Eastern District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Federal Attorney Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Numerous ChildrenRead the Press Release
A former Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiring to sexually exploit numerous children.
According to court documents, from January 2018 to October 2021, Mark Black, 50, of Arlington, Virginia, was a member of two online groups dedicated to locating prepubescent girls online and convincing the girls to livestream themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Black and his co-conspirators covertly recorded these livestreams and shared the videos with each other.
In July 2019, Black induced a prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct on a live-streaming application while screen-recording that activity. That same month, Black and a co-conspirator also groomed another prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit acts on a photo- and video-sharing application. The co-conspirator surreptitiously hacked into that girl’s live-video feed and recorded the sexual acts before sending them to Black.
Between July 2019 and March 2022, Black and the same co-conspirator were members of two additional groups dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children and the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In January 2021, Black sent CSAM of a minor to one of the groups.
Black’s electronic devices were found to contain approximately 172,707 images of suspected CSAM. Of those files, over 1,300 depicted identified victims of his conduct.
Black was formerly the Arlington Aquatic Club (AAC) board president.
Black pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to produce child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Shimon Richmond of the FDIC Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office and FDIC-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys McKenzie Hightower, Kaylynn Foulon, and James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former FDIC attorney sentenced after sexually exploiting children for yearsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiring to sexually exploit numerous children.
According to court documents, from January 2018 to October 2021, Mark Black, 50, of Arlington, Virginia, was a member of two online groups dedicated to locating prepubescent girls online and convincing the girls to livestream themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Black and his co-conspirators covertly recorded these livestreams and share the videos with each other.
In July 2019, Black induced a prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct on a live-streaming application while screen-recording that activity. That same month, Black and a co-conspirator also groomed another prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit acts on a photo and video-sharing application. The co-conspirator surreptitiously shared access to girl’s live-video feed and recorded the sexual acts before sending them to Black.
Between July 2019 and March 2022, Black and the same co-conspirator were members of two additional groups dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children and the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In January 2021, Black sent CSAM of a minor to one of the groups.
Black’s electronic devices were found to contain approximately 172,707 images of suspected CSAM. Of those files, over 1,300 depicted identified victims of his conduct.
Black was formerly the Arlington Aquatic Club (AAC) board president.
Black pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to produce child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Shimon Richmond of the FDIC Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office and FDIC-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys McKenzie Hightower, Kaylynn Foulon, and James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-146.
Any individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been victimized by Black are encouraged to contact the FBI at 202-278-2000 and ask to speak to the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Chesapeake man pleads guilty to producing and distributing sadistic animal torture videosRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to create and distribute animal crushing videos.
According to court documents, from at least Nov. 4, 2021, through Aug. 5, 2022, Michael Macartney, 51, and his co-conspirators administered a private online chat group and were members of other private online chat groups on an encrypted messaging platform for the purpose of funding, viewing, distributing, and promoting videos depicting, among other things, the torture, murder, and sexually sadistic mutilation of animals, specifically, juvenile and adult monkeys.
Macartney received over 300 electronic payments from coconspirators for the purposes of promoting, creating, obtaining, receiving, and distributing the torture videos. On one occasion, Macartney raised additional funds for a bonus payment to a videographer who, at the request of the co-conspirators and on short notice, created a video of a juvenal monkey being tortured with a jar of ants, leading to the monkey’s death.
In March 2022, Macartney agreed to sell copies of all his animal crush videos to a co-conspirator for $100. The co-conspirator sent Macartney $75 electronically and Macartney sent the co-conspirator website links where his videos were stored. Macartney stated there were just under 2,300 videos. On Aug.5, 2022, Macartney possessed at least 500 videos depicting animal crushing.
Macartney is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4, 2024. He faces a maximum of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Yusi is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-25.
Annandale doctor who regularly prescribed “excessively high” opioid amounts pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Annandale doctor pleaded guilty today to maintaining a drug-involved premises.
According to court documents, Lino Cueto Montilla, 57, was licensed to practice medicine in 1995. Montilla practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn). Montilla did not specialize in pain management, nor did he receive training on how to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.
From 1999 to 2015, Montilla worked as an ob-gyn with Fairfax Ob-Gyn Associates, rarely prescribing Schedule II pain medication to his patients. In January2016, Montilla began to treat patients at Fairfax Pain Clinic (FPC), which specialized in pain management. From January 2016 through September 2020, Montilla was the primary doctor prescribing Schedule II controlled substances at FPC.
FPC was only open during the morning on two days per week. During an approximate three-hour period on those days, Montilla would see and prescribe opioids to approximately 20 patients, spending, on average, less than 10 minutes with each patient. Despite conducting only cursory exams of patients, Montilla prescribed excessive amounts of opioids to many of these patients for years.
Montilla prescribed high opioid dosing without first confirming diagnoses, performing relevant medical examinations, or reviewing prior medical records, which were relevant and necessary steps when prescribing such high opioid dosages. Montilla rarely ordered his patients to seek physical therapy or any other treatment for their chronic pain. Montilla maintained very limited documentation in the patient files, including failing to document his reasons for prescribing high opioid dosages.
Montilla is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Morgan and Zoe Bedell are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-72.
Richmond felon sentenced for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, at around 10:00 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2023, Richmond Police observed Walter Lavelle Allen, 25, displaying a firearm in an Instagram story that Allen posted at around 8:00 p.m. At around 11:30 p.m., a Richmond Police officer on foot patrol on North 25th Street found Allen asleep in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle, with the firearm, a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol, under Allen’s leg. The officer secured the firearm and detained Allen.
On June 23, 2020, Allen was convicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. As a previously convicted felon, Allen cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-121.
Final Franklin Enterprise member sentenced following murder plotRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Franklin area man was sentenced today to 22 years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to commit murder and other crimes.
Malik Trevonte Newsome, aka “Red,” “Redd,” and “Hitman Red,” 31, of Ivor, Virginia, was the final defendant sentenced for his role in a violent spree committed by members and associates of a Blood-affiliated criminal Enterprise that operated in and around Franklin, Virginia. Newsome; Ronald Damone Jenkins, Jr., aka “G,” 42, of Franklin; Japree Lortez Brooks, aka “Choppa,” and “Primo,” 40, of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; Montrail Je’Quan Manley, aka “Yay,” 28, of Portsmouth; and Deon Dominick Sykes, aka “Animal,” 35, of Franklin, participated in three shootings between late 2017 and early 2019. When a high-ranking member of the Enterprise was murdered by a rival Crip-affiliated gang, the group hunted down and shot members and associates of the Crip gang. One of the victims was shot in the hand and leg, two other victims sustained gunshots to their torsos, leaving each with colostomy bags and other permanent injuries.
A federal jury convicted Newsome, Jenkins, and Brooks on December 11, 2023. Newsome was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding.
Jenkins was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 16, 2024, Jenkins was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Brooks was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding. On April 18, 2024, Brooks was sentenced to 35 years in prison, plus an additional year for a violation of conditions of supervised release in a separate matter.
Manley pleaded guilty on June 6, 2023, to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On January 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Sykes pleaded guilty on July 27, 2023, to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. On January 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; Steve Patterson, Chief of Franklin Police; and Josh Wyche Sr., Southampton County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Taylor for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-101.
EDVA Announces Availability of Half a Million Dollars in Grant Funding for Project Safe Neighborhood InitiativesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced today the availability of over $500,000 in grant funding for Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiatives.
"Addressing violence requires an all-hands effort," said U.S. Attorney Aber. "Communities that work closely together are more successful in driving down violent crime rates. Prevention, intervention, and enforcement go hand in hand to tackle the root causes of violent crime. PSN grant funding is an important resource in a strategy that assists communities and neighborhoods to work together."
Since 2022, local organizations in EDVA have received over $750,000 in PSN grant funding. The last two years of PSN recipients include the following:
- Project Safe Alive and Free (SAF) supports a Group Violence Intervention effort in Hopewell and the surrounding Tri-Cities area that pairs community violence intervention methods and intense life coaching with a trauma-based violence intervention program. This program also works collaboratively with Assistant United States Attorneys from EDVA’s Richmond Division.
- Parents Against Bullying Virginia (PABVA) facilitates anti-bullying programs in the Newport News public school system including “Girl & Gent Talk” group sessions with at-risk youth and the STAR Bright Kidz Puppet program.
- The City of Richmond RVA League for Safer Streets, focuses on prevention and intervention for young individuals who may be susceptible to or involved in gangs by facilitating a Midnight Basketball League where youth are engaged in workshops on topics such as conflict resolution.
- Ballistic IQ technology for the police departments of the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Hampton.
- A three-year research grant on the impact of effectiveness of Group Violence Intervention by the George Mason Center for Evidence Based Policy.
- Real Life Group Violence Intervention and services for individuals making re-entry into the community from correctional facilities.
EDVA’s PSN violence reduction strategy, which is supported by these initiatives, sets the following goals to reduce violent crime:
- Engage, collaborate, and invite community stakeholders to share responsibility in efforts to reduce violent crime. The Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy is an example of this.
- Build trust between law enforcement and the community through effective communication, regular interaction, and the support and protection of crime victims.
- Reduce accessibility and possession of handguns among minors.
- Reduce re-offending and break the cycle of re-victimization.
- Disrupt and dismantle the region’s most organized and violent gangs.
- Identify chronic violent offenders responsible for a disproportionate level of violent crime.
- Work with citizens in neighborhoods most impacted by violent crime on harm reduction strategies.
The U.S. Attorney and the PSN Grant Committee encourage organizations and local and state agencies whose programs support our PSN goals within the district to apply for the remaining grant assistance by visiting the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants/programs/fy-2024-project-safe-neighborhoods-grant-program-eastern. Applications must be submitted in the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 29, 2024.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The PSN Grant Committee is currently prioritizing three regions impacted most by violent crime - Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk - but will evaluate grant applications from across the Eastern District. Applicants submitting a grant may apply for funds between $25,000 and $200,000.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Two Hampton Roads men sentenced for armed robbery of USPS mail carrierRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two Virginia men were sentenced to four years in prison for their roles in the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier.
According to court documents, on May 9, 2023, O’Sirus Landres Charles Ford, 21, of Chesapeake, Virginia, robbed a Hampton mail carrier at gunpoint for his “arrow” key, the master key used to access blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels, and recruited Jayden Stukes, 21, of Suffolk, Virginia, to assist him in the robbery. Ford specifically wanted to steal a key in the Newport News/Hampton area and requested that Stukes drive him “across the water.” Stukes agreed and informed Ford he would be with Da’Twan Watson, 24, of Chesapeake, and that Watson was “a lock.”
When Ford, Stukes, and Watson met at the rental car that Ford had used the previous day for another armed robbery – that time, of a mail carrier in Norfolk – they were unable to gain entry to the vehicle, so Stukes arranged for another of his friends to drive the group. Ford, Stukes, and Watson were all armed with handguns and had masks to cover their faces. After they crossed Hampton Roads, Ford diverted the car from the original destination, the downtown Newport News Post Office, and instead directed the vehicle around a light industrial-commercial area of Hampton. Ford and Watson exited the vehicle to continue hunting down the mailman on foot, and Stukes remained in the car with his friend and communicated with Ford using social media to help him find the USPS target (the victim mail carrier).
Watson and Ford encountered the mail carrier on Galax Street in Hampton. Only Ford was armed, but both he and Watson were fully masked as Watson approached from the side. Ford approached the carrier from Galax Street, brandished his firearm, and said, “Give me your keys or I’m gonna shoot you.” He then repeated his demand and began counting down from five. The victim gave Ford his USPS arrow key. Ford and Watson then fled, eventually meeting with Stukes and the driver in an apartment complex nearby before she drove the group back across the water.
Watson and Stukes pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting. Stukes was sentenced yesterday; Watson was sentenced today.
On Dec. 21, 2023, Ford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence. Ford is currently scheduled to be sentenced May 2.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Watson was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Podlesni and Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-51.
New Jersey company and CEO pay $316,779 for defrauding U.S. Postal Service following wire fraud convictionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Cornerstone Facility Solutions, LLC (Cornerstone), a maintenance and repair service located in Brick, New Jersey, and its CEO, Paul Galgon III, paid $316,779 to resolve their False Claims Act liability for falsifying invoices and inflating the cost of services provided to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Cornerstone entered into a service agreement to perform repairs on USPS facilities. USPS requires providers like Cornerstone to report whether they self-performed or subcontracted services for the repairs. If the provider subcontracts the work, the provider is allowed to markup the subcontractor’s cost by no more than 10 percent.
From July 2016 to July 2021, Cornerstone submitted false invoices to USPS for repair work, in which Cornerstone claimed its employees performed the work, even though the work was actually performed by subcontractors. Galgon directed Cornerstone employees to alter subcontractor invoices to make them appear as though the work was performed by Cornerstone employees, which enabled Cornerstone to build in an improper 30-percent markup on the subcontractor’s costs. As a result of the scheme, Cornerstone overcharged USPS $158,380.
The resolution is the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the USPS Office of Inspector General.
Galgon also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal wire fraud for the conduct covered by the civil settlement and was sentenced to three years of probation and a $5,000 fine.
The civil case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hochul III. The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell L. Carlberg and Kristin S. Starr.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The related criminal docket may be found at United States v. Galgon, No. 1:23-cr-188 (E.D. Va.).
Justice Department Secures Agreement with City of Virginia Beach to Improve Access for Individuals with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, have equal access to city buildings and other civic programs. The agreement is part of the department’s commitment to ensure that civic institutions comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Virginia Beach has a large population of Veterans, active-duty military service members, retirees and their families.
“The ADA mandates equal access to civic life for people with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that cities and other public entities eliminate physical, communication and other barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life. We commend Virginia Beach for its commitment to work with the Civil Rights Division to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, including Veterans.”
“Ensuring that individuals who have disabilities are afforded equal access to local government programs and services is required by the ADA and a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are pleased that the City of Virginia Beach has agreed to take numerous steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, have equal access to vital public services, including emergency services and the City’s website.”
Under the agreement announced today, Virginia Beach will remove accessibility barriers to buildings such as police stations, libraries, technology centers, community centers and places of recreation. The agreement requires Virginia Beach to ensure that parking, routes into buildings, entrances, restrooms, signage, service counters and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities, and that assembly areas, such as the Giant Screen Theater at the Aquarium, provide the required wheelchair and companion seating. The agreement also requires Virginia Beach to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing and vision disabilities through methods such as sign language interpreters, real-time transcription services, Braille or large print documents and accessible electronic formats. The city will also provide access to emergency shelters, provide accessible websites, train employees on the requirements of the ADA, make sidewalks and curb cuts accessible and appoint an ADA coordinator.
The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you may file a complaint online at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with City of Virginia Beach to Improve Access for Individuals with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, have equal access to city buildings and other civic programs. The agreement is part of the department’s commitment to ensure that civic institutions comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Virginia Beach has a large population of Veterans, active-duty military service members, retirees and their families.
“The ADA mandates equal access to civic life for people with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that cities and other public entities eliminate physical, communication and other barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life. We commend Virginia Beach for its commitment to work with the Civil Rights Division to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, including Veterans.”
“Ensuring that individuals who have disabilities are afforded equal access to local government programs and services is required by the ADA and a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are pleased that the City of Virginia Beach has agreed to take numerous steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, have equal access to vital public services, including emergency services and the City’s website.”
Under the agreement announced today, Virginia Beach will remove accessibility barriers to buildings such as police stations, libraries, technology centers, community centers and places of recreation. The agreement requires Virginia Beach to ensure that parking, routes into buildings, entrances, restrooms, signage, service counters and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities, and that assembly areas, such as the Giant Screen Theater at the Aquarium, provide the required wheelchair and companion seating. The agreement also requires Virginia Beach to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing and vision disabilities through methods such as sign language interpreters, real-time transcription services, Braille or large print documents and accessible electronic formats. The city will also provide access to emergency shelters, provide accessible websites, train employees on the requirements of the ADA, make sidewalks and curb cuts accessible and appoint an ADA coordinator.
The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you may file a complaint online at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
Final defendant sentenced in Gloucester meth trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gloucester man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.
According to court documents, as early as May 1, 2020, Jeremy John Gleason, 42, began selling meth in Gloucester. A confidential source told investigators that after Gleason went “dry” due to his source of supply being impacted by COVID, he tried to corner the meth market in Gloucester by buying “everything.” Gleason purchased large amounts of meth every two days and distributed it to co-conspirators.
On April 6, 2021, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of meth in which Gleason sold 14.2 grams of meth. On April 20, 2021, Gleason sold 14.7 grams of meth during another controlled purchase.
On Nov. 30, 2023, Gleason pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was accountable for distributing over 9,000 grams of meth during the conspiracy. He is the final conspirator to plead guilty and be sentenced for his role in the conspiracy.
Andrew Ryan Higgins, 29, of North, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Dec. 18, 2023, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Johnathan Willard Lowney, 42, of Hayes, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Sep. 5, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Jan. 9, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Kenneth Dale Lowney, 39, of Gloucester, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Jan. 4, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Patrick Sean McNulty, 34, of Hayes, pleaded guilty on Aug. 14, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Dec. 20, 2023, he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.
Amanda Nicole Carter, 38, of Gloucester, pleaded guilty on Sep. 5, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Jan. 9, she was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff; and Ron Montgomery, York County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Heath and Peter Osyf prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-40.
Federal jury convicts three members of interstate drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted three Virginia men today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy and an incident that led to the deaths of two victims.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Cortney Allen Conley, aka KO and Allen Conley, 35, of Virginia Beach, managed a large-scale, interstate drug trafficking organization principally based in the Hampton Roads area between January 2020 and November 2022. The organization frequently sold drugs at “popup” shops, which regularly popped up in new locations. In addition to other duties, Javaid Akhtar Reed, 27, of Chesapeake, and Kyron Speller, 29, of Norfolk, provided security for the organization’s popup shops.
In 2021, Conley was robbed at gunpoint at a “popup” located on Providence Road in Chesapeake, after which Conley and his co-conspirators were regularly armed.
On May 13, 2022, two armed subjects attempted to rob the organization’s popup shop on Wintercress Way in Chesapeake. Conley and one of his workers discharged firearms during a gun battle resulting in the deaths of the two subjects. During the gun battle, another worker pistol-whipped one of the subjects. Immediately afterward, Conley and the two workers removed controlled substances, drug proceeds, and firearms from the popup shop.
Conley was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, psilocybin, and psilocyn; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute psilocybin and psilocyn; possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and continuing a criminal enterprise. He faces a mandatory minimum of 35 years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on Oct. 25.
Reed was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, psilocybin, and psilocyn; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute psilocybin and psilocyn; and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on Nov. 15.
Speller was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, psilocybin, and psilocyn; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possession with intent to distribute psilocybin and psilocyn. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on Oct. 25.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya, Joe DePadilla, and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-147.
Maryland man who illegally purchased 59 guns in 17 months sentencedRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Temple Hills, Maryland, man was sentenced today to a year and two months in prison for making false statements while purchasing firearms in Virginia.
According to court documents, from August 2020 through December 2021, Robert Smith, 48, bought a total of 59 firearms over 24 purchases, each time affirming on the required federal firearms forms that he lived in Arlington, Virginia. At no time during that period did Smith live at the provided address in Arlington. Maryland state laws regulating firearms purchases would not have allowed Smith to purchase this many firearms during this period of time, whereas Virginia law allows it.
The investigation into Smith began when four firearms he had purchased were recovered from four different individuals during traffic stops. In each case, the serial number of the firearm was obliterated. During the prosecution of this case, at least two additional firearms linked to Smith were recovered, again with obliterated serial numbers. Aside from these, two were recovered from Smith and he did not report any of the firearms stolen. The locations of the remaining firearms he purchased are unknown to law enforcement.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Durham and Ronald L. Walutes Jr. prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-90.
California man sentenced to over 20 years for distributing pure meth in VirginiaRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A California man was sentenced today to 21 years and ten months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from Sept. 21, 2022, to Feb. 13, 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and task force agents used a confidential source to make multiple purchases of meth from Rodolfo Villanueva, 30. Each time, Villanueva sent a courier to meet the source. The courier would provide the meth from Villanueva to the source and collect from the source money owed to Villanueva for previously supplied meth. Villanueva was found to have supplied over 5 kilograms of nearly pure methamphetamine.
Following the final sale on Feb. 13, 2023, agents took Villanueva into custody and recovered the money from the transaction, which was in Villanueva’s coat pocket. A search of Villanueva’s Richmond apartment resulted in the recovery of 8.9 kilograms of fentanyl and 8.8 kilograms of cocaine.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-50.
Four federally charged for gang murder near YorktownRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Three gang members have been charged, in addition to one previously charged defendant, with abduction and murder in York County, Virginia.
According to the indictment, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, Hezekiah Carney, 25, of Norfolk, Jamica Langley, 24, of Richmond, Donnisha Goodman, 26, of Portsmouth, and Acacia Jackson, 19, of New York, allegedly traveled to the victim’s residence on Bethel Street in Richmond, Virginia, to conduct a physical beating of the victim for a gang infraction. All were members of different regional sets of a national street gang, the Almighty Black P. Stone Nation. The group left the apartment after beating the victim.
Around an hour later, Goodman, Jackson, Carney, and Langley allegedly returned to the victim’s apartment, this time with an additional co-conspirator and fellow gang member, Jayquan Jones, 25, of Richmond. Some of them allegedly were armed and wearing masks. The group allegedly attacked the victim again before taking her from her residence. The group allegedly drove the victim in a Hyundai Sonata approximately an hour east of Richmond to a remote area off Old Williamsburg Road in York County, where they allegedly removed her from the car and executed her. The Medical Examiner found eight gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., deputies with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office allegedly found the victim’s body, along with numerous shell casings with an "S&B” headstamp. On May 7, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department allegedly located and stopped the Sonata. Jackson, Goodman, and Langley allegedly were in the vehicle at the time. Investigators allegedly recovered a 9mm cartridge from the vehicle with the same “S&B" headstamp from casings found at the scene of the murder.
On March 5, Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Carney, Goodman, Langley, and Jones are charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. If convicted of kidnapping resulting in death, they face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Norfolk Field Office; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Ronald Montgomery, York County Sheriff, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance provided by the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-1.
Woodbridge fentanyl dealer sentenced to a decade in prison after buyer’s fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents, on May 16, 2019, Eric Anthony Stokes II, 27, sold fentanyl that later caused the death of the buyer. Stokes and the buyer negotiated the sale via text message before the buyer travelled to Stokes’ residence and purchased two pills for $70. The buyer then returned to his family’s home.
When the buyer didn’t emerge from his bedroom the following morning, his father found him lying on his bed, cold and bleeding from his mouth, nose, eyes, and navel. He had foam around his mouth and nose. The family called 911, and a family member attempted CPR while waiting for first responders to arrive. He was pronounced dead at the scene at only 21 years old. In the victim’s clothing, investigators found a white envelope with a blue powder that lab tests confirmed contained fentanyl. An autopsy showed that the amount of fentanyl found in his system was approximately twice the amount typically considered fatal.
Stokes continued selling fentanyl despite knowing that the buyer had died after taking the pills.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Alito prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-6.
Federal judge convicts Stafford man for his role in dogfighting ringRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal judge convicted a Stafford man yesterday on a charge of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least May 2015 through August 2020, Mark Joseph Rodriguez, aka “Slow Poke,” 45, and other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland used a messaging app private group, which they generally referred to as "The DMV Board" or "The Board," as a place where they and their associates could discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dogfighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights, out of view of law enforcement. Members of the DMV Board also used the app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, as well as to circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement and discuss methods to minimize the likelihood that they would be caught themselves.
At various times throughout the conspiracy, Rodriguez actively participated in arranging dog fights. Rodriguez officiated dog fights, with one co-conspirator characterizing him as "the most recognized ref on the east coast." Rodriguez also regularly engaged in the DMV Board private group, providing results and narratives of fights, explanations of his refereeing decisions, and articles regarding the prosecutions of other defendants.
Rodriguez’s conviction follows the recent pleas of six of his codefendants to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. Eldridge Jermaine Jackson, aka “Big Head,” “4bhead,” and “4b,” 48, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 18. Larry Alston, aka “Big Goon,” 49, of Windsor Mill, Maryland; Bashawn Allen, aka “Bey,” “425,” and “425 Money Boy$,” 34, of Trenton, New Jersey; and Dandre Patrick Wallace, aka “Abstract,” 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 21. Isacc Jermaine Weathersby, aka “Big Fist,” “CROUSA,” “KingCro TC,” and “Team CRO,” pleaded guilty on March 22. Charles Edward Davis Jr aka “Cat Daddy” and “Deep in the Game,” 44, of Woodbridge, Virginia, pleaded guilty on March 28. Jackson, Alston, Allen, Weathersby, and Wallace are scheduled to be sentenced on June 18. Rodriguez and Davis are scheduled to be sentenced on July 2.
On Nov. 29, 2022, Derek Aaron Garcia, aka “Fatal Attraction,” 40, of Woodbridge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture, and Ricardo Glen Thorne, aka “Rip,” 53, of Camp Springs, Maryland, pleaded guilty to advertising an animal for use in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema sentenced Garcia to 10 days in prison and Thorne to one year in prison.
On Nov. 9, 2022, Michael Roy Hilliard, aka “No Dayz Off,” 38, of Fort Washington, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 1, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Hilliard to six months in prison.
On Nov. 4, 2022, Charles Edward Williams III, aka “Never Say Never,” 50, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Feb. 21, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Williams to two years in prison.
On June 16, 2023, Tarry Jeron “TJ” Wilson, aka “Tejai” and “City Limits,” 39, of Warsaw, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 20, 2023, Judge Brinkema sentenced Wilson to two years in prison.
On Nov. 10, 2022, Laron Mecco West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” 47, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. West passed away on Feb, 10, 2023, prior to sentencing.
Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on July 2. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Judge Brinkema announced the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon Kromberg and Vanessa Strobbe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-176.
FCC Petersburg corrections officer pleads guilty to taking bribesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The final defendant in a bribery conspiracy within the Federal Correctional Complex at Petersburg, Virginia (FCC Petersburg), pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to solicit and accept a bribe by a public official.
According to court documents, Daniel Thomas, 37, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, has been a correctional officer at FCC Petersburg since February 2015, leading a prisoner work detail as a Pipe Fitter Supervisor. William R. Hall, 49, of Lexington, Kentucky, was a prisoner assigned to Thomas’ work detail from June 29, 2022, until he was transferred to FCC Fort Dix, New Jersey, on Nov. 17, 2022.
During the time Hall was assigned to Thomas’ work detail, Hall paid bribes to Thomas through Kayla Cronin, 29, who was Hall’s associate from Lexington. In exchange, Thomas provided contraband, including tobacco products and anabolic steroids, to Hall in prison. Hall then sold contraband to other prisoners. Hall transferred proceeds from those sales to Cronin through an intermediary. Cronin would then send bribes to Thomas by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, keeping some of the money for herself. Hall directed Cronin by coded conversations.
On Oct. 25, 2023, Cronin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9. On April 5, Hall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18. Each defendant faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region, made the announcement after Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight accepted the plea. The cases are assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Panth and Robert Day are prosecuting these cases.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:24-cr-36, 3:24-cr-18, and 3:23-cr-132.
Spotsylvania man pleads guilty to coercing a child to produce pornographic materialRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Spotsylvania man pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography.
According to court documents, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Toronto contacted HSI Richmond regarding a Discord account with username “FairyHunter.” HSI identified Shane Johnston, 46, as the account user. In August 2023, HSI agents obtained a search warrant for five electronic devices belonging to Johnston. The devices contained 7,453 media files constituting child pornography. A review of Johnston’s Discord account revealed a conversation in June 2023 between Johnston and a nine-year-old child during which Johnston induced the child to produce and send to him images of herself engaging in sexual activity.
Johnston is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Roger L. Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-51.
Richmond man pleads guilty after being caught with a machine gunRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing a machine gun.
According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Sterling Alexander Davis, 21, failed to stop at the intersection of Orcutt Lane and Kimrod Road and Richmond police performed a traffic stop. Davis told officers there were no firearms in the vehicle, but officers recognized the two passengers in the back seat and knew that they had possessed firearms in previous encounters. The officers checked both backseat passengers and found firearms in their pants.
The officers then performed a sweep of the vehicle for additional weapons and located a Glock 45 9mm handgun under the driver seat. The handgun was equipped with a laser guide and an extended magazine. The Glock also had a machinegun conversion device, or “Glock switch,” which rendered it capable of fully automatic fire, meeting the legal definition of a machine gun.
Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30 and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-32.
Members of Fredericksburg drug trafficking organization sentenced for distributing cocaine, fentanyl and “Molly”Read the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Two men were sentenced today after pleading guilty to their participation in a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in and around the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area.
According to court documents, task force agents with the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the organization for over a year. From July 2022 through April 2023, Omar Jermel Dixon, 48, of Fredericksburg, supplied controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, and synthetic cathinone (“Molly”), to other members of the organization.
On June 22, 2023, agents arrested Dixon and seized $11,090 in drug proceeds from his home, and a pistol from his vehicle. On Oct. 13, 2023, Dixon pleaded guilty to distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine. Dixon was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.
On various dates throughout the investigation, Dixon supplied cocaine to Alphonso Lamont Jones, 44, of Fredericksburg, which Jones distributed and returned payment to Dixon. On June 22, 2023, agents arrested Jones at his home. On October 13, 2023, Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Today, Jones was sentenced to five years in prison.
On various dates throughout the investigation, Dixon supplied cocaine to Ricardo Maurice Morton, aka Cardi, 49, of Ruther Glen, Virginia, which Morton distributed and returned payment to Dixon. On June 22, 2023, agents arrested Morton and seized approximately 90 grams of cocaine from his home. On Oct. 6, 2023, Morton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. On March 26, Morton was sentenced to five years in prison.
On April 26, 2023, law enforcement seized one kilogram of Molly from Kelsey Dean Monroe, Jr, aka Lil’ Man, 31, which had been supplied by Dixon. On Oct. 6, 2023, Monroe pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute N,N,-Dimethylpentylone. On March 27, Monroe was sentenced to one year and three months in prison.
Leonard Marcel Smith, aka Leonard Marcel Davis, 46, of Fredericksburg, and Lanier Anthony Jackson, aka Dewey, 54, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, served as drivers and lookouts for Dixon. Jackson also served as a driver and assistant to Morton. On Oct. 17, 2023, Smith and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On March 25, Smith was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison, and on March 28 Jackson was sentenced to six months in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA’s Washington Division, made the announcement after Dixon’s sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-73.
Virginia Man Charged for Attempted Church ShootingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Rui Jiang, 35, of Falls Church, Virginia, with attempting to obstruct the congregants of the Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia, in the free exercise of their religious beliefs. The indictment charged that his attempted act involved a dangerous weapon and an attempt to kill, and included both a threats count and a firearms violation.
According to court documents, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023. On the morning of Sept. 24, 2023, police began searching for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call about his online posts. Police officers located Jiang at the front entrance to the Park Valley Church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun and two full magazines of ammunition. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered five copies of a letter, each signed, which read in part, “To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do. May your tears not be cried in vain, but to celebrate how your loved ones had lived.” Jiang was arrested and detained by state authorities on Sept. 24, 2023.
If convicted of all counts, Jiang faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of FBI Washington Field Office, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth for Prince William County, Virginia, made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Prince William County, Virginia, and Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Virginia Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A Virginia woman pleaded guilty last week to willfully failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gail Jones, of Dumfries, Virginia, served as Director, Vice President and President of S&G Property Management Inc. (S&G), a parcel delivery service. Between 2013 and 2018, Jones caused income, Social Security and Medicare taxes to be withheld from S&G’s employees. However, Jones did not pay those withholdings to the IRS as she was required to do. Moreover, to thwart potential IRS levies and other collection activities, Jones opened new bank accounts using new Employer Identification Numbers and variations of her business’ name.
In total, Jones caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $950,000.
Additionally, Jones fraudulently applied for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which were part of a COVID-19 relief program intended to provide loans to certain businesses to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. Jones applied for the loans even though S&G was no longer operating. She fraudulently received $20,800 in loans.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Marissa Brodney of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
Violent offender sentenced for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2022, Richmond police officers stopped a car for speeding and running a stop sign. An officer observed an open liquor bottle in the backseat and asked the driver to step out of the car. As the driver got out of the car, she told the officer she was sitting on a firearm. The officers asked John Edward Mason III, 36, who was in the passenger seat, to get out of the car. During a protective sweep of the car, the officers found a loaded 9mm handgun under Mason’s seat.
In 2009, Mason was convicted of hit and run resulting in personal injury after driving into a man with his car. In 2011, Mason was convicted of malicious wounding after hitting a man in the face with a brick. As a previously convicted felon, Mason cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Mason’s release from supervised probation was less than six months from the date officers found him in possession of a firearm.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Peter Duffey prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-78.
Repeat felon pleads guilty to federal drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents, on Sept. 19, 2023, Richmond Police Narcotics Detectives and the Virginia State Police Tactical Team executed a search warrant at the residence of Errez Tekel Perry, 30. After there was no response when the team knocked and announced, the team breached the door and entered the residence. Perry ran from the front door area toward the rear of the house, ignoring the team’s commands, and was taken into custody.
Investigators recovered two semi-automatic firearms, ammunition, two drum ammunition magazines, approximately 64 grams of cocaine, packages of Suboxone, baggies with numerous pills, several baggies with approximately 200 grams of suspected marijuana, baggies with residue, digital scales, a cash counter, and two cellphones.
Perry had been convicted previously of felony drug trafficking, felony drug possession, possession of a firearm with Schedule I and II controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Perry could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Perry is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and a maximum of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-163.
Recidivist offender sentenced for firearm possessionRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, on March 22, 2023, Richmond Police Department (RPD) detectives were patrolling an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Walmsley Boulevard following a recent homicide in the area. They observed Brandon Stephon Brown, 31, approach and quickly enter a breezeway. Brown reached into his pants and detectives saw a black handgun fall between Brown’s legs. The detectives detained Brown and recovered the 9mm handgun, which was loaded with a magazine containing 17 rounds, with an additional round in the chamber. The handgun was later determined to have been reported stolen.
At the time, Brown had four previous felony convictions, including robbery involving a firearm in 2012, two convictions in 2016 for possession of controlled substances, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2017. As a previously convicted felon, Brown cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2023, and convicted at a bench trial by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr, on Nov. 15, 2023.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Gibney.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-94.
Navy sailor pleads guilty after trying to arrange sex acts with a 10-year-oldRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. - A Virginia Beach man pleaded guilty today to attempting to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court documents, on Jan. 17, Petty Officer First Class Vicente Muniz, Jr, 35, contacted a person he believed was the father of a 10-year-old child through a social media app. Muniz set up a meeting to engage in sex acts with the child. Muniz explained that he was supposed to meet another minor that day, but the minor stopped responding. Later that day, when Muniz attempted to meet with the purported parent and 10-year-old, he was arrested by law enforcement.
Muniz is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya and Anthony Marek are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-8.
Three men charged with armed robbery conspiracy targeting U.S. Postal Service mail carriersRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Three men from the Hampton Roads area have been indicted and arrested on federal charges accusing them of planning and executing robberies of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers at gunpoint and related financial fraud.
On March 19, Ricky Damion Christopher Jones, Jr., 20, of Virginia Beach was arrested on the following charges:
Charge
Statute
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951(a) and 2
Assault of a Federal Employee with a Dangerous Weapon
18 U.S.C. §§ 111(b) and 2
Stealing Keys Adopted by the Post Office
18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1349
On March 19, Samir As-sad Hurd, 23, of Chesapeake, was arrested on the following charges:
Charge
Statute
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951(a) and 2
Assault of a Federal Employee with a Dangerous Weapon
18 U.S.C. §§ 111(b) and 2
Stealing Keys Adopted by the Post Office
18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1349
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
18 U.S.C. §§ 922(j) and 2
On March 20, Manray Perry, 22, of Virginia Beach was arrested on the following charges:
Charge
Statute
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951(a) and 2
Assault of a Federal Employee with a Dangerous Weapon
18 U.S.C. §§ 111(b) and 2
Stealing Keys Adopted by the Post Office
18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2
According to court documents, beginning at least in April 2023 through at least July 2023, Jones, Hurd, Perry, and other co-conspirators allegedly planned and executed armed robberies of postal carriers in which the co-conspirators approached U.S. Mail Carriers, brandished a firearm, and demanded their U.S. Postal Service-issued “arrow” keys. These alleged offenses occurred in Norfolk, Hampton, and James City County, Virginia.
The following co-conspirators pleaded guilty in the earlier-charged case United States v. O’Sirus Landres Charles Ford (a/k/a Siris), et al., 4:23-cr-51, and are awaiting sentencing:
On Dec. 13, 2023, Da’Twan Watson pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18.
On Dec. 15, 2023, Jayden Stukes pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17.
On Dec. 21, 2023, O'Sirus Ford pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg-James City County, and Virginia Beach Police Departments also assisted with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-18.
Federal jury convicts New York man for defrauding restaurant employees and COVID-19 relief programRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Mount Vernon, New York, man today on charges of wire and mail fraud.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Derickson Lawrence, 67, was the Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of MarketView Resources, Inc., a company that provided third-party payroll services. MarketView had only one significant client, a Virginia Beach company that owned restaurant franchises in the mid-Atlantic region. The Virginia Beach company regularly transferred payroll money to a bank account controlled by Lawrence to pay the salaries of its employees who elected to receive their wages via debit card.
From March 2017 through October 2019, Lawrence wired approximately $230,000 from the bank account with the employees’ wages to his brokerage account, most of which he lost through risky, speculative options trading. Lawrence also used the restaurant workers’ wages to pay debit cards he gave to himself, his own employee, and family members.
As early as December 2018, on numerous occasions there was not enough money left to cover the transactions of employees who used their debit cards to withdraw their wages. The financial services company that processed those transactions for MarketView covered nearly $90,000 until they terminated their relationship with Lawrence in September 2019. On Sept. 25, 2019, when the paycards were shut off, MarketView’s own records showed an available balance to cardholders of more than $465,000, while the bank account only contained $2,400.
In addition to defrauding his client, Lawrence defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP program was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. In April 2020, Lawrence submitted a PPP loan application that falsely stated he had two employees and paid over $10,000 in monthly wages. Lawrence falsely portrayed MarketView’s 2020 payroll by using an altered bank statement that actually reflected activity from February 2016. Lawrence received a PPP loan of $26,250, which he used for options trading.
Lawrence faces 20 years in prison on each of the 11 counts when sentenced on July 19. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr, accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Mozzi and E. Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-89.
Drug trafficker with 10 previous convictions sentenced againRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man was sentenced today to 24 years and four months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, from July 28, 2020, to July 15, 2022, Kevin Ronregus Jones, 54, conducted numerous sales of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine to a confidential source working with federal investigators. In at least some of the fentanyl transactions, the defendant agreed to sell heroin, but instead knowingly sold fentanyl. On one occasion, Jones sold fentanyl while accompanied by a 12-year-old boy.
On Oct. 24, 2020, investigators executed a warrant to search Jones’ Portsmouth drug house where he received, stored, packaged, and distributed controlled substances. Investigators recovered approximately 1,683 grams of fentanyl, 420 grams of powder cocaine, 31 grams of cocaine base, four plastic bags containing drug-cutting agents quinine and caffeine, a drug press, and $24,915 in fentanyl proceeds.
Upon completion of his prison term, Jones will be subject to 10 years of supervised release.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-104.
Repeat felon sentenced after being caught again with a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to seven years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Sept. 23, 2021, Richmond Police officers recognized Lamar Javon Williams, 31, who was in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a black bag across his chest. Williams got out of the car without the bag and entered the store. As Williams was returning to the car, an officer approached Williams and briefly spoke with him before Williams walked away from the scene. The officers then spoke to the driver, who had a handgun in his pants pocket.
Officers recovered Williams’ bag from the passenger side floorboard. Inside the bag were a loaded handgun, a debit card with Williams’ name, and a “corner baggie” with 3.8 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
In 2012, Williams was convicted of malicious wounding in Richmond Circuit Court after he shot a man in the chest with a shotgun in December 2010. In 2014, while on a suspended sentence for the malicious wounding conviction, Williams was convicted of possessing a firearm as a violent felon. As a previously convicted felon, Williams could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
After obtaining a warrant for his arrest, officers located Williams at a gas station on March 25, 2022, and approached his car to arrest him. Williams sped off, almost hitting the police car. Williams was arrested after a brief chase, and was found in possession of a corner baggie of fentanyl and 10 Xanax pills.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Peter Duffey prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-158.
Maryland man pleads guilty to federal gun and drug crimes in Virginia and West VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Bowie, Maryland, man pleaded guilty yesterday to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, on Aug. 18, 2022, William Phillip McDowell, Jr, aka “Mike,” 44, was driving a rental car through Harrison County, West Virginia, with two passengers when an officer from the Clarksburg Police Department stopped the vehicle for speeding. At the time, McDowell’s driver license was suspended, and McDowell was on probation for a felony murder conviction. During a search of the vehicle, police found a pack containing a brick-size package of 997.7 grams of fentanyl, 43 baggies containing a total of 16.46 grams of fentanyl, a bag containing 8.89 grams of cocaine, and a stolen, loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun. McDowell pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for this case.
On July 7, 2023, detectives with the Prince William County Police Department observed McDowell conducting what appeared to be a drug transaction in a parking lot in Woodbridge, Virginia. When McDowell returned to the passenger seat of his vehicle, the detectives detained and searched the vehicle. In the passenger seat where McDowell had been sitting, the detectives found a backpack containing a .380 caliber handgun, .380 caliber ammunition, 388 fentanyl pills, 22 grams of cocaine, a digital scale with cocaine residue, $617.85 in cash, and a wallet with McDowell’s photo identification card. McDowell pleaded guilty to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
McDowell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charge from the Northern District of West Virginia and a mandatory minimum of five years to be served consecutively with any other prison term and up to life in prison for the firearms charge from the Eastern District of Virginia. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; William J. Ihlenfeld, II, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Peter Newsham, Chief of Prince William County Police; and Mark Kiddy, Clarksburg Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Raizza K. Ty are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the Northern District of West Virginia case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and the District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia (NDWV) or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:23-cr-196 and 1:24-cr-59 for EDVA and Case No. 1:23-cr-42 for NDWV.
Arlington doctor who illegally flooded Northern Virginia with oxycodone pills sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington woman convicted of illegally prescribing and distributing over a million oxycodone pills was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kirsten Van Steenberg Ball, 69, was a primary care physician who operated a medical practice out of her home in Arlington.
Ball directed her office manager, Candie Marie Calix, 42, of Front Royal, to recruit other individuals - including several of Calix’s immediate family members - to become pain patients of Dr. Ball’s so that she could prescribe large quantities of oxycodone to them. Calix, in turn, then sold the tens of thousands of oxycodone pills that Ball prescribed to them. Calix was herself a patient of Ball. Ball prescribed Calix approximately 50,000 oxycodone pills over 10 years.
It was common for Ball to prescribe her patients as many as 360 oxycodone 30-mg pills per month, although she would split the prescriptions into two 180-pill prescriptions to try to disguise the amount. Ball continued to prescribe oxycodone to patients showing blatant signs of drug dependence, abuse, diversion, and addiction; to patients that had been arrested and convicted for selling illegal drugs; and to patients who asked for early refills of oxycodone based on unsubstantiated claims of lost or stolen pills.
The government’s investigation identified three of Ball’s former patients who died of drug overdoses. Ball consistently overprescribed oxycodone to these patients and ignored signs of drug abuse, fueling their addictions.
For example, Ball concurrently prescribed a patient from Fauquier County large doses of both oxycodone and benzodiazepines, which when prescribed in combination with opioids significantly increases the risk of overdose. Ball repeatedly documented in the patient’s chart that the patient was overusing or abusing her medication and had even been admitted to the local emergency room for a likely drug overdose, yet Ball continued to prescribe oxycodone to her. On July 22, 2016, Ball prescribed 240 oxycodone 30-mg pills. A few weeks later, the patient was found dead in her home of an oxycodone overdose.
In 2015, at the same time Ball was under investigation by state regulatory authorities, Ball discharged a patient whom she knew was overusing his medication. Rather than referring the patient to a substance abuse clinic or another medical provider, Ball prescribed a total of 500 oxycodone 30-mg tablets, along with 90 diazepam 10-mg tablets, and 60 methadone 10-mg tablets, for the month of June 2015, even though she knew this was a dangerous combination of drugs. On July 14, 2015, Ball issued a final prescription to the patient for another 160 oxycodone 30-mg pills. In August 2015, the patient died of a drug overdose in his home. The Medical Examiner’s report noted a “toxic level of oxycodone.”
While under investigation by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) in 2014 and 2015, and again in 2021, Ball falsified records that she submitted to DHP to cover up the fact that she was prescribing oxycodone to patients for no legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Following the first DHP investigation, Ball directed Calix to use a false name in her capacity as office manager to hide the fact that Calix was receiving oxycodone from Ball.
The FBI introduced an undercover law enforcement officer, purporting to be the nephew of an existing patient. In recorded conversations, the undercover told Ball that he was sharing pills with his family members. In response, Ball told the undercover that was “a felony,” that she would simply not write it down in his patient file, and not to tell anybody else. She continued to prescribe escalating quantities of oxycodone to the undercover.
On Dec. 12, 2023, a federal jury convicted Ball on one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and 19 counts of distribution of oxycodone. On Sept. 28, 2022, Calix was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiring to distribute oxycodone.
In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, the Court ordered Ball to forfeit $750,000 and pay an additional $50,000 in community restitution. The community restitution payment, which is the first of its kind in the Eastern District of Virginia, will go to two separate Virginia state entities, including the department tasked with receiving federal funds for substance abuse programs in the state.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Rumbaugh and Heather D. Call 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-80.
Repeat offender sentenced for federal firearms offenseRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to three and a half years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 9, 2023, two Richmond Police Officers observed Henry Leon Marrow, Jr, 34, conducting a narcotics transaction in a convenience store parking lot on Richmond Highway. The officers found Marrow in possession of 3.18 grams of cocaine and arrested him. Marrow later informed officers he was in possession of a firearm, and the officers found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun in his pants.
Marrow has previous felony convictions for robbery, abduction, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in 2010 and shoplifting in 2019. As a previously convicted felon, Marrow cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Marrow pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Emerson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-105.
Virginia business owner pleads guilty to tax fraud for failing to pay employees’ withheld taxesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Great Falls man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim, 55, owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings.
Additionally, between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes, but did not pay the taxes he reported were due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false Form 433-A, Collection Information Statement, which omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, a 2006 Bentley, a 2008 Lamborghini, and real property in Great Falls, Virginia. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of that Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. In addition, Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank.
Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income.
In total, Rahim has caused a loss to the IRS of at least $1,844,489.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-173.
Financial analyst pleads guilty to $1.3M embezzlement schemeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A New York man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his part in embezzling over $1.3 million from his employer.
According to court documents, beginning in 2019, Luis Lee, 38, was the Senior Financial Analyst for a health services provider headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The company operates counseling and therapy programs, a foster care program, and programs focused on autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lee was promoted to Treasury Manager in October 2022. As Senior Financial Analyst and Treasury Manager, Lee was responsible for monitoring the company’s bank accounts and payment processing, ensuring quality standards with third-party vendors, conducting risk and cash flow forecasting, and working with internal and external auditors, among other responsibilities.
In March 2020, Lee and a co-conspirator, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, set up a fake vendor called JKemp Consulting LLC, and Lee opened a business checking account for JKemp. The CFO drafted a fraudulent engagement letter purporting to reflect an agreement between JKemp and the company to pay JKemp $100,000 per month in exchange for “various strategic and consulting services.” Beginning on March 26, 2020, the CFO drafted and submitted 12 fraudulent JKemp invoices for a total of $1,140,000, all of which his employees processed for payment in accordance with his instructions. Lee processed payments for some of the invoices, which he knew were fraudulent. Lee and the CFO divided the proceeds between themselves.
Lee and the CFO also bilked the company for $177,962 through a scheme to take advantage of a tuition reimbursement benefit. The company allowed employees to seek reimbursement for certain approved educational expenses for a maximum reimbursement of $5,250 per year. Between November 2020 and December 2022, the CFO drafted false documentation showing Lee’s purported enrollment in Hofstra University’s Master of Business Administration program. Though Lee was never enrolled in the program, Lee and the CFO caused the company to process the maximum reimbursement in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In November 2022, a final fraudulent reimbursement of $162,212 was processed.
Finally, in April 2022, the CFO directed an employee in his department to “pay out [Lee’s] entire vacation balance on the next payroll.” The employee processed the payment as directed, paying Lee approximately $6,000. The company’s policies authorized neither the directive to pay out Lee’s unused vacation hours nor Lee’s receipt of the funds.
In total, the conspirators misappropriated approximately $1,323,962 from the company.
Lee is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Day and Thomas A. Garnett are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3: 24-cr-30.
Convicted sex offender sentenced for child pornographyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man with two previous convictions for sexual offenses involving minors was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, on Feb. 12, 2022, a person contacted Newport News Police to report sexually inappropriate messages between a minor and Eric Alan Starling, 45, on Snapchat. On March 8, 2022, an FBI task force officer contacted a probation officer and confirmed Starling’s identity and his status as a registered sex offender. A search of Starling’s Snapchat account confirmed that Starling was engaging in sexually inappropriate chats in which he openly admitted to being a sex offender and discussing with the minor how this could be a problem given their relative ages. Starling also had conversations with an underage individual that included talking about having sex with that individual and sending sexually inappropriate photos of himself.
On June 28, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed on Starling’s residence. Nine electronic devices were seized. After being caught, Starling admitted that he was in possession of “all kinds” of pornography. Forensic analysis of his devices showed images of child sex abuse material.
Starling was convicted on state charges in Virginia in 2006 and 2009. In 2006, Starling was found guilty of using a computer to solicit a minor. In 2009, Starling was found guilty of aggravated sexual battery of a child, taking indecent liberties with children, and sexually explicit material with a minor.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Heath and Lisa McKeel prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-52.
Crab grab nets federal convictionRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Tangier man pleaded guilty today to overharvesting Chesapeake Blue Crabs in Virginia waters and selling them in Maryland in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court documents, between March 20, 2023, to April 20, 2023, James Warren Eskridge, 45, exceeded the maximum harvest and sale of blue crabs to a seafood buyer on 16 occasions. Chesapeake Blue Crabs are the most valuable fishery in the Chesapeake Bay and, as such, those fishing blue crabs are subject to strict limits by law. At the time of Eskridge’s violations, Virginia permitted licensed commercial crabbers to harvest up to 27 bushels of blue crab per day, regardless of the number of licenses crabbers present on a single vessel.
Eskridge operated the fishing vessel Rebecca Jean II with two mates out of Tangier Island, Virginia. On April 11, 2023, law enforcement observed Eskridge and his mates offload 60 bushels – more than double the Virginia limit – in Crisfield, Maryland. On April 11, 2023, Eskridge and his mates returned to Crisfield and offloaded 56 bushels. On April 13, 2023, they returned again and offloaded 58 bushels more.
When confronted by investigators, Eskridge originally claimed to have purchased the additional crabs from a “buy boat” to sell on shore. After being challenged, Eskridge admitted that all the crabs were his and that he was over the Virginia harvesting limit for blue crabs. Records from the seafood buyer in Crisfield showed that between March 20, 2023, and April 20, 2023, Eskridge sold in excess of 27 bushels to the seafood buyer on 16 occasions on which Eskridge’s over harvesting ranged from 32 bushels to 58.75 bushels of blue crab.
Eskridge pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly transporting and selling blue crab in interstate commerce between Virginia and Maryland in violation of Virginia law and one count of knowingly making and submitting a false record.
Eskridge is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Edward Grace, Assistant Director for the Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police provided significant assistance in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Kosky is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-141.
Argus Information & Advisory Services agrees to pay $37M to settle allegations that it misused data obtained under government contractsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Argus Information & Advisory Services, Inc. (Argus) has agreed to pay the United States $37 million to resolve claims under the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), involving allegations that Argus improperly accessed, used, and retained anonymized credit card data received pursuant to contracts with various federal regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Argus is incorporated in Delaware, with offices in White Plains, New York. Argus analyzes economic transactions, credit card data, and credit bureau data to provide benchmarking and market analysis products to commercial and government clients. The United States alleged the following conduct. Between March 2009 and March 2017, Argus executed contracts with the OCC, the independent bureau of the United States Treasury Department that charters and regulates national banks and federal savings associations; the FRB, the independent federal regulator for certain banks and bank holding companies; the CFPB, an independent regulator of consumer practices at certain depository institutions; and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Under these contracts, Argus was tasked with performing certain validating, aggregating, storage, retrieval, and reporting services for anonymized credit card data that the regulatory agencies directed the banks to provide. The contracts each placed restrictions on Argus’s ability to use, disclose or distribute credit card data collected from banks for purposes other than the performance of the work under the government contracts.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from November 30, 2010, through December 31, 2020, Argus improperly accessed, used and retained anonymized credit card data that it received under the contracts. The United States alleged that Argus improperly accessed, used, and retained this anonymized credit card data to create synthetic/proxy data that it incorporated into certain products and services it sold to certain commercial customers. The United States further alleged that Argus failed to disclose its improper access, use and retention of credit card data to the United States and its reliance on synthetic/proxy data to its commercial clients.
“Those who collect sensitive information for federal regulators should never disregard their contractual obligations to appropriately use and protect that information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will hold companies accountable when they breach their agreements with regulators and misuse sensitive data for their own commercial gain.”
“Companies that do business with the federal government are expected to abide by the terms of their agreements, including any restrictions on the use or disclosure of government supplied data,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will not permit contractors to profit from the misuse of such data and to put the data at risk.”
“The American public expects integrity in the processes by which its government provides services and contractors who seek unfair advantage undermine this integrity,” said Acting Inspector General Rich Delmar for Treasury. “Treasury OIG is committed to conducting investigations, audits, and other work to detect and prevent these violations of the public trust.”
“Companies that breach their agreements to properly protect and use sensitive financial data must be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge John T. Perez of Headquarters Operations for the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “I commend our agents and their federal law enforcement partners for their hard work, which ultimately led to today’s announcement.”
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia; the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the United States Department of Treasury, Office of the Inspector General; and the Office of the Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Kapoor for the Eastern District of Virginia and Senior Trial Counsels David W. Tyler and Don Williamson from the Commercial Litigation Branch, with investigative support from Senior Special Agent Jacob Heminger from the Department of the Treasury, Office of the Inspector General, and Special Agent Will Burmeister from the Office of the Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability
Newport News man sentenced for prolific card-swiping operationRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to nine years and 11 months in prison for leading a credit card fraud and identity theft scheme that victimized thousands of people and caused at least $1.5 million in loss.
According to court documents, Damier Dorsey, 29, and his co-conspirators purchased account information for identity theft victims from the darknet, including the “BriansClub” website, and re-encoded that information onto cards in their possession. They used the altered cards without authorization from the legitimate account holders, beginning in 2017 when Dorsey purchased cartons of cigarettes that he would resell to a local business.
In 2018, the scheme evolved to purchasing items for resale and purchasing lottery tickets to launder proceeds through the Virginia Lottery. For example, on April 14, 2018, Dorsey and his co-conspirators purchased $2,716.06 of merchandise from Toys “R” Us and attempted to resell the merchandise on Facebook Marketplace. The same day, Dorsey used the same re-encoded card to withdraw $300 from a bank ATM. On June 27, 2018, Dorsey and his coconspirators purchased $200 of lottery tickets with a re-encoded card.
Dorsey and his co-conspirators were aspiring musicians who released music under the moniker, “$wipaG@ng.” Dorsey participated in a music video in which he and his co-conspirators boasted about committing fraud and other criminal activities.
On Aug. 2, 2018, Dorsey and a co-conspirator were stopped while driving by the Virginia State Police. Dorsey was in possession of a credit card embossing machine, numerous credit cards in various states of imprinting, and over $23,000. During a search of Dorsey’s home, law enforcement recovered multiple re-encoded credit cards, magnetic strip cards without labels, a magnetic strip card reader/writer, lists of numbers, lottery tickets, and W-2G tax forms for lottery winnings. The operation was so prolific that a co-conspirator approximated that she and Dorsey spent $10,000 per week on re-encoded and re-embossed credit and debit cards.
On Sept. 11, 2023, Dorsey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
U.S. Attorney Aber thanks the Virginia State Police for their assistance in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-38.
Man sentenced for illegal firearm possession and making online threatsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and sending threatening messages to a former girlfriend through Facebook.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2019, Robert Edgar English, aka “H.B.,” “Hot Boy,” and “Head Buster,” 40, accompanied another person to a firearms retailer in Chesapeake, Virginia, and provided money for the straw purchase of a semi-automatic firearm. On June 16, 2019, during a traffic stop in Portsmouth, Virginia, law enforcement seized the firearm from the vehicle’s trunk, as well as an attached drum magazine with 26 rounds of ammunition and a 60-round capacity.
In 2005, English was convicted in Kings County, New York, of attempted criminal possession of a weapon. As a previously convicted felon, English cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
On Sept. 7 and Sept. 8, 2021, English threatened his ex-girlfriend through messages from a Facebook account under the name “Howard Barnes.” Among other messages, English threatened that the victim “better be looking for the reaper” and that he would “black out your whole family.”
On Nov. 13, 2023, English pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and interstate threatening communication.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi prosecuted the case. Former Assistant United States Attorney William B. Jackson also provided assistance on this case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-19.
Man charged for $10M COVID-19 relief fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man made his initial appearance in Alexandria today to face charges for a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $10 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act loans.
According to court documents, Craig David Davis, 50, of Marina Del Rey, allegedly submitted fake tax documents and business records to three banks to obtain two Paycheck Protection Program loans and one Main Street Lending Program loan totaling $10,695,300.
Davis is charged with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Brian Miller, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The Special Investigator for Pandemic Recovery and IRS-CI are investigating the case, with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, FBI, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Robeson for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Man Charged for $10M COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A California man made his initial appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, today to face charges for a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $10 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans.
According to court documents, Craig David Davis, 50, of Marina Del Rey, allegedly submitted fake tax documents and business records to three banks to obtain two Paycheck Protection Program loans and one Main Street Lending Program loan totaling $10,695,300.
Davis is charged with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Brian Miller, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The Special Investigator for Pandemic Recovery and IRS-CI are investigating the case, with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, FBI, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Robeson for the Eastern District of Virginia 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.
Foreign national sentenced for elaborate cocaine trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for his role in an elaborate cocaine trafficking scheme.
According to court documents, Gerardo Ignacio Castillo-Lopez, 32, was residing in Tucson, Arizona, in April 2022 when he coordinated the delivery of 22 kilograms of cocaine to his co-conspirator, Dwight Garvey, in Maryland. Castillo-Lopez picked up the cocaine from his sources, packed the drugs into hidden compartments within a 2018 Honda Pilot, and then delivered the Pilot to a vehicle transporter to take the car to Maryland. Once in route, New Mexico State Police stopped the transporter for a traffic infraction and noticed that the Pilot had no license plate. A narcotics canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the Pilot and an inspection revealed the cocaine.
On April 25, 2022, the Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group replaced the cocaine with “sham” packages and negotiated a delivery with Garvey. Garvey picked up the Pilot in Manassas, Virginia, and drove it to College Park, Maryland. Agents then watched as Garvey removed several packages of sham cocaine, and subsequently arrested him. Less than 24 hours after Garvey’s arrest, Castillo-Lopez fled to Mexico, where he remained as a fugitive for over a year until his arrest in August 2023 when he attempted to cross back into the United States.
On June 2, 2022, Garvey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and on Sept. 22, 2022, Garvey was sentenced to five years in prison. On Nov. 30, 2023, Castillo-Lopez pleaded guilty to the same offense.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Call and Kristin Starr prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-187.
Woodbridge man sentenced for federal drug trafficking and firearm crimes after vehicle pursuit from a shootingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man was sentenced today to eight years in prison for fentanyl trafficking and firearm offenses.
According to court documents, on March 26, 2023, a Prince William County Police Department officer observed a vehicle matching one described leaving the scene of a shooting at which a victim was struck by a stray bullet in her apartment. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped, and Alhajie Alpha Kamara, 20, and two other individuals abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. During the chase, Kamara dropped a loaded .40-caliber handgun and a jacket. Inside the jacket were 494 fentanyl pills, Kamara’s iPhone, approximately $560 in cash, and a black ski mask.
Kamara was later arrested after being subdued by a bystander. While searching the vehicle from which Kamara had fled, police found two additional firearms, including one that was modified with a “Glock-switch” as a machinegun conversion device. On Dec. 11, 2023, Kamara pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and knowingly carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Virginia State Police; Prince William County Police Department; and Arlington County Police Department assisted in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bredemeier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Carter prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-CR-149.
Leesburg man pleads guilty to COVID relief fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Leesburg man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud for his scheme to defraud a federal COVID-19 relief plan.
According to court documents, Russell Laraway, 56, an Army Reserve officer, incorporated two business entities in Virginia that he purported to operate out of his home in Leesburg: Loudoun Innovation LLC (“LI LLC”) and Commonwealth Commerce LLC (“CC LLC”). Beginning in April 2020, Laraway submitted loan applications through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program that was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. In his applications, Laraway inflated the numbers of people his business entities employed and falsified payroll expenses and revenues for each company.
Laraway sought loan forgiveness for some of the PPP loans by falsely certifying that the PPP money had been used solely for payroll or other authorized purposes, while he actually intended to use the money to engage in spurious investment ventures and pay off personal debts. Laraway fraudulently received two PPP loans for LI LLC and two PPP loans for CC LLC. The four PPP loans totaled approximately $488,952, some of which Laraway paid to foreign entities in scams of which he was a victim.
Laraway is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh for the Eastern District of Virginia is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-44.
Virginia Beach man pleads guilty to federal firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing and transferring machineguns and to conspiring to illegally sell firearms, including machineguns, handguns, and rifles.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2023, law enforcement began investigating Eric Floyd, 22, who was engaged in selling firearms and Machinegun Conversion Devices, commonly referred to as “Glock switches,” which are used to convert semiautomatic firearms into machineguns. From May to December of 2023, Floyd and his co-conspirators arranged the sale of approximately nineteen handguns, two rifles, and thirty-five Glock switches – many of which they manufactured – to an individual who, unbeknownst to Floyd, was an undercover federal law enforcement agent. At one transaction, Floyd told the individual that some of the firearms were “dirty,” that is, involved in criminal activity, because he and his associates were involved in criminal activity and that his selling the dirty firearms to others who were taking them far away helped distance the original perpetrators and firearms from their criminal activity. He also told the individual that he had reinvested the proceeds of the purchases into buying more firearms for the business. He also said, with respect to the individual’s trip, “that’s a trip and it’s a hell of a risk that you doing this s--- for like coming across them state lines, that’s straight fed time.”
Floyd pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to engage in the firearms business without a license and to illegally possess and transfer a machinegun and one count of illegally possessing and transferring a machinegun. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. Floyd faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-75.
Pennsylvania Family Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Three members of a Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, family pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Hadja Franklin, 55, Nabyunissa Bangoura (“Nayunissa”), 34, Tanziludin Bangurah (“Tanziludin”), 52, manufactured counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax in a laboratory in their residence in rural Pennsylvania, which they sold on the darkweb under the moniker “MonPham.” Tanziludin and Franklin are the married parents of Nabyunissa.
In fall 2021, law enforcement identified “MonPham” as a prolific narcotics distributor operating on several darknet markets. After making numerous controlled purchases from “MonPham” between October 27, 2021, and August 25, 2022, law enforcement traced cryptocurrency transactions to the defendants’ Internet Protocol (IP) address. Law enforcement then observed Bangurah mailing fentanyl packages to customers and later observed one of the defendants with an infant child entering the residence.
While executing a search warrant on August 31, 2022, law enforcement discovered the trio’s drug lab, pills, binding agents, drug ledgers, and numerous electronic devices that contained hundreds of text messages between Nabyunissa and Franklin detailing the day-to-day operation of the conspiracy. Based on the drug ledgers, law enforcement determined the conspirators sold approximately 3,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills and approximately 55,000 counterfeit Xanax pills. In most cases, the counterfeit oxycodone pills contained fentanyl, while the counterfeit Xanax contained benzodiazepines.
Franklin, Nabyunissa, and Tanziludin each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Each faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; George Scavdis, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office; and Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Powhatan County; USPIS – Philadelphia Division; Pennsylvania State Police; FBI Philadelphia Division – Scranton Resident Agency; and Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Alito and Gavin Tisdale are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-121.
Richmond Man Sentenced for Successive COVID Fraud and Bank Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison for orchestrating successive schemes to defraud a COVID-19 relief program and steal funds through altered checks.
According to court documents, Davon Hunter, 26, used Instagram and word of mouth to recruit potential co-conspirators to provide their personal identifying information so that Hunter could submit fraudulent applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program that was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help them retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic. Hunter submitted at least 23 fraudulent PPP loan applications to at least four financial institutions for fictitious businesses purportedly belonging to himself and 16 other co-conspirators. For instance, these applications contained false and fabricated gross income figures and false certifications that the businesses were in operation on February 15, 2020. Hunter and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained over $500,000 in PPP loans. In exchange for preparing the fraudulent loan applications and supplying spurious supporting documents, Hunter demanded 25–50% of each loan obtained by the co-conspirators.
When the PPP loan program ended in 2021, Hunter turned to “card cracking”—a scheme to defraud financial institutions through the deposit of fraudulently altered stolen checks from small businesses. Hunter and his co-conspirators recruited at least 16 accountholders to provide their debit cards and personal identification numbers (PINs). They stole legitimate checks from various small businesses, altered the checks to make them payable to accounts controlled by conspirators, and deposited at least 16 altered checks purportedly worth over $150,000. Immediately after these deposits, they conducted successive transactions to quickly access the credited funds before the banks determined the deposits to be worthless. Despite knowing of the federal investigation, Hunter continued in his card cracking schemes. At the time of his arrest, Hunter possessed two additional altered checks purportedly worth over $27,000, along with several bank cards in the names of other people.
Even though he lacked verifiable, legitimate income throughout these schemes, Hunter flaunted his fraud proceeds and luxurious lifestyle on social media. His Instagram account and bank records reflect postings with thousands of dollars in cash and money orders and expenditures for expensive jewelry, $26,000 purportedly for veneers, gambling, the purchase of luxury goods and clothing from Dior, Saks, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more, attendance at professional sports events, trips and vacations throughout the country, and the purchase of a Range Rover.
On October 31, 2023, Hunter pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. A separate hearing to determine Hunter’s restitution and forfeiture obligations will take place on May 14.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Ajay D. Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; and Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-90.