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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 15 February 2024
Assaults on woman send Lame Deer man to prison for more than three yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted assaulting a dating partner and using a baton to strike the victim on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were at times were in a romantic relationship in 2022. In December 2022, Crazymule, who was drunk, straddled and assaulted the victim as they sat in a parked car. Crazymule used his forearm to strangle the victim. Crazymule was mad because the victim had tried to take the keys from him. Earlier in the year, in January 2022, Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe with a baton, described as a collapsible police baton, by striking her on the head.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Armed cocaine and fentanyl dealer sentenced to 14 years prison and forfeits money, jewelry, guns, and carRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Darnell Manning a/k/a D-Man, 40, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 170 months in prison U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Manning was also ordered to forfeit $91,899.00 in cash, jewelry appraised at approximately $246,000, a 2022 Infiniti QX55 SUV, two firearms and ammunition. In addition, Manning paid $50,000 cash to the government in lieu of forfeiting his residence in Greece, NY.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between March 2021, and March 29, 2023, Manning conspired with others to sell fentanyl and cocaine in the Rochester area. On March 9, 2023, investigators searched numerous locations in Rochester maintained by Manning and utilized for distributing narcotics. During the searches, they seized approximately 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 123 grams of crack cocaine, 803 fentanyl tablets, two loaded firearms, ammunition, $87,290 in cash, jewelry with an appraised value of $246,000, and drug paraphernalia. On March 29, 2023, Manning was arrested at a residence in Niagara Falls, NY, at which time investigators also seized $4,620 in cash, marijuana, and multiple cell phones.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino, III, New York Field Division.
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Armed Methamphetamine Trafficker and Co-Conspirators Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An armed methamphetamine trafficker and his co-conspirator were sentenced in federal court today, announced Dena J. King U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Stephen Zill of the Gaston County Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Bret Scott Funderburk, 34, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Eric Eugene Allen, 42, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Funderburk’s mother, Melanie Mitchum Funderburk, 55, of Gastonia, N.C., has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents and court proceedings, from March 2021 to April 2021, Bret Funderburk, Melanie Funderburk, and Eric Allen operated a drug conspiracy and distributed methamphetamine in and around Gaston County. Court records also show that Bret Funderburk sold methamphetamine while he illegally possessed firearms and illegally sold firearms. Specifically, on March 10, 2021, Bret Funderburk engaged in a drug transaction while he illegally possessed a Ruger LC9 pistol, and a stolen Ithaca Model 66 sawed-off shotgun. Over the course of the transaction, Bret Funderburk sold the stolen sawed-off shotgun to another individual. Court documents further show that, on March 30, 2021, Bret Funderburk engaged in another drug transaction, during which he illegally possessed and sold a Taurus PT738.38 caliber pistol. Bret Funderburk has prior criminal convictions and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Bret Funderburk and Allen are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Gaston County Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Aneth Man Found Guilty of Murdering His Girlfriend in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal jury convicted a Utah man today for murder in the second degree while within Indian Country. The four-day trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge David Nuffer at the United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City and was prosecuted by United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tad May and Tanner Zumwalt.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Randy Lansing, 40, of Aneth, Utah, unlawfully, deliberately and intentionally killed his girlfriend, Tammy Clark, while within Indian Country on April 23, 2022. The evidence presented at trial established Lansing drove Ms. Clark, her two young daughters and a second woman to McElmo Creek on April 23, 2022. When they reached the creek, Lansing parked his blue SUV and started drinking beer with Ms. Clark. Upon arrival, Lansing violently beat Ms. Clark in front of her two young daughters and the second woman while at McElmo Creek. Ms. Clark sustained injuries that included, but was not limited to, extensive facial swelling, brain hemorrhaging, and bruising; lacerations to her right frontal cheek and left ear; oral lacerations to the lips and inner cheek; fractured hyoid (neck) bone; fractured posterior ribs; and extensive blunt force trauma to her torso and extremities.
Evidence at trial showed that Ms. Clark’s beaten body was taken by the defendant from McElmo Creek to Aneth in the back of his SUV. Neighbors, including an EMT, called San Juan County Dispatch for an ambulance and performed life saving measures until the ambulance arrived and transported Ms. Clark to Blue Mountain Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
“The strongest piece of evidence is Tammy Clark’s body. Tammy Clark’s body tells of the brutal beating she experienced during her last moments of life,” said U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins during closing arguments.
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Monticello Resident Agency and Navajo Nation Police Department, Criminal Investigations.
Lansing’s sentencing is scheduled for May 17, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge David Nuffer at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Airline Passenger Sentenced After Taking a Straight Edge Razor on a PlaneRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Merrill Darrell Fackrell, 42, of Syracuse, Utah, was sentenced today to time served of over one year imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release by a U.S. District Court Judge as a result of a guilty plea. Fackrell admitted to taking a straight edge razor on a JetBlue flight in 2022.
According to court documents, Fackrell admitted that on November 21, 2022, during a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York en route to Salt Lake City Airport in Utah, he had taken a wood-handled straight edge razor with a one-to-two-inch blade on board the flight. In the statement in advance of plea, Fackrell further admitted that during the flight, he was seated next to a passenger and that he consumed several alcoholic beverages. Later in the flight, Fackrell told the passenger to pause the movie the passenger was watching, placed his hand in front of the screen, took the straight edge razor out of his carry-on bag and placed it inches from the passenger’s throat/neck. The passenger escaped, but Fackrell grabbed the passenger’s shoulder and attempted to stop the passenger. Another passenger observed the incident and convinced Fackrell to put the straight edge razor down. The passenger then took the razor off the seat and passed it off to be secured. See 2022 press release.
“Carrying a dangerous weapon on an aircraft is a serious offense. No one should be put in harm’s way by another passenger during a flight,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “In the interest of passenger safety, individuals who carry a dangerous weapon on an aircraft will be prosecuted.”
An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Adair Police Chief Convicted for Fraud, False Statements, and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – On February 14, 2024, a federal jury in Des Moines convicted Bradley Eugene Wendt, 47, of conspiring to make false statements to the ATF, making false statements to the ATF, and illegal possession of a machine gun.
Since July 2018, Wendt has been the Chief of Police for Adair, Iowa. He is also the owner of BW Outfitters, a federal firearms licensee in Denison, Iowa. Evidence at trial showed that, between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt used his position as Chief of Police to obtain machine guns for his own personal use and profit, including to buy machine guns for his own store.
Generally, machine guns made after May 1986 are illegal to transfer and possess. But, law enforcement agencies can buy machine guns for their official use and authorized dealer can get machine guns to demonstrate to a police department for the department’s future possible purchase. If a police department wants to purchase or receive a demonstration of a machine gun, it can submit a letter to ATF, referred to as a “law letter,” expressing its need for and interest in the machine gun.
Between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt wrote nearly 40 law letters, requesting the purchase or demonstration of 90 machine guns for the Adair Police Department. In the law letters to purchase machine guns for his two-man department, Wendt said he was buying the machine guns for the official use of his department and was not getting the machine guns for resale. In the law letters requesting demonstrations of machine guns, Wendt said the Adair Police Department wanted a demonstration for the department’s future possible purchase of the requested machine guns.
A jury found that Wendt made false statements in several of these letters, convicting him of conspiracy to make false statements to the ATF and eight counts of making a false statement to the ATF. Evidence at trial showed that Wendt purchased machine guns for the Adair Police Department, but later resold those machine guns at a personal profit of nearly $80,000. The evidence also showed Wendt used demonstration law letters to purchase machine guns for his own gun store, BW Outfitters, including a .50 caliber machine gun called a “Ma Deuce,” which he immediately mounted to his personally owned armored Humvee.
Wendt was also convicted of illegal possession of a machine gun, based on his personal possession of a belt-fed, M60 machine gun registered to the Adair Police Department. Wendt, along with his gun store BW Outfitters, hosted a machine gun shoot in April 2022, where he charged the public to shoot machine guns, including several registered to the Adair Police Department. The jury found Wendt was not acting within the scope of his official duties when he possessed the M60 machine gun.
Wendt faces up to five years’ prison on the conspiracy count, five years’ prison for each false statement charge, and up to ten years’ prison for illegal possession of a machine gun. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14, 2024, at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said “In a stark abuse of the position of trust he held, Brad Wendt exploited his position as chief of police to unlawfully obtain and sell guns for his own personal profit. When so many law enforcement officers in our country are working to protect our communities and uphold the law, Brad Wendt did exactly the opposite. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who violate their oath of office to enrich themselves.”
Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen stated “Mr. Wendt was in a position of trust and his egregious behavior betrayed his community he was entrusted to protect. Wendt was sworn to uphold the law, but instead he abused his authority as the Chief of Police for his own personal benefit.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. “No one relishes seeking criminal prosecution of a law enforcement officer,” stated U.S. Attorney Richard Westphal, “however, with the oath of public service, comes the accountability of putting the public trust at the forefront of this duty. An oath that most officers zealously pursue every day with honor. If an individual law enforcement officer is the exception to this rule, then we should not shirk from holding them accountable. Our thanks to the dedicated work of the investigative ATF and FBI agents, and our hard working trial team.” This case was investigated by ATF and FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mikaela Shotwell, Ryan Leemkuil, and Shai Gonzales.
Wednesday 14 February 2024
법무부가 공평성 실행 계획에 대한 업데이트를 발표Read the Press Release
법무부는 오늘 연방 정부를 통한 인종 형평성 증진 및 소외된 지역사회에 대한 지원 강화에 대해 바이든 대통령의 행정 명령을 실행하기 위한 보다 광범위한 노력의 일환으로 오늘 2023 공평성 실행 계획(계획)을 발표했습니다. 법무부의 공평성 실행 계획에 대한 업데이트는 2023년 12월에 완료되었으며, 2024 회계연도에 법무부의 형평성 전략을 이끄는 데 도움이 될 것입니다. 계획은 전통적으로 소외되고 서비스가 부족한 지역사회를 포함한 모든 사람이 법무부의 프로그램 및 자원에 접근하고 그들의 권리를 주장하기 위해 복잡한 법률 및 규제 장애물을 헤쳐 나가 자신의 권리를 옹호하고, 법무부의 업무 범위를 이해하며 법무부 의사 결정권자들과 의미 있게 소통할 수 있도록 지원하겠다는 법무부의 헌신을 기념하는 것입니다.
"법무부는 우리의 프로그램과 서비스가 이를 필요로 하는 모든 지역사회에 도달할 수 있도록 최선을 다하고 있습니다."라고 메릭 B. 갈랜드 법무장관은 말합니다. "이 계획의 다섯 가지 전략은 취약한 지역사회가 중요한 자원에 접근하는 것을 방해하는 장벽을 제거하기 위해 노력함으로써 법치를 수호하고, 사람들을 안전하게 지키며, 민권을 보호하려는 법무부의 광범위한 사명을 발전시키려고 합니다."
법무부는 2024년 회계연도부터 다음 다섯 가지 공평성 전략 추진에 전념하기로 했습니다:
- 연방 자원의 접근 및 수령에 있어서 사회적, 제도적 장벽에 직면한 역사적으로 소외되고 소외된 지역사회와 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 지역사회를 이끌고 주로 봉사하는 단체들에 대한 보조금 지원 및 자원에 대한 접근 장벽을 제거합니다.
- 재범을 줄이고 사법 관련자들(역사적으로 소외되고 취약한 지역사회 및 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 이들)을 위한 결과 개선을 추구하기 위해 의료보험 보장 및 의료 지원의 연속성 개선, 정부 발급 신분증을 얻기 위한 장벽 줄이기, 벌금 및 수수료 지급 불능과 관련된 부담 해결하기 및 기술적 위반 사항에 대한 취소 발생률을 줄이기 위한 지역사회 감독 전형 개선하기를 포함한 교정 및 재진입 프로그램을 지원합니다.
- 소외된 지역사회를 위한 연방, 주, 부족, 지역 및 자치 지역 법 집행 기관 내에서 대표성에 대한 장벽을 제거함으로써 대중의 신뢰를 강화하고 공공 안전 결과를 개선하기 위해 포용적이고 다양하며 전문적인 법 집행 인력을 육성합니다.
- 여성, 소녀, 성전환자 및 성별 불일치자(성별 기반 폭력 및 성매매를 포함한)에게 불균형적인 영향을 끼치는 범죄에 대한 법 집행 및 형사 사법 인력의 대응을 개선하기 위해 이러한 범죄를 수사하고 기소하는 방법을 대상으로 한 교육; 피해자가 이용할 수 있는 정신적 외상에 대한 정보와 문화적으로 민감한 접근 방식, 돌봄 및 서비스에 대한 교육 및 자원; 그리고 역사적으로 소외되고 취약한 사람들과의 관계를 구축하고 서비스 및 도움에 대한 접근을 늘리는 것과 함께 자원과 지원을 제공 및 또는 지원합니다.
- 소외된 지역사회가 (그중에서도 영어 실력이 부족한 사람들과 장애인들을 포함해) 환경 범죄, 오염, 기후변화 및 기타 환경적 위험을 해결하기 위한 법률 서비스에 대해 인식하며 접근할 수 있고, 깨끗한 물, 공기 및 기타 천연자원에 대한 접근을 확보하는 데 필요한 법률 및 규제 환경을 탐색하는 데 도움을 받도록 보장합니다.
이러한 공평성 전략은 행정 명령 제14091호에 명시된 의무를 준수하기 위해 노력하고 법무부의 2022 공평성 실행 계획에 요약된 다섯 가지 공평성 우선순위를 기반으로 구축합니다.
이 중요한 작업이 진행됨에 따라https://www.justice.gov/equity에 업데이트가 게시됩니다. 바이든 해리스 행정부의 공평성 의제와 관련된 계획들은 www.whitehouse.gov/equity에서 더 자세히 알 수 있고 www.performance.gov/equity에서 모든 기타 연방 공평성 실행 계획을 확인할 수 있습니다.
- 연방 자원의 접근 및 수령에 있어서 사회적, 제도적 장벽에 직면한 역사적으로 소외되고 소외된 지역사회와 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 지역사회를 이끌고 주로 봉사하는 단체들에 대한 보조금 지원 및 자원에 대한 접근 장벽을 제거합니다.
司法部發佈公平行動計畫更新Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣佈發佈2023年公平行動計畫（計畫），該計畫是司法部為執行拜登總統關於 通過聯邦政府進一步促進種族平等和支援服務欠缺社區的行政命令而做出的更廣泛努力的一部分。司法部公平行動計畫的更新於2023年12月完成，將有助於指導司法部2024財年的公平戰略。該計畫紀錄了司法部致力於幫助所有人（包括歷史上被邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區）參與司法部計畫的承諾和資源，克服複雜的法律和監管障礙以維護自己的權利，瞭解司法部工作的廣度，並與司法部決策者進行有意義的接觸。
“司法部承諾保證我們的計劃及服務貫徹到每一個需要它們的社區,” 司法部長 Merrick B. Garland 指出. “該計劃中的五項公平戰略旨在通過努力清除阻止弱勢社區獲取關鍵資源的障礙來推進司法部的更廣汎的職責以維護法制, 保障公衆安全, 及保護公民權利.”
2024 財年，司法部承諾推進以下五項公平戰略：
- 清除障礙，使歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區領導並主要其服務的組織和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社區得以獲得贈款資金和資源，前者在獲取和接受聯邦資源時，面臨社會和系統性障礙。
- 支持懲戒和重返社會計畫，旨在減少累犯並改善司法行動涉及者（包括來自歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區者及受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害者）的結果，包括通過改善醫療保健覆蓋率和連續性護理支持，減少在獲得政府頒發的身份證明時的障礙，解決與無力支付罰款和費用相關的負擔，並改進社區監督模式，以減少因技術違規而被撤銷的發生率。
- 通過消除聯邦、各州、部落、地方和地區執法機構中招募來自人數欠缺的社區的人員的障礙，促進一支包容、多元化和專業的執法隊伍，以加強公眾信任並改善公共安全成果。
- 通過提供和/或支持以下措施，改善執法和刑事司法人員對嚴重影響婦女、女童、跨性別者和非常規性別不合者（包括基於性別的暴力和性販運）的犯罪的反應：如何調查並起訴這些罪行的針對性培訓；為受害者提供有關創傷知情和文化回應方法、護理和服務的培訓和資源；提供資源和支援，為同歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區建立關係，並增加其獲得服務和援助的機會。
- 確保服務欠缺的社區（包括英語水準有限的人和殘疾人等）瞭解並能夠獲得法律服務，以解決環境犯罪、污染、氣候變化和其他環境危害，並幫助其瞭解必需的法律和監管資訊，確保其獲得清潔水、空氣和其他自然資源。
這些公平戰略力求遵守第14091 號行政命令中規定的任務，並在司法部2022 年公平行動計畫中概述的五個公平優先事項為基礎上百尺竿頭，更進一步。
隨著此項關鍵工作的進展，更新將發佈於網站 https://www.justice.gov/equity。您可在www.whitehouse.gov/equity上瞭解有關拜登-哈里斯政府的公平議程和相關舉措的更多資訊，並在www.performance.gov/equity上查看所有其他聯邦公平行動計畫。
- 清除障礙，使歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區領導並主要其服務的組織和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社區得以獲得贈款資金和資源，前者在獲取和接受聯邦資源時，面臨社會和系統性障礙。
司法部发布公平行动计划更新Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣布发布2023年公平行动计划（计划），该计划是司法部为执行拜登总统关于 通过联邦政府进一步促进种族平等和支持服务欠缺社区的行政命令而做出的更广泛努力的一部分。司法部公平行动计划的更新于2023年12月完成，将有助于指导司法部2024财年的公平战略。该计划纪录了司法部致力于帮助所有人（包括历史上被边缘化和服务欠缺的社区）参与司法部计划的承诺和资源，克服复杂的法律和监管障碍以维护自己的权利，了解司法部工作的广度，并与司法部决策者进行有意义的接触。
“司法部承诺保证我们的计划及服务贯彻到每一个需要它们的社区,” 司法部长Merrick B. Garland 指出. “该计划中的五项公平战略旨在通过努力清除阻止弱势社区获取关键资源的障碍来推进司法部的更广泛的职责以维护法制, 保障公众安全, 及保护公民权利.”
2024 财年，司法部承诺推进以下五项公平战略：
- 清除障碍，使历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区领导并主要其服务的组织和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社区得以获得赠款资金和资源，前者在获取和接受联邦资源时，面临社会和系统性障碍。
- 支持惩戒和重返社会计划，旨在减少累犯并改善司法行动涉及者（包括来自历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区者及受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害者）的结果，包括通过改善医疗保健覆盖率和连续性护理支持，减少在获得政府颁发的身份证明时的障碍，解决与无力支付罚款和费用相关的负担，并改进社区监督模式，以减少因技术违规而被撤销的发生率。
- 通过消除联邦、各州、部落、地方和地区执法机构中招募来自人数欠缺的社区的人员的障碍，促进一支包容、多元化和专业的执法队伍，以加强公众信任并改善公共安全成果。
- 通过提供和/或支持以下措施，改善执法和刑事司法人员对严重影响妇女、女童、跨性别者和非常规性别不合者（包括基于性别的暴力和性贩运）的犯罪的反应：如何调查并起诉这些罪行的针对性培训；为受害者提供有关创伤知情和文化响应方法、护理和服务的培训和资源；提供资源和支持，为同历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区建立关系，并增加其获得服务和援助的机会。
- 确保服务欠缺的社区（包括英语水平有限的人和残疾人等）了解并能够获得法律服务，以解决环境犯罪、污染、气候变化和其他环境危害，并帮助其了解必需的法律和监管信息，确保其获得清洁水、空气和其他自然资源。
这些公平战略力求遵守第14091 号行政命令中规定的任务，并在司法部2022 年公平行动计划中概述的五个公平优先事项为基础上百尺竿头，更进一步。
随着此项关键工作的进展，更新将发布于网站 https://www.justice.gov/equity。您可在www.whitehouse.gov/equity上了解有关拜登-哈里斯政府的公平议程和相关举措的更多信息，并在www.performance.gov/equity上查看所有其他联邦公平行动计划。
- 清除障碍，使历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区领导并主要其服务的组织和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社区得以获得赠款资金和资源，前者在获取和接受联邦资源时，面临社会和系统性障碍。
“Logistics coordinator” sent to prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced for her convictions of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to do so, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera deliberated for three days before convicting Brenda Banessa Leal March 7, 2023. The bench trial began Feb. 27, 2023, and concluded March 1, 2023.
Judge Olvera has now ordered Leal to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Leal’s testimony at trial was not credible and the evidence against her led to her conviction.
During trial, the court heard evidence that since at least 2018, Leal assisted several family members who were part of a drug trafficking organization. She helped transport narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Mexico to Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. The drugs were hidden in the rear differential in tractor trailers.
Several members of the organization reside in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico where Leal has lived the majority of her adult life. She also assisted family members in transporting bulk cash money, ammunition and weapons to Mexico.
The court saw evidence of text and WhatsApp messages between co-conspirators, jail call recordings and videos detailing Leal’s criminal actions.
The investigation revealed that between February 2021 and June 2021, Leal was the logistics coordinator of the drug trafficking organization. In that role, she coordinated drivers, dealers and cover loads on this side of the border. In June 2021, while Leal and co-conspirators were preparing to unload a tractor truck that contained approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine, the organization got robbed (“ripped”) of the cocaine by another drug trafficking organization.
Authorities apprehended that group shortly after stealing the cocaine from Leal.
The defense attempted to convince the judge that Leal did not have knowledge of the cocaine that was hidden in the tractor trailer and was simply a victim of the “rip crew.” Judge Olvera did not believe those claims and found Leal guilty as charged.
Leal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS - Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Alejandra Andrade and former AUSA Ed Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
“Ghost” Tax Preparer Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tijan Mboob, a/k/a “TJ,” a/k/a “Teejay McBoob,” a/k/a “Sheikhtijan,” 59, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for tax fraud, announced Dena J. King U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from 2014 to 2021, Mboob prepared or caused to be prepared hundreds of fraudulent tax returns for clients, that were submitted to the IRS. The tax returns included fabricated and fraudulent items, including false filing status, false American Opportunity and education credits, false itemized deductions, and false reforestation credits, among others. Mboob’s inclusion of the fabricated and fraudulent items resulted in the reduction of his clients’ tax liabilities and inflated refunds totaling more than $4.7 million. Court records show that after Mboob prepared the fraudulent returns, he refused to assist clients who received correspondence from the IRS questioning items on their tax returns that Mboob had prepared and filed.
According to court records, Mboob operated as a “ghost” preparer, because contrary to IRS requirements he failed to identify himself as a paid tax preparer on the tax returns he prepared or submitted for his clients. Court documents further show that Mboob failed to report any of the preparation fees he earned as income for tax years 2017 and 2020, and did not file any tax returns for tax years 2018 and 2019.
On September 21, 2023, Mboob pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. Mboob will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked IRS-CI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassye Cole and Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
The IRS’s annual Dirty Dozen Tax Scams campaign lists the worst of the worst tax schemes that taxpayers may encounter and typically peak during filing season. To learn more about the Dirty Dozen scams and for help with recognizing and avoiding abusive tax schemes, the IRS offers educational material at IRS.gov. Suspected tax fraud can be reported to the IRS using Form 3949-A found on the IRS.gov website. If you have been financially impacted by a tax preparer’s misconduct or improper tax preparation practices you can file a complaint here.
Woman Sentenced for Evidence TamperingRead the Press Release
A Tulsa woman was sentenced today for three counts of Evidence Tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Ashton Nikoel Mattingly, 31, of Tulsa to 144 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in Feb. 2021, Mattingly knew she was the target of a federal Grand Jury investigation. She instructed a third party to go into her home and remove a pill bottle so it would not be available as evidence in the investigation. Mattingly then instructed the third party to tamper with her social media account, attempting to disable the account. She then contacted a different third party instructing them to falsify that her cellphone was stolen and to request the service to be disabled. Mattingly admitted that she knowingly intended to obstruct the Grand Jury investigation.
Mattingly will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vani Singhal and Timothy Faerber prosecuted the case.
Wetzel County Man Sentenced for Federal Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Duwayne Luis Ueltschy, age 44, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ueltschy, also known as “Duane” and “D-Wayne,” sold methamphetamine and offered a shotgun as collateral for another drug deal. Ueltschy has a criminal history involving domestic violence, theft, and drug trafficking.
Following his incarceration, Ueltschy will be required to be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Waterford Resident Indicted for Possession of Materials Depicting Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Waterford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Sean Eric Madigan, 44, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in and around April 2023, Madigan received images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Madigan also possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material from in and around September 2022 to May 2023.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $24.4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced today that the District of Maine collected a total of $24,435,341.37 in civil and criminal actions in 2023.
$1,390,922.70 was collected in criminal actions and $23,044,418.67 was collected in civil actions, including $22,589,634.83 from the July 2023 settlement in United States of America v. Martin’s Point Heath Care, Inc., a collaborative effort with the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. This False Claims Act settlement was the largest Medicare fraud settlement in state history.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 added a new source of revenue for the Crime Victims Fund, directing revenues collected from deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements to be deposited into the Crime Victims Fund.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maine, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,390,922.70 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. 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 Crime Victims Fund is a vital resource that helps fund state and local programs that provide services for victims of crime, and it is funded by the work that occurs in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country including our district,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “Ensuring that the taxpayers of the United States as well as crime victims receive the money that is due to them and that is needed to aid in their recovery is a priority for our office.”
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Two Charged with Possessing Fentanyl Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Two Dane County men were charged yesterday with possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. Corvalis M. Stewart, 36, Madison and Larry D. Williamson Jr., 35, Waunakee will make their initial appearance in federal court today at 1:45 pm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker.
The complaint filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Madison alleges that on February 8, 2024, law enforcement arrested Stewart and Williamson Jr. at the Middleton Municipal Airport. At the time of their arrest, the two men allegedly possessed approximately 46.4 pounds of M30 Fentanyl pills and approximately 17.5 pounds of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture.
According to the complaint, on February 6, 2024, law enforcement received a tip from someone who interacted with Stewart and Williamson, Jr. at an airport in Arizona, who described suspicious behavior. The tipster provided Homeland Security with the airplane tail number. The plane was a private rental plane.
The complaint indicates that law enforcement was able to determine on February 8, 2024, that the plane was traveling to the Middleton Municipal Airport. Law enforcement officers canvassed the airport parking lot and found a pickup truck parked there that was registered to Williamson Jr. A Jeep registered to Stewart was parked directly next to Williamson Jr.’s truck. A Middleton Police Officer and his narcotics detection-trained K-9 conducted a free air sniff around Stewart’s Jeep and the K9 positively alerted for the presence of controlled substances.
According to the complaint, the plane arrived at approximately 10:56 pm. Two individuals, later identified as Stewart and Williamson Jr., exited the plane and observed Stewart carrying bags and putting them in the back of his Jeep. Law enforcement detained Stewart and Williamson Jr. Based on a second positive K-9 alert on Stewart’s Jeep, investigators searched it and found 5 bundles wrapped with black electrical tape, each containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement also located a duffle bag with zip lock bags full of blue pills that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
If convicted, Stewart and Williamson, Jr. face a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charge against the men is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, Dane County Narcotics and Gangs Task Force, and the Middleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) in Riverside, CA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Twenty-Five Charged in Indictment Targeting Philadelphia Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty-five people have been charged in a case targeting a Philadelphia-based organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced the unsealing of an indictment and the arrests of individuals in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia on drug trafficking charges. According to court documents, Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, was the leader of a group that was supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to Monongalia County. The organization’s members utilized apartments in Morgantown in which to reside and store their drugs.
“The indictment and subsequent arrests have led to the dismantling of a sophisticated operation that was causing large quantities of dangerous drugs to be distributed in our region,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The work of our agents and prosecutors in this matter has made our communities safer and shows the reach that we have when it comes to the disruption of drug trafficking.”
“I want to highlight the collective efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle a criminal enterprise who was intent on flooding our communities with this poison,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “An investigation of this size requires partnership and teamwork. The result of this operation is a testament to the power of partnership and the FBI’s commitment to curb violence in our communities.”
Law enforcement arrested 22 people in a coordinated effort across the four states. Investigators are still searching for:
- Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Ryan Shaw, age 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Rasheab Bradsher, age 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
List of defendants: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/defendants-charged-us-v-johnson-et-al
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Intentionally Ramming into 3 Police CarsRead the Press Release
Andrew Leon Roberts, 67, of Tulsa was sentenced today for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Destruction of Property While Placing Life in Jeopardy in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Roberts to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, witnesses observed Roberts trying to run people off the road with his vehicle. Roberts came upon two Tulsa Police officers there were transporting an unrelated arrestee to jail. He then side swiped the first officers patrol car and attempted to rear end the second patrol car. Roberts turned around and attempted to T-bone the second patrol car, who was able to evade the attempt. Roberts then left the scene.
Later that day, Roberts was at his friend’s house. He began threatening to ram his friend’s vehicle. The friend asked Roberts to leave and called 911. Witness said that Roberts was driving erratically through the neighborhood. He pulled up to an elderly witness and stated to leave the area because, “there was going to be a killing.”
As officers responded to the 911 call, Roberts was still in the neighborhood. Upon sight of the first responding officer, Roberts immediately began ramming into a third patrol car several times. His rampage was finally stopped when an officer discharged their duty weapon at Roberts, while Roberts attempted to run him over. This caused Roberts to wreck into a tree where he was taken into custody.
Roberts is a member of the Cherokee Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.
Transporting $800,000 of liquid meth sends trafficker to prison for over two decadesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 54-year-old naturalized citizen residing in Mexico has been sentenced for importing nearly 91 pounds of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa pleaded guilty Nov. 28, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Ley Villa to serve 255 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Ley Villa had been previously convicted for the same offense.
On April 30, 2023, Ley Villa approached the Hidalgo port of entry driving a maroon Chrysler Pacifica. Law enforcement noticed he appeared nervous and referred him to secondary inspection. There, an X-ray inspection revealed anomalies within the vehicle’s fuel tank.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered a fuel tank filled with a liquid material which crystalized upon contact with the floor. The weight of the liquid meth was approximately 41.14 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $810,000.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Violent Carjacking Conspiracy that Targeted Uber and Lyft DriversRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Three Minneapolis men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“The defendants targeted innocent people who were simply doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “The crimes committed by these four men contributed to the sharp increase in violent carjackings throughout the Twin Cities in recent years and left victims with physical and emotional scars. I commend our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing these defendants to justice.”
“The residents of Minneapolis have dealt with violent crime for far too long,” said Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara. “The sentencing of these individuals sends a clear message: anyone who chooses to use violence and terror for personal gain will be held accountable. I am grateful for the leadership and partnership we have with U.S. Attorney Luger. I’m also thankful for the continued partnership with our law enforcement partners who helped ensure justice was done and accountability was achieved.”
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined not to allow our community to become a breeding ground for violent, carjacking criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “These sentencings send a clear message: carjacking will be met with swift and decisive action. We are committed to working tirelessly with law enforcement, community leaders, private sector partners, and residents to eradicate this heinous crime. Our community deserves safety and security, and we are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that carjackers are brought to justice.”
According to court documents, between September and October 2021, Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, 20, William Charles Saffold, 21, Javeyon Demario Tate, 23, and Eric Harrell Knight, 20, engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, targeting Uber and Lyft drivers. As part of the scheme, the defendants conspired with each other to lure drivers to preplanned locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the drivers arrived, the defendants carjacked the drivers at gunpoint. To intimidate and force compliance, they brandished firearms, beat, and pistol-whipped the drivers. They also demanded keys, wallets, and cell phones and forced the drivers at gunpoint to unlock their phones and provide passcodes. The defendants then used the passcodes to further victimize the drivers by accessing and stealing money from the drivers’ Cash App accounts or other applications.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2022, while attempting to execute an arrest warrant, an FBI agent approached Saffold, who immediately drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing on foot.
All four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiring to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence. Saffold also pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Knight was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On February 13, 2023, Tate was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On February 12, 2024, Childs-Young was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Saffold is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2024. Judge Katherine M. Menendez sentenced the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger thanked the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI for their skilled investigative work on the case, and Uber and Lyft for their assistance throughout the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison Following his Jury Trial Convictions for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - James Mack, age 40, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 15 years (180 months) in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile (SPD), Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division Frank A. Tarentino III, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) John B. DeVito made the announcement.
The evidence at trial established that Mack used his Honda Accord as a stash location for his drug trafficking operation. During a search of the defendant’s vehicle on February 12, 2020, SPD Detectives located a hidden compartment (or “trap”) in the dashboard. From within the trap, Detectives recovered over 400 grams of cocaine, over 100 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine), and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The defendant was at that time under federal supervision from a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Mack was also sentenced today to serve an 8-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence, and a concurrent term of imprisonment for violating his previous federal supervision.
The Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SID), DEA, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle and Jessica Carbone prosecuted the defendant.
Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty to Murder and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Lee Matlock, Jr., age 41, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging him with one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Court documents allege that on the evening of September 14, 2021, Matlock intentionally shot an individual with a rifle outside a Stilwell residence before fleeing the scene of the crime. Adair County deputies responding to the shooting discovered the victim dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. The crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Matlock was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Carjackings, Jail Escape and Fatal Shooting of De Smet High School Football CoachRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Wednesday sentenced a St. Louis, Missouri man involved in fatal and nonfatal carjackings and a jail escape to 60 years in prison.
Kurt Wallace, 31, shot the drivers during three separate carjackings in 2017 that were set up via a dating app and Wallace’s co-defendant, Jherrica Dixon. On Oct. 16, 2017, he fatally shot Jaz Granderson, a football coach at De Smet Jesuit High School, while stealing his Jeep Grand Cherokee in St. Louis.
Wallace shot the driver of a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the shoulder in the 300 block of Walsh Street in St. Louis on Sept. 16, 2017. On Oct. 15, 2017, while carjacking a Cadillac CTS in the 5800 block of Kennerly Avenue in St. Louis, Wallace shot that driver in the leg.
Wallace was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November 2017 and detained in jail pending trial. Wallace escaped from jail on July 15, 2019. He and fellow inmate James Flannel then carjacked a vehicle before leading police on a multi-jurisdiction pursuit that ended with Wallace crashing the vehicle.
Wallace pleaded guilty in September 2023 to four counts of carjacking, two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking resulting in death and one count of escape.
Wallace is the seventh individual convicted in connection with a series of violent crimes.
Dixon, 30, pleaded guilty to four counts of carjacking, three counts of discharge and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. She admitted setting up a series of meetings with men so that they could be carjacked by her then-boyfriend Wallace and others. Judge White sentenced her in December to 19 years in prison.
Flannel, 43, was sentenced in November 2021 to life in prison for the fatal carjacking of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver on June 25, 2018. He is scheduled to be sentenced February 20 for the escape and carjacking.
Floyd Barber, 28, was sentenced in December to 22 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking, one count of discharge and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. He admitted the Sept. 9, 2017 carjacking of a Kia Optima in St. Louis and admitted participating in the carjacking of Granderson and the fatal drug robbery of Ladareace Pool, 26, in the 4700 block of Goodfellow Avenue on Oct. 3, 2017.
In 2022, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Jerell Henderson, 33, to 42 ½ years in prison for Pool’s robbery and murder. Larenta Jones, 30, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Stephan Jones, 33, the driver the day of Pool’s murder, was sentenced to five years in prison on a drug charge.
“While this sentencing, as well the others, will not bring back Mr. Granderson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will always work to bring trigger-pullers who terrorize our communities to justice” said Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, the Troy Police Department, the Saint Ann Police Department and the Saint Louis County Police Department.
St. Louis County Man Accused of Depositing Checks Stolen from the MailRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri has been accused in an indictment of depositing thousands of dollars’ worth of checks that had been stolen from the mail.
Malik Jones, 26, of Berkeley, Missouri, was indicted by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Nov. 8, 2023, with three counts of bank fraud, one count of possession of stolen mail matter and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He was arrested January 31 in Florida and appeared in court in St. Louis Wednesday to plead not guilty.
The indictment alleges that Jones recruited other people to supply their debit cards and banking information to him, which he then used to deposit forged and fraudulent checks that Jones obtained from mail stolen out of collection boxes and mailboxes in the St. Louis area. Jones altered the amount payable on the checks and the payee’s name before depositing them, the indictment says. He then withdrew the money before the banks discovered that the checks, each written for thousands of dollars, were bogus, the indictment says. The indictment says Jones would pay kickbacks to the bank account holders and those who helped him deposit the fraudulent checks.
Each bank fraud charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both prison and a fine. The possession of stolen mail is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The aggravated identity theft carries a penalty of two years in prison, consecutive to all other charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Maryland Heights Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.
Sioux City Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Steven M. Woodall, 64, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, was sentenced February 14, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for theft of government funds. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Woodall to four years of probation. Woodall is also required to pay restitution in the amount of $50,540.
Woodall applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Based in part on statements provided by Woodall, he was determined to be 100% disabled due to being legally blind and he began receiving benefits. Law enforcement agents discovered Woodall maintained a Nebraska driver’s license during the period when he was received disability benefits due to blindness. As they investigated his claims, the agents further discovered that Woodall had obtained a Nebraska concealed handgun carry permit. That permit requires the person to possess at least the same level of sight as is required to obtain a driver’s license, and the person must pass a written test and a shooting test to demonstrate accuracy with a firearm. Local police reports also listed Woodall as a witness to a few events reported to police in South Sioux City, Nebraska. During surveillance, agents regularly observed Woodall driving and walking around without difficulty and without any aids.
An eye examination was performed on August 13, 2020, to determine Woodall’s eligibility for benefits. Woodall was observed by agents driving approximately 86 miles from his home in South Sioux City, Nebraska to the facility where the eye exam was to take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The agents also observed his wife riding as a passenger in the vehicle. Woodall drove to the facility without any apparent difficulty, parked his car, and then walked to the front door and into the facility without any assistance or aids. During the eye exam, Woodall reported that due to his blindness, he was unable to drive.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Timothy Jones, (60, Orlando) to 25 years in federal prison for bank robbery. The court also ordered Jones to forfeit $30,000 of unrecovered proceeds from his robberies. Jones pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on September 26, 2023.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2022, Jones was released from Putnam County Correctional Facility after having served an eight-year term of incarceration for committing a bank robbery of a Wells Fargo bank located on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. On the morning of June 2, 2022, Jones walked into a Truist Bank on that same street in Orlando, met with an employee in an office, and announced that it was a robbery. Jones told the employee that he had a gun and would shoot everyone in the bank if they did not give him $150,000 and told the employee that there would be a “bloodbath” if he did not get what he wanted. After employees provided $30,000, Jones took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped.
Seven days later, on June 9, 2022, Jones entered a SouthState bank in Kissimmee. He walked into an office with an employee and announced it was a robbery and that he had a gun. Jones told the employee he did not want any “funny business” and demanded $50,000 that they then provided. He again took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped in that car. Later that afternoon, Jones was apprehended near the employee’s car with $1,815 in cash and $47,200 in the vehicle.
After being arrested and detained on state and then federal charges, Jones claimed to be mentally incompetent and unable to stand trial. In May 2023, Jones wrote handwritten letter to a relative and attempted to conceal it from law enforcement by marking it as though he was communicating to an attorney. In the letter to his relative, Jones explained that he was pretending to be incompetent in order to “manipulate,” “trick,” and “fool” doctors and the court system into showing him leniency and reducing his sentence. Jones had been convicted of robbery charges in 1995, 2006, and 2013 and had spent almost all of the past 18 years incarcerated for robbery charges. Jones was sentenced as a career offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kissimmee Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Second Wayne County Man Charged with Committing Covid-19 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert M. Reynolds, age 69, of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, was charged in an information with wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that from May 2020 to August 2021, Reynolds aided and abetted another in submitting a fraudulent application and weekly certifications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The application and weekly certifications allegedly claimed that Reynolds was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had earnings for each quarter of 2019, and was available to accept employment if offered a job, when in fact, he was a retiree. Reynolds allegedly obtained approximately $36,000 in PUA benefits as a result of the scheme.
The PUA program was created by the March 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.
In May 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office unsealed charges against a related defendant, Christopher J. Miller, formerly of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. Miller was charged with 54 combined counts of wire fraud, bank fraud false statements, identity theft, and unlawful monetary transactions, for allegedly obtaining over $1,500,000 in pandemic stimulus funds for himself and for others. Miller was arrested, detained, and pleaded guilty. He awaits sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalties under federal law are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Salt Lake City Man Accused of Carjacking a U.S. Postal Service Truck and Causing Multiple Car Accidents is Arrested and ChargedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned an indictment today charging a Salt Lake City man with federal crimes after he allegedly carjacked a U.S. Postal Service truck from a postal employee and drove recklessly through Davis County.
According to court documents, Wilber Castellanos Hernandez, 32, a foreign national living in Salt Lake City, Utah stole a U.S. Postal Service mail truck at 594 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, on Feb. 5, 2024. According to witnesses, who called Salt Lake City Police Department, a suspicious man, later identified as Hernandez, was checking door handles and breaking into vehicles in the area. Upon officers’ arrival, witnesses and a postal employee told officers Hernandez had stolen his mail truck. When the postal employee saw Hernandez in his truck, and told Hernandez to get out of his vehicle, Hernandez pointed a knife at him and threatened him and other witnesses. One witness attempted to hit Hernandez with a piece of wood, but Hernandez was able to start the mail truck, using the keys that had been left in the vehicle, and flee from the area. The mail truck contained mail including letters and packages.
According to the complaint, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and postal employees tracked the stolen mail truck using GPS technology. Hernandez then drove recklessly through Davis County and was involved in several minor traffic accidents with other vehicles. The mail truck was located and stopped by assisting police officers in Davis County. Hernandez was subsequently taken into custody after refusing to get out of the mail truck. Several items within the mail truck were damaged, discarded or destroyed.
Hernandez is charged with carjacking, mail theft, and theft of government property. His initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Romance Scammers Accused of Taking More than Love from Victims, Approximately $8MRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned an indictment today charging seven defendants in a romance scam that cost victims around the United States and the world $8 million in losses.
The announcement, made on Valentine’s Day, comes as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing efforts with law enforcement partners to raise awareness and prevent these crimes from taking place. Romance Scam PSA.
According to court documents, the defendants include, Bolanle Christina Odeyale, 39, Forney, Texas; Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko, 34, of Nigeria; Charles Owhonigho Emurotu, 40, of Ontario, Canada; Jimmy Iwezu, 44, of Forney, Texas; Lori Tsoritse, 38, of Nigeria; Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke, 38, of Nigeria; and Rukevwe Solomon Ologban, 44, of Grand Prairie, Texas.
As alleged in the indictment, from March 2018 through June 2019, the defendants worked with a group of individuals in the District of Utah, aka the Utah Money Transmitters, who agreed to help overseas operators launder money obtained from the romance scheme. The primary operators of the alleged romance scams are known as the “Yahoo boys,” and operated in Nigeria. The defendants either helped the Utah Money Transmitters source opportunities to work with Yahoo boys or helped them to transmit the fraud proceeds from the District of Utah to other places within the United States or abroad. Ultimately, the goal of the money laundering activities was to transmit the criminal proceeds to the Yahoo boys overseas, while paying a share of the financial gains to those who help move the funds along the way.
As alleged in the indictment, the Yahoo boys typically created a fictitious online persona and used the false persona to pursue online relationships with potential targets of the scam. Once gaining the victims’ trust, the Yahoo boys would use a false pretense, such as a need to buy a laptop for a child in college, the need to repair equipment, pay an emergency medical expense or debt to the government. Many of the victims were elderly and lost their life savings, family inheritances and retirement funds. In return for their generosity, the victims were often promised the money would be returned.
An essential role in the romance scam was the Utah Money Transmitters. By operating in the District of Utah, they opened accounts at United States financial institutions to be used to collect money from victims and to distribute money to the coconspirators, to conceal the ultimate destination of the funds and the Yahoo boys’ location and identities.
The defendants are charged with various federal crimes, including wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. Their initial court appearance on the indictment will be scheduled for a later date and held before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl D. Lesueur of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
The FBI encourages those engaged in online relationships to review and become familiar with information about romance scams on its website FBI.gov. Additionally, if you or someone you know has been a victim, file a complaint with the FBI at .ic3.gov. For more information on romance scams, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 420 months (35 years) in federal prison for committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes while on federal supervised release following convictions and a prison sentence for prior firearm and drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Randale Chapman, 36, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab also ordered that Chapman serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Chapman was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial in July 2023 of committing the following crimes on April 30, 2020: (1) possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxyamphetamine with intent to distribute, (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (3) possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also convicted at the trial of possessing with intent to distribute oxycodone and methamphetamine on February 5, 2021.
According to the information presented to the Court, Chapman was on federal supervised release when he committed those drug trafficking and firearm crimes in 2020 and 2021. His supervised release term started in 2019 following a prior 109-month federal prison sentence for conspiring to distribute heroin and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2010.
The trial and sentencing evidence also established that Chapman was on probation for a Pennsylvania state-court heroin trafficking conviction when he committed his prior federal drug trafficking and gun crimes in 2010.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chapman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Recidivist Westmoreland County Drug Trafficker Indicted on Four Counts of Narcotics and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Duran Foster, 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 26, 2023, Foster possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base, as well as a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The Indictment alleges that Foster has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior felony drug-trafficking convictions and a prior felony conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Queens Man Sentenced for Smuggling SnakesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Calvin Bautista, age 38, of Richmond Hill, New York, was sentenced today to one year of probation and fined $5,000 for smuggling three Burmese pythons into the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ryan Noel, Regional Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
Bautista previously admitted that on July 15, 2018, he smuggled three Burmese pythons in his pants as he rode on a bus that crossed the U.S.-Canadian border at the Champlain Port of Entry in Clinton County, New York. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered the snakes while reviewing Bautista’s passport and conducting a border search. The young adult snakes were in snake bags attached to Bautista’s pants near his inner thigh. Bautista did not obtain the required permits and documentation to import the snakes into the United States. As their name suggests, Burmese pythons are not native to North America and are an invasive species.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and CBP investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.
Plymouth Man Pleads Guilty to Submitting Multiple Fraudulent Claims for Pandemic ReliefRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a COVID-19 relief fund fraud scheme.
Ferris Brooks, 41, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2024. Brooks was charged in October 2023.
From April to December 2020, Brooks submitted multiple applications for government benefits, both in his own name and in the names of friends and family, that contained false information. Specifically, Brooks submitted an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the name of a fake business. Brooks also submitted applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and filed tax returns for Economic Impact Payments in the names of friends and family that contained false employment information. Brooks directed payments on the various fraudulent claims to bank accounts that he had opened in his own name and then shared a portion of the proceeds with his friends and family. The various fraudulent claims paid out more than $150,000 in pandemic relief funds.
The charge of theft of government property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Philipsburg Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
David Klanish, 53, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2020 to in and around March 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Klanish conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Klanish was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Klanish. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Out of state man imprisoned for organizing meth shipment via local POERead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Belton, South Carolina, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for trafficking meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jeffery Wills pleaded guilty June 20, 2023.
Senior U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Wills to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed how Wills served as a key player in handling narcotics imported from Mexico for distribution along the East Coast. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that drug trafficking throughout the United States impacts the safety and security of communities along the U.S. border.
At the time of his plea, Wills admitted he facilitated a shipment of meth into the United States through the Hidalgo port of entry.
On July 31, 2021, co-conspirators Jasmine Dorsey, 28, and Iyana Carter, 25, both of Newnan, Georgia, attempted to enter the United States with 35 baggies of meth totaling 17 kilograms concealed in the fuel tank of their vehicle. They admitted to smuggling narcotics and identified Wills as the individual who assisted and contributed to the drug trafficking ring by coordinating cash transfers and providing cell phones.
Dorsey and Carter were ordered to deliver the meth to Wills for further distribution.
Law enforcement later arrested Wills at his residence in South Carolina. At that time, he was in possession of significant quantities of marijuana, heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, meth and dimethyltryptamine – a hallucinogenic drug – as well as 11 firearms.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Dorsey and Carter also pleaded guilty and were ordered to serve 64 and 78 months in federal prison, respectively, to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release for both.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran III and Daniel Chung prosecuted the case.
Okmulgee Resident Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of A Machine GunRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keaton Dwayne Tripp, age 21, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a machine gun.
The charges arose from investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muskogee Police Department.
On May 11, 2023, Tripp entered a guilty plea in federal district court to one count of Possession of a Machine Gun. According to investigators, on March 23, 2023, law enforcement responding to a reported home invasion apprehended Tripp and found him in possession of a pistol illegally modified for fully automatic firing.
“Converting firearms to fully automatic is an alarming trend which poses a tremendous threat to our communities,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Identifying and prosecuting persons unlawfully converting and/or knowingly possessing these illegal, extremely dangerous weapons is a focus of the Department of Justice.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings. Tripp will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.
Newcomb Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Upon a Federal Officer and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Kenneth Lee Begay pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of assault upon a federal officer inflicting bodily injury and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Begay, 59, of Newcomb, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
On June 4, 2023, after Begay interrupted a Chapter House meeting with verbal threats, two Navajo Nation Police Department officers went to his home. As the officers tried to arrest Begay, he unlawfully resisted. Begay struck both officers. One of the officers, Jane Doe, received various injuries, to include cuts, abrasions, and a shoulder injury that persists to the present day.
At sentencing, Begay faces up to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
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New York Man Admits Role in Theft from Retired Woman’s Bank AccountRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MAVANI COLEMAN, 44, of Brooklyn, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of bank fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Gregory Ivy, of New Haven, began working for a retired woman (“the victim”), doing odd jobs for her. In October 2018, Ivy began to steal checks from the victim’s checkbook while in her home. He then wrote checks payable to himself, forged the victim’s signature on the checks, and deposited the checks into his personal credit union account. Ivy subsequently gave stolen blank checks on which he had forged the victim’s signature to Coleman, and Coleman filled in the name of the payee and the amount to be paid. Ivy and Coleman initially agreed that they would arrange to deposit the checks into other persons’ bank accounts, and Ivy would receive half of the proceeds. Coleman, who worked with others to cash or deposit the stolen checks, would kick back to Ivy amounts typically ranging from $500 to $800. At times, Ivy did not receive his agreed-upon share of the proceeds.
Coleman also used the routing number and account number of the victim’s bank account to arrange electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from the victim’s account to make payments for himself, his business, his family members, and other friends and acquaintances.
Coleman worked with other individuals, including Lamont Bethea, to cash or deposit stolen checks on which Ivy had forged the victim’s signature, and Bethea also used the routing and account number to arrange EFTs from the victim’s account to make payments for himself and others. Bethea also provided the routing and bank account numbers to other individuals so they could arrange similar EFTs for themselves and others from the victim’s account.
Coleman, Ivy, Bethea and other participants attempted to obtain a total of $624,818.28 from the victim’s bank account. Because the victim’s bank account became overdrawn, some attempted check deposits or EFTs were reversed, resulting in a loss to the victim of $479,569.08. Coleman personally stole $33,869 from the victim during his involvement in the scheme, and family members and associates of Coleman were responsible for the theft of $248,423.09 from the account.
Coleman was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 6, 2023. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Ivy and Bethea previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Bank of America. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). For more information, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 8, 2024, JUAN CARLOS MOSQUERA-AMARI, age 52, of New Orleans, was sentenced, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe.
According to court documents, between July 19, 2017 and June 29, 2018, MOSQUERA-AMARI, and others, conspired to traffic heroin from Houston to New Orleans and discussed their transactions on intercepted phone calls. Twelve other co-defendants were indicted and convicted of related drug trafficking crimes in this matter.
Judge Ashe sentenced MOSQUERA-AMARI to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
New Bedford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his role in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Jose Santiago, 46, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2024. Santiago was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022.
Between approximately April 2022 and approximately June 2022, Santiago purchased fentanyl from the DTO that he then redistributed to others. Intercepted calls captured Santiago discussing purchasing fentanyl from the DTO.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
N.C. Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government Funds and Making a False Statement in a Passport ApplicationRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gayle Smith Gay, 75, of Huntersville, N.C., was sentenced to five years of probation with 240 days of home confinement after pleading guilty theft of government funds and making a false statement in an application for a passport.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Gayle Smith Gay and her husband, Ivan Buxton Gay, Jr., engaged in a multi-decade scheme where they collected Social Security benefits under fraudulent identities from 2006 to 2023. Ms. Gay adopted the identity of her deceased sister, who died as an infant after living for only a few hours in February 1944. Mr. Gay adopted the identity of Alvin Vincent Lee, who also died as a child in 1941. Using the name Catherine Faye Smith, Ms. Gay changed the birth certificate of her sister in 1977 to read “Catherine Faye Smith” rather than “baby girl Smith” and applied for a Social Security number in that name in 1992. Using the name Catherine Smith Lee, Ms. Gay applied for a U.S. Passport in 2010 and renewed that passport in 2020. Ms. Gay began receiving Title II retirement benefits under the false identity, Catherine Smith Lee, in 2006 and subsequently began receiving supplemental security income benefits in 2009. Mr. and Ms. Gay continued to collect benefits from the Social Security Administration until April 2023 when their scheme was discovered by law enforcement.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Gayle Smith Gay to a five-year term of court-ordered supervision to include 240 days of home detention. As a condition of probation, Ms. Gay must pay $132,962.00 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. Ivan Buxton Gay, Jr. pled guilty to the same charges in the Western District of North Carolina and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration and the Department of State. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews prosecuted the case.
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Mother and son tax preparers sentenced to prison for tax fraudRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: The owners of a McDuffie County, Ga., tax preparation service have been sentenced to prison for filing dozens of fraudulent tax returns to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in excess IRS refunds for clients.
Annie Bailey, 67, of Thomson, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and her son Tremarcus Bailey, 43, also of Thomson, Ga., was to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered the Baileys to pay restitution of $683,046 and to each serve three years of supervised release upon completion of their prison terms.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“The Baileys’ business was a breeding ground for fraudulent activity, illegally enhancing their customers’ income tax refunds at the expense of the U.S. Treasury,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Thanks to the investigative work of our law enforcement partners, the Baileys are being held accountable for their criminal behavior.”
As described in court documents and testimony, including the Baileys’ guilty pleas, Annie Bailey owned Bailey’s Tax Service in Thomson, Ga., and her son Tremarcus was an employee. The company prepared income tax returns on behalf of customers since 2000. The business came to the attention of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation in 2017, and a subsequent investigation determined the Baileys used fraudulent and fabricated information when filing tax returns for individual customers in order to illegally inflate the amount of refunds the clients would receive.
The investigation determined that from 2014 to 2018, the fraudulent returns prepared by the Baileys resulted in $683,046 in criminal tax losses to the IRS.
“The sentencings of the Baileys should serve as a notice to dishonest tax preparers that their fraud will eventually be uncovered,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute tax preparers who willfully include false items on tax returns, and this is a reminder to taxpayers to review their return with the preparer for accuracy.”
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry W. Syms Jr.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison After Concealing Father’s Death, Disposing of His Remains to Steal Social Security and Pension BenefitsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Timothy Gritman, 56, of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Cynthia Rufe to 60 months’ incarceration and three years of supervised release for a fraud scheme in which he concealed his father’s death to steal Social Security Administration ("SSA") retirement benefits and New York State pension benefits totaling approximately $204,985. Gritman was also ordered to pay restitution of $83,188 to the SSA and $110,897 to the New York State and Local Retirement System. He had pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of wire fraud and one count of Social Security fraud on February 13, 2023.
Gritman’s father, Ralph, was 79 years old and in poor health when he was last seen alive by relatives at Gritman’s Pennsylvania residence in 2016. In the summer of 2017, Gritman relocated to Wyoming with his father. According to Medicare records, the father’s health benefits were used in September 2017 for an emergency visit to a Wyoming hospital, and then never utilized again.
Investigators believe Ralph Gritman died in or about October 2017, with Timothy Gritman concealing the death from family members and disposing of Ralph’s body in an unknown manner. As Ralph Gritman was never reported deceased, his SSA and pension benefits continued to be paid into a joint account with the defendant from approximately October 2017 to October 2022.
In that time, the defendant made many false statements to government officials to conceal his fraud and enable him to continue stealing government funds, even physically posing as his father numerous times, using makeup to look older.
To date, the defendant refuses to divulge the whereabouts of his father’s remains, which, despite numerous searches, have not been found.
“Timothy Gritman chose dollars and cents over a dignified death for his dad,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “He had been living off of his father Ralph’s retirement benefits for years, even before his father’s passing — and after it, went to significant lengths to keep that money coming in. With today’s sentence, he’s finally being made to answer for his criminal greed.”
“For several years, Mr. Gritman intentionally concealed his father’s passing in a ploy to collect his pension and social security payments,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Today’s sentencing is a reminder that the FBI, alongside our partners, will continue our work to hold those to account who engage in these fraud schemes.”
“Timothy Gritman schemed to obtain the Social Security retirement benefits intended for his deceased father. His behavior is unacceptable, and this sentence holds him accountable for his criminal actions,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I thank our law enforcement partners and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their efforts in investigating, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Curran for prosecuting this case.”
“For over five years, Timothy Gritman orchestrated a sometimes elaborate scheme to steal his deceased father’s Social Security benefits,” said Christopher Nielsen, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service. “In doing so, he concealed from the government and his extended family that his father had passed away. Even at sentencing, Mr. Gritman refused to close the door for his family and investigators and identify the whereabouts of his father’s body. This man not only harmed the Social Security system, but he also brought pain upon his extended family. We are pleased to have assisted the United States Attorney’s Office, the Social Security Office of Inspector General, and the FBI in this investigation, and through our collective efforts, bring some closure to the Gritman family, and to protect the Social Security system.”
“Timothy Gritman shamelessly hid his own father’s death, going so far as to attempt to disguise himself as him in order to collect his pension and Social Security payments for more than four years,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Thanks to the work of my investigative team and our partners in law enforcement, he has been held accountable. My office will continue to bring anyone who seeks to defraud the pension system to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State Office of the Comptroller and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.
Missoula felon sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man with two prior federal felony convictions was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Luke Aldon Hayes, 41, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Hayes had two prior federal felony convictions for firearms-related offenses and was prohibited from possessing guns. On Aug. 9, 2023, while at work in Bonner, Hayes accidently shot himself in the foot and immediately drove to his residence. Law enforcement responded to Hayes’ residence and eventually searched his mother’s car because she was seen moving a black, plastic case from the house to the vehicle. Officers seized the black case, which contained seven handguns. None of the guns had serial numbers and one of them, a .40-caliber pistol, was accompanied by a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 22 rounds of ammunition. In addition, law enforcement recovered additional guns, ammunition and accessories from Hayes in October 2023. In total, law enforcement recovered 14 firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Middlesex County Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation, Online Enticement, and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for allegedly inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos and engaging in sexually explicit conduct over an online chat platform, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jeremy Greenwald, 45, of South Amboy, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, and one count of receipt of child pornography. Greenwald appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2022 through February 2023, Greenwald used an online chat application to communicate with a minor victim located outside of New Jersey. At Greenwald’s request, the minor victim created and sent Greenwald over the online platform images and videos of the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He directed the victim to perform certain sexual activities, even using items Greenwald had purchased and sent the victim to use during the videos, including sex toys and costumes. Greenwald also paid the victim to produce and send to Greenwald the images and videos of the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The sexual exploitation charge is punishable by a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task force, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
greenwald.complaint.pdfMiddlesex County Man Charged with Possession, Receipt, and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey man was charged with possessing, receiving, and distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Francisco Villafane, 37, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with one count of possession, one count of receiving, and one count of distributing child pornography. Villafane was arrested on Feb. 12, 2024, made his initial appearance on Feb. 13, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court, and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2020, Villafane communicated with a minor victim over text message. They lost contact but they communicated again in late 2023. Villafane exchanged sexually explicit content with the victim and solicited explicit material from victim, including videos of the victim engaging in sexual acts at Villafane’s request.
The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography each carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task force, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and the Perth Amboy Police Department under the direction of Chief of Police Larry Cattano, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Rosenblum of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
villafane.complaint.pdfMiddle Georgia Felon Sentenced to Prison for Mailing Guns to ChicagoRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. –A Middle Georgia resident with a felony criminal history was sentenced to federal prison for mailing packages containing handguns to different addresses in the East Side of Chicago.
Khalif Lee aka “Killa,” 29, of Barnesville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 65 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 7. Lee previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of illegally mailing a firearm. Lee is not eligible for parole.
“We have zero tolerance for gun traffickers and will pursue justice in their cases in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the United States Postal Inspection Service and ATF for their ongoing efforts to intercept firearms before they get into the hands of dangerous individuals and criminal organizations plaguing our communities.”
“Among ATF’s top priorities is ensuring that firearms traffickers are aggressively investigated and swiftly brought to justice. This is an excellent example of such an investigation that was worked cooperatively by multiple partner agencies with outstanding results,” said ATF Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.
“This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who decides to maliciously utilize the mail system will be held accountable,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors worked jointly with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal firearms from getting into the hands of individuals that pose a threat to the public.”
According to court documents, United States Postal Service (USPS) workers found a suspicious package addressed to a location in the East Side of Chicago at an Atlanta processing and distribution center on Dec. 23, 2022. The package contained four handguns: a Berretta 9mm pistol, a Springfield XD-9 sub-compact 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol and a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. An investigation found that Lee lived at the sender’s address. A nonlicensee (an individual or organization not licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to buy or sell firearms) may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another state. In addition, handguns are not mailable, but a common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
On Dec. 28, 2022, Lee attempted to mail another package to a different address in the East Side of Chicago. A federal search warrant was issued, and inspectors found the package contained four firearms: a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and a Glock .357 caliber pistol. Lee contacted USPS on Jan. 5, 2023, to inquire about the missing parcel and said that it contained his mother’s personal belongings. A forensic examination of both packages contained Lee’s fingerprints. Lee has a prior felony drug conviction in Gwinnett County, Georgia, Superior Court. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels prosecuted the case for the Government.
Michigan Woman Arrested for Role in Fraud Scheme Involving Theft of over $800,000 in Luxury and Designer Apparel and AccessoriesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging BRANDALENE HORN with mail fraud, wire fraud, and the interstate transportation of stolen property in connection with a scheme to defraud victim clothing rental companies by opening hundreds of accounts to rent women’s apparel and accessories, stealing those rented items, and selling them on an e-commerce marketplace. HORN was arrested this morning in Freeland, Michigan, and she will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Stafford in the Eastern District of Michigan.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Brandalene Horn perpetrated a lucrative scheme in which she defrauded at least three victim companies, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of luxury and designer items, and then sold those stolen items online. Thanks to the work of the prosecutors and investigators of my Office, Horn now faces criminal federal charges for her alleged deceptive behavior and fraudulent activity.”
As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
From at least April 2022 through at least February 2024, HORN engaged in a fraud scheme that involved opening hundreds of accounts with at least three victim companies that offer subscription-based clothing rental services. Those services enable customers to access and rent from the companies’ inventory of apparel and accessories, including luxury and designer items. After receiving rental items, including pieces worth thousands of dollars, HORN kept, instead of returned, the items from the victim companies and sold them on an e-commerce marketplace. HORN’s listings for the stolen items on the e-commerce marketplace often used the victim companies’ proprietary photographs and item descriptions that substantially matched the descriptions used by the victim companies.
An image of HORN’s listing for a stolen designer dress on an e-commerce marketplace is below:
An image of a listing by one of the victim companies for this same designer dress is below:
Although the victim companies attempted to charge HORN for the items she stole, HORN avoided those charges by disputing them with her credit union or canceling the credit and debit cards she had provided to the victim companies. HORN’s fraudulent activity caused the victim companies to flag or close her accounts, but HORN opened new accounts so she could continue stealing and selling luxury and designer goods.
During this period, HORN stole over 1,000 items, valued at over $823,000, from the victim companies and sold over $750,000 worth of stolen items.
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HORN, 42, of Freeland, Michigan, is charged with one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the exceptional investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York State Police and the Michigan State Police for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie L. Dang and Katherine Cheng are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Michigan Man Convicted of Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shauntay Wade, 43 years old, of Niles, Michigan, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon following a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Wade is scheduled for sentencing on June 13, 2024. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Metro Attacker Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Assault at L’Enfant Plaza Metro StationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Neal Pitt, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by D.C. Superior Court Judge Erik Christian following Pitt’s conviction at trial for assault with significant bodily injury.
Pitt was convicted for an attack that took place on the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station platform on March 9, 2021. The verdict was returned on October 30, 2023, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 9, 2021, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Daniel Olsen was traveling on his way to work. Without provocation, Pitt followed Mr. Olsen on the Branch Avenue bound platform, grabbed him by the throat, and slammed him to the ground. Mr. Olsen landed on his right shoulder, resulting in a broken humerus that required surgery and months of physical therapy to repair. Pitt fled the scene but was identified based on CCTV footage, SmarTrip records, and his own statements that placed him at the scene of the crime.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Metro Transit Police Department Chief Michael Anzallo commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kraig Ahalt and Shaniqua Butler, who investigated and prosecuted the case, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Coates Huether, Travis Wolf, Bonnie Lindemann, Sandra Braschi, and Benjamin Bleiberg, who initially investigated the case.