District of Utah
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Man Admits to Stowaway Charge Onboard a Delta Airlines FlightRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Texas man admitted to a felony, after he boarded and hid in a lavatory of a Delta Airlines flight to catch a free flight to Austin, Texas, from Salt Lake City International Airport.
Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 26, of Leander, Texas, was indicted in April 2024. Prior press release here: Alleged Airline Stowaway Passenger Facing Federal Charges
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, in March of 2024, Fleurizard intentionally boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 and hid in the lavatory. Prior to boarding, Fleurizard was captured on surveillance footage in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passenger’s phones and/or boarding passes while they were not looking. Surveillance footage also showed Fleurizard used his phone as a boarding pass when he boarded the plane. However, Fleurizard did not purchase a ticket, and was not authorized to board. Fleurizard further admitted his actions caused the flight, which had pushed away from the gate, to return to the gate where he was met by law enforcement and taken into custody.
Fleurizard is scheduled to be sentenced May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan N. Reeves and Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Dane Bowler, 43, of Veyo, Utah, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment today, and a lifetime of supervised release after he admitted to attempting to engage in sexual acts with a 13-year-old and was convicted of coercion and enticement.
According to court documents and statements made at Bowler’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, between November 1, 2023 and November 6, 2023, Bowler communicated via cellphone and the internet with an individual he thought was a 13-year-old. Bowler was actually communicating with an undercover officer. During these communications, Bowler attempted to engage in sexual activity with the minor. Bowler had been previously convicted of this very same offense in federal court in 2007 and was sentence to 60 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release in that case.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the State Bureau of Investigation and The FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Brady Wilson and Christopher Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Alleged Serial Robber Arrested and IndictedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging a Utah man with robbing multiple credit unions over the course of five months.
Dennis L. Dyches, 57, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on March 4, 2025.
According to court documents, from October 2024 to February 2025, Dyches allegedly robbed five credit unions across the Salt Lake Valley, and robbed one of them twice. On October 11, 2024 Dyches allegedly robbed the Mountain America Credit Union in Murray, Utah. Less than a week later, on October 16, 2024, Dyches allegedly robbed a Golden West Credit Union in West Jordan, Utah. In this robbery, he allegedly handed a note to the bank teller that read, “Give me the money and no one will get hurt.” The teller complied and Dyches left the bank on foot.
On November 20, 2024, Dyches allegedly walked into a Granite Credit Union in Midvale, Utah, and handed the teller a note that read, “This is a robbery, open the drawer, don’t talk to anyone, don’t push the button.” The teller complied, gave the money to Dyches and he left the bank. In December 2024, Dyches allegedly robbed an America First Credit Union located inside a Macey’s grocery store in Murray. In February 2025, Dyches allegedly robbed the same America First Credit Union inside Macy’s grocery store in Murray.
On February 27, 2025, Dyches allegedly robbed an America First Credit Union inside a Dan’s Foods grocery store in Salt Lake City. During this robbery, Dyches allegedly approached the teller and showed a note that read, “This is robbery” and “Give me everything.” The teller complied, took the money from the drawer and gave it to Dyches. After taking the money, Dyches was seen on surveillance video walking to the underground parking lot where he drove away in a black Jeep Cherokee with a black license plate. The vehicle was traced back to a Dyches’ family member as the registered owner.
On March 4, 2025, Dyches was taken into custody without incident. During a search of the black Jeep Cherokee, law enforcement seized articles of clothing and accessories that matched the descriptions of the suspected robber.
Dyches is charged with six counts of credit union robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for March 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 7.1 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Man Sentenced to Imprisonment for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Joshua Michael Bowden, 43, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to attempting to engage in sexual acts with an 11-year-old and was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made at Bowden’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, on September 28, 2023, while in Utah for a business trip, he began engaging in an online conversation with an individual he thought was the father of an 11-year-old boy. The individual Bowden was communicating with was an undercover officer. During communication, Bowden expressed his interest to engage in sexual acts with the 11-year-old boy. When Bowden arrived at the meet up location to act on his interest, he was arrested. A search of Bowden’s phone found child sexual abuse material.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Joey Blanch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Utah Man Sentenced to Maximum Prison Term for Assaulting a U.S. Forest Service WorkerRead the Press Release
St. George, Utah – United States District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen sentenced a Beaver County man to 364 days incarceration, followed by one year of supervised release after he assaulted a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) employee.
Kristopher Edward Boger, 52, of Beaver, Utah, was charged by superseding indictment with assault on an employee of the United States with a dangerous weapon in August 2024. In December 2024, he was found guilty of simple assault following a jury trial. Boger’s brother, Jeremiah Boger, was found not guilty of assault on an employee of the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 10, 2023, a U.S. Forest Service engineer was on federal forest land examining the conditions of a USFS road that had been damaged due to frequent work truck traffic, making the road almost unusable. The USFS engineer observed attempted repair of the road by Jeremiah Boger, which was not consistent with a prior recommendation and remained deficient. As a result, the USFS engineer contacted Jeremiah, Kristopher and the contractor.
According to statements and testimony at trial, the meeting turned violent when Jeremiah pushed the USFS engineer. Almost immediately after, Kristopher struck the USFS engineer on the side of his head/face with a hard hat. Kristopher then put his hands around the USFS engineer’s neck, started to choke him, and said “I’m going to kill you…” The contractor intervened and pulled Kristopher off the USFS engineer. Kristopher then drew his handgun and fired it. The engineer and contractor then fled the scene and called 911.
In imposing the statutory maximum sentence for simple assault, Judge Allen noted the seriousness of the offense and that it was fortunate no one died as a result of the deadly altercation.
"No one should fear for their life while doing their job to ensure road safety for travelers,” said Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Choosing violence is never the answer and our office along with our law enforcement partners will continue to prosecute crimes that threaten public safety in our communities.”
The case is being investigated jointly by the United States Forest Service and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brady Wilson and Christopher Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Utah Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding $3.4M from VictimsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Misiona Patane, 60, of Lehi, Utah, was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and a term of five years’ supervised release after he defrauded family and other acquaintances out of more than $3.4 million over a five-year span. Patane also forged legal documents, sent emails from sham email accounts, and pretended to be a private lawyer and an agent with the Utah Attorney General’s Office to further his scheme to defraud.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr., comes after Patane pleaded guilty in December 2023 to multiple counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and statements made at Patane’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Patane admitted that beginning in April 2015 and continuing through May 2020, he defrauded two sets of victims for his own benefit, including a relative who suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a trust to allow for a lifetime of care. As part of the scheme, Patane opened and fully controlled bank accounts in victims’ names and in the name of a charitable organization he helped run. Patane abused his position of trust by diverting funds and personal tax returns to various bank accounts under his custody and control. Mr. Patane repeatedly stole from the charitable organization, funding extravagant travel, gambling habits, and other expenses.
In October 2016 through 2018, Patane stole large sums of money from a trust that was created to manage a vulnerable victim’s finances while he was under the care of a Utah court-monitored conservatorship. To obtain money from the trust, Patane lied about his identity, the cost of services and care, and other expenses for the victim. Additionally, Mr. Patane used the charity to launder money and payments to himself. From 2017 through 2018, Patane fabricated an audit of the charity and pretended to be a lawyer, academy administrator, and others to receive payments for fictitious fines related to care. From 2016 to 2019, approximately $2.5 million was spent, less than $150,000 of which was spent on care or services for the victim. In the span of only three years, the victim was left financially destitute.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tanner Zumwalt and Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Two who Trespassed Historical Site at National Park SentencedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43, of Durango, Colorado, were sentenced today after they trespassed onto a fenced-off historical site at Canyonlands National Park and disturbed artifacts on display.
McKnight was sentenced to a one-year ban from federal public lands in Utah and one year of probation. Spencer was sentenced a two-year ban from federal public lands in Utah and two years’ probation.
In addition to their bans, a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered McKnight and Spencer to pay fines and restitution totaling $1,500. The sentence comes after the defendants pleaded guilty to possessing or disturbing cultural or archaeological resources, and walking on or entering archeological or cultural resource, Class B misdemeanors.
According to court documents and statements made at McKnight’s and Spencer’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on March 23, 2024, McKnight and Spencer, entered a fenced-off area of Canyonlands National Park where they then handled numerous historic artifacts preserved in the Cave Springs Cowboy Camp. The artifacts include an antique horse tack and cabinetry. This historic camp was protected by fencing and clear warnings prohibiting visitors from entering the area, which McKnight and Spencer disregarded.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service (NPS).
Assistant United States Attorneys Luisa Gough and Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Honduran Nationals Accused of Distributing Fentanyl in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging Honduran nationals with distributing fentanyl in the District of Utah, and with other drug and immigration crimes.
Jerez Navarro-Zuniga aka “Jeren Navarro” 27, a Honduran national and U.S. citizen living in West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint on February 18, 2025. Helen Coello-Turcios, 20, of West Valley City, Jose Amilcar Zuniga-Acosta, 25, of West Valley City, and Naaman Navarro-Hernandez, 35, of Taylorsville, Utah, were charged by complaint on February 20, 2025.
According to court documents, beginning in December 2024, agents with the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) began investigating a drug trafficking organization. A controlled drug purchase was arranged, and law enforcement officers observed Navarro-Zuniga provide fentanyl to a middleman to deliver to a customer. The fentanyl was later seized and tested positive for fentanyl.
On January 7, 2025, law enforcement watched a female later identified as Coello-Turcios, conduct an alleged drug transaction. A traffic stop was conducted on the suspected customer and law enforcement seized approximately 10 fentanyl pills.
During the investigation, on February 12, 2025, SBI agents observed Navarro-Zuniga make a short term stop at a storage unit registered under his name, and conduct an alleged drug transaction with the driver of a Nissan Sentra. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver of the Nissan consented to search the vehicle. Agents seized approximately 4,500 fentanyl pills in the vehicle. On February 13, 2025, surveillance footage showed Navarro-Zuniga entering and exiting his storage unit with a backpack. A traffic stop was conducted on a Chrysler 200 registered to, and driven by Navarro-Zuniga. Coello-Turcios was at passenger. Law enforcement seized $34,199.00 from the vehicle. During the investigation, agents also seized approximately 10 pounds of pills that tested positive for the presence of fentanyl at Navarro’s and Coello-Turcios’ residence.
On February 13, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Altima driven by Navarro-Hernandez and seized 2,500 fentanyl pills that were separated into approximately sale-ready 100 pill baggies. On the same day, a search warrant was executed at Navarro-Hernandez’s residence in Taylorsville and 11,000 fentanyl pills were seized.
According to court documents, Zuniga-Acosta and Navarro Hernandez are in the United States illegally. They were both previously deported and reentered the United States illegally.
Navarro-Zuniga, Coello-Turcios, Zuniga-Acosta and Naaman Navarro-Hernandez are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and other charges. Zuniga-Acosta and Navarro-Hernandez are also charged with reentry of a previously removed alien. All defendants’ initial appearances on the indictment are scheduled for March 10, 2025 at 2:15 and 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 7.1 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Narcotics Squad, and the Utah County Major Crimes (UCMC) Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Utah Highway Patrol.
Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mexican National in Custody Charged with Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging a Mexican national with multiple drug crimes after law enforcement seized illicit drugs, including fentanyl in the District of Utah.
Juana Gabriela Sancion Castaneda, 41, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on February 19, 2025.
According to court documents, in January 2025, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) began conducting a criminal investigation into Castaneda and other members of a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics in the District of Utah. On February 18, 2025, agents executed a search warrant at Castaneda’s residence in Salt Lake County and seized approximately 867 grams (almost two pounds) of field-tested positive fentanyl, and 794 grams (about 1 and ¾ pounds) of field-tested positive heroin. The fentanyl seized was approximately 8,000 fentanyl pills. Castaneda was subsequently detained.
Castaneda is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Her initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for March 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF), consisting of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force (DMNSF).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is 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.
Mexican National Facing Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging a Mexican national with drug crimes after law enforcement seized fentanyl and heroin from his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Miguel Mario Soto De Santiago, 23, of Bluffdale, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on February 20, 2025, and taken into custody.
According to court documents, the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) began conducting a criminal investigation into Soto De Santiago and other co-conspirators of a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing narcotics throughout the District of Utah and the United States. On February 19, 2025 agents stopped a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Juab County that was registered to Soto De Santiago. A K-9 officer positively alerted for the presence of narcotics. Agents seized approximately 5,027 grams (about 11 pounds) of field tested-positive fentanyl and approximately 1,103 grams (over two pounds) of field tested-positive heroin.
Wasatch Metro Drug Task ForceSoto De Santiago is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for March 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 7.1 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF), consisting of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force (DMNSF).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,
multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://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.
Venezuelan National Accused of Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned and indictment charging a Venezuelan national, restricted from possessing a firearm and ammunition, with a gun crime after an alleged shooting incident in Summit County, Utah.
Manuel A. Pimentel-Gonzalez, 24, of Eagle Mountain, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on February 21, 2025.
According to court documents, on May 19, 2024, a dispute erupted at a party at a rural property in Summit County. During the investigation, security footage depicted a heavily built male, later identified as Pimentel-Gonzalez, reach into a parked BMW X7 sport-utility vehicle and remove a large firearm with a wooden feature. Pimentel-Gonzalez then shouted profanities and insults in Spanish. Immediately after Pimentel-Gonzalez stepped away from the camera view, several gunshots were heard on the security footage. Investigators recovered at least 42 shell casings, four firearms, and bullet damage to vehicles at the scene.
During the execution of a search warrant in Eagle Mountain, Utah, law enforcement located a white BMX sport-utility vehicle, with gunfire damage. Investigators also found Pimentel-Gonzalez with at least one gunshot wound that he attempted to treat himself. A Draco 92 9x19 mm firearm with a wooden feature was also seized and later linked to expended shell casings recovered from the shooting scene in Summit County. At the time of the shooting, Pimentel- Gonzalez was on probation for a prior state firearm conviction by a restricted person.
Pimentel-Gonzalez is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. His initial appearance on the indictment has yet to be scheduled before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an ATF Task Force Officer with the Utah Department of Corrections.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alleged Member of the Florencia 13 Gang is Charged Federally Following Attempted Murder on ChristmasRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An alleged member or associate of the Florencia 13, a criminal organization, appeared in court today after he allegedly attempted to murder another person in the District of Utah on Christmas.
Javier Pedregon-Magana, aka “Big Payaso” and “Paya,” 24, of West Jordan, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City on February 12, 2025.
According to court documents, on December 25, 2024, Pedregon-Magana allegedly engaged in a pre-meditated attack on an unwitting and defenseless victim, stabbing him approximately seven times. Pedregon-Magana then drove the victim’s car and attempted to run the victim down as he fled on foot. As a result of the multiple stab wounds, the victim required immediate life-saving medical attention to prevent exsanguination.
According to court documents, Pedregon-Magana is a member of a criminal street gang (CSG). The stabbing was motivated, in large part, by defendant’s desire to restore his good standing with the CSG.
Pedregon-Magana is charged with violent crime in aid of racketeering – assault resulting in serious bodily injury, violent crime in racketeering – assault with a dangerous weapon, and violent crime in aid of racketeering – attempted murder. His initial appearance on the indictment was February 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Sandy City Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Metro Gang Unit.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fort Duchesne Man Sentenced to Prison Following Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kasey Todd Reed, 32, of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Utah, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment, and ordered by the court to three years’ supervised release after he committed a violent crime that involved shooting a firearm at his domestic partner’s home.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David Sam comes after Reed pleaded guilty on December 6, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while within Indian Country.
According to court documents, and statements made at Reed’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on May 30, 2022, Reed was involved in a domestic dispute with his partner, and after being pepper sprayed, Reed threatened to return to the victim’s home to harm her. Upon his return, Reed pointed a loaded .38 five-shot revolver at the victim’s residence and fired five rounds towards the home that housed multiple occupants as he drove past in his vehicle.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
A Mexican National and a Utah Man are in Custody Facing Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging two men, a Mexican National illegally in the United States and a Utah man, after they were accused of distributing methamphetamine in the District of Utah.
Alphonzo Robert Bell, 42, of Midvale, Utah, and David Alejandro Jimenez-Angel, 24, of Jalisco, Mexico, were initially charged by complaint on February 2, 2025.
According to court documents, on February 4, 2025, law enforcement from the Unified Police Department (UPD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a buy operation using a confidential informant (CI). During the buy operation, the CI purchased eight ounces of methamphetamine from Bell using $2,800 in government funds. Bell provided a portion of the funds to Jimenez-Angel. The total weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 246 grams. Bell and Jimenez-Angel were detained immediately after the controlled buy. During the investigation, detectives seized a Taurus, model G3C handgun, 9mm caliber. Immigration authorities confirmed Jimenez-Angel is in the United States illegally.
Bell and Jimenez-Angel are charged with distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Bell is also charged with distribution of methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm. Bell’s initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for February 20, 2025. Jimenez-Angel’s initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for February 27, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Unified Police Department’s (UPD) Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Williams of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Utah Man Accused of Bank Robbery in CustodyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City after he allegedly robbed two banks on two different days in Salt Lake County.
Robert Buckley Hardy, 47, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was originally charged by complaint on February 7, 2025, and taken into custody.
According to court documents, Hardy, entered a Chase Bank in Cottonwood Heights on January 30, 2025, at approximately 3:17 p.m. Hardy allegedly asked the bank teller if an appointment was necessary and was told no. Hardy then handed the teller a manila envelope with several documents and left the bank. The documents referenced several United States and government actions regarding money laundering, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and corruption. One document also stated, “assume that this is an active bomb threat.” One document read, “I need $2001 for it to be considered a felony and get the un-kompromised FBI bank robbery division to respond.”
Court documents allege, on February 6, 2025, Hardy entered a Chase Bank in Salt Lake City at approximately 2:04 p.m. Hardy allegedly told the teller it was a robbery and gave the teller various manila envelopes with documents inside and a typed note that read, “poor people steal because they are hungry. Rich people steal because they are greedy.” The note also said, “I need this evidence chain in the hands of the FBI bank robbery division and the local and federal police.” The note read, “please stuff at least $2001 into the bag for me. And make certain the FBI gets this.” The teller complied and gave Hardy $2001.00.
Surveillance footage from the investigation and a Utah Driver's License photo identified Hardy. Hardy was taken into custody without incident.
Hardy is charged with bank robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment is February 21, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
First Woman Presidentially Appointed as United States Attorney for the District of Utah Departs from PostRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The first woman presidentially appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah and sworn into office as the 38th United States Attorney to serve in the State of Utah, leaves the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Honorable Trina A. Higgins was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on January 31, 2022. Her last day as United States Attorney is February 16, 2025.
Under Higgins’ leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah focused on cases that have the largest impact and cause the most harm to Utah citizens. Working with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office significantly increased the number of financial crime prosecutions in Utah; brought more complex narcotics and firearm cases focused on defendants higher in criminal organizations; and prosecuted many significant violent crime cases, including murders, sexual assaults, child exploitation, human trafficking, robberies, and carjackings.
During her tenure, The U.S. Attorney’s Office tried 35 jury trials, including three homicides committed in Tribal communities. United States Attorney Higgins was the trial attorney in one case where a man brutally murdered a Navajo woman in front of her two young daughters in the Navajo Nation. The jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
United States Attorney Higgins also served on several Attorney General’s Advisory Committee subcommittees for Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. Those included the Environmental Justice Subcommittee, the Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee, and the Native American Issues Subcommittee.
Maintaining the United States Attorney’s strong partnerships with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, United States Attorney Higgins made it a priority to strengthen and build upon those relationships to pursue justice and better serve the people of Utah.
Leaders in the law enforcement community offered comments regarding U.S Attorney Higgins’ service.
“Strong partnerships between law enforcement and prosecutors are essential to upholding the rule of law. U.S. Attorney Higgins has been an invaluable friend to the FBI and a staunch supporter of our mission,” said Mehtab Syed, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “During her tenure, she championed the safety of Utahns, and we thank her for her years of dedicated public service.”
“United States Attorney Trina Higgins has been an engaged and dedicated law enforcement partner as well as a steadfast advocate of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Her extensive experience as a career prosecutor, and unwavering commitment in her pursuit of justice have been pivotal in the successful prosecution of many complex cases.”
“I would like to thank United States Attorney Higgins for her many years of dedicated service as a federal prosecutor and as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah,” said U.S. Marshal Justin Martinez of the District of Utah. “USA Higgins is a consummate professional and has always kept the lines of communication open. USA Higgins is an extremally effective leader and a real change agent. She will be greatly missed by the U.S. Marshals Service and every federal, state and local agency she works with.”
“With appreciation, we thank United States Attorney Higgins for her dedication to DEA efforts in the state of Utah,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “Cooperation and hard work between DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, has led to many successful prosecutions. On behalf of the men and women of DEA, we wish nothing but the best for United States Attorney Higgins now and into the future.”
"HSI is grateful for its long-standing relationship with United States Attorney Higgins and her staff," said HSI Utah Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brandon Crane. "The collaboration has had a significant impact on public safety throughout Utah and stands as an example for future collaborations."
“United States Attorney Higgins has been a tremendous partner in supporting the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s efforts to safeguard the U.S. Mail, postal workers, and the public,” said Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division. “United States Attorney Higgins was committed to holding accountable those who harm postal employees or exploit the U.S. Mail for illicit activities, including narcotics distribution. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with United States Attorney Higgins and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.”
“I want to thank United States Attorney Higgins for her partnership and outstanding leadership in working with our local law enforcement agencies,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “She prioritized complex and violent offender cases to improve safety within the communities we serve.”
“United States Attorney Trina Higgins’ dedication to justice and service to the community is truly exceptional and will be greatly missed,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “Her career as a dedicated prosecutor made our city safer—whether it was prosecuting some of our first Project Safe Neighborhood cases or complex, high-profile, or challenging cases. United States Attorney Higgins handled every case with professionalism and a true sense of duty. Never did she hide from the difficult cases. We will always remember USA Higgins’ compassion for crime victims and their families. She made sure victims’ voices were heard and understood in the pursuit of justice. While we will miss United States Attorney Higgins greatly, I know her legacy will endure through the District of Utah because of her distinguished career.”
United States Attorney Higgins has been in public service for 30 years. Prior to her leadership role as U.S. Attorney, Higgins served as an Assistant United States Attorney for over two decades and as a Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney. At the time of her nomination, Higgins was serving as the Mediterranean Legal Advisor at the United States embassies in Valletta, Malta and Nicosia, Cyprus. A Utah native, Higgins earned her undergraduate degree from Weber State University and Juris Doctor degree from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where she also worked as an adjunct professor for a decade.
Utah Woman Sentenced for Stealing Veteran Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Tiffany Ann Bright, 39, of Washington, Utah, was sentenced today to 36 months’ probation, and ordered by the court to pay $150,000 in restitution after she stole unearned veteran disability benefits for years.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow comes after Bright pleaded guilty to wire fraud and theft of government funds on October 29, 2024.
According to court documents, and statements made at Bright’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, from December 2013 to April 2022, Ms. Bright unlawfully stole veteran disability benefits from a prior partner. In the summer of 2013, Bright helped the veteran set up an online benefits account to start receiving disability benefits, but later changed the direct deposit information to bank accounts wholly owned by her. Bright submitted fraudulent documentation to the U.S. government to increase the payments, and lied about her marital status to receive the veteran benefits. To carry out the scheme, the payments were transmitted via interstate wire from New Jersey to Bright’s account in Utah.
In 2022, the veteran received a letter about his benefits, indicating changes had been made to his account. The veteran was unaware benefits were being paid still. He had assumed the benefits were being used to pay off his education debt.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Criminal Investigations Division, and the Washington City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Utah Man Indicted for Strangling and Cyberstalking Victim in JapanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A grand jury in the District of Utah returned a superseding indictment today charging Ian West, 50, of Mountain Green, Utah, with assaulting a former dating and intimate partner by strangulation and attempted strangulation while working overseas with the U.S. military, and then cyberstalking the same person after returning to his home in Utah.
According to court documents, West was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, working as a teacher with the U.S. Department of Defense when he strangled the victim on or about March 31, 2024. After the assault in Japan, West returned to his home in Utah and began to cyberstalk the same person by setting up fake online profiles advertising massage and escort services, including some that featured intimate photos of the victim with personal contact information. These profiles led to the victim receiving multiple unwanted communications from people seeking sexual encounters.
West was charged by indictment on Jan. 15, with assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle or suffocate. West was charged by superseding indictment on Feb. 12 with cyberstalking. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case.Trial Attorney Taryn Meeks of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hirata for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Child Predator Sentenced to 84 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Randall Walker Holland, 51, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced today to seven years’ imprisonment and a life term of supervised release after he admitted to distributing images of child sexual abuse.
According to court documents and statements made at Holland’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, from May 2, 2024 thru May 9, 2024, Holland used his cellphone to communicate via social media and text messaging with an individual he believed had access to, and was abusing, a 12-year-old victim. The individual Holland was communicating with was an undercover officer. During Holland’s communication he sent over 1,000 videos files of child sexual abuse materials to the undercover officer. Holland also discussed his interest in engaging in sexual acts with the 12- year-old victim. When Holland arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested by law enforcement.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and the West Valley City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Utah Gymnastics Coach Admits to Having a Hidden Camera to Produce Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah gymnastics coach and owner of USA Gymnastics World pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Adam Richard Jacobs, 34, of Woods Cross, Utah, was charged by indictment in April 2023. See press release: Utah Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, Jacobs, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023, transported a minor from Utah to other states including Florida and Texas as his gymnastics coach. During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials. Jacobs further admitted that all electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant served in March 2023 were used to further participate in the production of child sexual abuse materials.
As stated in court documents, a USA Gymnastics World employee discovered a hidden camera twice in a unisex restroom at the facility and contacted police. A subsequent investigation recovered approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Approximately 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up the cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World.
Jacobs is scheduled to be sentenced August 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Provo Man Accused of Attempting to Receive Carfentanil for Distribution in Utah is DetainedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County man was ordered to detention in federal court today after he was indicted by a federal grand jury last week and charged with a federal drug crime for allegedly attempting to have carfentanil shipped to Utah for distribution.
Carfentanil is most commonly used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin.
According to court documents, Clint James Pendleton, 29, of Provo, Utah, attempted to receive a package containing approximately 20 grams of carfentanil on January 22, 2025. The package was destined for an address in Payson, Utah, but was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport in California. The package was opened and the suspected carfentanil was tested and presumptively identified as carfentanil and weighed approximately 20 grams. Subsequently, the package was tracked to Pendleton who had signed up to receive tracking updates on the package. Additionally, law enforcement discovered Pendleton allegedly had a history of his criminal activity written in a notebook that included amounts of controlled substances purchased, prices, and tracking numbers, including for carfentanil. The DEA has identified carfentanil as “crazy dangerous” and a serious growing concern as it is becoming more prevalent in our communities.
Pendleton is charged with attempted possession of carfentanil with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was February 5, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Utah and California Businessmen Indicted for Defrauding Millions of Dollars from InvestorsRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – An indictment was unsealed today after a fraudster was arrested following a federal grand jury’s return of an indictment this week charging him and his business partner with multiple financial crimes.
According to court documents, Thomas Paul Madden, 66, of Washington City, Utah; and Jeremy Tyler Grabow, 54, of Ladera Ranch, California, engaged in a scheme from September 2017 to the present, to defraud investors in Cascade IR, LLC and Savitar Systems LLC. Using his entity, Cascade, Madden lied to investors about his ability and intent to sell them penny stocks, repeatedly using investors’ money for Ponzi payments and personal expenses. This part of the scheme resulted in Madden taking in over $23 million from over 200 investors.
Beginning in 2021, Madden and Madden and Grabow used their entity Savitar, to further defraud investors. They told investors that Savitar was working with various partners on a large casino and resort project in Mexico that would generate high returns on investments. But Savitar did not have the represented business partnership and lacked any legitimate business operations. Instead, Madden and Grabow diverted investors’ money to the Ponzi scheme. The Savitar scheme resulted in Madden and Grabow obtaining over $2 million from at least 10 investors.
Madden is charged with four counts of wire fraud. Madden and Grabow are both charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Madden’s initial appearance on the indictment is February 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in St. George. Grabow’s initial appearance is scheduled for February 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in St. George.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Joseph M. Hood of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
If you think you are a victim in this case, information can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Assistance page.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $12.9M in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced today that the District of Utah collected $12,954,017.21 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $8,385,272.13 was collected in criminal actions and $4,568,745.08 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Utah worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $2,978,609.99 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $12,350.00 was collected in criminal actions and $2,966,259.99 was collected in civil actions.
For example:
• A Washington County man paid the remaining balance of $2,139,926.35 in restitution in FY2024 after he was ordered by the court in 2022 to pay $3.2 million dollars. The defendant was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment after he failed to file financial reports with the United States Treasury after bringing currency in excess of $10,000 back into the United States from China. See press release: Washington Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $3.2 Million Dollars for Kickback Scheme
• In July 2024, A Utah businessman was sentenced to imprisonment and ordered by the court to pay $10,250,834.53 in restitution after he admitted to defrauding hundreds of trusting investors throughout the United States out of millions of dollars in his smartphone company, SAYGUS. See press release: Smartphone Fraudster Sentenced to 29 Months’ Imprisonment After Cheating Investors Out of $10MThe 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 Utah, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $4,625,653 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. 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.
Gunman Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking Crime that Killed Two PeopleRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rafael Antonio Torres, 21, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, and five years’ supervised release for a January 2023 shooting in which two people were shot and killed.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball, represents the mandatory minimum sentence allowed by law. Torres was originally charged by indictment in March 2024.
According to court documents and statements made at his change of plea and sentencing hearing, Torres admitted to discharging a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Information presented at sentencing revealed that on January 31, 2023, Torres and a relative had met in the parking lot of a Taylorsville apartment complex with a potential customer seeking to purchase THC vape cartridges. Shortly before midnight, Taylorsville police responded to multiple calls of “shots fired” and located two deceased men in a vehicle that had crashed into a snowbank. Witnesses described a third person, later identified as Torres, fleeing from the vehicle’s rear seat.
In a statement to police shortly after the incident, Torres admitted to having been the rear seat passenger, and confirmed that he had been armed with a handgun. Torres further admitted that he fired at least one round at the front seat passenger.
According to court documents, Taylorsville Police recovered THC cartridges and two firearms from the crashed vehicle, one firearm with each of the deceased men. Forensic tests later determined that the two men had shot and killed each other. Further forensic testing confirmed that a third gun had been fired inside the vehicle. The third firearm, belonging to Torres, was not recovered until months later when a citizen located it under heavy brush and reported it to Taylorsville Police.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of mixing drug trafficking with firearms. Two young men lost their lives and a third must now be imprisoned,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute gun crimes, particularly when they result in a loss of life. I commend the outstanding work of the Taylorsville Police Department and prosecutors for their work in bringing this case to a resolution.”
“We appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting this case, thereby giving some sense of justice to the victims’ families and the community,” said Detective Kevin Barrett of the Taylorsville City Police Department. “As law enforcement partners, the Taylorsville City Police Department and U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to stand together fighting neighborhood drug crimes, especially when they involve violence.”
The case was investigated by the Taylorsville Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Alpha Influence Ringleader Admits to Defrauding Investors of over $20MRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah businessman pleaded guilty today to securities fraud and money laundering after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, through his company Alpha Influence, LLC for “Alpha Automated Stores.”
Jeremiah Joseph Evans “The Bull,” 29, of Utah County, was charged by felony information on January 21, 2025.
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, from July 2019 to July 2022, Evans fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. As part of the scheme to defraud, Evans promised investors to secure money in exchange for the Alpha investments. Evans fraudulently obtained approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors. As alleged in court documents, Evans lied to investors about how successful his company was and how long it was in operation. Evans sold the e-commerce stores to purchasers as a passive investment and promised that the stores would make consistent, predictable, monthly returns despite knowing this was false. He failed to disclose that the majority of the invested funds went directly to Alpha Influence, LLC, and were primarily distributed as commissions to those selling the fraudulent investment and himself, with only a small portion sent to the servicer of the investors’ stores.
Evans is scheduled to be sentenced April 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Woolf, Brian Williams, and Jennifer E. Gully of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
Aneth Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Navajo WomanRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Randy Lansing, 41, of Aneth, Utah, was sentenced today to a term of life in prison for murdering a woman he was dating in front of her two young daughters.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David Nuffer, comes after Lansing was found guilty by a federal jury for murder in the second degree while within Indian Country.
According to court documents, evidence presented at trial, and statements made at Lansing’s sentencing hearing, Lansing murdered Tammy Clark, on April 23, 2022. Clark was a 30-year-old mother of three, who Lansing severely beat and drowned in front of her two young daughters. During trial, the evidence established that on the day of the murder, Lansing drove Ms. Clark, her two young daughters and a second woman to McElmo Creek. At the creek, Lansing violently beat and forcibly drowned Ms. Clark, causing her grievous injuries that included a broken nose, extensive facial swelling, many brain hemorrhages, lacerations to her right cheek, left ear, and inside her mouth, a fractured hyoid (neck) bone, four broken ribs, and extensive blunt force trauma to her torso and extremities.
According to statements and evidence presented at trial, Lansing also threatened Ms. Clark’s young daughter. He later drove Ms. Clark’s beaten body to Aneth in the back of his SUV, where he left the vehicle as his mother contacted neighbors for help. Several neighbors, including an EMT, called San Juan County Dispatch for an ambulance and attempted life saving measures until the ambulance arrived and transported Ms. Clark to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
“Mr. Lansing subjected Ms. Clark to an unthinkable level of brutality before her death, all witnessed by her young daughters,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “He has a history of violence against women, which escalated to the heinous murder of this young mother. While no prison sentence can ever make up for the life stolen from Ms. Clark’s family, it is our hope her children can continue to heal and move forward after being profoundly impacted by the gravity of Lansing’s crime.”
“Randy Lansing’s horrific actions will forever have a profound impact on the victim’s family, especially her two young children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Kelly of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI will continue to work alongside our tribal and other law enforcement partners to seek justice and support victims of such heinous crimes.”
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Monticello Resident Agency and Navajo Nation Police Department, Criminal Investigations.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tad May and Tanner Zumwalt prosecuted the case.
Utah Man Sentenced to Prison After Making Death Threats to the Salt Lake County Sheriff and Others over the Foreclosure of His PropertyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Ryan Gregory Bracken, 44, of West Valley City, Utah, was sentenced today to 60 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after he made repeated death threats to the Salt Lake County Sheriff, other government offices, and a local law firm.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart, comes after Bracken was found guilty by a federal jury in October 2024 of four counts of stalking and one count of interstate communication of threats. See prior press release here.
According to court documents, evidence presented at trial, and statements made at Bracken’s sentencing hearing, between March 20, 2024 and April 2, 2024, Bracken made specific threats to kill law enforcement officers and hold other victims responsible for “treason,” the penalty for which he described as “death.” Bracken believed those he threatened were responsible for – or could somehow stop – the foreclosure of his residence. Bracken also made threats of hangings and shootings, with repeated references to the caliber of ammunition he planned to use to shoot anyone who came on his property, which was subject to foreclosure. For example, Bracken made multiple threats that if the Sheriff’s sale of his property occurred, he would hold the Sheriff responsible for “treasonous acts” and that she would “swing from a rope.” As Bracken’s threats grew more extreme, a multi-agency operation was launched to protect the public from his threatened acts of violence.
“The safety of our citizens is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Bracken’s conduct was extreme, unabated, and dangerous. It is our hope the victims he terrorized may find peace in knowing he is behind bars and justice was served.”
"I want to thank all the agencies involved in this investigation and bringing it to a closure,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “I appreciate the U.S. Attorney's Office for prioritizing the safety of our community and our public servants."
"The circumstances Mr. Bracken found himself in were not the making of those he callously threatened to harm but the consequences of his actions," said HSI Salt Lake City Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brandon Crane. "We will aggressively pursue those threatening public servants for performing their sworn duties and serving our communities and ensure that individuals like Mr. Bracken face justice for their actions."
The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Multiple Foreign Nationals Accused of Distributing Large Amounts of Narcotics in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Foreign nationals, living in Utah, will appear in court today after they were charged with multiple drug crimes last week for allegedly distributing fentanyl and heroin in the District of Utah.
Jose Manuel Perez-Flores, 36, of West Valley City, Utah; Victor Flores Esquivel, 48, of West Valley City; Jaime Hernandez-Ruin, 26, of West Valley City; and Eduardo Hernandez-Ruiz, 28, of Murray, Utah, were initially charged by complaint and taken into custody on December 23, 2024. A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment January 8, 2025.
According to court documents, since approximately September 2024, detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC) began investigating a group believed to be distributing large amounts of heroin and fentanyl throughout Salt Lake County. During the investigation, detectives conducted several controlled purchases of heroin. Following the controlled purchases, detectives obtained and executed search warrants on three residences on December 16, 2024. During one of the search warrants in West Valley City, detectives seized 436 grams of fentanyl (approximately 4,360 individual pills), 200 grams of heroin, $1,592 in cash, drug packaging material, and a digital scale. In a separate area of the residence, detectives also seized, 309 grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 3,090 individual pills), 26 grams of heroin, and $1,041 in cash. Multiple electronic money wire transfer receipts, and cellular phones were also seized from the residence.
At a second residence in West Valley City, detective seized 39 grams of fentanyl (approximately 390 individual pills), and 82 grams of heroin, as well as cellular phones, drug packaging material, and several electronic wire transfer receipts. At a third West Valley City residence, detectives seized 1,912 grams of fentanyl (approximately 19,012 individual pills), and 269 grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 2,069 individual pills) from a vehicle registered to Eduardo Hernandez-Ruiz. In total, 28,921 individual fentanyl pills, and 308 grams of heroin were seized.
Perez-Flores, Flores Esquivel, Jaime Hernandez-Ruiz, and Eduardo Hernandez-Ruiz are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. All four defendants also face additional individual charges. Their initial appearance on the indictment is January 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC) and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Reichman of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Child Sexual Predator Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Glenn Raymond Breeden, 56, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced today to 120 months’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release after planning via cell phone to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed was a minor.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr., comes after Breeden pleaded guilty in June 2024 to coercion and enticement/attempted coercion and enticement.
According to court documents and statements made at Breeden’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, in January 2024, Breeden traveled from Florida to Utah. While in Utah, Breeden communicated via cell phone with an undercover law enforcement officer who he believed was the father of a child under the age of 12. Breeden told the father he planned to engage in sexual activity with the minor. Upon opening the door at a hotel in Salt Lake City to let the father and child into the hotel, Breeden was met by law enforcement and arrested.
The case was investigated by the West Valley Police Department and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Joey Blanch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Texas Man Accused of Attempting to Rob an ATM Technician is Facing Federal Charges in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging a Texas man with a violent crime after he allegedly attempted to steal cash from an ATM technician, while armed with a weapon.
Jawuan Donte Thomas, 22, of Texas, was initially charged by complaint on December 17, 2024, in Salt Lake County and taken into custody.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2024, Thomas attempted to rob a bank technician outside of a Wells Fargo Bank in Draper, Utah. That same morning, a detective with the Riverton Police Department was notified of an intentionally damaged and jammed Wells Fargo ATM in Riverton, Utah. During the investigation, the detective was notified of another intentionally damaged and jammed ATM in Draper. Through surveillance video, detectives ran a license plate that came back to a Jeep. However, the suspect vehicle was not the vehicle associated with the license plate. Shortly after, detectives located the suspect vehicle at the Wells Fargo in Draper. Detectives observed the occupants inside the vehicle pull into the bank parking lot and watch the ATM technician make repairs on the machine. When the technician opened the safe to the ATM, two occupants wearing ski masks exited the vehicle. One of the occupants, later identified as Thomas, was allegedly armed with a screwdriver. Detectives apprehended Thomas, but the other suspect fled in the vehicle.
Thomas is charged with one count of bank robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment is January 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer from the South Jordan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Riverton City Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Utah Man Sentenced to Prison After Fraudulently Collecting over Half a Million Dollars in Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Robert Anthony Monsen, 49, of Herriman, Utah, was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay over $561,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare after he fraudulently collected over 13 years’ worth of SSA disability and Medicare benefits.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart, comes after Monsen pleaded guilty in September 2024 to theft of public money, property, or records.
According to court documents and statements made at Monsen’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Monsen collected SSA disability and Medicare benefits for the period of September 2010 to November 2023, claiming severe back injuries that rendered him unable to work. Mr. Monsen continually claimed that he was too disabled to work. However, he worked several jobs – including active work for the bail bonds, security, and restaurant businesses. During this time, Monsen concealed his income and functionality from SSA, in part by routing his paychecks through an LLC in another individual’s name. He also took several vacations in the U.S. and overseas, snorkeling, enjoying the beach, and assisting fighters inside the ring at a mixed martial arts event.
According to court documents, until November 2023, Monsen continued to receive Title II Disability benefits at a rate of $1,981.00 per month for himself, in addition to other family benefits. During the 13 years of disability benefits, he did not report any improvements in his condition to SSA, despite continuous reminders that he was obligated to do so if his health improved or if he was able to begin work. In total, Monsen fraudulently obtained over half a million dollars ($561,050.70) in federal funds set aside for some of society’s most vulnerable members. The calculation includes $274,479.10 in Title II disability benefits, $59,492.00 in child auxiliary benefits, and $227,079.60 in Medicare claims.
“Mr. Monsen not only fraudulently obtained over half a million dollars from taxpayers, but he took benefits reserved from individuals who cannot work due to a severe medical condition,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins. “Protecting the community and vulnerable populations is a priority for my office and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice through prosecution.”
“This 18-month prison sentence was based on Mr. Monson’s deceitful and criminal scheme to defraud SSA. Social Security disability insurance benefits are vital to individuals and their families who qualify to receive them. My office will continue to protect these essential benefits by pursuing perpetrators,” said Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Acting Inspector General for SSA. “I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sachiko J. Jepson for prosecuting this case.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachiko J. Jepson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Ogden Man Found Guilty of Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict Thursday against a convicted felon after he unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition in 2022.
Michael Anthony Rangel, 42, of Ogden, Utah was charged by indictment in September 2022.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in July 2022, officers with the Ogden Metro Gang Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with Mr. Rangel as the passenger. Rangel, knowing he was a convicted felon and restricted from possessing a firearm and ammunition, possessed a Taurus PT111 G2 pistol. Officers seized the firearm and associated ammunition, and it was later discovered the firearm was manufactured outside the State of Utah and had traveled through interstate commerce.
Rangel’s sentencing will be held at a later date before U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by Ogden Metro Gang Task Force.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Branden B. Miles and Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Salt Lake Police Officer Recognized with Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, including Detective Tyler Norman of the Salt Lake City Police Department.
This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.
“Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.”
Detective Norman’s relentless pursuit of justice has not only disrupted gang activity but also established him as a leading expert in the field across the county. His tireless dedication, his work to build his own knowledge of the intricacies of the law, and countless hours of investigative work has resulted in the arrest of numerous violent street gang members and the seizure of firearms and narcotics. His efforts have profoundly strengthened public safety throughout the region.
“I want to thank Detective Norman for his outstanding and selfless work to protect our citizens and keep the community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “Congratulations on this prestigious achievement.”
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.
Utah Businessman Ordered to Pay $40,000 Restitution for Negligent EndangermentRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Daniel J. Brett, 68, of Murray, Utah, was sentenced to pay a water truck operator $40,000 in restitution today after the worker helped with the destruction of the Broadway Hotel in Tooele, Utah, which contained asbestos.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David Sam, comes after Brett pleaded guilty in September 2024 to negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor offense. The United States argued for 12 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release to follow and $40,000 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made at Brett’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, from December 9, 2020 to December 14, 2020, Brett negligently caused asbestos, a hazardous air pollutant, to be released into the ambient air by facilitating the demolition of the historic Broadway Hotel, unabated. By not disclosing the presence of asbestos to a contracted third party demolition company, nor following the required process for an emergency demolition, as required by the Clean Air Act, the demolition took place without personal protective equipment. Additionally, the demolition company hired a worker to help with the demolition. The owner worked inside the excavator while his worker, the victim in this case, operated the water truck. In doing so, the worker stood outside of the water truck wetting debris with a hose as building material collapsed to the ground, with nothing to protect him but a dust mask.
According to court documents, the presence of asbestos in the Broadway Hotel was known since 2011. After demolition, the asbestos containing debris pile remained at the site uncovered for fifteen months. Ultimately, an emergency removal action was initiated and cost the Environmental Protection Agency approximately $1.1 million. See former release here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Ruth Hackford-Peer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Utah Sales Agent Admits to Defrauding Clients of More than $4.9MRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County man pleaded guilty to securities fraud after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, without a license, to approximately 130 clients, through Utah company Alpha Influence, LLC.
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, from March 2020 to June 2022, Kole Glen Brimhall, 27, of Orem, Utah, fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. Brimhall was not licensed to offer and sell securities, but as part of the scheme, Brimhall sold the e-commerce stores to purchasers as a passive investment and promised that the stores would make consistent, predictable, monthly returns. Brimhall failed to disclose that the majority of the invested funds went directly to Alpha Influence, LLC and then were distributed to sales agents, including himself, for commissions, and only a small portion was sent to the servicer of the investors’ stores.
Brimhall is scheduled to be sentenced March 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Woolf, Brian Williams, and Ruth Hackford-Peer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Dark Web Drug Dealer Sentenced to 360 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, the main defendant and mastermind in a multi-million dollar dark web drug trafficking operation was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment. He was also ordered supervised release for life and the forfeiture of over $20 million, which is among the largest forfeitures holding a defendant financially accountable for his crimes in the history of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parish, comes after a jury found Adegboruwa and his co-defendant Enrique Isong, 49, of Los Angeles, California, guilty in May 2024 of multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and money laundering (see prior press release here). On October 23, 2024, Isong was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, evidence presented at trial, and statements made at Adegboruwa’s sentencing hearing, from October 2016 through May 2019, Adegboruwa, sold more than 300,000 oxycodone pills on dark web marketplaces to customers throughout the United States. The jury found that Adegboruwa organized and supervised a continuing criminal enterprise that earned approximately $9,112,471 in drug proceeds. The jury found that Adegboruwa was unquestionably in charge of the illicit narcotics operation. Each member of his enterprise served in different capacities. Some were tasked with locating and procuring pharmacy grade pills that were then re-sold through various dark web marketplaces. Others were involved in packaging the pills and/or shipping them to customers. At trial, Adegboruwa admitted that he controlled sales on the dark web markets and the monetary accounts, including the cryptocurrency accounts through which the enterprise received the bulk of its profits. Adegboruwa also admitted he was the one who decided to start his online dark web drug sales operation.
“Protecting the community from illicit drugs and dismantling drug trafficking operations is a priority for my office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “We will continue to prosecute and seek justice for these crimes.”
“This case further demonstrates that true anonymity on the dark web is a myth,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Services State Phoenix Division Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson. “U.S. Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations, ensuring the safety of USPS customers and employees alike.”
“Adegboruwa's criminal drug enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions of dollars in profits concealed in cryptocurrency transactions. This sentencing is a stark reminder that the DEA is relentless in the pursuit of justice, and that drug traffickers cannot hide their illicit activities even in the secretive expanses of the dark web,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.
“Money laundering continues to be a top investigative priority for IRS-CI,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick for IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office. “The forfeiture amount in this case alone highlights the magnitude of the investigation conducted by IRS-CI special agents, its impact on our community, and IRS-CI’s relentless commitment to uncovering illegal schemes by following the money.”
The case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Assistant United States Attorneys Thaddeus J. May, Jennifer E. Gully, and Stewart M. Young of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
Utah Businessmen Indicted for Defrauding Investors and Lenders Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a 16 count indictment charging two Utah businessmen with various financial crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering. The two business partners are accused of defrauding private investors and lenders in restaurant businesses such as Dirty Bird, Everbowl, and Crumbl Cookies.
Aaron A. Wagner, 42, of Alpine, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on October 23, 2024, in the District of Utah and taken into custody. Wagner and his business partner and codefendant, Michael Mains, 46, of Alpine, Utah, were indicted November 6, 2024.
According to court documents, from March 2021 and continuing to the present, Wagner and Mains devised a fraudulent scheme to trick lenders and investors to send millions of dollars to entities Wagner and Mains controlled through Wagscap Food Services, LLC. These entities included, Hello Sugar, Dirty Bird, Everbowl, Crumbl Cookies, Las Botellas, and others. Wagner would tell lenders and investors that their funds would be used for developing certain restaurants. Instead, Wagner used the funds for personal expenses or investments, or to prop up projects for other investor groups, which also included himself as an investor.
Court documents allege Wagner would further trick investors that he was a successful businessman by showing off his own lavish lifestyle, including personal jets, exotic vehicles, and luxury vacations. Wagner failed to disclose a large part of his success was financed by investor funds he allegedly stole from the businesses they were meant to support. Essentially, Wagner used new investor money, obtained through fraud, to falsely appease previous investors.
As a result of the scheme, Wagner brought in more than $40 million from investors. Wagner and Mains diverted millions for their own personal benefit to make purchases, including but not limited to a $4 million dollar second home for Wagner in Scottsdale, Arizona; an $8 million personal airplane; a $4.5 million commercial property to be developed into a nightclub; and $8 million real estate property in Missoula, Montana.
Wagner and Mains are charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transactional money laundering, and concealment money laundering. Their initial appearance on the indictment was November 8, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. A jury trial is scheduled for February 3, 2025.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carl D. LeSueur and Brent L. Andrus of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim of the alleged fraud mentioned in this press release or have information concerning the fraud in this press release, please email [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Engaging in a $200,000 Check Fraud Scheme in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Toddorius Goodwin, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentence today to 36 months’ imprisonment after he participated in a scheme to steal from banks and credit unions in Utah by cashing counterfeit checks.
In addition to Goodwin’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell sentenced Goodwin to five years’ supervised release and ordered him to pay over $214,000 in restitution to the banks and credit unions he stole from.
In August 2024, Goodwin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity fraud.
According to court documents and statements at Goodwin’s sentencing hearing, from April to October 2022, Goodwin and his associates traveled from Georgia to Utah several times to engage in a sophisticated check fraud scheme. They recruited impoverished individuals locally to take on the risk – as the runners entering the banks to physically cash the forged checks and potentially face arrest. The scheme was a proactive, well-planned, and team-orchestrated crime. Goodwin and his associates stole payroll checks from private mailboxes, altered the “payable to” names on the checks to the recruited individual’s name, and sent that individual into various banks to cash the forged checks in exchange for a small cut of the profit. Goodwin and his associated trained the recruits and coached them through an earpiece from a distance. Goodwin and his associates successfully cashed at least $214,179.51 worth of counterfeit checks in Utah within just a few months.
“Seeking justice for financial fraud is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Mr. Goodwin’s behavior demonstrates a disrespect for the law and the community. By working with our law enforcement partners, it is our hope, through prosecution, we can deter these crimes from further occurring in our communities.”
“Exploiting the vulnerable to commit check fraud is not only a crime against the law but a grave injustice against humanity," said HSI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Chris Miller. "Those who prey on the impoverished to cash fraudulent checks, manipulating their desperation for personal gain, stands as a stark reminder of the darkest facets of greed. This sentencing is a reminder that Justice will find them, and their deceit will not go unpunished.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachi Jepson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Law Enforcement Partners Hold Financial Crimes Conference to Combat Fraud in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah in coordination with the Financial Fraud Task Force, comprised of law enforcement throughout the state, hosted the annual Financial Crimes Conference yesterday. Financial institutions also participated in the conference as part of ongoing efforts to curb financial crimes in the Beehive State.
Fraud is on the rise in Utah. In the first two quarters of 2024, fraud cost Utah residents $55.2 million, compared to $36.4 million in 2023, $32.6 million in 2022, and $20.4 million in 2021 during the same two quarters, according to state data by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Additionally, Utah ranks 10 out of 15 states nationwide for imposter scams, according to the FTC. Imposter scams include scammers posing as a government agency, romance scams, a friend or relative with an emergency need for money.
“Working with our federal and state law enforcement partners and agencies, the United States Attorney’s Office has significantly increased the number of financial crime prosecutions in this state,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. “By prosecuting these cases and advocating for appropriate federal prison sentences, we are sending a clear message that Utah is not the place to conduct fraud schemes and victimize our citizens.”
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with financial institutions throughout the year in conjunction with our federal partners, the conference brings all participating entities that handle financial crimes together for a day of collaborating and learning through presentations.
Prosecuting financial crimes is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Utah. Financial fraud ranges from phishing scams, identity theft, wire fraud, and cashier’s check fraud to name a few. For example, in January 2024, a defendant was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment for her involvement in an online romance scam that cost victims over $6 million. See release here. In February 2024, Salt Lake Trucking Group owners were found guilty in a financial fraud conspiracy that cost FedEx Ground $108 million. See release here. In August 2024, a Utah man was sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment after defrauding farmers out of $1.2 million.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a financial fraud, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/. You may also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call the FTC’s consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357.
Two Accused Drug Dealers Indicted After Allegedly Possessing 40,000 Fentanyl Pills in Salt Lake CityRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging two Arizona residents with a federal drug crime after they allegedly possessed 40,000 fentanyl pills at a hotel in Salt Lake City.
Dominic Jared Arias Aceves, 22, of Arizona, and Cristo Alexander Urias Salazar 32, a foreign national living in Arizona, were initially charged by complaint on October 23, 2024, in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, in October 2024, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force, began a criminal investigation of Aceves and Salazar, and other members of a drug trafficking organization suspected of distributing large quantities of narcotics in the District of Utah. On October 21, 2024, agents obtained and executed a search warrant for a hotel room in Salt Lake City where Salazar and Aceves were believed to be staying. During the investigation, agents seized 3,952 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl, 3.19 grams of field-tested positive methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Agents estimated the amount of fentanyl at approximately 40,000 fentanyl pills. Aceves and Salazar were taken into custody.
Aceves and Salazar are charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for November 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://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.
Main Defendant in a Drug Trafficking Operation is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Pedro De Jesus Figueroa-Roman, 20, was sentenced to 53 months’ imprisonment, and three years of supervised release after admitting to possession of 14,000 fentanyl pills with intent to distribute.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Figueroa-Roman’s co-defendant, Juan Robles-Ramos, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to the possession of heroin with intent to distribute. In July 2024, Robles-Ramos was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made at Figueroa-Roman’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in July 2023, he was selling large amounts of narcotics on behalf of a Mexican drug trafficking organization. In July 2023, an undercover officer purchased 472 grams of methamphetamine from Figueroa-Roman. Two months later, law enforcement arranged and completed a second controlled narcotics purchase with Figueroa-Roman’s co-defendant, Robles Ramos. On October 5, 2023, law enforcement seized 14,000 pills of field tested positive fentanyl, 1,435 grams of field-tested positive heroin, and $4,192 in U.S. currency at a residence in Clearfield, Utah, where both Figueroa-Roman and Robles-Ramos were residing.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) consisting of the FBI and Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force (DMNSF) investigated the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
Repeat Sex Offender Found Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography by a Federal JuryRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict against a repeat sex offender for the possession of child sexual abuse material.
Daniel David Egli, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, was indicted for possession of child pornography by a federal grand jury in June 2022.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Egli’s was first convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material in 2004 and then again in 2010. In addition, he has had several violations of the conditions of his supervised release. Most recently, in the spring of 2021, while Egli was serving another term of federal supervision, he again violated his conditions of release. During a routine check by his probation officer, law enforcement found Egli possessed an unauthorized laptop and smart phone. These unauthorized devices were seized, along with other unauthorized electronic devices.
Subsequently, in May 2021 a warrant was issued for Egli’s arrest, and he was taken into custody. A search of his residence at that time revealed additional unauthorized electronic devices. Further investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Lab of the electronic evidence demonstrated that Egli had accessed, viewed, and possessed nearly 500 images of child sexual abuse material, which led to the June 2022 federal charge.
Egli’s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Colorado Residents Accused of Destroying Historical Site at National Park Face Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
MOAB, Utah – Two Colorado residents were charged by misdemeanor information today, alleging they trespassed, disrupted, and stole from the historic Cave Springs Cowboy Camp in Canyonlands National Park, located in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2024, Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43, of Durango, Colorado, entered a fenced-off area of Canyonlands National Park where they then handled and stole numerous historic artifacts preserved in the Cave Springs Cowboy Camp. This historic camp was protected by fencing and clear warnings prohibiting visitors from entering the area, which McKnight and Spencer disregarded.
McKnight and Spencer are charged with theft of government property, less than one thousand dollars; possessing or distributing cultural or archaeological resources; and walking on or entering archaeological or cultural resource. McKnight and Spencer's initial appearance for the misdemeanor information will be scheduled for a later date at the United States District Court in Moab.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the National Park Service (NPS).
Assistant United States Attorneys Luisa Gough and Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
An information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in San Juan County, UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in San Juan County for the Nov. 5 general election.
The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at 801-325-3311.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Foreign National Charged with Multiple Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging a foreign national living in Utah with multiple drug crimes after he was arrested for allegedly possessing narcotics.
Luis Refugio Brindas Guzman, 27, of Salt Lake County, was initially charged by complaint on October 4, 2024, in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, in July 2024, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force, began a criminal investigation of Guzman and other members of a drug trafficking organization suspected of distributing large quantities of narcotics in the District of Utah. In October 2024, undercover officers arranged to purchase a large quantity of methamphetamine. Guzman arrived at the site of the purchase in a Nissan Rogue. During the search of the Nissan Rogue, agents seized approximately 6,682 grams of field-tested positive methamphetamine, two grams of field-tested positive heroin, and a marijuana roach (the end of a joint). Guzman was arrested.
Agents then executed a search warrant at Guzman’s residence and seized approximately 7,145 grams of field-tested positive methamphetamine, 1,215 grams of field-tested positive heroin, 3,587 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl, and a 9mm handgun. The fentanyl was estimated at approximately 35,000 fentanyl pills.
Guzman is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and reentry of a previously removed alien. His initial appearance on the indictment was October 31, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal
organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,
multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://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.
Foreign National Accused of Possessing 45,000 Fentanyl Pills is in Custody Facing Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging a foreign national living in Utah with drug crimes after he allegedly possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
Yoni Lerma-Renteria, aka Yoni Lerma-Acosta, 30, of Salt Lake County, was initially charged by complaint on October 10, 2024, in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, in September 2024, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force began a criminal investigation of Lerma-Renteria and other members of a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics. In October 2024, agents executed search warrants for Lerma-Renteria’s residence and vehicle. During the search, agents recovered approximately 4,490.5 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl and 15 grams of field-tested positive cocaine. Agents estimated the fentanyl at approximately 45,000 fentanyl pills.
Lerma-Renteria is charged with possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and illegal reentry of a previously removed alien. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://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.
Accused Drug Dealer Arrested and Indicted for Allegedly Possessing and Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A foreign national living in Utah accused of committing drug crimes was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City.
Sabino Osvaldo Gomez-Perez, 36, of Salt Lake County, was initially charged by complaint on October 11, 2024, in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force, began a criminal investigation of Gomez-Perez and other members of a drug trafficking organization suspected of distributing large quantities of narcotics in the District of Utah. On October 9, 2024, agents executed a search warrant for a motel room where Gomez-Perez was staying in Salt Lake County. Agents suspected that Gomez-Perez was using the hotel room to traffic drugs. During the search, agents seized 5,857 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl. Agents estimated the fentanyl at approximately 58,000 fentanyl pills.
Gomez-Perez is charged with possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and illegal reentry of a previously removed alien. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 2:15 p.m., in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://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.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgin Appoints Election Officer for the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Bryant Watson will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Watson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Utah, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Higgins said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Higgins stated that: “Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Watson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (801) 325-3311.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 1-800-Call-FBI.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Higgins said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Utah Fraudster Sentenced for Selling 120,000 Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Record CardsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The lead defendant in a scheme that manufactured, sold and distributed 120,000 counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards was sentenced today.
Nicholas Frank Sciotto, 34, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell to 12 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay a $40,000 fine, after he admitted in July 2024 that he conspired to defraud the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by selling and distributing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards. In turn, Sciotto obtained over approximately $400,000 in profits.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services-OIGAccording to court documents and statements made at Sciotto’s sentencing hearing, between March 2021 and September 2021, Sciotto promoted, manufactured, sold, and distributed illegal and counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards across the country. He also sold the COVID-19 vaccination record cards wholesale to several coconspirators, including Kyle Blake Burbage, 33, of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Together, the coconspirators enabled numerous people to use fake vaccination record cards to masquerade as being vaccinated, so they could evade public health and safety protocols across the nation. Sciotto engaged in this scheme–without regard for any public health consequences or risks that he exposed individuals to during the pandemic, without their knowledge or consent, and he undermined the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination program and other governmental health and safety regulations and protocols at significant profit.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services-OIGOn Facebook, Sciotto sold each card for $10 with a 10 card minimum per order, plus $5 for shipping and directed buyers to a mobile payment service to complete the transaction. In furtherance of the crime, Sciotto made a fake badge and identified himself as a volunteer with a major COVID-19 testing company in Utah to trick a print shop worker into believing Sciotto worked for a hospital and was authorized to print out thousands of copies of COVID-19 vaccination record cards.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachi J. Jepson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted 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 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 and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud
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.
Utah Outdoor Retailer Accused of Evading $1.8M in TaxesRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – A federal grand jury in St. George returned an indictment charging a Southern Utah business owner with tax crimes.
According to court documents, Phyllip Hallman Heaton, 42, of Washington City, Utah, owns and operates Zion Outfitter, an outdoor retail and rental shop near the entrance of Zion National Park. It is alleged that, between 2018 and 2022, Heaton underreported over $5.4 million in sales. He did so by providing his tax-return preparers with profit and loss statements that underreported Zion Outfitter’s gross receipts, falsely representing to his tax preparers that the profit and loss statements were accurate, signing and authorizing the filing of tax returns with the IRS that he knew were false, and structuring cash deposits into Zion Outfitter’s checking account. This resulted in Heaton evading over $1.8 million in taxes.
Heaton is charged with five counts of evasion of assessment of income tax and five counts of fraud and false statements. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for October 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the St. George Courthouse.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is 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.