Eastern District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An illegal alien with a prior felony drug trafficking conviction pleaded guilty today to cocaine trafficking and firearms charges.
According to court documents, Homero Salgado Alvarez, 46, a Mexican national, was a cocaine supplier residing in Sanford, North Carolina. Alvarez admitted to supplying a co-conspirator with quantities of cocaine, which the co-conspirator would transport from North Carolina back to the greater Washington, DC area. The co-conspirator sold approximately 3/4 kilogram of cocaine he acquired from Alvarez to undercover law enforcement.
Although Alvarez worked at an apparently legitimate business that includes a used tire retail shop, Alvarez and his co-defendants used the term “tires,” as well as other coded language, to communicate about their drug trafficking activities in order to conceal them from law enforcement. When Alvarez was arrested in October, law enforcement found approximately three kilograms of cocaine hidden in Alvarez’s washing machine and bathroom. Agents also discovered a handgun, which Alvarez has admitted to possessing for protection when conducting his cocaine trafficking business.
Alvarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Based on his prior drug trafficking conviction and the charges to which he pleaded guilty, Alvarez faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison when sentenced on April 5, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Tomb Stone. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the Washington Field Office, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Barry M. Barnard, Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendelynn Bills.
This investigation was led by FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force. The Task Force is composed of FBI Agents along with investigators from the Prince William County Police, the Fairfax County Police, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police Department, Alexandria City Police, Vienna Police, Herndon Police and ICE. Significant assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, FBI’s Charlotte Field Office, DEA’s Greensboro Resident Agency, and the Police Departments of Sanford, North Carolina and Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:18-CR-380 and 1:18-CR-470.
Seven Illegal Aliens Charged for Reentering U.S. After RemovalRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury returned indictments late yesterday charging seven illegal aliens with re-entering the United States after having previously been deported.
Name, Age
Citizenship
Charges
Max Penalty
Juan Sanchez-Pahua, 30
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Israel Balcazar-Martinez, 34
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Wilson Angel Jacobo-Tay, 24
Guatemala
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Daniel De La Paz-Mata, 28
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Gerardo Toribio-Rodriguez,46
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Jorge Sormiento-Rodriguez,45
Honduras
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Roberto Carlos Aju Aju, 28
Guatemala
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Comstock, V. Kathleen Dougherty, William D. Muhr, John F. Butler, Elizabeth M. Yusi, and Randy C. Stoker 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:18-cr-186, 2:18-cr-187, 2:18-cr-188, 2:18-cr-190, 2:18-cr-192, 2:18-mj-536, and 2:18-mj-537.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Subject of INTERPOL Red Notice Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Mexican citizen who is the subject of an INTERPOL “Red Notice” pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the country after having been previously removed.
According to court documents, Cesar Fernando Valenzuela-Alvarez, 42, who most recently was living in Chesapeake, had illegally entered the United States and been removed to Mexico on multiple occasions. On October 17, he was taken into custody in Chesapeake after officers learned he was the subject of an INTERPOL “Red Notice”.
Valenzuela-Alvarez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison when sentenced on April 3, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Bosse 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-167.
Seven Illegal Aliens Charged with Criminal Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned indictments late yesterday charging seven illegal aliens with illegal reentry following their deportations or removals and/or related charges.
Name, Age
Citizenship
Charges
Max Penalty
Erlin Torres Zuniga, 28
Honduras
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Ruperto Hernandez Zarate, 33
Mexico
Falsely Made Immigration Document
Misuse of Social Security Number
10 years
2 years
Hugo Giovanni Lemus Ramos, 42
El Salvador
Falsely Made Immigration Document
Misuse of Social Security Number
False Claim if U.S. Citizenship
10 years
2 years
3 years
Javier Antonio Cruz Bonilla, 26
El Salvador
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Max De Jesus Pinzon, 31
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Efrain Avila Flores, 40
Guatemala
Illegal Reentry following removal
2 years
Rodolfo Segura-Virgen, 38
Mexico
Illegal Reentry following removal after conviction for an aggravated felony
20 years
If convicted, each defendant will again be deported after completion of any prison sentence.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. David Schiller and Heather H. Mansfield are prosecuting the 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-149, 3:18-cr-151, 3:18-cr-152, 3:18-cr-155, 3:18-cr-156, 3:18-cr-157, 3:18-mj-189.
Navy Veteran Charged with Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Navy veteran Eric Brian Brown with kidnapping resulting in the death of Ashanti M. Billie, a 19-year-old Virginia Beach college student.
According to allegations in the indictment, Brown, 46, abducted Billie in September 2017 on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Brown then transported Billie against her will and across state lines from Virginia to North Carolina. Billie died as a result of the kidnapping.
If convicted of kidnapping resulting in death, Brown faces a maximum penalty of death and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison. Brown is also charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and theft. If convicted of those two offenses, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 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 taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors and requirements.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Cliff Everton, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police; James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police; and Kerr Putney, Chief of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, made the announcement after the indictment was returned. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Comstock, Randy C. Stoker and William B. Jackson 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to his role in two bank robberies.
“Hudgins is a violent criminal who poses a danger to our communities and those in law enforcement trying to keep us safe,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “His significant criminal history includes grand larceny, hit and run, and now bank robbery. With the assistance of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we are committed to removing violent criminals like Hudgins from our streets.”
According to court documents, Russell Hudgins, 34, and his co-defendant, Roscoe Freeman, 33, conspired to rob two banks in the Tidewater area. On May 16, Hudgins went into Citizens and Farmers Bank in Yorktown wearing a black knit cap, a tattoo sleeve, and a fake brown beard. Hudgins made a verbal demand for money from the teller and stated “You know what time it is. Give me 10s, 20s and large.” The total loss to the bank was $1,786.00.
Two days later, Hudgins entered Old Point National Bank in Isle of Wight County wearing a tattoo sleeve and a beard. Hudgins made a verbal demand for all the money in the teller’s drawer and left the bank with $1,629 and a GPS tracker. In both robberies Freeman acted as a getaway driver. Freeman was apprehended by law enforcement after a vehicle pursuit, while Hudgins ran away from the scene and hid from police until he was caught at his residence later that day.
Hudgins was previously convicted in 2007 of armed carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and was on federal supervision at the time of the robberies. Hudgins has also previously been convicted of grand larceny, contempt of court, and hit and run.
Hudgins pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison when sentenced on April 15, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Cowles 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-78.
Justice Department Alleges Conditions at Hampton Roads Regional Jail Violate the Constitution and Federal LawRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia today concluded an investigation into conditions at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Justice Department concluded that there is reason to believe that the conditions at the Jail violate the Constitution, specifically rights of prisoners protected by the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care to prisoners, and places prisoners with serious mental illness in restrictive housing for prolonged periods of time under conditions that violate the Constitution. The Department also concluded that the Jail’s restrictive housing practices discriminate against prisoners with mental health disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and the ADA, the Department provided the Jail written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them.
“The Constitution guarantees all prisoners necessary medical care, including mental health care, treatment, and services,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation found reasonable cause to conclude that the Jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care and that prisoners experience serious harm as a result. The Justice Department hopes to continue to work with the Jail to resolve the Department’s concerns.”
“Our investigation uncovered evidence of significant violations of inmates’ constitutional rights to adequate medical and mental health care, as well as violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia. “We look forward to working with the Jail to ensure the rights of those incarcerated are not violated.”
The Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia initiated the investigation in December 2016 under CRIPA, which authorizes the Department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. The investigation was also initiated under Title II of the ADA.
This investigation was conducted by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department via phone at (844) 644-0225 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Alleges Conditions at Hampton Roads Regional Jail Violate the Constitution and Federal LawRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia today concluded an investigation into conditions at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Justice Department concluded that there is reason to believe that the conditions at the Jail violate the Constitution, specifically rights of prisoners protected by the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care to prisoners, and places prisoners with serious mental illness in restrictive housing for prolonged periods of time under conditions that violate the Constitution. The Department also concluded that the Jail’s restrictive housing practices discriminate against prisoners with mental health disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and the ADA, the Department provided the Jail written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them.
“The Constitution guarantees all prisoners necessary medical care, including mental health care, treatment, and services,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation found reasonable cause to conclude that the Jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care and that prisoners experience serious harm as a result. The Justice Department hopes to continue to work with the Jail to resolve the Department’s concerns.”
“Our investigation uncovered evidence of significant violations of inmates’ constitutional rights to adequate medical and mental health care, as well as violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia. “We look forward to working with the Jail to ensure the rights of those incarcerated are not violated.”
The Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia initiated the investigation in December 2016 under CRIPA, which authorizes the Department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. The investigation was also initiated under Title II of the ADA.
This investigation was conducted by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department via phone at (844) 644-0225 or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Convicted Felon Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment late yesterday charging a Henrico man with possessing 100 grams or more of heroin with the intent to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to the indictment, Mervin Turner, 37, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin. If convicted on this count, Turner faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. Turner is also charged with possession of a semi-automatic pistol, and if convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 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 taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, and Alfred Durham, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert and Kenneth Simon 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-158.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Antiques Shop Owner Guilty of Smuggling Endangered WildlifeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The owner of an antiques and specialty shop in Middleburg pleaded guilty today to violating the Lacey Act by illegally selling and transporting between $250,000 and $500,000 worth of items made from endangered species, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
According to court documents, Keith Foster, 60, of Upperville, was the owner of The Outpost LLC. The Outpost specialized in selling foreign-sourced merchandise, a portion of which included wildlife products made from endangered species such as crocodiles, sea turtles, and sawfish. To evade enforcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Foster relied on a shipping company to falsify import records in order to hide wildlife items and avoid inspection by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other law enforcement officials.
According to court documents, on numerous occasions beginning in December 2016, Foster discussed with a customer the unlawful nature of his conduct, including telling a customer it was illegal to import sawfish blades but he was going to continue to smuggle them, saying, “Rest assured, I’m gonna bring more in. Cause I’m the only fool in the States that probably wants to risk it.”
During March and April 2017, Foster imported over 100 undeclared wildlife items, including items protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) such as sea turtle shell, sawfish blades, crocodile skin bags, coral, and mounted birds of prey. CITES is an international treaty that provides protection to fish, wildlife and plant populations that are or could be harmed as a result of trade and restricts the international trade and transport of species that are threatened with extinction.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2017, Foster showed a customer numerous wildlife pieces for sale, including sawfish blades, turtle shell, ivory, zebra hide, crocodile, and various birds and bird parts. Foster told the customer about smuggling wildlife, about lacking the proper CITES permits to purchase, export, and later import some protected wildlife, and about the dangers of being caught by United States Customs. The customer then purchased numerous wildlife items including sawfish blades, a mounted barn owl, and a jar made from sea turtle shell, all of which were previously smuggled by The Outpost. The customer was in fact an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent.
As part of his plea agreement, Foster and The Outpost forfeited $275,000 and over 175 items made from wildlife, which were previously smuggled and being offered for sale.
Foster pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison when sentenced on March 8, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg is prosecuting the case.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-455 and 1:18-cr-456.
Medical Practice Manager Sentenced for Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A former resident of Williamsburg was sentenced today to over 5 years in prison for stealing approximately $514,000 from a Williamsburg ophthalmologist and filing false tax returns that concealed the stolen funds.
According to court documents, Sherea Darnell, 35, worked as the practice manager for the Cullom Eye and Laser Center, located in Williamsburg, from 2012 to 2016. Both Darnell and Dr. Robert Cullom were actually W-2 employees of Riverside Medical Group. Over a four-year period, Darnell used three of Dr. Cullom’s credit cards to conduct personal transactions for her own benefit totaling approximately $514,000. She also obtained access to Dr. Cullom’s Wells Fargo Advisors accounts, which she used to pay the balances of the credit cards without his authority, including an account that had been established to pay for medical equipment, but which Darnell diverted into making payments on the credit cards. Darnell used the victim’s credit cards to pay for her son’s pre-school tuition which she deducted on her 2016 tax return. She also took over $90,000 in cash advances, transferred funds into her personal USAA accounts, hired a maid service, purchased high-end clothing and airline tickets for herself and her family and made a deposits and payments on luxury vehicles. Darnell failed to report any of these funds obtained via the credit cards on her tax returns for the years 2013-2015. Following her resignation in August 2016, Darnell continued to use the victim’s credit cards to pay her moving expenses, obtain additional cash advances and make other purchases until Dr. Cullom discovered the fraud and shut down the accounts.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Brian J. Samuels 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-92.
Woman Pleads Guilty to $100K Caregiver FraudRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hayes woman pleaded guilty today to charges of fraud and identity theft in connection with stealing nearly $100,000 from a Gloucester woman.
According to court documents, in early 2015, Amy Denton, 43, began performing personal care services for A.C., who required assistance due to certain medical issues and limitations. A.C., a recipient of Social Security Disability income and other public assistance, resided in an apartment with her teenaged son, who suffered from disabilities. Denton assisted A.C. with running errands, certain household duties and taking her to appointments.
On or about Jan. 1, 2015, A.C.’s mother passed away, leaving behind life insurance to A.C., notice of which was eventually sent to a post office box to which Denton had access. In May 2015, Denton caused A.C. to complete a power of attorney form that gave the Denton access and control over A.C.’s finances, and eventually forged forms on A.C.’s behalf in order to obtain the life insurance. After Denton added herself to A.C.’s checking account, she opened two other bank accounts using A.C.’s name. Denton then caused the life insurance proceeds to be deposited and/or transferred into the bank accounts in the total amount of $99,968.23. Denton used the majority of the funds for her own use, including purchasing a vehicle, travel, entertainment, paying court fees, over $15,000 in cash related transactions (or checks to cash) and debit/check card transactions. A.C. neither authorized nor was aware of any of these transactions occurred.
Denton pleaded guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the mail fraud charge, and a mandatory penalty of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft charge, which will run consecutive to any prison term imposed on the mail fraud charge. Denton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-70.
Two Men Charged with Conspiracy and Acting as Agents of a Foreign GovernmentRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An indictment was unsealed today charging two men with conspiracy, acting in the United States as unregistered agents of the government of Turkey, and making false statements to the FBI.
According to allegations in the indictment, Bijan Rafiekian, aka Bijan Kian, 66, of San Juan Capistrano, California, and Kamil Ekim Alptekin, 41, of Istanbul, a Turkish national with close ties to the highest levels of the Government of Turkey, were involved in a conspiracy to covertly influence United States politicians and public opinion against a Turkish citizen living in the United States whose extradition had been requested by the Government of Turkey. The plot included using a company founded by Rafiekian and a person referred to as “Person A” in the indictment. The company, referred to as “Company A” in the indictment, provided services based upon Person A’s national security expertise.
The indictment charges that the purpose of the conspiracy was to use Company A to delegitimize the Turkish citizen in the eyes of the American public and United States politicians, with the goal of obtaining his extradition, which was meeting resistance at the U.S. Department of Justice. At the same time, the conspirators sought to conceal that the Government of Turkey was directing the work. However, not only did Turkish cabinet-level officials approve the budget for the project, but Alptekin provided the Turkish officials updates on the work, and relayed their directions on the work to Rafiekian, Person A, and others at Company A.
According to allegations in the indictment, the scheme included using a Dutch company owned by Alptekin to appear to be the “client” of Company A and to pay the company’s fee of $600,000, which was to be paid in three installments. Alptekin made the payments from an account in Turkey. The indictment alleges that after Alptekin made the payments to Company A, it was to kick back 20 percent of the payments to Alptekin’s company in the Netherlands, and two such kickbacks were made.
Rafiekian is charged with conspiracy and acting in the United States as an unregistered agent of the government of Turkey. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and 10 years in prison for the charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government.
Alptekin is charged with conspiracy, acting in the United States as an unregistered agent of the government of Turkey, and four counts of making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 10 years in prison for the charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government, and 5 years in prison for each of the four false statement charges.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Gillis and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon of the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section 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. 1:18-cr-457.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Two Men Charged with Conspiracy and Acting as Agents of a Foreign GovernmentRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Bijan Rafiekian, aka Bijan Kian, 66, of San Juan Capistrano, California, and Kamil Ekim Alptekin, 41, of Istanbul, and a Turkish national, with conspiracy, acting in the United States as illegal agents of the government of Turkey, and making false statements to the FBI.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, the two men were involved in a conspiracy to covertly influence U.S. politicians and public opinion against a Turkish citizen living in the United States whose extradition had been requested by the Government of Turkey. The plot included using a company founded by Rafiekian and a person referred to as “Person A” in the indictment. The company, referred to as “Company A” in the indictment, provided services based upon Person A’s national security expertise.
The indictment charges that the purpose of the conspiracy was to use Company A to delegitimize the Turkish citizen in the eyes of the American public and United States politicians, with the goal of obtaining his extradition, which was meeting resistance at the U.S. Department of Justice. At the same time, the conspirators sought to conceal that the Government of Turkey was directing the work. However, not only did Turkish cabinet-level officials approve the budget for the project, but Alptekin provided the Turkish officials updates on the work, and relayed their directions on the work to Rafiekian, Person A, and others at Company A.
According to allegations in the indictment, the scheme included using a Dutch company owned by Alptekin to appear to be the “client” of Company A and to pay the company’s fee of $600,000, which was to be paid in three installments. Alptekin made the payments from an account in Turkey. The indictment alleges that after Alptekin made the payments to Company A, it was to kick back 20 percent of the payments to Alptekin’s company in the Netherlands, and two such kickbacks were made.
Rafiekian is charged with conspiracy and acting in the United States as an illegal agent of the government of Turkey. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, and 10 years in prison for the charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government.
Alptekin is charged with conspiracy, acting in the United States as an illegal agent of the government of Turkey, and four counts of making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 10 years in prison for the charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government, and 5 years in prison for each of the four false statement charges.
The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Gillis of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Causing Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Dumfries man was sentenced today to over 21 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily harm.
According to court records, Christopher Louis Sorensen, 31, admitted that in February he distributed fentanyl to a female friend who later suffered respiratory arrest, a life-threatening condition that required medical intervention, including CPR and Narcan, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug used by first responders.
According to the statement of facts, Sorensen admitted that from 2015 to 2018, he sold over 400 grams of fentanyl, which he purchased from drug dealers in Baltimore. Additionally, Sorensen admitted that from 2009 to 2018, he sold over 5,000 tablets of 30 milligram oxycodone pills, acquired from a medical provider in Maryland and filled by a pharmacy in the Eastern District of Virginia, and often sold the tablets in the vicinity of the pharmacy that filled the prescription.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorney James L. Trump and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Paulson 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. 1:18-cr-237.
Indian National Sentenced for Immigration and Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A native and citizen of India, most recently from Iowa, was sentenced today to four years in prison for an investment fraud scheme and impersonating an employee of the Department of Homeland Security selling genuine United States visas as part of another fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Kanwar Sarabjit Singh, 51, convinced over 20 members of a local Gospel church in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that he was a successful businessman who owned a company in India that had a contract with Disney Animation Studios. Promising a large return on their cash investments after a short period of time, Singh took over $340,000 from the victims, many of whom were elderly and had liquidated their retirement accounts or mortgaged their homes, and kept it for himself. Singh also created a fake persona on Facebook and reached out to individuals seeking to come to the United States, or remain in the United States, by offering to get them United States visas in exchange for $3,000 to $4,000. For both schemes, Singh created and used false and fraudulent documents, including a fake identification card purporting to be from the Department of Homeland Security, to assure his victims that he was a federal employee.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly R. Pedersen 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-228.
Former Bank Executive Guilty of Receiving Child Porn on Dark WebRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington man pleaded guilty today to knowingly receiving child pornography on the dark web.
According to court documents, Jon T. Wilkins, 39, a former commercial bank executive, used computers at his residence in Arlington to access the dark web in order to visit an illicit website, Playpen, which catered to the advertisement, distribution, and receipt of child pornography. While on the website, Wilkins created an alias “cowboy357m” and browsed dozens of threads featuring minor children being sexually abused. Wilkins downloaded some of the abusive content to electronic media connected to his computer, and hundreds of images of child pornography and child erotica were found on his computers. Wilkins attempted to conceal his illegal behavior by utilizing Tor, a special web browser that permits access to the dark web while hiding browsing activity. Nonetheless, Wilkins’ conduct was discovered by federal agents who were investigating illegal activity on Playpen.
Wilkins pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving child pornography and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum term of 20 years in prison when sentenced on April 5, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force which is composed of FBI Agents, along with Detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Police, Prince William County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Alexandria City Police, Washington Metropolitan Police, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police, the United States Marshal’s Service and Agents of various Office of Inspector Generals. The task force was further aided by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Section’s Major Case Coordination Unit.
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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel Smith III and Alexander P. Berrang 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. 1:18-cr-189.
Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Producing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to over 24 years in prison for producing child pornography of a 2-year-old boy.
“Protecting the most vulnerable from heinous crimes and vile perpetrators, like Webster, will continue to be a top priority,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The actions that Webster engaged in are one of the most offensive and serious crimes in the entire criminal code. We will continue to shine a light on the darkest areas of the web and protect those that are unable to protect themselves.”
According to court documents, Dashawn Webster, 23, was identified through a complex investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with international law enforcement partners. Webster was a member of numerous websites dedicated to child exploitation. In order to gain access to some of these websites, Webster had to produce child pornography and share it with other members. In 2016, Webster produced child pornography with a 2-year-old and shared it with others. In addition to the produced images, Webster possessed over 110,000 other images and videos of minors engaging in sexual activity on numerous pieces of electronic media.
“It is devastating that individuals like Dashawn Webster perpetrate this kind of evil in our world today to victimize our children, even infants,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk Michael Lamonea. “The American public can be assured that HSI will continue to aggressively investigate and uncover these criminals and bring them before our justice system to face the consequences of their terrible actions.”
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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-101.
Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Aldie man pleaded guilty today to using the internet to download videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
According to court documents, Hares Fakoor, 33, searched for and downloaded child pornography over a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. A forensic examination of two computers seized from his house in May 2016 revealed that, between December 2014 and May 2016, Fakoor downloaded and viewed numerous videos depicting child sexual abuse, including depictions of bestiality. Fakoor also configured a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to connect to the internet through a proxy service, which masked his IP address.
Fakoor pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on March 15, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force which is composed of FBI Agents, along with Detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Police, Prince William County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Alexandria City Police, Washington Metropolitan Police, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police, the United States Marshal’s Service and Agents of various Office of Inspector Generals.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle P. Reynolds and William G. Clayman 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-355.
Former DoD Employee Pleads Guilty to $1.4 Million FraudRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Matthews woman pleaded guilty today to defrauding the federal government of over $1.4 million in a long-running time and attendance fraud scheme.
“Federal service is a public trust that demands of employees the highest degree of integrity in the workplace,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As stewards of that trust, we must ensure that those in such positions are held fully accountable for breaches that put personal enrichment in place of public service.”
According to court documents, Michelle M. Holt, 52, was previously employed as a federal employee for the Department of Defense. Holt worked as a secretary for U.S. Air Force at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. In that capacity, Holt was a salaried employee on the General Schedule (GS) grade for the federal civilian workforce and was entitled to overtime pay if authorized by her employer, and also to other forms of holiday and annual leave, as well as premium pay for any federal holidays worked.
A law enforcement investigation determined that from December 2001 to July 2018, Holt falsely claimed over 42,000 hours in unauthorized overtime that she did not work, as well as other amounts of unauthorized holiday leave, sick leave and annual leave, all amounting to losses to the United States of $1,460.262.43. In recent years, Holt’s overtime pay was over double that of her regular salary. She accomplished the fraud by making manual retroactive adjustments to protected computer time and attendance systems to add overtime, reverse leave taken and reverse holiday leave. In doing so, Holt used another employee’s log-in information without that employee’s knowledge or authorization.
Holt pleaded guilty to charges of computer fraud and theft of government property and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on March 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Robert Craig, Special Agent in Charge for Defense Criminal Investigative Service Mid-Atlantic Field Office, and Colonel Kirk B. Stabler, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-93.
NASA Facility Chief Guilty of Receiving Illegal GratuitiesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Snow Hill man pleaded guilty today to receiving gratuities in exchange for official acts performed in his capacity as a government official, and to stealing funds from a government contract.
According to court documents, Steven Eric Kremer, 53, was the Chief of the Range and Mission Management Office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). In that position, Kremer was responsible for administering the Range Operations Contract (ROC) – a multi-year government contract intended to provide services at test facilities and launch control centers. For a one-week period during each of the summers between 2008 and 2015, Kremer was provided the free use of a vacation home located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, owned by an employee of a ROC subcontractor. In exchange, Kremer facilitated the selection of the subcontractor’s firm to supply interior design services and office furniture for WFF. Kremer also utilized ROC funds to purchase gift cards for his personal use, and to obtain a piece of personalized art.
Kremer pleaded guilty to receipt of gratuities by a public official and theft of government funds, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on March 27, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Paul K. Martin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Inspector General, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys V. Kathleen Dougherty and Stephen W. Haynie 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-163.
Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for the distribution of heroin.
“Drug traffickers in possession of firearms pose a significant threat to our communities,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Investigating and prosecuting these cases remains a top priority in the Eastern District. We would not have been able to achieve this result without the cooperation of our local and federal law enforcement partners. My thanks to the Suffolk Police Department and DEA for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to court documents, Henry Scott, 43, sold 50 grams of heroin several times to an informant working with the Suffolk Police Department and the DEA. Law enforcement officials capped the investigation by executing a search warrant at Scott’s residence where they found an additional 27 grams of heroin along with an AR-15 style firearm with a 60-round drum magazine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-54.
New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A New York City man was sentenced today to over six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, in February law enforcement observed Sheldon Myers, 56, exit a bus in Norfolk and enter a waiting vehicle with Virginia license plates. After conducting a traffic stop, law enforcement smelled marijuana and ordered both the driver and Myers to exit the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 313 grams of fentanyl concealed inside a graham cracker box. After waiving his Miranda rights, Myers admitted he had been recruited to transport the drugs on the bus from New York City to Norfolk.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-95.
Heroin and Crack Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for conspiring to manufacture and deal heroin and crack cocaine throughout Hampton Roads.
According to court documents, Anthony Michael Covil, 33, was a member of a drug-trafficking conspiracy that operated primarily in Chesapeake. In the last five years, Covil distributed at least 700 grams of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl, at least 2 kilograms of crack cocaine, at least 4 kilograms of powder cocaine, and marijuana. He was arrested during a buy-bust in possession of two bags of heroin and fentanyl, two bags of cocaine, one bag of marijuana, and $300 cash in police buy money from previous controlled purchases. Covil also carried firearms during at least two drug transactions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-133.
Nine Indicted for Violent Grocery Store Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging nine individuals for their respective roles in a series of violent grocery store robberies in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
According to allegations in the indictment, the individuals worked in at least six-member teams, and conducted armed robberies of a Food Lion in Chesapeake on September 25, a Food Lion in Virginia Beach on September 29, and a Harris Teeter in Virginia Beach on October 3. The teams included inside and outside look-outs, getaway drivers, and two gunmen. The teams used police scanners to monitor law enforcement activity, encrypted applications, and earpieces to communicate with one another. The inside look-out would find and identify the grocery store manager, initiate the robbery, and communicate the position of the manager to masked members of the conspiracy who entered the stores with firearms. At each robbery the gunmen demanded the managers open the grocery store safe. In the final robbery at a Harris Teeter in Virginia Beach, one of the gunmen shot the store manager.
All nine defendants were charged with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Means of Robbery. They were also named in the indictment with the following charges:
Name, Age
Hometown
Charges
Devonta Doyle, aka “Vontay”, 22
Virginia Beach
3 Counts of Robbery; 3 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence; 1 Count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Cato M. Battle, 18
Virginia Beach
2 Counts of Robbery; 2 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Willey E. Brooks, Jr., aka “Wally”, 26
Chesapeake
2 Counts of Robbery; 2 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Darrius A. Heuser-Whitaker, 19
Virginia Beach
2 Counts of Robbery; 2 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Monica Perkins, 29
Norfolk
1 Count of Robbery
Brennan K. Smith, aka “Dub”, 22
Virginia Beach
1 Count of Robbery; 1 Count of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Brandon C. Tisdale, aka “Dot, GM”, 20
Virginia Beach
3 Counts of Robbery; 3 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Trevor L. Tisdale, aka “T”, 24
Virginia Beach
2 Counts of Robbery; 2 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Keonte K. Yorkshire, aka “Tae”, 21
Virginia Beach
3 Counts of Robbery; 3 Counts of Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Several of those indicted face a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted on all counts. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of each defendant who is convicted will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Division, James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, and Kelvin L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Tidewater Violent Crime Task Force, in partnership with the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Butler and Andrew C. Bosse are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-177.
Illegal Alien and Three-Time Felon Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Mexican man who has resided off and on in the United States for over 15 years was sentenced today to 2 1/2 years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation and subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction.
According to court documents, Oscar Perez-Rangel, 42, was convicted in 2003 of felony attempted robbery and use of a firearm in Fairfax County Circuit Court. In 2011, Perez-Rangel was convicted in Ohio of felony illegal reentry. In the instant offense he was detained in April 2017 in Fairfax County on unrelated state felony charges. ICE took the defendant into custody in July. Perez-Rangel will again be deported following the completion of his prison sentence.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Reed and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Taylor 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-300.
Former Owner of Sleep Study Businesses Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Sterling woman was sentenced today to 7 years in prison for health care fraud and tax charges for operating a fraudulent sleep study clinic in Northern Virginia.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Young Yi, 44, a citizen of South Korea, defrauded Medicare, Tricare, private insurance, and the IRS of more than $10 million during the conspiracy. Yi formed the primary entities she used to commit the crimes, 1st Class Sleep Diagnostic Center and 1st Class Medical, in 2005. Using those and other entities, Yi directed her employees to solicit patients who had been referred to her clinic for legitimate sleep studies for supplemental but medically unnecessary studies. To conceal the scheme, Yi instructed employees not to send the results of the fraudulent studies to the patients’ doctors, lied to patients by telling them they did not have to pay copays or coinsurance, and cross-billed using her different entities both to conceal the repetition from the insurance companies and to get out-of-network payments for in-network services. Yi also used the original referring doctors’ names and identifying information on health insurance claims without their permission, the evidence showed.
In addition to the medically unnecessary sleep studies performed on patients who had been referred by doctors to 1st Class Sleep Diagnostic Center, Yi also encouraged her own employees to have sleep studies that were then billed to insurance, the evidence showed. Those included claims charged in the indictment for three employees who did not have sleep apnea but nonetheless received at least 27 sleep studies between them in less than three years. The employees received payments for undergoing the sleep studies, and in some instances, the employees were organized into teams for “races” to see who could refer the greatest number of friends and family members for the fraudulent studies.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Yi used her business bank accounts to purchase personal luxury goods and real estate that she nonetheless booked as business expenses. Those falsely booked purchases included a $25,000 Rolex watch, $10,500 in mink coats, several luxury vehicles, and a $1.1 million home in Sterling. Yi also used the proceeds of her crimes to purchase five condominiums worth more than $2.8 million in McLean, Chicago, and Honolulu, Hawaii. After law enforcement searched the 1st Class premises in February 2014, Yi formed a purported charity, the “New Covenant Foundation,” and transferred millions of dollars in office properties into the foundation to protect them from recovery from law enforcement. United States District Judge Liam O’Grady ordered that the properties be turned over to the United States as part of Yi’s sentence, and her advisory Guidelines range was enhanced for obstructing justice related to that conduct.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office, Thomas W. South, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigation for the Office of Personnel Management, Robert E. Craig, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office, and Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), made the announcement after sentencing by Judge O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine L. Wong and Ryan S. Faulconer, and Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-224.
EDVA Team Presents at National Project Safe Neighborhoods ConferenceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger, along with a team of law enforcement officials from the Eastern District of Virginia, joined law enforcement leaders from around the country this week at the 2018 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri.
This morning, Terwilliger participated in a panel presentation on the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) model and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
“CGIC and NIBIN are game changers for how we target and investigate trigger pullers,” said Terwilliger. “Director Brandon’s leadership and support of our anti-violent crime efforts and the U.S. Attorney community in general has been astounding. He and his team are truly committed to the ATF mantra of being no better partner. My sincere thanks to the brave women and men of ATF for all they are doing to interdict gun traffickers and violent criminals using both traditional law enforcement techniques as well as cutting edge science.”
Terwilliger was joined at the PSN conference by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Miller and Rebeca H. Bellows, Newport News Police Chief Steve R. Drew, Major Roger Russell of the Richmond Police Department, Detective Ray Betts of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Gang Unit, and Sgt. Claudio Saa of the Town of Herndon Police Department. This team of law enforcement officials presented on best practices of investigating and dismantling MS-13, setting up violent crime task forces, forming law enforcement and community partnerships, and how to effectively use the CGIC model to address violent crime. The Eastern District of Virginia continues to be a leader in PSN and currently has active programs in all four divisions: Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond.
Terwilliger recently accepted an invitation from ATF Director Thomas E. Brandon to join the National Crime Gun Intelligence Board, and will immediately begin serving a three-year term.
“United States Attorney Terwilliger’s extensive experience in both prosecuting violent firearm offenders and developing Department of Justice policies to combat firearm violence provides essential expertise to the Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board,” said ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon. “ATF is fully committed to reducing gun violence in communities across the nation and the Governing Board, which includes police chiefs, forensic lab directors and federal and state prosecutors, is vital to the success of our mission. ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network helps disrupt the shooting cycle by assisting investigators in identifying firearms involved in more than one crime, often leading to the arrest of active trigger pullers and the firearm traffickers who illegally supply them with guns. NIBIN focuses investigations on our nation’s most violent offenders, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement in making our communities safer. We thank United States Attorney Terwilliger for his commitment to public safety the Eastern District of Virginia and our nation, and greatly appreciate his joining the Board.”
Established in 2016, the board uses the collective experience of federal, state, and local experts in the fields of forensics, law enforcement, and criminal law to ensure ATF receives valuable input on national programs related to Crime Gun Intelligence. Members of the 23-member board serve 3-year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. It meets biannually in different cities across the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Heroin and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for trafficking heroin while armed.
According to court documents, Vernon Lewis Petway, 39, was caught in possession of roughly 97 grams of heroin and a firearm after transporting the heroin by bus from New York City to Norfolk. At the time of the arrest Petway was on supervision for previous federal drug and gun convictions, and as a convicted felon is prohibited from carrying firearms.
The case is part of Operation Sand Dragon, a joint operation run by the Norfolk Police Department with assistance from the DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Chesapeake Police Department. After an eight-month-long investigation, law enforcement arrested 44 suspects for their roles in distributing drugs. Twelve of the suspects were involved in gang activity, which was a major focus of the investigation. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered roughly 11 ounces of heroin, 3 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of marijuana, 24 ecstasy pills, and 9 grams of methamphetamine. The total street value of the drugs was over $190,000. Law enforcement also recovered 12 firearms and over $85,000 in cash.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-34.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Supplying Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach woman pleaded guilty today to her role in a heroin and fentanyl distribution conspiracy that resulted in an overdose death.
“Best was dealing death from the comforts of her beach-front neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger. “Heroin and fentanyl do not discriminate across economic boundaries, and nor do we. We will remain vigilant in our pursuit of drug dealers who pump poison into our communities, no matter who they are or where they are.”
According to court documents, Michelle Renee Best, aka Michelle Smith, 43, managed her fentanyl operation from her home in the Croatan neighborhood of Virginia Beach. In December 2017, co-conspirator Christopher Bardall distributed fentanyl to a person who used it and subsequently went into a 17-hour coma and died. Virginia Beach Police arrested Bardall the following day. Virginia Beach Police and DEA investigators later learned that Bardall received his supply of fentanyl from co-conspirator Darin Milligan, who in turn got his fentanyl from his regional supplier, Michelle Best. Best knew the narcotics she was distributing were strong and had resulted in multiple overdoses. When she learned of the overdose death, she told Milligan to keep the information to himself and that it would be “business as usual.” Both Best and Milligan continued to buy and sell fentanyl for nearly three months following the overdose death until their arrest on March 13.
“We’ve really worked hard to crack down on the supply of fentanyl in the Commonwealth because it has been one of the primary drivers of the rise in overdose deaths in Virginia,” said Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia. “Fentanyl is profitable and dangerously potent, with just a few specks capable of killing on any given use, or even through accidental ingestion or absorption. Hampton Roads will be safer now that this local fentanyl source has been taken offline.”
On March 13, a Virginia Beach S.W.A.T. team executed a search warrant on Best’s home and recovered a commercial money counter, nearly $42,000 in cash, 1.85 kilograms of cocaine, 1.12 kilograms of marijuana, 382 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, a drug ledger, devices used for drug manufacturing such as a hydraulic press, a vacuum bag sealer, scales, and four firearms including an AR-15 rifle and a Ruger .38 Special revolver. Best was prohibited from owning these firearms due to a prior felony animal cruelty conviction in North Carolina for her involvement in a dog-fighting ring.
Best pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison when sentenced on March 14, 2019. Bardall pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy and will be sentenced on March 5, 2019. Milligan also pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy and will be sentenced Jan. 29, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Butler, Andrew C. Bosse, and Joseph E. DePadilla 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-147.
Ringleader of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role as the leader of a lengthy and extensive drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, Deron Radarius Powell, 34, was the ringleader of a drug trafficking organization which operated in Emporia and the surrounding area dating back to 2013. During the conspiracy, Powell along with several other co-conspirators, distributed large amounts of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin and marijuana to hundreds of customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Deron R. Powell, 34
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
30 years
Marvin A. Baskerville, 44
Richmond
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
17 years
Steve A. Hicks, 42
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
15 years
Hershell L. Grant, 52
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
14 years
Dexter O. Banks, 30
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
11 years
Crystal L. Mangrum, 29
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
10 years
Brittany L. Owens, 28
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
10 years
Vincent D. Anderson, 41
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
10 years
Ronnie Rawles, 38
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
7 years
Robert W. Little III, 70
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
5 years
Cynthia M. Fox, 51
Emporia
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
4 years
Tracy M. Moody, 53
Roanoke Rapid, NC
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
4 years
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Richmond Area Violent Enterprises Task Force, as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF), Operation Bulls Eye. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and John J. Lenkart, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Field Division, Ricky Pinksaw, Chief of the Emporia Police Department, William T. Jarratt Jr., Sheriff of the Greensville County, and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police, made the announcement after sentencing yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-80.
Jury Convicts Honduran Drug Trafficker of Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Honduran man late yesterday of leading a drug trafficking organization that smuggled at least thousands of kilos of cocaine into the United States over the last decade.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Arnulfo Fagot-Maximo, 57, was the leader of a drug trafficking organization based in the La Mosquitia region of the Departamento Gracias a Dios, Honduras. His organization was a critical link between Colombian cocaine suppliers and other major Honduran traffickers. For over a decade, the Fagot-Maximo received cocaine along the Mosquitia coast from Colombia by “go fast” boats, small aircraft, and submersible vessels in quantities ranging from a few hundred to several thousand kilograms per delivery. Most of this cocaine was transferred to the Montes Bobadilla organization in Francia, Honduras, where it was received by other traffickers. Eventually the cocaine was transported by land through Honduras and Guatemala, and then it was delivered to the Mexican cartels for importation into the United States. Fagot-Maximo received tens of millions of dollars in U.S. currency for the sale and delivery of this cocaine.
Arnulfo Fagot-Maximo was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine knowing that the cocaine was to be unlawfully imported into the United States. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison when sentenced on March 29, 2018. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the DEA as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Harpoon through DEA’s HIDTA Task Force in Annandale Virginia. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the verdict.
Assistance in the investigation and prosecution was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of New York, the Middle District of Florida, and the Southern District of Florida. Assistance was also provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Honduran National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James L. Trump, Thomas W. Traxler and DOJ Trial Attorney Anthony Aminoff 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-290.
Identity Thief Pleads Guilty to Operating $1.4 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 20 victims of more than $1.4 million.
According to court documents, Brian Thomas Sapp, 38, ran a company called Novus Properties, which purported to have relationships with banks and mortgage lenders who wished to sell distressed lender-owned properties. These were supposedly single-family residences in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Sapp raised capital from investors to loan him money to be used in the purchase of the homes, which he claimed he would resell 90 days later at a substantial profit. Sapp promised rates of return as high as 25 percent, and falsely claimed to have a guaranteed buyer for all his properties, usually a real Alexandria-based construction company.
To execute the scheme, Sapp stole the identity of the president of the construction company. Sapp, using a cloud-based platform called DocuSign, executed false contracts between Novus and the construction company, using the same IP address within minutes of each other to affix both his own digital signature as seller for Novus and the digital signature of the victim construction company president as buyer. Sapp would send the purchase contracts to victims, along with falsified HUD-1 Settlement Statement summaries, as evidence that he had purchased the properties and already contracted to re-sell them. Altogether, Sapp executed hundreds of false real estate transactions to induce victims to part with money. In truth, Sapp did not close on deals and used victim money to buy a Mercedes, take golf vacations, and to make lulling payments to investors. Sapp targeted close friends and their family who trusted him.
Sapp pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for the identity theft charge, and a maximum of 20 years for the wire fraud charge, when sentenced on March 15, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-446.
Man Pleads Guilty to Posing as a Doctor, Seeing Two Dozen PatientsRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Glen Allen man pleaded guilty today to posing as a doctor at a free clinic in Newport News, where he saw nearly two dozen patients.
According to allegations in the indictment, Vishal J. Patel, 31, used the personal identifying information of licensed physicians to pose as a doctor in online employment applications to medical staffing companies. Patel falsely claimed in such applications to be licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia. To support this claim, Patel created and submitted false diplomas and certificates concerning his education, training, certifications, and licenses in which he included registration and licensing numbers belonging to various licensed physicians. To obtain access to their information, Patel posed as the physicians when contacting various oversight entities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration. Patel directed those entities to alter the physicians’ licensing records so that they appeared to be associated with Patel. He then directed these entities to mail him copies of the altered records. Through the scheme, Patel fraudulently induced various medical staffing companies to employ him as an independent contractor. Patel obtained employment through at least one company at a free clinic in Newport News, where he saw nearly two dozen patients before he was terminated due to the clinic’s inability to verify his credentials.
Patel pleaded guilty to furnishing false information in a DEA record and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of four years, along with a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison, when sentenced on March 19, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-125.
Drug Dealer Gets 30 Years for Fentanyl Related DeathRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton Roads man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in death. During the sentencing hearing, the Court noted that Burgess had appeared in court on various criminal charges at least 43 times during his life.
According to court documents, in November 2016 a man was found dead in his home as the result of a fentanyl overdose. Based on telephone records and eyewitnesses, Arnold Burgess, 50, was identified as the drug dealer who provided the victim with fentanyl. Five months after the death, Burgess was arrested in Stafford County with 1/4 kilogram of fentanyl. Burgess was connected to the William Joe drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for selling heroin on the Virginia Peninsula for many years prior to the arrest of its senior members in 2017.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Broken Finger. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-65.
Armed Heroin and Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A New York City man living in Virginia Beach was sentenced today to over 11 years in prison for dealing heroin and fentanyl, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Michael Thomas Jamison, Jr., 34, was arrested during a joint HSI and Virginia Beach Police Department operation attempting to sell approximately 150 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl. A search warrant executed at Jamison’s home led to the recovery of an additional 620 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, over $10,000 in cash, and two loaded handguns. Jamison is a convicted felon due to multiple previous drug convictions in New York and Maryland.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Bosse and Joseph E. DePadilla 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-105.
Sixth Defendant Sentenced in Credit Card and ID Theft Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to four and a half years in prison for his involvement in a scheme that resulted in 19,000 stolen credit and debit cards that were used to obtain over $490,000 in unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals and money order purchases.
According to court documents, Mushegh Melkonyan, 28, participated in a multistep conspiracy involving at least six other individuals. Specifically, conspirators attached electronic devices known as “skimmers” to gas pump payment systems, collected the information captured when payment cards were swiped at the compromised gas pumps by unwitting customers, and encoded the stolen card numbers onto physical payment cards. Thereafter, conspirators used the physical cards encoded with stolen card information throughout Northern Virginia and elsewhere, making fraudulent ATM withdrawals and U.S. Postal Service money order purchases. Court documents show that Melkonyan furthered the conspiracy by traveling to the Eastern District of Virginia in August 2017, reserving a Falls Church hotel room that was used to store the proceeds and tools of the conspiracy, and using physical cards encoded with stolen payment card numbers to withdraw funds on August 8 from area ATMs.
As reflected in court documents, in addition to Melkonyan, the five individuals listed in the table below have been charged with participating in the same conspiracy, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and/or aggravated identity theft, and have been sentenced.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Mushegh Melkonyan, 28
Las Vegas, Nev.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
4.5 years
Rudolf Mekhakian, 31
Van Nuys, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
7.5 years
Radik Karapetyan, 25
North Hollywood, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
6.5 years
Siranush Yengibaryan, 24
Van Nuys, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
5.5 years
Armen Saplekchian, 37
Tarzana, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
5 years
Anatoly Zinchenko, 47
Philadelphia, Pa.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
3 years
Court documents indicate that some of the above-listed defendants may face immigration consequences as a result of their convictions. For instance, Karapetyan and Yengibaryan are citizens of Armenia and green card holders, and Saplekchian is an illegal alien.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Berrang and Kellen S. Dwyer 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-149.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Heroin and Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man was sentenced today to over nine years in prison for distributing almost 400 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the central Virginia area.
According to court documents, Paris Moore, 32, pleaded guilty on August 22 to two counts of distribution of heroin. Moore’s charges stem from his distribution of drugs to a confidential informant on two separate occasions while on federal supervised release. On January 19, Moore distributed 3.65 grams of a mixture of heroin and fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl to a confidential informant in Henrico County. On January 26, Moore distributed 6.36 grams of a mixture of heroin and cyclopropylfentanyl to a confidential informant in Richmond. On February 22, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence in Glen Allen and recovered 2.43 grams of crack cocaine and .88 grams of heroin and 4-fluoroisobutryl fentanyl.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-71.
Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Opioid Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian man living in Leesburg pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl that caused two deaths and one non-fatal overdose in 2016.
According to court documents, Joseph Riley Curry, 29, obtained heroin and fentanyl from sources of supply that he distributed to customers in Loudoun County. Drugs that Curry distributed killed two people in March 2016, and caused a third individual to experience an overdose that required medical intervention. In August 2017, Curry was arrested on a state felony distribution charge. While in custody, Curry ordered another individual to destroy evidence he thought might be used against him in a possible federal prosecution.
Curry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on Feb. 22, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This matter was investigated by the Leesburg Police Department and the Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force – Northern Virginia which is composed of FBI Agents, and Task Force Officers from the Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Leesburg, Prince William County Police Departments, HSI, ATF, with assistance from the DEA Mid-Atlantic Regional Laboratory.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, and Gregory C. Brown, Leesburg Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Peters 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-396.
Leader of Fentanyl Conspiracy Sentenced to 20 YearsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in the Washington, DC area.
According to court documents, Donnell Leroy Williams, 55, aka Bubbles, his son, Antonio Donnell Shelton, 30, aka Little Bubbles, James Coleman Brown, 51, and Demetrius Antonio Johnson, 37, aka Bake, worked together to distribute fentanyl, a highly dangerous narcotic. During the course of the conspiracy, Williams and his co-conspirators had the ability to obtain large quantities of fentanyl, and they routinely sold fentanyl and other highly addictive drugs to customers at locations in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Donnell Leroy Williams, 55
Hyattsville, Md.
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
20 years
Antonio Donnell Shelton, 30
Washington, DC
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
6 years
James Coleman Brown, 51
Washington, DC
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
13 years
Demetrius Antonio Johnson, 37
Washington, DC
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
6 years
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Tyler McGaughey and David A. Peters 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-30.
Firearms Traffickers Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchase SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two Maryland residents were sentenced to a combined 13 years in prison today for their respective roles in a firearms straw purchasing and trafficking scheme.
“Haddock is exactly the type of individual who poses a serious danger to the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect us,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Haddock’s criminal history includes first-degree assault for shooting a woman in the leg at a playground in an attempt to rob her, conspiracy to rob a bank, and he committed this straw purchasing scheme while on probation. Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are committed to removing violent individuals like Haddock from our communities.”
According to court documents, between Dec. 3, 2017 and Jan. 6, 2018, Keith Haddock II, 26, Brittany Blanken, 25, and their co-conspirators illegally purchased 29 firearms during 11 separate transactions from federal firearms licensees at gun shows and gun stores in Virginia, using thousands of dollars of cash provided by Haddock. The straw purchasers immediately provided the firearms to Haddock, who, along with Blanken, transported the firearms into Washington, D.C. and Maryland and resold the firearms to other individuals. Haddock was unable to purchase the firearms himself or possess the firearms because he was previously convicted of two violent felonies in Montgomery County, Maryland.
“Firearm trafficking fuels violent gun crime in America,” said Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. “Straw purchases are not simply paperwork violations—they put guns in the hands of serious criminals that terrorize communities across the country. This case perfectly highlights that danger: 29 straw purchased firearms were delivered into the hands of a violent felon before making their way to the streets of D.C. and Maryland, where they will be used in an untold number of violent crimes.”
Haddock was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Blanken was sentenced to 3 years. At sentencing, the Court applied sentencing enhancements for the number of firearms involved and because Haddock and Blanken trafficked the firearms. Indeed, law enforcement in Maryland and Washington, D.C. have recovered approximately a dozen of the firearms unlawfully purchased during the scheme at crime scenes or in the unlawful possession of others. The other firearms involved have not been recovered.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas U. Murphy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Williamson 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-236.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Dealing Drugs and GunsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to nearly nine years in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine and possessing, using, and carrying a firearm.
According to court documents, Charles Ervin Livermon, 23, a previously convicted felon, sold heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and at least three guns to an undercover officer in a series of controlled purchases. On three occasions, Livermon sold the officer a deadly cocktail of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Other times, he used co-conspirators to negotiate the deals with the undercover officer. Officers later executed a warrant on his home and recovered heroin mixed with fentanyl, 450 grams of marijuana, and his personal firearm.
The case is part of Operation Sand Dragon, a joint operation lead by the Norfolk Police Department with assistance from the DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Chesapeake Police Department. After an eight-month-long investigation, law enforcement arrested 44 suspects for their roles in distributing drugs. Twelve of the suspects were involved in gang activity, which was a major focus of the investigation. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered roughly 11 ounces of heroin, 3 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of marijuana, 24 ecstasy pills, and 9 grams of methamphetamine. The total street value of the drugs was over $190,000. Law enforcement also recovered 12 firearms and over $85,000 in cash.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and Colonel K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-28.
Convicted Felon Injured State Trooper While Fleeing SceneRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A previously convicted felon who injured a Virginia State Trooper during a traffic stop was sentenced today to over 13 years in prison for drug crimes and a related federal supervised release violation.
“Johnson injured a state trooper while resisting arrest for possessing meth, marijuana, and cocaine,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This is prime example of the danger our law enforcement partners face every time they conduct a simple traffic stop. In the blink of an eye it can turn into a dangerous encounter. We will continue to investigate and prosecute cases where our law enforcement partners are injured in the line of duty.”
According to court documents, in December 2017, a Virginia State Police (VSP) Trooper conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle of George Johnson, 38, of Nottoway. During the course of the stop, Johnson fled from the Trooper and caused significant injuries to her hand. While fleeing, Johnson dumped over 130 grams of methamphetamine, which consisted of thousands of pieces of crystals, into the woods along his escape route. Johnson was eventually apprehended by assisting law enforcement and also charged with possessing over 51 grams of marijuana and 2.9 grams of cocaine. It was later determined that at the time of the incident Johnson was on federal supervised release for possession and intent to distribute cocaine-based drugs while carrying a firearm.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-81.
South American Couple Plead Guilty to Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A South American couple pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud for orchestrating a loan modification scheme.
According to court documents, Rodrigo Pardo, 46, of Argentina, and Lorena Medina, 46, of Ecuador, defrauded homeowners in Northern Virginia and mortgage lenders by promising the homeowners to assist them in obtaining loan modifications. As part of the scheme, Pardo and Medina agreed to negotiate with the homeowners’ lenders for a reduced monthly payment. Pardo and Medina then instructed clients who were current on their mortgages to stop making payments to their lenders as they had in the past, and instead make payments into accounts controlled by Medina, Pardo, or COFS, a company they controlled. At the same time, Pardo and Medina represented to their clients’ mortgage lenders that COFS was authorized to negotiate loan modifications, but concealed from the mortgage lenders that they were receiving mortgage payments from the victims. As a result, Pardo and Medina received over $140,000 in payments from their victims, which they used for personal expenses.
Pardo and Medina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on March 1, 2009. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Robert Manchak, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly R. Pedersen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlie Divine 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-181.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Entry Following Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Mexican citizen most recently residing in Westmoreland County was sentenced today to three years in prison for illegal reentry following removal for a felony conviction.
“Morales-Ramirez was convicted of a sexual assault felony in 2000 as an illegal alien,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He illegally reentered a second time and proceeded to commit more crimes. He clearly has no regard for our nation’s laws and borders and he poses a threat to our public safety. We are committed to criminal immigration enforcement and will continue to prioritize these cases.”
According to court documents, in 2000, Miguel Morales-Ramirez, 42, illegally entered the United States. Following a 2000 felony conviction for sexual assault, Morales-Ramirez was removed. In 2007, he illegally reentered the United States intending to stay permanently. Once in Virginia, Morales-Ramirez committed several driving violations, and in 2017, Morales-Ramirez was charged and convicted of drug offenses in Westmoreland County.
“ICE focuses its immigration enforcement efforts on removing public safety threats like Morales-Ramirez from our communities,” said Russell Hott, Field Office Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington. “Let today’s sentence serve as a lesson. ICE will not permit individuals to game our immigration system. If you violate the nation’s immigration laws, you will be prosecuted for your crimes.
ICE arrested Morales-Ramirez as part of Operation Eagle’s Shield in July 2018. This operation targeted notable threats to public safety throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C. that resulted in the arrests of 132 individuals on criminal and civil violations.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney S. David Schiller 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-84.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty for Illegally Re-Entering United StatesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A citizen of Honduras pleaded guilty today to illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.
According to court documents, Omar Enrique Romero-Caceres, 37, illegally re-entered the United States after being convicted of identity fraud in 2007, and illegally re-entered the United States in 2013.
Romero-Caceres pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation or removal and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 22, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis III. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Tonelli and Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-354.
Man Sentenced for Possessing Crack Cocaine in Police HeadquartersRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico man was sentenced today to 21 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possessing 30 baggies of crack cocaine hidden in his underwear inside Richmond Police Department (RPD) headquarters.
According to court documents, on September 5, 2017, Zyejuan Redd, 21, was arrested by RPD officers on an outstanding warrant within the area of the Mosby Court public housing community. After being taken into custody, officers transported Redd to RPD headquarters where he was placed alone in an interview room equipped with video monitoring equipment. Several minutes later, RPD officers observed Redd on the video monitor reaching into and jostling the front of his pants in an attempt to retrieve an item. Based on Redd’s movements, RPD officers confronted Redd and discovered plastic bags containing 30 individually wrapped corner baggies of crack cocaine and a baggie containing a heroin.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-72.
Former Physician Pleads Guilty to Operating an Oxy Pill MillRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former physician pleaded guilty today to operating a pill mill that illegally distributed over 600,000 oxycodone pills out of a pain management clinic in Woodbridge.
According to court documents, Shriharsh Laxman Pole, 65, was a physician who voluntarily surrendered his medical license in 2009, and again in 2013. In both instances, Pole admitted to creating a substantial risk to public health by engaging in wrongful prescribing practices for opiates, including oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.
Upon surrendering his license in 2013, Pole founded Excel Medical Clinic (EMC). EMC operated out of the same office, had the same employees, and the same patients, as Pole’s former practice. Most of EMC’s patients were treated for pain management issues. Pole enlisted the aid of nurse-practitioner and co-conspirator, Janelle Hibson, 63, of Fredericksburg, who pleaded guilty to the same charges on September 6. Hibson pre-signed prescriptions that Pole later filled out and distributed. Patients often received these drugs without undergoing any physical or diagnostic examination to determine whether the drugs were necessary for legitimate medical purposes. Pole admitted that between EMC’s founding and 2015, he caused the distribution of more than 600,000 pills containing oxycodone.
Pole pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Schedule II and III controlled substances, including oxycodone, oxymorphone, morphine sulfate, and hydrocodone, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on March 15, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Ben’Ary and David Peters 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-397.
Operation California Dreamin Nets Richmond Cocaine TraffickerRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today after being caught in a law enforcement controlled delivery operation involving the transportation of 9 kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles to Richmond.
“Brown planned on distributing at least 9 kilograms of dangerous narcotics onto the streets of Richmond and beyond,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Investigating and prosecuting drug traffickers continues to be a top priority, and I want to thank our local, state, and federal partners for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to court documents, on August 6, Frankie Brown, 34, provided a duffle bag containing 9 kilograms of cocaine to an individual in Los Angeles for delivery to him in Richmond. On August 7, Texas Department of Public Safety law enforcement officials stopped this individual in Amarillo, Texas, and seized the cocaine from his possession. On August 10, DEA agents arrested Brown when he took custody of what he believed to be his 9 kilograms of cocaine and $6,375.
Brown pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on Feb. 21, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Operation California Dreamin was investigated as part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-104.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Operation Chasing OxyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his leadership role in a nine-member conspiracy to fraudulently obtain and sell approximately 9,000 Oxycodone pills in Hampton Roads.
According to court documents, from February to September 2017, Deonte Farrow, who was sentenced today to 10 years, and Quentia Fields led a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain Oxycodone pills from various pharmacies in the Hampton Roads area for the purpose of selling the pills on the streets for a profit. Farrow and Fields manufactured and drafted prescriptions for Oxycodone pills from their home computers and printers, using the name and DEA registration numbers of real physicians, without the physician’s knowledge. Farrow and Fields then worked with co-conspirators, Harvey Williams, Lucion Liles and Quanisha Platt, to recruit individuals to serve as runners, such as Tynasia Smith, Travis Smith, Juan Ramirez, and Tykeiah Benn, who would take the prescriptions to various pharmacies in the Tidewater area to be filled. Platt, who had worked in several pharmacies, knew how to draft a prescription so that it looked legitimate to a pharmacy. The runners either were paid in money or given a quantity of the Oxycodone pills for their services. The listed patient on the written prescriptions were either the name of a co-conspirator or the name of some other real person, sometimes without that person’s knowledge. In total, approximately 20 physicians’ names and DEA registration numbers were used on the fraudulent prescriptions without the doctor’s knowledge.
This investigation was conducted by the Richmond Tactical Diversion Squad, in cooperation with the Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach Police Departments, and the Virginia State Police.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Deonte Farrow, 28
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
120 months
Quentia Fields, 27
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
46 months
Harvey Williams, 27
Chesapeake
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
51 months
Lucion Liles, 28
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
41 months
Quanisha Platt, 24
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
37 months
Tykeiah Benn, 27
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
24 months
Travis Smith, 31
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
16 months
Juan Ramirez, 31
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
10 months
Tynasia Smith, 22
Chesapeake
Conspiracy to Obtain and Distribute Oxycodone
7 months
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division], made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Muhr 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-15-1.