Western District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Roanoke Attorney Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke defense attorney, who engaged in sexual activities with his clients, exchanged legal services for sexual acts from his clients, possessed and used controlled substances, and lied to federal agents about his conduct, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Scott A. Webber, 38, of Roanoke, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to a one count Information charging him with making materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branch of the Government of the United States. At sentencing, Webber faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
According to a statement of facts agreed to by Webber and read into the court record today by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Webber was a licensed attorney and a member of the Virginia State bar whose practice included the representation of parties in both state and federal courts, and in both criminal and civil matters.
Beginning in 2014, Webber represented Client #1 in matters related to driving under the influence and petty larceny. On two occasions, Client #1 had sexual intercourse with Webber in exchange for reduced legal fees.
From approximately 2012-2015, Webber represented Client #2 in multiple criminal matters. On one occasion, Client #2 told Webber she did not have money to pay him for his representation, to which Webber told Client #2 that if she performed oral sex on him he would submit a letter to the court that he was representing Client #2 and promised her she would not go to jail. Client #2 did perform oral sex on Webber and he continued to represent her.
Between January 25 and January 27, 2016, Webber had conversations via text message with Client #3 in which they discussed meeting at his house and engaging in sexual activity in exchange for legal services.
Between August 2016 and December 2016, Webber and Client #4 engaged in sexual activity. On December 10, 2016, Webber discussed wanting Client #4 to engage in sexual acts with him before he would provide her representation in a custody matter.
In addition, the statement of facts addresses instances in which Webber was in contact with at least three clients with which he was receiving and or distributing small amounts of marijuana, Adderall and/or other prescription medications.
On January 26, 2017, Webber was asked by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation if he ever had sexual relations with a client, to which he responded, “Yea. No, no, I’ve not had sex with clients. I’ve certainly not had sex with clients, I’ve not had sex for pay ah in lieu of legal fees…”
During the same interview, agents asked Webber if he ever received or distributed drugs. Webber answered “No,” “I haven’t distributed drugs,” “I haven’t used drugs period…”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police and the Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of a Minor and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
A Roanoke, Virginia man pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
Scott Curtiss Pieritz, 57, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Michael F. Urbanski to charges of enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
In July 2017, law enforcement agents were notified that Pieritz, who had a duty to register as a sex offender as a result of three prior child pornography convictions, was using various social media applications to entice minors to produce and send him child pornography. A search warrant for his electronic devices confirmed that Pieritz was in possession of numerous images and videos of child pornography, had posed as a minor online, and had exchanged money and gifts for images from minors. The defendant also admitted to this conduct in an interview with law enforcement agents.
Pieritz is schedule to be sentenced on Oct. 1.
The case was investigated by the Virginia State Police. Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey of the Western District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of A Minor and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Roanoke – A Roanoke, Virginia man pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
Scott Curtiss Pieritz, 57, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Michael F. Urbanski to charges of enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
In July 2017, law enforcement agents were notified that Pieritz, who had a duty to register as a sex offender as a result of three prior child pornography convictions, was using various social media applications to entice minors to produce and send him child pornography. A search warrant for his electronic devices confirmed that Pieritz was in possession of numerous images and videos of child pornography, had posed as a minor online, and had exchanged money and gifts for images from minors. The defendant also admitted to this conduct in an interview with law enforcement agents.
Pieritz is schedule to be sentenced on Oct. 1.
The case was investigated by the Virginia State Police. Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey of the Western District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 295 Months on Gun and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that Grandy Nester, 33, of Pilot Mountain, N.C., was sentenced last week in the United States District Court in Abingdon as a result of Operation Rolling Thunder, an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and local law enforcement in Virginia and North Carolina.
The collaborative law enforcement effort has resulted in twenty-two defendants entering guilty pleas related to the distribution of methamphetamine and firearms possession in Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. Nester was sentenced to 295 months imprisonment last week. He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.
“Operation Rolling Thunder has made the communities of Southwest Virginia safer by taking large amounts of methamphetamine off the streets and getting firearms out of the hands of drug dealers,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “I am grateful for the leadership of ATF on this important initiative, as well as the critical support of our state and local law-enforcement partners.”
“ATF is dedicated to removing armed criminals from our streets. We will continue to target criminals who illegally possess and use firearms as a tool of their drug trade,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow said today. “Operation Rolling Thunder is another great example of how ATF collaborates with state and local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to keep our communities safe.”
According to evidence presented at numerous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Nester was a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of large quantities of methamphetamine from Greensboro, N.C. to be distributed in Galax, Va., Grayson County, Va., Carroll County, Va., and Surry County, N.C. Additionally, many of the members of the organization possessed and used firearms to further their drug trafficking activities. At the time of his arrest in June 2017, Nester was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants have been sentenced:
- Amy Hoyt, 46, of Mt. Airy, N.C., was sentenced to 228 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking.
- Amber Bilyeu, 32, of Mt. Airy, N.C., was sentenced to 252 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Karen Hawks, 45, of Low Gap, N.C., was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Walter “Butch” Sexton, 64, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brittany Cochran, 28, of Fries, Va., was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Timothy Bowman, 46, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
- Annette Freeman, 32, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brad Hunley, 29, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 134 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Shawanna Phipps, 37, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brian Graff, 33, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Riley Alley, 26, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 52 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Calvin Jermaine Maxwell, 34, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- David Norman, 29, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jonathan Choate, 34, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Kevin Humphries, 38, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jackie Christopher Parson, 39, of Mouth of Wilson, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jessilyn Jones, 26, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Vickie Grose, 48, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Stacey Jerome Sawyers, 30, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Travis Brian Anders, 35, of Sugar Grove, Va., was sentenced to 158 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Surry County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Galax Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Eighteen Charged in Federal RICO Indictments, Charged with Gang-related Murder, Attempted Murder, Drug Distribution, Witness IntimidationRead the Press Release
Danville, VIRGINIA – Federal, state and local authorities announced this afternoon the largest and most significant federal prosecution of organized gang activity in the Western District of Virginia in at least a decade. The indictment charges 18 suspected gang members and associates in Danville, Virginia with crimes ranging from murder to drug distribution to obstruction of justice. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, Danville Police Chief Scott C. Booth, Michael J. Newman, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County Sheriff Michael W. Taylor made the announcement.
“Today’s indictments are the beginning of a sustained assault on the gang-related violence that has plagued the City of Danville for far too long,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “We are grateful for the FBI’s leadership in this critical violent-crime initiative, and appreciate the tireless support of the Danville Police Department, the Danville Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. We are fully committed to identifying the drivers of violent crime in Danville and sending them to federal prison.”
“The Commonwealth of Virginia is hostile territory for gangs and criminal enterprises. I want to make this clear; we are not going away. We are not finished. Agencies across the spectrum of law enforcement - at the federal, state, and local levels - are united to keep our communities from being held hostage by the drugs, the violence, and the destruction of young, promising lives which gangs bring into them,” said Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “U.S. Attorney Cullen and the great men and women on his team in the Western District won't stand for it, our outstanding enforcement partners won't stand for it, and my team at the FBI won't stand for it.”
On June 11, 2018, a federal grand jury seated in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville returned two separate indictments under seal. Both indictments were unsealed today following the arrests of the 18 defendants.
The first indictment charges eight members of the MILLAs, a set of the Bloods street gang that has operated in Danville since at least sometime around 2015. The indictment charges MILLA members with federal racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering that includes murder and attempted murder and numerous counts of using firearms during the commission of violent crimes.
The second indictment charges seven members of the Rollin 60s, a set of the Crips street gang that has operated in Danville since at least around 2015. The indictment charges Rollin 60s’ members with federal racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering that includes murder and attempted murder and numerous counts of using firearms during the commission of violent crimes.
In addition, the second indictment charges three female associates of the Rollins 60s gang with being accessories after the fact, obstruction of justice, and perjury.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Danville Police Department, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Danville. Assistant United States Attorneys Heather L. Carlton and Ronald M. Huber will prosecute the case for the United States.
A Grand Jury Indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. Attorney General Sessions directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
Opinion: The Sessions assault on the opioid epidemicRead the Press Release
In less than 18 months on the job, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made significant progress in reducing crime and improving morale among federal, state and local law enforcement.
The attorney general faced enormous challenges from his first day in office. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016, more than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses.
This is roughly equal to the total number of U.S. troops killed during the Vietnam War. Of these fatal overdose deaths in 2016, approximately 42,000, or two-thirds, were caused by opiates, including heroin, and synthetic opioids, mainly OxyContin and fentanyl.
Violent crime also rose dramatically between 2014 and 2016. According to FBI statistics, the national violent crime rate increased by nearly 7 percent. The national murder rate went up by 20 percent, which was the largest increase in almost 50 years. This same time period also saw substantial increases in the rates of assault and rape.Correctly recognizing that these were unacceptable national trends, the new attorney general took immediate steps to equip the prosecutors and agents of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), including the 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
He quickly rescinded the so-called “Holder Memorandum,” the governing policy of the previous attorney general, which, among other things, had limited federal prosecutors’ ability to seek lengthy mandatory-minimum prison sentences for drug dealers and violent offenders.
In addition to demoralizing many dedicated career federal prosecutors and agents engaged in narcotics and gang work, the Holder Memorandum and its restrictions on charging serious offenses and mandatory minimums had taken away one of the most effective tools to encourage offenders to cooperate and, in turn, help dismantle major drug-trafficking organizations and violent gangs.
Under the new “Sessions Memorandum,” federal prosecutors are empowered to bring the most serious charges warranted by the crime.
The attorney general also announced new prosecution priorities, shifting DOJ’s focus to (1) combatting the opioid epidemic; (2) reducing violent crime; (3) aggressively addressing illegal immigration; and (4) protecting national security.
Literally putting his money where his mouth is, the attorney general then successfully secured $72 million in additional funding for 311 new assistant U.S. attorney positions across the country. This is the largest and most significant DOJ hiring initiative in a generation.
The attorney general also revamped and relaunched Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a gang and gun violence-reduction program focused on collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement. Although data for 2017 will not be available until later this year, it is likely we will see a reduction in violent crime for the first time in several years.
As the newly appointed U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, I embrace the attorney general’s new priorities and his back-to-basics approach to fighting crime. The opioid epidemic is raging across our district.
As the Roanoke Times recently reported, the Roanoke Valley suffered more than 80 fatal opioid overdose deaths in 2017. The greater-Winchester area saw 40 fatal opioid overdoses. According to CDC data, in 2016, Martinsville led the nation in the number of opiate prescriptions per person.
Violent crime also increased dramatically in our district between 2014 and 2016. The homicide rate in Roanoke increased 500 percent, and Danville saw a 400 percent increase. These increases, and the increases in drug trafficking and other violent crimes, is partially attributable to organized gang activity in these communities.
We are taking a number of steps to address the opioid epidemic and violent crime in the Western District. On the opioid front, my office is committed to investigating and prosecuting health-care professionals who push these dangerous drugs for profit.
We are also working with our state and local partners to investigate overdose deaths as potential homicides, and hold dealers accountable under severe mandatory minimum periods of incarceration. Our drug prosecutors are committed to interdicting and disrupting the supply of these deadly drugs, including fentanyl and heroin, into our district.
In 2017, a federally-funded drug task force based in the Western District seized over two kilograms of fentanyl, or the equivalent of approximately a million doses of heroin. This was likely the largest fentanyl seizure in Virginia last year.
With respect to violent crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is collaborating with our state and local partners to identify the drivers of violent crime and target them for prosecution. Working with our FBI-led violent crime task forces, we are focusing on gang activity in our urban areas and hope to reverse the cycle of violence that has plagued these communities for far too long.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also prosecuting more cases involving the illegal possession and use of firearms and sending offenders to federal prison.
As U.S. attorney, I spend a significant portion of my time traveling around our large district to meet with local sheriffs, chiefs of police, state law-enforcement officials and commonwealth attorneys. Without exception, the message I have heard from my local counterparts is that they are grateful for and excited to have an attorney general who understands the scourge of the opioid epidemic and gun-related violence, and who is fully committed to addressing these problems.
We have a long and difficult path ahead, but, together — and with the unwavering support of an attorney general who is committed to the rule of law — we are well-positioned to make an impact.
• Thomas T. Cullen is U.S. Attorney, Western District of Virginia.
Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA –Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Thomas T. Cullen announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSAs will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
The Western District of Virginia will receive funding to hire one AUSA to focus on violent crime and a second AUSA to focus on civil enforcement. It is expected that these positions will be based in the Roanoke office, however the additional allocation of prosecutorial resources will extend throughout the Western District of Virginia. The new positions will soon be open to qualified applicants and are in addition to the three pending job openings in the Western District of Virginia for prosecutors dedicated to the prosecution of violent offenders and prolific drug dealers.
“Reducing violent crime is my first priority and the addition of this Assistant United States Attorney will go a long way in making the communities of the Western District of Virginia safer,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Human capital is our most important resource in fighting crime and today’s action bring much needed resources to our district.”
Atlanta Man Who Threatened Charlottesville Schools Arrested, Facing Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – An Atlanta man has been charged with posting threatening messages against Charlottesville schools that caused all schools within the City of Charlottesville to go into a modified lockdown for two days in October 2017, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division announced.
Michael Anthony Townes, 48, of Atlanta, was arrested May 20, 2018 in Georgia and charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. Townes will be transferred to the Western District of Virginia where he will have his initial court appearance in the near future.
“The defendant’s alleged threats terrified students, parents, teachers, and administrators and triggered an immediate response by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “We are grateful to the FBI for coordinating this rapid response and ensuring the safety of the local community. As this and other recent cases indicate, the U.S. Attorney’s Office takes these types of threats seriously and will respond accordingly.”
“The FBI stands with our schools and will vigorously investigate threats made to them – whether legitimate or a hoax. Law enforcement and other first responders have some of the most difficult jobs in our society. They encounter danger every day and keep our communities safe from violence and injury. To spread panic and fear through hoax threats to our schools – at this moment, while our nation mourns its many recent mass shooting victims – and encumber the limited resources of our first responders, is truly despicable. It’s not cute. It’s not funny and it will land you in jail,” Special Agent in Charge Lee said today.
According to the complaint and affidavit filed in the case, Townes, using the user name “mike” posted several comments in reply to a Yahoo! News story entitled “Police Issue Warrant for Black Man Beaten by White Supremacists in Charlottesville.”
Among the comments alleged posted by Townes was:
“@Terry not until I pull off a copycat of vegas in charloettsville [sic] va at a all white charter school..It should’t be hard to find one…”
“Im thinking of a copycat to vegas in Charloettsville (sic) Va is going to happened (sic)…Im thinking maybe a school this time though!”
In response to the postings, Charlottesville schools entered a modified lockdown with police presence at all schools on October 11 and 12, 2017.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Charlottesville City Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Barish Swartz and Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Salem Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Salem man, who believed he was enticing a 15-year-old girl to engage in prostitution while actually communicating online with an undercover Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke on a federal sex-trafficking charge, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Shawn Paul Paisley, 48, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to 96 months in prison. Paisley previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
“As this case indicates, it is imperative for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be vigilant and protect our children from the dangers that lurk on the internet,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Fortunately, in this case, proactive enforcement by a local police officer stopped a predator before he could act.”
In August of 2016, while posing as a 15-year-old female, a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a Craigslist advertisement posted by Paisley seeking a “personal/casual” encounter. Paisley gave the “female minor” a cell phone number and the two exchanged text messages. During the course of their text message exchanges, Paisley told the “female minor” that he ran an escort service and that his girls made good money. Paisley provided standard prices for the services the escorts offered and the two arranged to meet in order for the “female minor” to perform oral sex on Paisley.
Paisley left his home in Salem, Virginia and drove to Franklin County, Virginia to meet the “minor female.” When Paisley arrived in Franklin County, he was arrested.
Paisley admitted that he helped run an escort service, which involved recruiting females to engage in sex for pay. He helped arrange for encounters between recruited female prostitutes and the customers and took a portion of the fees paid for making the arrangements. Paisley recalls that at least two females he previously helped recruit were 17-years-old.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Executive Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Day Rottenborn and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Buena Vista Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA – A 32-year-old Buena Vista man, who was studying to become a youth pastor, pleaded guilty earlier this week to a pair of federal charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Christopher Collins, 32, of Buena Vista, Va., pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg without a plea agreement to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of attempting to send obscene matter to a minor under the age of 16 years.
“Working with our federal, state, and local partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute individuals who possess and share materials that exploit children,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Children are exploited each and every time these images are shared online, and those who engage in this abhorrent activity will be held accountable.”
According to a summary of evidence presented at Wednesday’s guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey, the investigation into Collins’ online activity began in November 2016 when an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl was contacted in a chat room by a user posing as “NavyGuy4Yng” (later identified as the defendant). During chats with the undercover officer, Collins sent pictures of his erect penis and a video of a male masturbating and claimed to be a youth pastor in Virginia.
In February 2017, investigators with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, executed a federal search warrant at Collins’ Rockbridge County residence. During the on-scene investigation, investigators seized digital devices and interviewed Collins. During the interview, Collins made various admissions, including the fact that he liked to role-play with minor girls on Kik and other online forums, that he communicated with girls who claimed they were between 13 and 15 years old, and that he transmitted videos and photographs of himself nude. In addition, investigators found child pornography images on digital devices seized from Collins’ residence.
The investigation of the case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Virginia Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey is prosecuting the case for the United States.
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 exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Larry Wayne Price Jr. Arrested on Federal Criminal ComplaintRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Bluefield, Virginia man, who was reported missing by his wife in April, has been arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Abingdon with making false statements regarding claims he was kidnapped, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today.
Larry Wayne Price Jr., 38, was arrested Thursday, May 10, 2018 on a federal criminal complaint and charged with one count of knowingly and willfully making materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations. At the conclusion of a lengthy hearing on Friday, May 11, 2018, Hon. Pamela Meade Sargent ordered that the defendant remain in custody until he posts a $500,000 secured bond and arrangements are made to allow for GPS tracking of his whereabouts.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, Price’s wife reported him missing at 1:58 a.m. on April 14, 2018 to the Bluefield, Virginia Police Department. The Bluefield PD, along with the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office began an intense missing person’s investigation that would later include the Virginia State Police’s helicopter resources, canine resources and hundreds of federal, state, and local investigative man-hours.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 14, 2018, Price was located by a driver who noticed him on the side of the road on Route 61 near Gratton, Virginia. Price was taken to the hospital and interviewed by a Bluefield Police Department detective. Price told the detective he was kidnapped by two, unknown white males, drugged and held against his will until he was thrown out of a van near where he was found. In addition, Price told the detective he was taken from Tazewell County, Virginia to a business he owns, Hawg Pit Cycles in West Virginia, where he believed his keys were taken and the store’s safe was robbed. Price said the unknown men pointed a gun at him, searched his pockets, and took his pocketknife and his 9 mm Sig firearm.
According to the affidavit, these statements of the defendant and other statements that he made to federal law enforcement agents were false because Price was, in fact, consensually with another person during the time period he claimed to be kidnapped.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bluefield Virginia Police Department, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshal’s Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Abingdon Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Illegally Prescribe Buprenorphine, Clonazepam, and Gabapentin at Substance Abuse Treatment ProgramRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that an Abingdon, Virginia, nurse practitioner pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal distribution of opiates and other prescription drugs.
Matthew Justin Sykes, 43, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to one count of conspiring to (a) misbrand a drug in interstate commerce by causing prescription drugs to be dispensed without a valid prescription and (b) illegally distribute Schedule III and IV controlled substances. In addition, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of distributing oxycodone, a Schedule II opiate, one count of distributing alprazolam, a Schedule IV benzodiazepine, and one count of using the United States Postal Service in committing, causing or facilitating a felony drug trafficking offense.
Sykes was employed by Watauga Recovery Center from March 2012 until April 2017, a practice that holds itself out as a substance abuse treatment program. Watauga Recovery Center has locations in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Sykes worked primarily at Watauga Recovery Center’s Duffield, Virginia, office. Sykes was also employed by E & C Counseling, another practice holding itself out as a substance abuse treatment center, located in Abingdon, Virginia. Sykes had a valid DEA registration number during this time which was surrendered in May 2017.
Sykes pleaded guilty to conspiring with other health care providers and employees at Watauga Recovery Centers, a cash payment practice, to regularly prescribe a combination of buprenorphine, clonazepam, and gabapentin, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. This included issuing prescriptions to patients knowing there was no legitimate reason to do so, and prescribing three dosage units of buprenorphine per day to patients, knowing that at least one of the three doses would be diverted and sold. In addition, Sykes and his co-conspirators would cause prescriptions to be issued in the name of a prescriber who had not examined the patient.
In addition, on multiple occasions from January 2014 until April 2017, Sykes wrote prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances in various individuals’ names. These prescriptions were not recorded in regular patient files of Watauga Recovery Center or E & C Counseling. The prescriptions were filled at various pharmacies located in the Western District of Virginia. Some of these prescriptions were filled by Sykes himself without the individual’s knowledge or consent, while others were filled by the individuals, who then gave Sykes part of the controlled substances dispensed by the pharmacies. Sykes has admitted that he wrote the prescriptions and that they were issued without a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of professional practice.
On October 30, 2017, Sykes received a package at his home in Abingdon, Virginia, delivered by the United States Postal Service, which contained alprazolam, a schedule IV controlled substance. Sykes has stated that he ordered this alprazolam from an anonymous internet source on the “dark web.” He has stated that he had been ordering and receiving controlled substances from several different anonymous sources on the dark web since 2013, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall, and alprazolam, and that he has given and sold controlled substances ordered on the dark web to other individuals.
This case is part of an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Special Assistant United States Attorney/Virginia Assistant Attorney General Janine Myatt and Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Gang Members Who Smuggled Drugs into Virginia Prisons Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – Five members of the Mad Stone Bloods (MSB) gang were sentenced this week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke for their roles in a criminal conspiracy that involved the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into Virginia prisons, and the facilitation of the sale of drugs outside the prisons, with the help of complicit corrections officers.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
“Gangs that operate out of our prison systems not only bring drugs and violence into prison facilities – they also breed drug-fueled violence in our communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Criminal Division will continue to work together with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that these career criminals and those who conspire with them are brought to justice.”
“Our office will continue to work with our state and local partners to target gang members who engage in violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen.
On May 1, Terrance Nathaniel Brown, aka War, 29, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction. Clifford Alexander Jennings, aka Big Cliff, 48, of Salem, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison on narcotics conspiracy offenses. Ronnie Monroe Nicholas Jr., aka RG, 37, of Crewe, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison on a racketeering conspiracy conviction. Michael Jamal Jones, aka M. Stone, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction. Jermaine Shiquill Epps, aka Money, 28, of Madison Heights, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction.
According to admissions made in connection with the guilty pleas of Nicolas and Epps, and the evidence presented at the trials of Brown, Jennings, and Jones, the MSB gang operates in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Maryland, and engages in activities involving murder, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud and mail fraud both in and outside of prisons. The gang’s national leaders are based in New York and MSB leaders in Virginia report to those New York leaders.
According to admissions made in connection with the guilty pleas of Nicolas and Epps, and the evidence presented at the trials of Brown, Jennings, and Jones, the Mad Stone Bloods conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and heroin. In addition, gang members conspired with Virginia Department of Corrections employees, including correctional officers and an inmate counselor, to smuggle controlled substances, cellular phones and accessories and other contraband into various Virginia Correctional facilities to aid incarcerated MSB members.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Richmond and Norfolk Divisions, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Norfolk Police Department, the Harrisonburg Police Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockingham County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grayson A. Hoffman for the Western District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
Five Gang Members Who Smuggled Drugs into Virginia Prisons Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Five members of the Mad Stone Bloods (MSB) gang were sentenced this week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke for their roles in a criminal conspiracy that involved the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into Virginia prisons, and the facilitation of the sale of drugs outside the prisons, with the help of complicit corrections officers.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
“Gangs that operate out of our prison systems not only bring drugs and violence into prison facilities – they also breed drug-fueled violence in our communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Criminal Division will continue to work together with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that these career criminals and those who conspire with them are brought to justice.”
“Our office will continue to work with our state and local partners to target gang members who engage in violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen.
On May 1, Terrance Nathaniel Brown, aka War, 29, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction. Clifford Alexander Jennings, aka Big Cliff, 48, of Salem, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison on narcotics conspiracy offenses. Ronnie Monroe Nicholas Jr., aka RG, 37, of Crewe, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison on a racketeering conspiracy conviction. Michael Jamal Jones, aka M. Stone, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction. Jermaine Shiquill Epps, aka Money, 28, of Madison Heights, Virginia, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison on a drug conspiracy conviction.
According to admissions made in connection with the guilty pleas of Nicolas and Epps, and the evidence presented at the trials of Brown, Jennings, and Jones, the MSB gang operates in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Maryland, and engages in activities involving murder, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud and mail fraud both in and outside of prisons. The gang’s national leaders are based in New York and MSB leaders in Virginia report to those New York leaders.
According to admissions made in connection with the guilty pleas of Nicolas and Epps, and the evidence presented at the trials of Brown, Jennings, and Jones, the Mad Stone Bloods conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and heroin. In addition, gang members conspired with Virginia Department of Corrections employees, including correctional officers and an inmate counselor, to smuggle controlled substances, cellular phones and accessories and other contraband into various Virginia Correctional facilities to aid incarcerated MSB members.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Richmond and Norfolk Divisions, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Norfolk Police Department, the Harrisonburg Police Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockingham County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grayson A. Hoffman for the Western District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison on Fraud Charges Involving Hundreds of VictimsRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man, who previously lived in Frederick County, Virginia, was sentenced today on federal wire fraud conspiracy charges, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
Michael Dean Kent, 58, of Franklin, North Carolina, was sentenced today to serve 63 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon in the Western District of Virginia. In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon ordered Kent to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $ 557,542.50 in restitution. Kent previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“Michael Dean Kent orchestrated a reprehensible advance-fee scheme that defrauded hundreds of innocent victims who were simply trying to sell their timeshares,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The sentence in this case demonstrates that fraudsters like Kent will be aggressively pursued, held accountable, and pay a significant price for their crimes.”
“Mr. Kent victimized hundreds of individuals through fraudulent business dealings that cost his victims thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen. “I know today’s sentencing does not make these victims whole, but I hope it does provide some solace. Our office will continue to work with our state and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in this type of fraudulent activity.”
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, between 2014 and 2017, Kent and his co-conspirators targeted hundreds of victims across the United States who owned interests in timeshare properties. Kent, and others, made false representations, by phone and email, to convince the victims to sign property transfer contracts and to send currency under false pretenses for property sales that would never take place.
Kent admitted that during this time, he and his co-conspirators represented themselves to be employed at two different companies, The Holiday Property Group LLC and Vacation Properties by Owners LLC. Kent incorporated both entities, served as the principal of both, operated both and took significant steps to make both appear legitimate. Kent, and his coconspirators, established websites, paid for commercial post office boxes in various states, paid for memberships in business rating organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, applied for and received a federal tax identification number, and had corporate credit and debit cards in the names of the businesses.
Kent further admitted that after identifying timeshare owners, who later became his victims, Kent and his co-conspirators introduced the victims to another co-conspirator who posed as the “buyer” by assuming a false identity that included a different name and email address. The co-conspirator, posing as the buyer, communicated with the victim by phone and email and agreed to purchase the victim’s property, often at the asking price. They would tell the victim they were going to use The Holiday Property Group/Vacation Properties by Owners for the sale. The same “buyer” was in contact with multiple victims at one time.
Kent also admitted that he and his co-conspirators then contacted the victim to inform them they needed to send The Holiday Property Group/Vacation Properties by Owners money, typically between $500 and $1,500, to cover costs associated with the sale, such as “closing costs” or resort “transfer fees.” Kent fraudulently represented that any fees would be held in escrow, and were refundable at any time. In fact, the fees received were not held in escrow, but instead were deposited into bank accounts that Kent used to pay his own personal expenses, pay for expenses needed to continue the scheme, or to pay his coconspirators for their role in the criminal scheme.
Kent admitted that throughout the course of this conspiracy, he and his coconspirators caused losses of over $550,000 from the victims they targeted.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Andrew Tyler of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Kulpa of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Culpeper Heroin Traffickers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A pair of Culpeper heroin traffickers who conspired with others to traffic at least 100 grams of the drug into the region from 2016 to 2017, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Rondale Faulkner, 31, was sentenced yesterday to nine years in federal prison. George Christopher Faulkner, 29, was sentenced yesterday to seven years in federal prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“As this successful prosecution illustrates, our office is committed to working with our state and local partners to target those who distribute heroin and other dangerous drugs,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “Six individuals who were dealing heroin in Culpeper are now in federal prison.”
In all, six members of the conspiracy have been convicted in federal court for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in the Culpeper region beginning in 20016 and continuing through 2017.
According to information presented at previous hearings, investigators and confidential sources working with the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force made purchases of heroin from members of the conspiracy at various locations throughout Culpeper. During these transactions, several of the defendants, including Rondale and George Faulkner, were observed to be in possession of firearms.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Town of Culpeper Police Department and the Virginia State Police Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force with Assistance from the Culpeper County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Former Virginia High School Science Teacher Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Charlottesville, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to a child pornography charge, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia.
Richard Alan Wellbeloved-Stone, 57, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to one count of production of child pornography.
Wellbeloved-Stone, a former high school teacher in Charlottesville, was discovered by law enforcement after chatting online with an undercover agent from the United Kingdom about sexually abusing a young child. A search warrant executed at Wellbeloved-Stone’s home recovered several images of child pornography produced by Wellbeloved-Stone of at least two young minor victims.
“The horrific nature of Richard Wellbeloved-Stone’s production of images depicting the sexual abuse of children is only compounded by the fact that he held a position of great societal trust and admiration as a teacher,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute persons who exploit minors for sexual purposes and use technology to further victimize these children.”
“The defendant, who was entrusted by the community to protect our children, violated that sacred trust by committing these awful acts,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen. “I am thankful to those who stopped him from committing further crimes. As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively target those who prey on children.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Charlottesville Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Albemarle County Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Charlottesville Teacher Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Charlottesville, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to a child pornography charge, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia.
Richard Alan Wellbeloved-Stone, 57, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to one count of production of child pornography.
Wellbeloved-Stone, a former high school teacher in Charlottesville, was discovered by law enforcement after chatting online with an undercover agent from the United Kingdom about sexually abusing a young child. A search warrant executed at Wellbeloved-Stone’s home recovered several images of child pornography produced by Wellbeloved-Stone of at least two young minor victims.
“The horrific nature of Richard Wellbeloved-Stone’s production of images depicting the sexual abuse of children is only compounded by the fact that he held a position of great societal trust and admiration as a teacher,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute persons who exploit minors for sexual purposes and use technology to further victimize these children.”
“The defendant, who was entrusted by the community to protect our children, violated that sacred trust by committing these awful acts,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen. “I am thankful to those who stopped him from committing further crimes. As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively target those who prey on children.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Charlottesville Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Albemarle County Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Final Five Defendants in Methamphetamine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – The final five defendants convicted as part of a group that trafficked crystal methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia from sources in Tennessee and Kentucky were sentenced this week in federal court in Abingdon. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring made the announcement.
“Crystal methamphetamine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug,” U.S. Attorney Cullen said today. “Disrupting and reducing the flow of this deadly substance into the Commonwealth will make our communities safer.”
“My office has worked hard to collaborate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and federal, state, and local law enforcement to crack down on those who transport dangerous drugs into Southwest Virginia for distribution,” Virginia Attorney General Herring said today. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners and will continue to aggressively prosecute those who endanger the lives of our citizens.”
Rick Jeremy Sturgill, 41, of Jonesville, Va., was sentenced today to 228 months’ imprisonment. Sturgill previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, maintaining a place for the purpose of distributing or using a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Tony Lynn Ketron, 28, of Church Hill, Tn., was also sentenced today to 228 months’ imprisonment. Ketron previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distributing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
On Wednesday, Jason Dale Moore, 36, of Jonesville, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Earlier this week, William Benjamin Brewer, 36, of Jonesville, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and Kristina Burton, 44, of Jonesville, was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Moore, Brewer, and Burton each previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Earlier this month, two other members of the conspiracy were sentenced for their roles in the enterprise. Todd Conyer was sentenced to 60 months and Leslie Ann Clasby was sentenced to 84 months.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Kerney-Quillen and Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crystal ice methamphetamine from April 1, 2016, through November 7, 2016. Court documents demonstrated that the conspiracy involved over 50 grams of crystal ice methamphetamine, acquired from multiple sources in Tennessee and Kentucky, and several firearms. Numerous undercover purchases of crystal ice were conducted by the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force at Sturgill’s residence in Jonesville, Virginia, where much of the activity concerning the conspiracy occurred.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Jonesville Police Department, and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States against Leslie Ann Clasby. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States against all other defendants.
Twelve Sentenced This Week for Roles in Heroin Trafficking EnterpriseRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – Twelve of the thirteen co-conspirators convicted of trafficking more than 1,000 grams of heroin from Baltimore to Front Royal over the course of three years were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
“The heroin and opioid epidemic is one of the most challenging law-enforcement issues in the Western District of Virginia, and the problem is particularly acute in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Fortunately, our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners are highly skilled and experienced in dismantling drug-trafficking organizations like this one,” United States Attorney Cullen said today. “We will devote all available resources to investigating and prosecuting these important cases.”
The twelve individuals sentenced this week were convicted of being involved in a multi-year trafficking enterprise that brought significant amounts of heroin from Baltimore to Front Royal.
Wednesday in U.S. District Court, four defendants convicted for their roles in the enterprise were sentenced. Nicole Renae McNall, 25, of Front Royal was sentenced to 96 months in prison. Sheldon Berry, 27, was sentenced to 168 months. Brittani Monique O’Bannion, 23, of Front Royal, was sentenced to 60 months. Megan Marie McNall, 24, of Front Royal, was sentenced to 108 months. The hearing for Earl Christopher Magwood, 42, was continued and rescheduled for next month.
Earlier this week, eight defendants were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. On Tuesday, three defendants from Front Royal were sentenced to federal prison time. Da’Shawn Edwards was sentenced to 168 months, Keon Hackley was sentenced to 36 months and Tiara Baily was sentenced to 16 months. Two Baltimore men were also sentenced Tuesday. Antwan Cottman received 180 months in prison and Antwan Lucas was sentenced to 108 months. On Monday, three members of the conspiracy were sentenced. Adrian Edwards was sentenced to 190 months in prison. Randall Freeman and Alisha Stocking were each sentenced to 48 months.
According to information and evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis, the conspiracy began as early as 2013 with the goal of trafficking heroin from Baltimore to the Front Royal area. On average, members of the conspiracy distributed one kilogram of heroin per week during the life of the conspiracy, which operated between 2013 and April 2016.
To insulate the identity of the sellers from the identity of the buyers, heroin customers in Virginia contacted a phone number in Maryland, either by voice call or text, which was controlled by conspiracy members and was known only as the “Chris phone.” “Chris” was not a real person, but rather was a fake name associated with the phone number customers contacted to place heroin orders. At the time an order was placed, customers were provided a street address in Baltimore where their order was to be picked up. When a customer arrived at the pre-determined address, the customer’s car was approached by other members of the conspiracy, a drug transaction took place, and the Virginia customers drove back to Front Royal. No socializing or small talk took place between the customer in the car and the seller on the street. The Virginia customers made these trips every day, sometimes multiple times per day. Once they returned to Front Royal, the customers used the heroin and sold it to others.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Winchester Office, the Front Royal Office of the Virginia State Police Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Frederick, Maryland Sheriff’s Office, the Loudoun County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced as Part of Operation Leaving Las VegasRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Two defendants involved in a conspiracy that generated at least $1 million in drug proceeds by trafficking methamphetamine, oxycodone, and suboxone from Las Vegas to Southwest Virginia were sentenced in recent days in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, the United States Attorney’s Office announced.
Tracy Allen Callihan, 49, of Glade Spring, Va., was sentenced Tuesday, April 17 to 324 months imprisonment. Callihan was previously found guilty by a jury of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and oxycodone, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Callihan was also ordered to forfeit $30,000 in proceeds from his criminal activity. On April 12, Steven Cino, 52, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment and ordered to pay a money judgment of $251,633. Cino previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, methamphetamine and suboxone and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Cino and Callihan are the latest defendants to be sentenced as part of Operation Leaving Las Vegas, a multi-agency investigation that began in 2014 and resulted in charges against 32 individuals for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, oxycodone and suboxone in Southwest Virginia, Nevada, Eastern Kentucky, and elsewhere.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, members of the conspiracy sent crystal methamphetamine and oxycodone via FedEx and the United States Postal Service from Las Vegas to various individuals in Abingdon and Eastern Kentucky. Upon receipt, the drugs were redistributed. Investigators were able to identify and charge not only those who received the drugs locally but also the source of the substances in Nevada.
The proceeds from the conspiracy, which investigators found to be at least $1,000,000, were routinely transferred from Abingdon to Las Vegas using bank accounts in the names of drug suppliers who lived in Las Vegas. Funds were also transferred between Abingdon and Las Vegas using Western Union and MoneyGram services.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Abingdon Police Department, Marion Police Department, and Smyth County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will prosecute the case for the United States.
Five More Sentenced for Role in Heroin EnterpriseRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – An additional five defendants out of 13 convicted of trafficking more than 1,000 grams of heroin from Baltimore to Front Royal were sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Tuesday in Federal Court, three Front Royal residents were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Da’Shawn Lee Edwards, 22, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, Keon Rasheed Hackley, 20, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and Tiara Lachay Bailey, 24, was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
In addition, a pair of Baltimore men involved in the conspiracy were sentenced for their roles in the trafficking enterprise. Antwan Lucas, 21, was sentenced Tuesday to 108 months in prison and Antwan Wilson Cottman, 29, was sentenced to 180 months.
All five of the defendants sentenced Tuesday, as well as three members of the conspiracy sentenced Monday in federal court, and five defendants scheduled for sentencing Wednesday, were involved in a multi-year trafficking enterprise that brought significant amounts of heroin from Baltimore to Front Royal.
“Our office is committed to working with state and local law enforcement in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to disrupt opioid distribution networks and aggressively prosecute the dealers who are poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen said today. “With the help of our local partners, we will be increasing enforcement and federal prosecutions in this region.”
According to information and evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis, the conspiracy began as early as 2013 with the goal of trafficking heroin from Baltimore to the Front Royal area. On average, members of the conspiracy distributed one kilogram of heroin per week during the life of the conspiracy, which operated between 2013 and April 2016.
To insulate the identity of the sellers from the identity of the buyers, heroin customers in Virginia contacted a phone number in Maryland, either by voice call or text, which was controlled by conspiracy members and was known only as the “Chris phone.” “Chris” was not a real person, but rather was a fake name associated with the phone number customers contacted to place heroin orders. At the time an order was placed, customers were provided a street address in Baltimore where their order was to be picked up. When a customer arrived at the pre-determined address, the customer’s car was approached by other members of the conspiracy, a drug transaction took place, and the Virginia customers drove back to Front Royal. No socializing or small talk took place between the customer in the car and the seller on the street. The Virginia customers made these trips every day, sometimes multiple times per day. Once they returned to Front Royal, the customers used the heroin and sold it to others.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Winchester Office, the Front Royal Office of the Virginia State Police Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Frederick, Maryland Sheriff’s Office, the Loudoun County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Three Sentenced for Roles in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – The first three defendants in a 13-member conspiracy that trafficked more than 1,000 grams of heroin from Baltimore to Front Royal were sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Adrian Darnell Edwards, 22, of Front Royal, Va., was sentenced Monday to 190 months in prison. Alisha Marie Stocking, 21, of Toms Brook, Va., was sentenced to 48 months in prison. Stocking and Edwards both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 grams or more of heroin.
Randall Freeman, 40, of Manassas, Va., was sentenced Monday to 48 months in prison. Freeman previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. On Tuesday, five additional members of the conspiracy: Tiara Bailey, Da’Shawn Edwards, Keon Hackley, Antwan Lucas, and Antwan Cottman are scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute those who traffic heroin into our communities and profit from the addiction of others,” United States Attorney Cullen said today. “This office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to combat the flow of these deadly opioids from Baltimore and elsewhere and build cases that hold those accountable for their trafficking crimes.”
According to information and evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis, the conspiracy began as early as 2013 with the goal of trafficking heroin from Baltimore to the Front Royal area. On average, members of the conspiracy distributed one kilogram of heroin per week during the life of the conspiracy, which operated between 2013 and April 2016.
To insulate the identity of the sellers from the identifiy of the buyers, heroin customers in Virginia contacted a phone number in Maryland, either by voice call or text, which was controlled by conspiracy members and was known only as the “Chris phone.” “Chris” was not a real person, but rather was a fake name associated with the phone number customers contacted to place heroin orders. At the time an order was placed, customers were provided a street address in Baltimore where their order was to be picked up. When a customer arrived at the pre-determined address, the customer’s car was approached by other members of the conspiracy, a drug transaction took place, and the Virginia customers drove back to Front Royal. No socializing or small talk took place between the customer in the car and the seller on the street. The Virginia customers made these trips every day, sometimes multiple times per day. Once they returned to Front Royal, they both used the heroin and sold it to others.
The three defendants sentenced today were Virginia customers who trafficked heroin after it had arrived from Baltimore. According to information presented to the court, Edwards is a “chronic” heroin trafficker who had distributed the drug since 2013. He is also responsible for introducing his then girlfriend, co-defendant Alisha Stocking, to heroin and heroin distribution, when she was 16-years-old. The two were responsible for distributing more than 1,000 grams of the drug during the life of the conspiracy.
Freeman was a frequent traveler to Baltimore to purchase heroin. He sometimes traveled alone or with other members of the conspiracy. After purchasing the heroin, Freeman returned to the Front Royal area to use and distribute it.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Winchester Office, the Front Royal Office of the Virginia State Police Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Frederick, Maryland Sheriff’s Office, the Loudoun County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Florida Man Arrested on Federal Criminal ComplaintRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Florida man was arrested and charged with a pair of federal crimes following a traffic stop in Lee County, Virginia, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today.
The United States Attorney’s Office charged Sergio Barrios Ambriz, 32, of Ft. Meade, Florida, in a criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, on April 6, 2018, a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Ambriz was driving. At the time of the traffic stop, Ambriz informed deputies that he had an outstanding warrant in Polk County, Fl., at which time deputies arrested Ambriz.
A search of his vehicle subsequently revealed a Tupperware container under the driver’s seat that contained approximately 34 ounces of a white, crystal-like substance, believed to be crystal methamphetamine, a loaded, .380-caliber pistol, $3,237 in U.S. currency, a cellular phone and smoking devices.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee County Sherriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States and Virginia Assistant Attorney General Suzanne Kerney-Quillen will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
California Man Arrested for Threatening Congressman via FacebookRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today the arrest of a California man accused of using social media to communicate threats against a member of the United States House of Representatives.
The United States Attorney’s Office charged Eun Soo Lee, 28, of Cypress, California, in a criminal complaint with one count of making a threatening communication to injure another person through interstate commerce. Lee was arrested Thursday in California and will have his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Abingdon on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
“The First Amendment does not protect individuals who use social media and other online forms of communication to threaten violence,” United States Attorney Cullen stated. “This United States Attorney’s Office will continue to hold accountable those who use social media to threaten others.”
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, on May 5, 2017, Facebook user “Fwafefewawe Gawefawef,” later identified to be Lee, sent a number of threatening messages to United States House of Representatives Member “TG’s” Facebook account.
The threatening messages included but were not limited to:
“I would love to kick you hard in the face, breaking it. Then I’d cut your stomach open with a chainsaw, exposing your intestines. Then I’d cut your windpipe in two with a boxcutter. Hopefully you’ll get what’s coming to you. F**cking bitch”
“You’re dead if I ever meet you in real life, fu**cker. I’ll fu**ing kill you.”
“I would love to fu**ing send your fu**ing useless ass to the hospital in intensive care, fighting for your worthless life.”
Investigators interviewed Lee on July 13, 2017 in Cypress, California at which time he admitted to sending threatening messages to Congressman “TG.” Lee said he sent the threats because he was frustrated with the “”TG’”s views. Lee also admitted to sending similar threatening messages to other elected officials.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Two Sentenced for Roles in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Two of seven individuals who conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Southwest Virginia from sources in Tennessee and Kentucky were sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced.
Todd Houston Conyer, 30, of Pennington Gap, Va., was sentenced Tuesday, April 10 to a term of imprisonment of 60 months. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
In a separate hearing on the same day, Leslie Ann Clasby, 42, of Jonesville, Va., was sentenced to a term of 84 months of imprisonment. Clasby likewise had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
“Crystal methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that poses significant risks to those who use it,” U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen said. “I appreciate the efforts of our law-enforcement partners and their hard work in dismantling this illegal enterprise.”
“My team is committed to aggressively prosecute those engaged in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “We work hard to make our communities safer and appreciate our partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to achieve this important goal.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Kerney-Quillen and Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crystal ice methamphetamine from April 1, 2016, through November 7, 2016. Court documents demonstrated that the conspiracy involved over 50 grams of crystal ice methamphetamine, acquired from multiple sources in Tennessee and Kentucky, and several firearms. Numerous undercover purchases of crystal ice were conducted by the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force at Sturgill’s residence in Jonesville, Virginia, where much of the activity concerning the conspiracy occurred.
The remaining five defendants in the case, Jeremy Rick Sturgill, Tony Lynn Ketron, Jason Dale Moore, William Benjamin Brewer, and Kristina Karen Burton have all pleaded guilty to related drug and firearms charges and will be sentenced later in April 2018.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Jonesville Police Department, and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States involving Leslie Ann Clasby. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States involving all other defendants.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to sexual harassment,” U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen stated. “Working closely with our partners at HUD, we will use all available legal tools to reduce sexual harassment in public housing, protect the rights of victims, and hold predators accountable.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country. Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
30-Second Public Service Announcement
Audio file 30-Sec. PSA Audio Transcript60-Second Public Service Announcement
Audio file 60-Sec. PSA Audio TranscriptHusband and Wife Sentenced for Making Meth Where Minor Child Was PresentRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A husband and wife from Bristol, Virginia will each spend time in federal prison after being sentenced last week on a pair of federal drug charges related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine on premises where a minor child was present, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Charles Daniel Houser, 32, was sentenced on April 29, 2018, to 48 months in prison. In a separate hearing the same day, his wife, Ashley Nicole Houser, 32, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. The defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and one count of creating a substantial risk of harm to the life of a minor while manufacturing methamphetamine.
“Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases involving the manufacturing of methamphetamine, particularly in cases where children are present or reside,” United States Attorney Cullen said today. “As a result of our efforts, we have seen a decline in the number of methamphetamine manufacturing cases in Southwest Virginia. We will continue to work diligently with our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these cases.”
“Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug. Not only can distribution and use of methamphetamine put Virginians at risk, but manufacturing methamphetamine is an inherently dangerous process that poses significant risk to the public and community,” said Attorney General Herring. “Southwest Virginia has been hit hard by addiction and methamphetamine, in particular. My team and I take these cases very seriously and we will continue to work with our federal and local partners to keep Southwest Virginia safe.”
According to information presented at previous hearings by Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, the defendants maintained a premises on Hobbs Road in Bristol for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Charles Houser, Ashley Houser, and the couple’s five-year-old son were present at the house during the period between July 5, 2015, and July 13, 2016, when the defendants have admitted to manufacturing methamphetamine.
During the execution of a search warrant at the premises on July 13, 2016, officers recovered a variety of items used for the production of methamphetamine, including a mortar bowl with residue, Crown Camp fuel, pipe cutters, funnels, sulfuric acid drain cleaner, and other drug paraphernalia, including smoking devices and syringes. A large burn pile containing additional items indicative of a recent methamphetamine laboratory was also discovered. The Housers and their minor child arrived during the search warrant execution and the defendants later admitted their activities related to the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney and Virginia Assistant Attorney General Suzanne Kerney-Quillen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Statement from United States Attorney Thomas T. CullenRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen has released the following statement:
“The FBI, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia are investigating today’s fatal shooting on the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile marker 116. Because the Commonwealth of Virginia has concurrent jurisdiction over the Parkway, this federal investigative team is working in close consultation with the Roanoke County Police Department and the Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney. The investigative team will collect all available evidence and will ensure that the investigation is fair, thorough, and impartial. As this is an ongoing investigation we are not able to comment further at this time.”
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Event Set for April 14 in RoanokeRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Roanoke Valley Victims’ Resource Coalition will host a Community Day on Saturday, April 14 from 1-3 p.m. at Wells Fargo Plaza near Market Square in Roanoke. The event is designed to highlight recovery and other resources available to crime victims in the Roanoke Valley, provide the community with information about crime enforcement, emphasize prevention education, and foster the ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Ensuring that the voices of all victims of crime be heard is an integral part of the criminal justice system and something that I, as the United States Attorney, take extremely seriously.” United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen said today. “This weekend’s community event will allow service providers and law enforcement agencies to come together to meet the community in an informal setting to build trust and forge lasting relationships that will help us better serve victims in the future.”
Saturday’s event is free and family friendly with interactive demonstrations and information available from more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and service providers. There will be plenty for children to see and do, including police motorcycles, firetrucks, police cars, other law enforcement vehicles, K9 Officers, activities, games, food and more.
In addition, there will be information available for adults about local community groups, service providers, drug prevention tips, exhibitions and more. A particular area of focus is crimes against the elderly. Information will be available from the United States Attorney’s Office that focuses on schemes directed at seniors, such as phone scams, healthcare scams, frauds involving grandchildren, and IRS imposter scams. Additional information will be available offering tips to keep seniors safe from falling victim to these frauds, as well as information about what to do if an elder person believes they have been a victim of a fraud.
The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme, Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims, highlights how the investment of communities in serving crime victims expands the opportunity for all victims, including those who are sometimes overlooked or marginalized, to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need.
The Roanoke Valley Victims' Resource Coalition members include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, victim witness and victim assistance programs, state government agencies, federal government agencies and a multitude of service providers and shelters from the greater Roanoke area.
Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Bristol man, who maintained a residence used for drug distribution and at which two acts of violence occurred, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
John James Lapis, 40, was sentenced yesterday to imprisonment for a term of 42 months to be followed by supervised release for a term of 36 months. Lapis previously pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a place for the distribution of controlled substances. At his guilty plea hearing, Lapis admitted to being a drug user who maintained a residence on Safari Drive in Bristol, Virginia for the purpose of allowing others to buy and sell controlled substances. In exchange for the use of the residence, Lapis received drugs for his own use.
Between January 2016 and June 2017, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to over 50 complaints at the residence, including over 100 calls and texts concerning activity at the residence. These calls and texts included complaints of heavy traffic in and out of the residence. In response, law enforcement conducted traffic stops of vehicles leaving the Safari Drive location. During some of the stops, narcotics were found. During one attempted traffic stop, a driver did not follow the officers’ directions and a police chase took place. After apprehending the driver, officers found a large amount of methamphetamine and a firearm in the vehicle. In June 2017, a search warrant was executed at the residence, and a small amount of methamphetamine was found.
In October 2016, a drug trafficker was shot and killed at the residence. Through numerous interviews by law enforcement, it was determined that the victim was killed, at least in part, due to a drug debt. In February 2017, another shooting took place at the residence, again over a drug debt.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Town of Abingdon Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Event Set for April 13 in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition will host a Community Day on Friday, April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., near the Sprint Pavilion on the downtown mall in Charlottesville. The event is designed to highlight recovery and other resources available to crime victims in the Greater Jefferson Area, provide the community with information about crime enforcement, emphasize prevention education, and foster the ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Ensuring that the voices of all victims of crime be heard is an integral part of the criminal justice system and something that I, as the United States Attorney, take extremely serious.” United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen said today. “This Friday’s community event will allow service providers and law enforcement agencies to come together to meet the community in an informal setting to build trust and forge lasting relationships that will help us better serve victims in the future.”
Friday’s event is free and family friendly with interactive demonstrations and information available from more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and service providers. There will be plenty for children to see and do, including police motorcycles, firetrucks, police cars, other law enforcement vehicles, K9 Officers, therapy dogs, activities, games, food and more.
In addition, there will be information available for adults about local community groups, service providers, drug prevention tips, exhibitions and more. A particular area of focus is crimes against the elderly. Information will be available from the United States Attorney’s Office that focuses on schemes directed at seniors, such as phone scams, healthcare scams, frauds involving grandchildren, and IRS imposter scams. Additional information will be available offering tips to keep seniors safe from falling victim to these frauds, as well as information about what to do if an elder person believes they have been a victim of a fraud.
The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme, Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims, highlights how the investment of communities in serving crime victims expands the opportunity for all victims, including those who are sometimes overlooked or marginalized, to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need.
The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition consists of members form the Albemarle County Victim/Witness Program, Charlottesville Victim/Witness Program, Fluvanna County Victim/Witness Program, Greene County Victim/Witness Program, Homeland Security Victim Assistance Program, Louisa County Victim/Witness Program, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, University of Virginia Victim/Witness Program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Victim Assistance Program, the Shelter for Help in Emergency and the United States Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program.
United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen Announces New Management TeamRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen Announces New Management Team
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today changes to his management team within the Western District of Virginia. The changes take effect immediately.
“With this experienced leadership team in place, we will be well-positioned to implement the Attorney General’s priorities, including expanding our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives and reducing violent crime,” United States Attorney Cullen said today. “Specifically, we are all committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to identify those responsible for committing significant violent crimes within our communities and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rick A. Mountcastle will serve as the First Assistant United States Attorney. Mr. Mountcastle previously served as the United States Attorney for the 15-month time period between presidentially appointed U.S. Attorneys. Prior to that, Mr. Mountcastle served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and the Chief of the Civil Division. He began his service with the Department of Justice in 1986 as a Trial Attorney with the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division before coming to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia in 1995. Mr. Mountcastle has been the recipient of numerous Department of Justice awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for the Trial of Litigation and the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team. As the First Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Mountcastle will oversee the criminal, civil, and administrative divisions of the office.
Laura Day Rottenborn will serve as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney, a newly created position in the district. Ms. Rottenborn has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2012. She previously served as the Managing Assistant United States Attorney for the Roanoke Division where she supervised all of the Roanoke Division’s criminal prosecutors and support staff. Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Ms. Rottenborn was a litigator at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, where she practiced in the Financial and Securities Litigation group. Ms. Rottenborn is a graduate of Bucknell University and Stanford Law School. After law school, she was a law clerk to the Honorable Mary M. Schroeder, Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In her new role as EAUSA, Ms. Rottenborn will serve as Chief of the Civil Division and Chief of the Appellate Division, direct law-enforcement and community initiatives, and oversee public affairs.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will serve as the Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Lee has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2007. Prior to his work as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Lee was an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Bristol, Virginia. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the University of Wyoming College of Law. Following law school, he was a law clerk to the Honorable James P. Jones, United States District Judge, Western District of Virginia. In his role as Criminal Chief, Mr. Lee will supervise all activities of the criminal division in Roanoke and all branch offices.
Assistant United States Attorney Heather L. Carlton will serve as the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Western District of Virginia. In this role, Ms. Carlton will oversee the district’s implementation and execution of the Department of Justice’s nationwide anti-gun and gang-violence program, known as Project Safe Neighborhoods, as well as all violent crime and narcotics prosecutions. Ms. Carlton has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2014. Prior to joining the district, Ms. Carlton worked as an AUSA in the most violent area of the District of Columbia from 2008 to 2012, before spending a few years in private practice at McGuire Woods LLP. In her collective 8 years of experience as a federal prosecutor, Ms. Carlton has prosecuted a wide variety of crimes, including homicides, racketeering, human trafficking, and white-collar fraud. Ms. Carlton is a graduate of both the University of Virginia and University of Virginia School of Law.
Jennie L. M. Waering will continue to serve as the Senior Litigation Counsel. Ms. Waering has worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia beginning in 1983. During her tenure, she has prosecuted a wide variety of cases including fraud, environmental crimes, healthcare fraud and opiate distribution. For the last several years, Ms. Waering has served as the Heath Care Fraud Coordinator. In her role as Senior Litigation Counsel, Mrs. Waering will oversee the district’s training, discovery, and mentoring programs.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst will serve as the Counsel to United States Attorney. Ms. Bockhorst, a graduate of Stanford Law School, has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Virginia since 2002. She previously served as the First Assistant United States Attorney, the Counsel to the United States Attorney, as well as the district’s Ethics Advisor, Professional Responsibility Officer and Giglio Officer. In her role as Counsel to the United States Attorney, Ms. Bockhorst ensures the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia complies with all ethical guidelines as set forth by Department of Justice policy.
United States Attorney Cullen also reappointed three experienced Assistant United States Attorneys to continue serving in their current roles as Managing AUSAs of the Western District’s three branch offices. Randy Ramseyer will continue serving as the Managing AUSA of the Abingdon Division, Ronald M. Huber will remain the Managing AUSA of the Charlottesville Division, and Jeb Terrien will continue to serve as the Managing AUSA of the Harrisonburg Division. In their roles, all three of the Managing AUSAs work closely with the criminal chief and deputy criminal chief on case intake and supervision.
Roanoke Man Arrested for Threatening Congressman Bob GoodlatteRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today the arrest of a Roanoke man accused of using social media to communicate threats against U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Congressman Goodlatte represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives and is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
The United States Attorney’s Office charged Christopher Michael McGowan, 38, in a criminal complaint with one count of making a threatening communication through interstate commerce.
“Federal law criminalizes threatening communications made through the internet or a telephone, and these types of threats are not protected by the First Amendment,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “As this case indicates, our office will act swiftly to address threats of gun violence.”
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, on or about December 17, 2017, McGowan allegedly tweeted to United States Congressman Bob Goodlatte a series of messages threatening the Congressman.
“I will do this in full belief I am defending the constitution of the United States. I am not making a joke. I will kill him. Should you believe my doing so would be illegal please arrest me so we can have this discussion in court BEFORE I actually do it. Thank you.”
On December 18, 2017, officers with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office visited McGowan at his home and interviewed him. During the interview, McGowan admitted to sending the tweets the previous day, but stated he did not own firearms and did not intend on hurting Congressman Goodlatte or anyone else.
In a subsequent series of tweets sent from McGowan to Congressman Goodlatte on April 1, 2018, however, McGowan stated the following:
“I’m serious, @BobGoodlatte6 …you keep f**king with our constitution and challenging Mueller and the last you see will be my patriot ass behind a gun you should have long ago have prevented me owning pulling a trigger to your head (SIC). Want me arrested>? GO head.”
“#1 threatened my congressman with violence #2 stated I would kill people. #3: pretty much declared I would commit a plethora of anti-social behavior, publicly. Whom would like to bet I can purchase a gun three days from now and NOT be locked up in jail? #proudtobeanAmerican”
“…Corruption happens on so many levels and in so many ways…but YOU have truly taken it to an extreme. History will hate you even more than I do. You better get on those gun laws. I am buying one intended for you in 3 days. Can you legally stop me?”
McGowan was arrested this morning and had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court this afternoon. He was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals pending a bond hearing next Wednesday.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jake Jacobsen will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Thomas T. Cullen Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of VirginiaRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – In a private ceremony Friday morning, Thomas T. Cullen was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. The Honorable Michael F. Urbanski, Chief Judge for the Western District of Virginia, administered the oath of office at the U.S. District Courthouse in Roanoke in front of small group of family and friends.
President Donald J. Trump nominated Mr. Cullen to be the United States Attorney on February 16, 2018. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on March 22, 2018.
“I am honored to serve as U.S. attorney and look forward to leading the dedicated public servants who work in that office,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “We will work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners to implement our core investigative priorities, including combatting gun-related violence and the opioid epidemic.”
U. S. Attorney Cullen, 40, of Roanoke, is the former Deputy Criminal Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Roanoke and a former Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of North Carolina. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Cullen directed numerous multi-agency investigations and prosecutions, supervised Assistant United States Attorneys, and coordinated with officials at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
In 2013, Mr. Cullen joined Woods Rogers PLC as a partner in the firm’s white-collar criminal defense practice, where he represented a variety of individuals and companies in criminal matters, internal investigations, and complex civil litigation.
A graduate of Furman University, Mr. Cullen earned his law degree from William & Mary School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Following law school, he served as a law clerk for The Honorable Robert L. Gregory, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and for The Honorable Robert E. Payne, District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Prisoner at Mount Oliver Correctional Facility Sentenced for Making ThreatsRead the Press Release
Charleston, WEST VIRGINIA – An inmate serving state prison time in West Virginia was sentenced yesterday to federal prison time for mailing a threatening letter to a federal judge in Utah, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case following the recusal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Eric Jacob Riggs, 26, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison following his guilty plea on June 29, 2017, to one count of mailing a threatening communication. The case arose from a letter, sent in July 2015 that threatened a United States District Court Judge in Utah. United States Attorney Mountcastle commended the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service for their investigation and the use of latent fingerprint analysis to identify Jacobs as the perpetrator. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Pair of Culpeper Heroin Traffickers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A pair of defendants who were part of a larger conspiracy to distribute heroin in and around Culpeper were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Charlottesville, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
April Christine Sherman, 35, of Tidewater, Va., and David Lee Boyce, 38, of Culpeper, Va., were each sentenced to serve 84 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Both pleaded guilty on December 18, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In all, six members of the conspiracy have been prosecuted as a result of an undercover investigation of heroin trafficking in the Culpeper area.
United States Attorney Mountcastle commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the County of Culpeper Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force for the investigation, and Culpeper County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Walther for his assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Lebanon, Virginia Psychiatrist Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking, Healthcare Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A psychiatrist, whose practice is based in Lebanon, Virginia, faces 25 federal drug trafficking and healthcare fraud charges following the return of an indictment by a federal grand jury in Abingdon. United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon made the announcement.
Alfredo Cervantes, 61, of Abingdon, Va., is charged in an indictment returned last week following his arrest on 23 counts of unlawfully distributing a Schedule IV controlled substance, one count of healthcare fraud and one count of wire fraud.
The Indictment alleges that Cervantes, a psychiatrist who provides treatment on an outpatient basis, engaged in sexual relations with one of his patients while prescribing her with Schedule IV controlled substances without legitimate medical purpose. The substances included Alprazolam (commonly referred to by the brand name Xanax), Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin), and Zolipidem Tartrate (brand name Ambien). The Indictment further alleges that Cervantes caused health insurance providers, including Virginia Medicaid, to pay for unnecessary psychotherapy treatments and prescription drugs.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Lebanon Police Department, and the Virginia Department of Health Professions - Enforcement Division. Janine Myatt, Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney is prosecuting the case for the United States.
A Grand Jury Indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Coeburn Doctor Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Coeburn physician, who prescribed Ritalin and hydrocodone to an undercover investigator, will serve two years’ probation, pay a $25,000 fine, surrender his medical license and pay $945,000 in restitution and forfeiture, announced United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.
Gurcharan Singh Kanwal, 82, of Wise, Va., was sentenced last week in the United States District Court after previously pleading guilty to one count of healthcare fraud and one count of distributing Ritalin and hydrocodone. In addition to surrendering his medical license, Kanwal agreed to never reapply for a medical license.
After receiving numerous complaints that controlled substances were being diverted by employees and patients at the Coeburn Medical Clinic, agents with the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force opened a formal investigation into Kanwal. During the course of the investigation, an undercover agent visited Kanwal’s practice as a patient and obtained prescriptions for Ritalin and hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of medical practice. The investigation also revealed that Kanwal fraudulently billed Virginia Medicaid $472,500 for services provided that were not medically necessary or not actually provided.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Big Stone Gap Police Department, City of Norton Police Department, Southwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Virginia State Police. The following agencies also assisted with the execution of a search warrant in connection with the investigation: Bristol, Virginia Police Department, Buena Vista Police Department, Coeburn Police Department, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsville Police Department, Richlands Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Tazewell Police Department, UVA-Wise Police Department, Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Wise Police Department, and the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Special Assistant Janine M. Myatt, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, prosecuted the case for the United States.
20-Year-Old Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who fled from police following a traffic stop for an expired registration tag, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to a federal drug charge. United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle, Tom Chittum Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington, D.C. Field Division, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Jeffrey Taylor from the FBI’s Roanoke Field Office and Resident Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wanner of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Roanoke Field Office made the announcement.
Michael Antonio David II, 20, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. As part of his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to a term of incarceration of 60 months in federal prison to run concurrent to the 18-month state sentence he is currently serving.
The case against David began on July 8, 2016 when an officer with the Roanoke City Police Department and a trooper with the Virginia State Police initiated a traffic stop for expired registration on the vehicle the defendant was driving. David stopped the car and fled on foot. As he ran, the officers observed the defendant reaching into his waistband.
After pursuing David for several blocks, officers stopped and arrested the defendant. During a search of the defendant, officers discovered a plastic bag containing crack cocaine. In a second plastic bag located in David’s gym shorts, which were under his pants, officers located 14 silver ammunition rounds.
A subsequent search of the area in which the foot pursuit took place was conducted and officers used a K-9 to assist. A semi-automatic, KAHR .40 handgun was located in the vicinity where the defendant had been running. David admitted to throwing the gun from his waistband while running from police.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Roanoke City Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department. United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle and Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Salem man, who believed he was enticing a 15-year-old female to engage in prostitution while actually communicating online with an undercover Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy, pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to a federal sex-trafficking charge. United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle made the announcement.
Shawn Paul Paisley, 48, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty this week to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. At sentencing, Paisley faces a possible statutory maximum sentence of up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant also faces a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of 5 years and a maximum term of life. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 25, 2018.
In August of 2016, while posing as a 15-year-old female, a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a Craigslist advertisement posted by Paisley seeking a “personal/casual” encounter. Paisley gave the “female minor” a cell phone number and the two exchanged text messages. During the course of their text message exchanges, Paisley told the “female minor” that he ran an escort service and that his girls made good money. Paisley provided standard prices for the services the escorts offered and the two arranged to meet in order for the “female minor” to perform oral sex on Paisley.
Paisley left his home in Salem, Virginia and drove to Franklin County, Virginia to meet the “minor female.” When Paisley arrived in Franklin County, he was arrested.
Paisley admitted that he helped run an escort service, which involved recruiting females to engage in sex for pay. He helped arrange for encounters between recruited female prostitutes and the customers and took a portion of the fees paid for making the arrangements. Paisley recalls that at least two females he previously helped recruit were 17-years-old.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Day Rottenborn and Matthew Miller are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Justice Department Coordinates Nationwide Elder Fraud Sweep of More Than 250 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia is prosecuting a pair of cases that are part of the nationwide elder fraud sweep announced earlier today by Department of Justice Officials, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly. The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts. Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally. In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s actions send a clear message: we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.
“Fraud against the elderly is a particularly heinous crime that targets some of society’s most vulnerable victims,” U.S. Attorney Mountcastle said. “These frauds come in many forms, from financial frauds to romance schemes, but all weave the common thread of preying on the elderly. Here in the Western District of Virginia we will continue to stay ahead of the curve in combating elder fraud through our work with local elder fraud task forces and by bringing cases like those included in today’s announcement.”
US v. Michel Dean Kent
Kent pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg in October 2017 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a timeshare fraud scheme that targeted more than 500 victims, many of whom were elderly. Kent admitted to contacting individuals who owned timeshares, by phone and email, and convincing them, under false pretenses, to sign property transfer contracts and to send him currency under false pretenses.
US v. Linda Jane Hall
Hall was indicted by a grand jury in the Western District of Virginia in October 2017 and charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Hall targeted four elderly victims, contacting them via telephone, and convinced them to wire her approximately $457,000 between 2009 and 2015. The defendant is scheduled for a jury trial in March 2018.
In addition to casework, prosecutors from the Western District of Virginia sit on elder fraud task forces to coordinate with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and community partners on potential risks being faced by the local elderly population.
Elder Fraud Complaints
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Roanoke Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today the sentencing of a Roanoke man who downloaded photographs and images of child pornography.
Richard B. Morgan, 68, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to 72 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Morgan previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings, an investigator with the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force successfully downloaded images of child pornography from the defendant via peer-to-peer, file-sharing software often used by those who trade in child pornography. During the execution of a search warrant at Morgan’s apartment, he admitted that he downloaded child pornography. Law enforcement found 1,849 images and 4,406 videos containing child pornography during a forensic examination of Morgan’s computer and an external hard drive.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Galax Residents Sentenced to Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today the sentencing of two Galax, Virginia men who were previously convicted of distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of their drug distribution activities.
Henry Aguliar, 25, and Pablo Hernandez, 28, were each sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to 130 months in prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Aguilar and Hernandez were both targeted by the Twin County Drug Task Force based upon information that they were distributing methamphetamine in the Galax area. A controlled purchase of methamphetamine was made from Aguilar, who was arrested and found to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug distribution paraphernalia, and a loaded .357 magnum revolver. Aguilar was interviewed and admitted that he and Hernandez had been receiving 1 pound of methamphetamine a week from a source in North Carolina, which was then being distributed in the Galax area. A search warrant executed at Hernandez's residence uncovered methamphetamine, drug ledgers, and two loaded handguns. Hernandez also admitted to receiving methamphetamine from a source in North Carolina. He further admitted that Aguilar was one of multiple individuals who sold methamphetamine for him in the area.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Twin County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Chief Executive Officer of Armored Vehicle Company Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Role in Scheme to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
The owner and chief executive officer of an armored vehicle company was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for his role in orchestrating a scheme to defraud the United States by providing the U.S. Department of Defense with armored gun trucks that did not meet ballistic and blast protection requirements set out in the company’s contracts with the United States.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle of the Western District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Lee of the FBI’s Richmond, Virginia, Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office made the announcement.
William Whyte, 72, of King City, Ontario, the owner and CEO of Armet Armored Vehicles of Danville, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser of the Western District of Virginia, who also ordered Whyte to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,019,454.36.
On Oct. 9, 2017, after a two-week trial, Whyte was found guilty of three counts of major fraud against the United States, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of criminal false claims. Whyte was charged by an indictment in July 2012.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that Whyte executed a scheme to defraud the United States by providing armored gun trucks that were deliberately under-armored. Armet contracted to provide armored gun trucks for use by the United States and its allies as part of the efforts to rebuild Iraq in 2005. Despite providing armored gun trucks that did not meet contractual specifications, Whyte and his employees represented that the armored gun trucks were adequately armored in accordance with the contract, the evidence showed. Armet was paid over $2 million over the course of the scheme, the evidence showed.
The case was investigated by the FBI and DCIS. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton of the Western District of Virginia.
Christiansburg Couple Sentenced on Tax Fraud, Bankruptcy-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced the sentencing of two Christiansburg residents who were previously convicted of tax fraud and multiple bankruptcy fraud charges.
Regan Dwayne Reedy, 56, was sentenced last week to 108 months in prison. He was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit tax fraud, making false declarations in a bankruptcy proceeding, concealment of property in a bankruptcy proceeding and false testimony in a bankruptcy proceeding.
Susan Annette Reedy, 50, was sentenced last week to 78 months in prison. She was previously convicted of making false declarations in a bankruptcy proceeding, concealment of property in a bankruptcy proceeding and false testimony in a bankruptcy proceeding.
According to evidence presented to the jury during the trial of Reagan and Susan Reedy by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. H. Mott, Reagan Reedy filed a number of fraudulent tax returns for individuals claiming refunds. The returns claimed excessive federal withholdings that resulted in excessive claims for tax refunds totaling over $1 million. A majority of the fraudulent returns were detected before refunds were issued, however, one refund in the amount of $156,191 was issued.
In addition to the tax return fraud, Regan Reedy and Susan Reedy filed three Chapter 7 bankruptcies seeking to discharge debts to private and governmental creditors. In filings in 2012 and again in 2014, Regan and Susan Reedy omitted assets from their bankruptcy schedules and concealed assets from the bankruptcy trustee. Those assets included bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles they had placed in nominee names. At a creditors meeting in December 2014, both falsely testified regarding their means of support and the extent of their assets. During their sentencing hearings last week, Regan and Susan Reedy were each held responsible for concealing over $1.8 million in assets during the course of the bankruptcies.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the United States Trustee.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Haiti and Engaging in Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
A Stuarts Draft, Virginia man pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for traveling from the United States to Haiti and engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle of the Western District of Virginia announced.
James Daniel Arbaugh, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of traveling in foreign commerce from the United States to Haiti in or about 2016 to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18. The defendant will be sentenced on June 13 at 10:30 a.m.
According to facts admitted by the defendant during the guilty plea, Arbaugh has lived in Haiti for approximately 15 years and has traveled regularly back to the United States during that time. The defendant admitted that in 2016, while in Haiti, he engaged in illicit sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12 by touching the minor’s genitals under the minor’s clothing.
The investigation of the case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrisonburg Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn Shoop of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeb Terrien of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Virginia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Stuarts Draft Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling in Foreign Commerce to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today the guilty plea of a local man to a charge of traveling in foreign commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
James Daniel Arbaugh, 40, of Stuarts Draft, Va., pleaded guilty today in the United States District Court in Harrisonburg to one count of traveling in foreign commerce from the United States to Haiti and engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18. The defendant will be sentenced on June 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. and faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The court will determine the appropriate sentence after considering federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
According to a factual proffer presented to the court at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Jeb Terrien, Arbaugh admitted to engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors while traveling in Haiti between 2008 and 2017. While traveling in Haiti, Arbaugh regularly visited communities and villages throughout the country, including remote villages, where he evangelized and showed Christian-themed movies. While engaging in these missionary activities, Arbaugh befriended, groomed, and ultimately engaged in illicit sexual conduct with multiple, minor male children between the ages of 5 and 17 years old.
The investigation of the case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrisonburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeb Terrien and Kaylynn Shoop, a Trial Attorney with the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case for the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
United States Attorney’s Office Supporting RAYSAC Opioid InitiativeRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick Mountcastle announced the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition’s (RAYSAC) social media campaign beinthepicture.org, whose goal is to warn individuals between the ages of 12 and 25 about the dangers of prescription drug misuse, specifically opioid pain medication and heroin. The program, which began in December 2017, is featured on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat, as well as in posters in various restaurants, shops, schools, libraries, the health department and other locations around the Roanoke Valley.
“Opioid pain killer and heroin addiction is a national crisis,” said United States Attorney Mountcastle. “Our community must work together to defeat the epidemic of addiction through access to treatment and recovery, prevention programs that raise awareness of the dangers of addiction, and targeted law enforcement.”
RAYSAC is recruiting young adults in the Roanoke Valley between the ages of 18-25 to serve on an advisory council. This council will provide guidance and expertise on the best ways to bring awareness to their peers about this critical issue.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia Collects over $11 Million in Fiscal Year 2017Read the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia collected $11,113,257 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2017. More than $7,200,000 of this amount went to victims of crime. “Providing restitution to crime victims is a priority, and I commend the three members of our Financial Litigation Unit for their hard work during fiscal year 2017,” said United States Attorney Mountcastle.
The Western District of Virginia also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $73,387,907 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.
Overall, the Justice Department collected just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.
Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $4,115,494 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2017. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The United States Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.