grant Solicitation Year 2 of the 3-Year Plan.
- The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges was awarded $3,556,559, as part of the OJJDP FY 2022 Invited to Apply - Training and Technical Assistance - Child Abuse Training for Judicial and Court.
- The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes was awarded $998,788, as part of the OJJDP FY 2022 Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence.
- Sunrise Health Clinics LLC was awarded $750,000, as part of the OJJDP FY 2022 Family-Based Alternative Sentencing Program.
- The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was awarded $433,341, as part of the OJJDP FY 2022 Invited to Apply – Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces.
Total: $6,957,348
- Bureau of Justice Assistance:
- The City of Las Vegas was awarded $790,681, as part of the BJA FY 22 Swift, Certain, and Fair (SCF) Supervision Program: Applying the Principles Behind Project HOPE.
- The Walker River Paiute Tribe was awarded $897,205, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation Fiscal year 2022 Competitive Grant.
- The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was awarded $771,669, as part of the FY 22 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula).
- The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $400,000, as part of the FY 22 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula).
- The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded $21,681, as part of the BJA FY 22 Invited to Apply — Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Reallocation Funds Program; $235,000, as part of the BJA FY 22 Invited to Apply – Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program; $2,176,692, as part of the BJA FY 22 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program - State Solicitation; $443,630, as part of the BJA FY 22 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant Solicitation; and $196,253, as part of BJA FY 22 Project Safe Neighborhoods.
- The City of Henderson was awarded $1,314,350, as part of the BJA FY 22 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program.
- The City of North Las Vegas was awarded $1,300,000, as part of the BJA FY 22 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program, and $699,468, as part of the BJA FY 22 Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program.
- Clark County was awarded $749,924, as part of the BJA FY 22 Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program.
- The Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribes of the Fallon Reservation & Colony was awarded $549,211, as part of the BJA FY 22 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program.
- The Nevada Department of Education was awarded $1,985,347, as part of the BJA FY 22 Preventing School Violence: BJA’s STOP School Violence Program.
Total: $12,531,111
- National Institute of Justice:
- The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges was awarded $2,400,000, as part of the NIJ FY22 National Juvenile Justice Data Analysis Program.
Total: $2,400,000
- Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking:
- The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded $200,000, as part of the SMART FY 2022 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program.
Total: $200,000
Further, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW):
- Washoe Legal Services Inc. was awarded $600,000, as part of Fiscal year 2022 Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program Awards.
- The Nevada Office of Attorney General was awarded $593,147, as part of the 2022 OVW Sexual Assault Services Formula Program Grant Awards.
Total: $1,193,147
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OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
The Office on Violence Against Women provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. More information about OVW can be found at: www.justice.gov/ovw.
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- Office for Victims of Crime:
Sparks Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
RENO – A Sparks resident was sentenced on Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du to 77 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of three firearms after prior felony convictions.
According to court documents, David Lee Wiley Jr., 41, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to felon in possession of firearms. He admitted that on February 4, 2022, he possessed three firearms, which included a rifle, a stolen Glock 30S .45 caliber pistol, and a 9mm IWI UZI pistol with a loaded, high-capacity magazine. Wiley is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in Washoe County, including convictions for Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sale.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Sparks Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Six Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for committing six armed robberies of gas station convenience stores.
Jonathan Nagel (25) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to six counts of interference of commerce by robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of failure to appear.
According to court documents, from January 21, 2021 to August 18, 2021, Nagel committed six armed robberies of businesses located in North Las Vegas and Las Vegas. At each robbery, Nagel pretended to make a purchase at the checkout counter. He then pointed a 9mm handgun at the store clerk and demanded money from the cash register. Nagel was arrested in August of 2021 and admitted he was planning to rob a seventh store that night. After Nagel was arrested for the armed robberies, he was initially released on pretrial supervision and ordered to self-surrender on March 7, 2022. However, on March 4, 2022, he cut off his GPS monitor, and absconded from pretrial supervision. Nagel was arrested in Arizona later that month.
U.S. 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, North Las Vegas Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case.
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Defendant Sentenced for Role in Sophisticated International Scheme to Steal Money from American Consumers' Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A U.S. citizen who previously resided in Ukraine was sentenced to 42 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Harold Sobel, 69, was a member of an international criminal enterprise that unlawfully debited money from the bank accounts of unknowing U.S. victims. Members of the criminal enterprise created shell companies for the purpose of receiving victim funds and created fake websites for the shell companies that claimed to offer products or services, such as cloud storage. Members then executed unauthorized debits against victims’ bank accounts, while falsely representing to banks that the debits were authorized by the victims.
“The department will vigorously pursue and prosecute individuals who steal from American consumers’ bank accounts and deceive U.S. banks to conceal and continue their schemes,” said Principal Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates our commitment to bringing fraudsters to justice, even when they commit their crimes from foreign countries.”
“The Justice Department and our law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute offenders who defraud Americans and U.S. financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Our office will diligently work with the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and law enforcement to use every tool at our disposal to hold fraudsters accountable regardless of where they reside and to bring justice for victims.”
“Global criminal enterprises that span multi-continent distances and operate from beyond our borders might feel they are safe from the reach of U.S. Postal Inspectors. But they are wrong,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of Criminal Investigations. “Scammers who defraud American citizens and banks are in our sights. Working with our partners in the Department of Justice, we will track them down and bring them to justice.”
Unauthorized debits against victim accounts, caused by the conspirators, resulted in returned transactions and high return rates that often generated scrutiny from the banks. To both conceal and continue making these unauthorized debits, members of the criminal enterprise made misrepresentations to the financial institutions about the transactions, claiming that they were authorized. In some cases, members of the criminal enterprise caused the accounts used by the criminal enterprise to also make “micro debits” against other bank accounts controlled and funded by or for the criminal enterprise. The “micro debits” were used to artificially lower the return rates to levels that conspirators believed would reduce bank scrutiny and thereby lessen the likelihood of closure of the accounts used by the criminal enterprise. The criminal enterprise also operated a call center that fielded complaints from victims of the unauthorized debits. The call center sought to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and to government agencies.
As part of the enterprise, Sobel opened bank accounts in the United States at the direction of a co-conspirator who organized and conducted the affairs of the enterprise from outside the United States. For example, on or about Oct. 16, 2019, Sobel opened four business deposit accounts at a bank branch in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sobel opened the accounts for a shell company called “Silver Safe Box” and listed himself as the sole member and authorized signer in the account opening documentation. The criminal enterprise then funded “micro debits,” designed to lower return rates through the Silver Safe Box accounts. Between approximately December 2019 and January 2021, the Silver Safe Box accounts funded over 800,000 “micro debits” in amounts ranging from $0.99 to $1.85. Sobel also recruited at least two associates in the United States to help the foreign co-conspirator, among other things, open additional bank accounts and register shell companies.
Sobel’s participation also involved providing support for the activities of the criminal enterprise’s call center in Ukraine. Sobel devised a script to be used in response to complaints from victims by the call center’s personnel to retain as much of the criminal enterprise’s proceeds as possible and – only on those occasions where those efforts failed – to then issue full refunds, in order to dissuade victims from making reports to the victims’ banks and government agencies. Sobel also devised a metric by which he and the foreign co-conspirator could evaluate the effectiveness of the call center’s personnel. As part of his guilty plea, Sobel admitted that more than $1.5 million in victim debits were reasonably foreseeable to him.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Meredith Healy and Wei Xiang of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang of the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance.
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Nevada Resident Returned to United States from Mexico in Connection with Federal Drug Charges Involving over 1,000 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno man was returned to the United States from Mexico where he was arrested on a federal warrant for drug trafficking violations. On December 13, 2022, the defendant made his initial appearance in the Southern District of California and was ordered detained.
In June 2022, a federal grand jury in Reno charged Nassrollah Behmard, also known as “Benny” and “Michael Holt,” 64, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, six counts of distribution of a methamphetamine, and conspiracy to money launder. Behmard’s next court date is December 27, 2022.
In 2014, Behmard fled to Mexico to avoid being arrested for his involvement in Washoe County drug trafficking case. In March 2022, the FBI learned that Behmard, who was still in Mexico, was conspiring with co-conspirators located in Reno and Los Angeles to distribute of multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Reno. From March 2022 to June 2022, Behmard was responsible for distributing over 140 pounds of methamphetamine.
On June 6, 2022, Behmard arranged with co-conspirator Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado to deliver 100 pounds of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Reno. Law enforcement successfully intercepted the methamphetamine and traced it back to a clandestine lab located in the Los Angeles area. Law enforcement dismantled the lab and seized approximately 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine.
In June 2022, Behmard and co-conspirators Owen Eugene Dick, 58, Melissa Ann Longo, 46, Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado, 51, and Jesus Sanchez Vargas, 22, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related offenses including money laundering. All except for Behmard, who was still in Mexico at the time, were arrested in July 2022.
If convicted, Behmard faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. There is a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.
U.S. 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 Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of FBI, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming and Control Board, Nevada Department of Corrections, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case with assistance by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the San Bernardino Police Department, DEA, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material via Instant Messaging AppRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 84 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempted receipt and possession of hundreds of child sexual abuse material.
Jonathan Robert Risse-Santos (30) pleaded guilty in February 2022 to attempted receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, Risse-Santos will be required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2021, Risse-Santos contacted who he believed to be a 14-year-old child through Kik Messenger. He repeatedly asked the child to send nude images of herself. The next day, Risse-Santos exchanged messages via TextNow, another messaging application, and discussed engaging in sexual activity with the child. He agreed to meet the child at her home where law enforcement arrested him. During the search of Risse-Santos’ cell phone, 259 images and six videos of child sexual abuse material were discovered.
U.S. 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, the North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man for executing a fraudulent tax withholding scheme in an attempt to obtain nearly $1 million in tax refunds through the filing of fraudulent tax returns for himself and his companies.
Following a four-day trial, Anthony Uvari (57) was found guilty of four counts of making and subscribing false tax returns. U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 8, 2023. For each count of making and subscribing a false tax return, Uvari faces a statutory maximum penalty of three years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2012 and May 2013, Uvari filed (or caused to be filed) four tax returns that falsely claimed six different businesses had paid him or his companies income, but withheld more than $900,000 of income tax on his behalf and paid it to the IRS. The government also presented evidence at trial that the defendant had filed individual income tax returns for 2007-2010 with the same pattern of using false tax withholdings to claim fraudulent tax refunds. As a result, he requested from the IRS over $900,000 in fraudulent income tax refunds. The IRS paid out more than $300,000 in fraudulently obtained refunds before detecting Uvari’s scheme and denying the remaining refund requests.
On his 2011 individual income tax return, Uvari claimed nearly $600,000 in tax withholdings from purported winnings on horse racing wagers from off-track betting organizations, but according to evidence presented at trial, the IRS had no record of these winnings or withholdings. Furthermore, according to testimony of four witnesses at trial, two of the off-track betting organizations were not even in business at the time of the claimed wagers and withholdings, and two others had no records of the bets claimed by the defendant during the relevant time period. Uvari also filed three corporate tax returns on behalf of two shell companies he controlled, claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax withholdings from a Canadian bank. However, a representative of the Canadian bank testified at trial that the bank had not conducted these financial transactions with Uvari or his companies, had not made these payments to Uvari or his companies, and had not withheld this income tax on behalf of Uvari or his companies.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Schmale and Jessica Oliva are prosecuting the case.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 92 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
Kiefe Martel Boyce (43), also known as “69,” pleaded guilty in January 2022 to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on January 25, 2021, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped Boyce who was driving a car with stolen license plates. As officers searched Boyce’s car, they found 2.6 grams of heroin, 105.3 grams of methamphetamine, and a .38 caliber revolver. Boyce is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions, including possession of a stolen vehicle; possession of controlled substance; attempt pandering; attempt possessing, receiving or withholding stolen goods; attempt burglary; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance not for purpose of sale (Marijuana), all in Clark County, Nev.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Miller of HSI Las Vegas made the announcement.
HSI Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit PillsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas man was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 10 years in prison for distributing counterfeit pills that contained fentanyl – a powerful synthetic opioid – that resulted in the overdose death of another person.
Daniel Anguiano (43) pleaded guilty in June 2021, to distribution of a controlled substance, specifically fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl.
According to court documents, Anguiano distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills — containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl — to an individual who died after consuming the counterfeit pills.
Fentanyl is classified as Schedule II controlled substances, and acetyl fentanyl is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. A few milligrams of fentanyl, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly. Acetyl fentanyl is an analog of fentanyl that is 10-15 times more potent than morphine.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.
According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug poisoning in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
In November, DEA issued a Public Safety Alert of a sharp nationwide increase in the lethality of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills. The DEA Laboratory has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022, six out of ten now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. Through its One Pill Can Kill campaign, the DEA is working to alert the American public of the dangers of fake prescription pills. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Any pills that do not meet this standard are unsafe and potentially deadly.
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Jury Convicts Reno Woman of Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
RENO – A jury convicted a Reno woman on Thursday for making false statements in order to buy firearms for her son who is a convicted felon. As a matter of law, convicted felons are prohibited from buying and possessing firearms. The evidence at trial showed that the woman bought seven firearms for her son.
Gail Manney (48) was found guilty of illegal acquisition of firearms. U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2023. The maximum statutory penalty for the illegal acquisition of a firearm is ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 21, 2021, Manney illegally purchased seven firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Reno for her son. At the time of purchase, Manney completed a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form representing that she was the actual buyer of the firearms when in fact she was buying the firearms for her son who is a convicted felon,
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the ATF made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Andrew Keenan are prosecuting the case.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of A Machine Gun and "Ghost Guns"Read the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ann R. Traum to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of six firearms. The firearms included a machine gun, a short-barreled rifle, and unserialized privately made firearms (PMF), sometimes referred to as “ghost guns.”
In August 2022, Alfonzo Lee Womack (30) pleaded guilty to felon in possession of firearms and illegal possession of a machine gun. According to court documents, on October 5, 2020, near Sloan, Nev., Womack possessed six firearms. One of those firearms was a Glock 22 modified to fire as a machine gun, with an attached 31-round capacity magazine. Womack committed the acts in this case just four months after his most recent felony conviction and while on probation. He is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions which included two separate convictions for trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine, corporal injury on spouse or inhabitant, and evading a police officer.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Scheme Targeting Church FundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 45 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain money from accounts held by members of the Pension Fund of the Christian Church and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
Oluremi Akinleye (42) pleaded guilty in June 2022 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, from November 2017 to July 2018, Akinleye and his co-conspirators conspired to fraudulently obtain money from pension accounts held by members of the Pension Fund of the Christian Church and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund by impersonating those members. The funds provide pension and retirement systems for members of the religious community, including ministers. As part of the scheme, Akinleye and his co-conspirators obtained the names and personal identifying information of account holders, and then used that information to make withdrawals and transfers from the victim accounts to accounts the conspirators controlled. As a result of the scheme, Akinleye and his co-conspirators attempted to fraudulently obtain over $400,000 from the two funds.
U.S. 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 investigated the case; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
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