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Wednesday 24 January 2024
Charlottesville Man Arrested for Operating East Coast Prostitution RingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Charlottesville, Virginia man, who posted hundreds of commercial sex ads for adult women in various cities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, was arrested early this morning for violating the Mann Act, a federal law that criminalizes the transportation of any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution.
Brian Lamont Turner, 42, was arrested this morning at a home in Charlottesville following a hours-long standoff with police on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of violating the Mann Act.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division announced the arrest.
According to court documents, in February 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received multiple reports from local law enforcement agencies identifying Turner and adult females suspected of engaging in commercial sex acts.
The FBI’s investigation revealed an account on the commercial sex website SkiptheGames.com registered to an email address known to be used by Turner. The account posted hundreds of commercial sex advertisements in various states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
According to court documents, one of Turner’s most recent listings was posted on January 17, 2024, advertising commercial sex in Charlottesville.
Turner controlled all or almost all aspects of arranging commercial sex dates. He created the advertisements, communicated with customers, and scheduled the dates. Text messages show him providing instructions and information to his victims about dates, such as how long the date was scheduled to last and how much money to charge. Turner also transported the adult victims to and from the hotels and often stayed in the hotel parking lot or another hotel room while the victims saw commercial sex customers.
Turner specifically targeted female victims who had drug addictions, recruited them, and used their drug addictions to control them. Turner became the women’s main source of drug supply and threatened to withhold drugs from his victims if they did not complete their commercial sex dates or follow his directions.
In addition, Turner is known to possess a firearm and has used it to compel his victims to follow his instructions.
The FBI is investigating the case. The Charlottesville City Police Department and the Albemarle County Police Department assisted with Turner’s arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Casper man and Greeley woman arraigned on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
Dusty Ronald Harris, age 42, of Casper, Wyoming, and Thelma Faber, age 44, of Greeley, Colorado, were arraigned on Jan. 19. Each defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Trial has been set for Mar. 25 before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper.
Harris and Faber were each detained at the request of the government and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals. If convicted on all charges, each defendant could be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment with no less than three years of supervised release and up to a $2 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This crime is being investigated by the FBI, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case No. 24-CR-20
Cary Man Sentenced to Prison in Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Kumar Arun Neppalli, 57, was sentenced to 44 months in the Federal Bureau of Prison and ordered to pay almost $1 million in restitution to victims in connection with a Ponzi investment fraud scam. Neppalli previously pleaded to guilty to 17 counts of Wire Fraud.
The investigation revealed Neppalli relied on his good standing within the Indian American community in Cary to defraud numerous victims under the false pretense that he would invest their money in a legitimate real estate development in the Orange County area. Neppalli leveraged his employment with the town of Chapel Hill to convince the victims that he had insider knowledge of development plans with respect to the purported real estate. Neppalli would request a specific amount of money within a short timeframe, sometimes the same day, to facilitate closing the transaction. Neppalli promised a return of the principal investment plus a profit within a few months, often asking his victims not to discuss the transaction with other members of the community or referencing a non-disclosure agreement. Neppalli used the funds from these victims to pay back earlier investors who believed that he was returning their original investment and legitimate capital gains.
“Neppalli was a conman running a classic ‘affinity fraud,’ targeting Indian American investors in the Triangle for their hard-earned savings,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “It was a pure Ponzi scheme – stoking false hopes of financial success, but using new investor money to pay off earlier investors, while masquerading those payments as legitimate profits. Investors should beware affinity fraudsters like Neppalli promising outsized returns on short timelines while exploiting membership in a particular religious or ethnic group to gain credibility and target victims.”
“Neppalli swindled members of his own tight-knit community. He pretended to have inside information to make them rich, instead many victims lost their entire life savings. While fraud of this magnitude can have a lasting impact, we hope the time Neppalli must serve in federal prison brings a sense of justice to his victims," said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle announced the sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Triangle Fraud Taskforce led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00347-BO.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced on January 23, 2024, to 25 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Larry Keith Knotts, III, 36, conspired to distribute over 65 kilograms of Methamphetamine. As a part of the conspiracy, Knotts possessed a dangerous weapon and attempted to influence a witness.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Knotts will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, West Burlington Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
British Investor and Billionaire Businessman Joseph Lewis Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of JOSEPH LEWIS to charges of committing securities fraud and conspiring to commit securities fraud through insider trading. LEWIS was arrested in July 2023 and pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke today. In addition, BROAD BAY LTD., a corporate entity owned and directed by LEWIS, pled guilty today before Judge Clarke to a superseding criminal information, regarding its participation in a securities fraud scheme to hide LEWIS’s ownership shares of a pharmaceutical company through a pattern of false filings and misleading statements. In connection with this plea, BROAD BAY LTD. has agreed to pay $50 million in financial penalties, among other penalties, and to continue to cooperate with the Government in this investigation.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s guilty pleas once again confirm — as I said in announcing the charges against Joseph Lewis just six months ago – the law applies to everyone, no matter who you are or how much wealth you have. Billionaire Lewis abused inside information he gained through his access to corporate boardrooms to tip off his friends, employees, and romantic interests. Now, he will pay the price with a federal conviction, the prospect of time in prison, and the largest financial penalty for insider trading in a decade. His company, Broad Bay Ltd., who failed to detect and report this misconduct, has also been held to account and will plead guilty and pay more than $50 million in financial penalties.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictments, Superseding Information, and other filings and statements made in court:
JOSEPH LEWIS is a billionaire businessman and investor who is the principal owner of the Tavistock Group, an international private investment organization. By virtue of LEWIS’s investments in certain companies, he has controlled one or more board of director seats at those companies and has deputized employees to serve on various company boards. In turn, through these employees, LEWIS received material, non-public information about these companies. LEWIS, on multiple occasions over the course of several years, misused and misappropriated this confidential information to provide stock tips to various individuals in his life, including his employees, romantic partners, and friends, as a way to provide them with compensation and gifts. These individuals, in turn, traded on the tips provided by LEWIS for vast personal gain.
In addition, BROAD BAY LTD. and other corporate entities under the direction and control of LEWIS engaged in a scheme to hide LEWIS’s ownership and control shares of a pharmaceutical company through a pattern of false filings and misleading statements. LEWIS and his companies were required to file schedules of share ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) because he was an owner of more than 10% of the stock of Mirati Therapeutics (“Mirati”). LEWIS and entities under his control reported to the SEC that he owned between 16 and 19.99% of the stock, when, in reality, he beneficially owned and controlled more than 19.99% of Mirati stock through offshore shell companies and other entities. As a result of the false disclosure of his ownership, corporate entities under the direction and control of LEWIS were able to exercise warrants in Mirati that they would otherwise not have been able to exercise, at vast financial gain. LEWIS and certain entities under his control falsely swore on SEC filings to incorrect Mirati share ownership totals on at least 13 separate occasions between in or about November 2013 and in or about November 2017. In or about 2018, the Mirati shares held in offshore entities were sold, and then approximately $25 million in proceeds was transferred to an account controlled by BROAD BAY LTD.
As part of the guilty plea of BROAD BAY LTD., LEWIS and BROAD BAY LTD. have agreed LEWIS and his companies will resign and relinquish their control over board of director seats and participation in board of director meetings of any corporation publicly traded in the United States, will cease ownership of certain investments over the five year period of probation, will cooperate with the Government’s ongoing investigation and prosecution, and will pay $50 million in financial penalties, including a $15,586,021 fine and $34,413,979 in forfeiture.
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LEWIS, 86, a British national, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, and two counts of securities fraud, which each carry a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.
BROAD BAY LTD. pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ probation.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also expressed appreciation for the SEC, which previously initiated civil proceedings against LEWIS.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Roos and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.
Boston Man Who Trafficked a Minor Victim in Three States Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex.
Leon Blount III, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of transportation of minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Blount was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023. He has been in custody since September 2022.
“Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is a profound violation of human dignity. The unimaginable harm inflicted upon victims is happening too frequently in our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our dedicated Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit remains committed to bringing traffickers to justice, providing unwavering support to survivors, and relentlessly pursuing those who exploit the most vulnerable.”
“Blount admitted today that he sought out and took advantage of a vulnerable young woman and limited her freedom. This is a pattern we see again and again with human traffickers. Today’s plea brings us another step closer to justice for those he victimized,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.”
Between July and August 2022, Blount transported a 17-year-old victim, Jane Doe 2, from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. Blount met Jane Doe 2 while she was living at a Massachusetts group home for transitional age adolescents. He gave her alcohol and marijuana and recruited Jane Doe 2 to travel out-of-state to engage in commercial sex. While in New York, Blount directed Jane Doe 2 to solicit sex buyers in an area of Brooklyn that is known for commercial sex. Throughout this period, Blount stayed in close contact with Jane Doe 2, using text messages to ensure that she continued to perform sex acts when he was not physically present. To attract more sex buyers, Blount caused Jane Doe 2’s photo to be posted on websites that advertises commercial sex. He then put Jane Doe 2 in hotel rooms in Woburn, Mass. and Hartford, Conn. where he directed her to perform sex acts with buyers to earn more money.
The charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five 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.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit is prosecuting the case.
Billings bank robbery sends Lame Deer man to prison for more than five yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to robbing a Billing bank while armed with a knife and attempting to flee on a city bus was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Elmer Brady, 68, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged that on March 23, Brady entered Stockman Bank in downtown Billings, approached a teller and told her, “I already took care of your security guard.” Brady then wrote on a deposit slip, “This is a …” with the last word being unreadable. Brady slid the note to the teller and demanded $9,000 or else he would kill her. The teller told law enforcement that Brady said he was armed with a weapon and would use it if she didn’t give him the money. Fearing that Brady was going to kill her and others in the bank, the teller gave Brady all the money in her cash drawer, and he left the bank. Brady attempted to leave the area on a City of Billings bus, but a bank guard alerted the bus driver, who ordered Brady to get off. Brady complied and police officers arrested him a short time later as he was walking toward the Billings Public Library. In a search of Brady, officers found a large knife in his jacket pocket and determined he was on state probation. Law enforcement searched Brady’s bag and recovered $6,361 in U.S. currency, a pair of binoculars, rubber gloves and a metal pipe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Arapahoe man sentenced for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and theft from an Indian organizationRead the Press Release
Logan Savage, 43, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and, in a separate crime, 24 months in prison for theft from an Indian organization. These sentences will be served concurrently. The defendant was also ordered to pay $81,922.37 in restitution. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 23.
Savage pled guilty to the assault crime in Oct. 2023. According to court documents, Savage admitted to entering the residence of the victim on Feb. 11, 2023, and then beating and kicking the victim and hitting the victim with a pistol.
Savage pled guilty to the theft of an Indian organization charge in Nov. 2023. According to court documents, the defendant was employed as the Finance Director of Wind River Family and Community Healthcare (WRFCH) in Riverton from July 2022 through May 2023. WRFCH issued the defendant a credit card to use for business expenses. Company policy explicitly prohibited using the credit card for personal expenses. From about Oct. 1, 2022, through Mar. 31, 2023, Savage willfully misused the company credit card to make personal purchases including firearms, furniture, and groceries.
The assault case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore. The theft case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook.
Case No. 23-CR-00034 (Assault) and Case No. 23-CR-00139 (Theft)
Alexandria Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Alexandria man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Rex Jason Sumner, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 12 months and 1 day in prison and 5 years of supervised release.
“Prosecuting violations of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is critical in our effort to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s sentence reinforces this Office’s dedication to protecting the public and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to circumvent their registration requirements.”
“If not for the valuable assistance and resources dedicated to overseeing the deceptive movements of registered sex offenders throughout the country and abroad, offenders such as Mr. Sumner would unknowingly lay dormant in our communities,” proclaimed Deputy U.S. Marshal Andrew Grillo. “This case highlights the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement networks efficiently coming together to resolve an important matter central to public safety.”
“The Alexandria Police Department was glad to be part of this investigation. Sumner is a potentially dangerous individual who thought that he could come and hide in a small town in New Hampshire,” said Chief David Suckling of the Alexandria Police Department. “This was a great collaboration between many agencies, and we were proud to do our share.”
According to Court documents and statements made in Court, Sumner is a Tier III sex offender with a duty to register for life. Sumner was released from prison in Oklahoma in 2018 and had been registering with Oklahoma authorities at an address in Oklahoma despite residing in New Hampshire since early 2023. Sumner would return to Oklahoma periodically to update his registration and continued to represent to authorities that he still resided in Oklahoma.
The United States Marshals Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Alexandria (NH) Police Department, the Plymouth (NH) Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Garvin County (OK) Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
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Alaska charter company pays $900,000 in Klutina River Fire settlementRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Groves Salmon Charters LLC, a fishing guide service in Copper Center, Alaska, paid $900,000 to resolve a lawsuit brought by the U.S. alleging the company negligently ignited the Klutina River Fire in 2019.
The settlement requires Groves Salmon Charters LLC and a fishing guide employed by Groves to pay for damages incurred during the Klutina River Fire.
The wildfire ignited on July 8, 2019, after Groves’ guide started a campfire at or around mile 17 of the Klutina River. Later that evening, an individual reported a large forest fire in the area along the Klutina River. The fire ultimately burned 176 acres of land before it was extinguished by state authorities.
Wildfire investigators determined Groves’ guide started a campfire at or near mile 17 of the Klutina River despite being aware of high fire danger. Investigators determined Groves’ guide caused the Klutina River Fire when he failed to properly extinguish the campfire.
The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection undertook fire suppression efforts. The U.S. Department of Interior BLM, Alaska Fire Service was fiscally responsible for all the fire suppression costs. A multi-agency team of fire investigators from the U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, and BLM conducted the investigation.
“My office wants to recognize the tireless work the State of Alaska put forward to suppress this fire, the work of the U.S. Forest Service investigators to pinpoint the cause of the fire, and the BLM Office of Law Enforcement and Security and the Alaska Fire Service who worked to complete the investigation. This settlement represents the final step in the government’s effort to ensure justice was served in this case,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “As we experience longer fire seasons and more extreme fire behavior, we will hold anyone who ignites wildland fires accountable for the costs of fires they cause on Alaskan lands. We will take all measures to protect and conserve public lands for the use and enjoyment of all.”
“Escaped campfires like this one are at the top of the list for human-caused wildfires on BLM-managed public lands in Alaska,” said BLM Alaska Prevention and Mitigation Program Lead Casey Boespflug. “These fires are often a result of a campfire or warming fire not being fully extinguished or not being built on bare ground or rock. Using a burn pan or fire barrier reduces the likelihood of a fire escaping if built on organic materials, even in wet or cold conditions.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackie Traini and Glenn Shidner, with the help and support of the Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, litigated the case.
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8 People Arrested in Moses Lake on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges and Violent OffensesRead the Press Release
Moses Lake, Washington, - Today, United State Attorney Vanessa Waldref, announced the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD), Border Patrol, and the Washington Department of Corrections arrested eight individuals charged with various federal drug trafficking and violent offenses.
Among those arrested:
• Solomon Valle-Chavarria, Pedro Valley-Chavarria, Jose Mauricio Rodriguez-Sanchez and Paulino Portillo-Orozco were arrested on a 7-count indictment stemming from their methamphetamine distribution activities and unlawful firearm possession, to include a firearm believed to be utilized in a murder that occurred in November 2023 in Montlake Park.
2:24-CR-13-SAB
• Troy S. McLanahan’s residence was searched on January 23, 2024, pursuant to a federal search warrant related to his distribution of drugs out of said residence. During the execution of the search warrant, ATF and MLPD recovered approximately 35 guns, which included assault rifles, short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, as well as high-capacity shotgun banana clips, 3 silencers and more than 1 pound of methamphetamine (pictures below). McLanahan was subsequently charged by criminal complaint.
2:24-mj-39-JAG
• Rebecca A. Jimenez was arrested for her role in an incident on January 21, 2022, where a vehicle was set on fire in the Moses Lake Motel 6 parking lot over a drug debt. Her two co-defendants, Tyler Wallo and David Maybee are currently in state prison serving sentences for unrelated convictions and will have their appearance in federal court on these charges next month.
2:24-CR-4-TOR
• Cameron Ross was arrested for distribution, attempted distribution, and conspiracy to distribute large quantity of fentanyl pills into the Moses Lake community.
2:24-CR-3-TOR
• Nicholas E. Essex was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine into the Moses Lake community. When he was arrested, he was on pre-trial release for state charges of Possession of Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct.
2:24-CR-12-MKD
“During the arrests in these cases, illegal drugs and a large number of firearms were taken off our streets, demonstrating the significant impact that is felt when federal, state and local law enforcement work together,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue our collaborative, focused efforts to combat violent crime issues and make our communities safer and stronger.”
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
An indictment and a complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tuesday 23 January 2024
Woman and Her Two Daughters Convicted in Child Labor Trafficking Conspiracy in Chicago SuburbsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury today convicted a woman and her two daughters on child labor trafficking charges for forcing two undocumented West African children to work in the Chicago suburbs.
NAWOMI AWOGA, 75, of Hazel Crest, Ill., and her two daughters, MARINA OKE, also known as Marina Fandohan, 38, of Country Club Hills, Ill., and ASSIBA LEA FANDOHAN, 35, of Hazel Crest, Ill., were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection two children from the West African country of Benin, one count of concealment of an undocumented immigrant, and one count of forcing labor through threats of serious harm to a victim or another person.
The jury returned its verdicts this afternoon after a two-week trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey did not immediately set sentencing dates.
According to evidence presented at trial, Awoga coached the victims, then age 14 and 12, in Benin to lie to U.S. immigration authorities about their family relationships in order to obtain tourist visas, and then accompanied them into the United States. Once in the U.S., the defendants harbored the victims in residences in the Chicago suburbs of Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest while the victims were forced to provide labor and services for the defendants’ financial gain. The defendants used violence against the victims to force them to work both inside the residences and at a hair salon.
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Mark Woods-Hawkins, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago Police Department, Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking, and the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, Benin. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Tiffany Ardam, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin M. Linsley.
Anyone with information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. More information about the Justice Department’s work to combat human trafficking can be found here.
Woman Sentenced for Gambling Away Pandemic and Economic Crisis LoanRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A woman was sentenced today to 18 months and for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Terence, C. Kern, sentenced Carmen Leann Oliver, 34. Judge Kern further ordered Oliver to 5 years of supervised release and to pay $170,832 in restitution.
According to court documents, from August 2020 through July 2021, Oliver engaged in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by obtaining an Economic Injury Disaster Loan she was not entitled to. She lied on her application and received proceeds meant for the business applicant’s operating expenses. Oliver met the application requirements by claiming she had five employees and revenue prior to January 2020. Once the loan was approved and deposited into her account, Oliver misappropriated funds for personal use including gambling at various casinos.
Oliver was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud
Webster Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Funds from St. Croix Chippewa Indians of WisconsinRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Duane Emery, 65, Webster, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for wire fraud. Emery pleaded guilty to this charge on October 17, 2023.
Between 2015 and 2019, Emery stole over $150,000 from the St. Croix Chippewa Housing Authority, an agency of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. This agency is responsible for providing and maintaining housing for low-income tribal members. The Housing Authority receives more than $1 million each year in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Emery served as the director for the Housing Authority from 2011 until his termination in 2019.
Emery used his position to obtain checks drawn on Housing Authority funds under the pretense that the checks were needed to make payments on a credit card maintained by the Housing Authority. Emery would instead apply the checks to his personal credit card. Emery also obtained checks drawn on Housing Authority funds to make payments on a timeshare property in Florida, and to pay for service on his personal vehicles.
At sentencing, Judge Conley stated that Emery’s sustained criminal embezzlement warranted a period of imprisonment. Judge Conley also took into consideration the length of time Emery stole form the tribe, and the fact that his lack of supervision allowed other employees to steal.
The charge against Emery was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
Washington, D.C. Man Arraigned on Charge of Possessing Stolen Government VehicleRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Andrew Chaves, 24, of Washington, D.C., was arraigned yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. A federal grand jury sitting in Burlington, Vermont returned a one-count indictment on January 18, 2024, alleging that Chaves retained and concealed a stolen U.S. Forest Service vehicle. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Chaves detained pending trial.
According to court records, shortly after December 27, 2023, personnel at the U.S. Forest Service facility in Manchester, Vermont noticed a missing vehicle. GPS data enabled authorities to track the vehicle, a 2018 Jeep Compass, to an abandoned Vermont National Guard facility in Waterbury, Vermont. At that location investigators recovered the vehicle , a pill bottle bearing Chaves’s name, a number of federal and state government license plates, and numerous receipts. When authorities recovered the Jeep, it bore U.S. government license plates assigned to a 2018 Ford owned by the U.S. government that had been reported stolen in November 2023 from a Lodi, New Jersey U.S. Army facility, where investigators had recovered a 2021 Chrysler, also owned by the U.S. government and reported stolen from Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. A latent fingerprint taken from the 2021 Chrysler matched Chaves. When the U.S. Marshals arrested Chaves in Vermont on January 19, 2024, Chaves was driving the stolen 2018 Ford.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Chaves remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime. If convicted, Chaves faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, although the actual sentence will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. General Services Administration, the U.S. Federal Protective Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with assistance from the Vermont State Police and the Manchester Police Department.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Chaves is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Fatal Police Pursuit of James HerndonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against four U.S. Park Police (USPP) officers, in connection with the June 2022 fatal police pursuit of James Herndon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the USPP, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a comprehensive review of the incident. This included a review of witness accounts; physical evidence; body-worn camera, surveillance footage, traffic camera footage, and aerial video footage; police radio recordings; and MPD and USPP reports.
According to the evidence, on June 27, 2022, MPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Herndon, who was riding a three-wheeled vehicle, based upon inaccurate information that he was a wanted homicide suspect. When Herndon fled from the officers, MPD initiated a police pursuit of him. During the pursuit, MPD requested assistance from USPP. After USPP officers joined the pursuit, MPD learned that Herndon was wanted for questioning only, and MPD terminated its pursuit. USPP was not notified of this corrected information and continued to pursue Herndon, who lost control of his vehicle and crashed in a single-vehicle accident a short time later. Herndon was pronounced deceased at the scene.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the USPP officers who were pursuing Herndon at the time of the crash are criminally liable for his death.
Use-of-force investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to charge officers with violations of either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances. This requires evidence that the force used was excessive under the circumstances, and that the officer acted with the specific intent to do something the law forbids. Similarly, for District of Columbia offenses such as second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter, where a person reasonably believes that he is or others are in danger of serious bodily injury, force may be used to defend against that danger.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $20 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE- Va.- United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh announced today that the Western District of Virginia collected $20,747,820.84 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $13,068,847.12 was collected in criminal actions and $7,678,973.72 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Western District of Virginia worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $40,042,441.35 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“My Office is committed to pursuing justice, both criminally and civilly, in order to protect the interests of the United States in every city, town, and county in the Western District of Virginia,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “As federal prosecutors, we have numerous tools we use to ensure that defendants are deprived of the ill-gotten financial gains of their criminal activity. These numbers, along with other metrics, prove that the Western District of Virginia is the wrong place for criminals to operate.”
In July 2023, the Western District of Virginia recovered $4.6 million as part of the settlement in the Health Connect America (HCA) case. HCA, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee with locations in Big Stone Gap and Culpeper, Virginia, agreed to pay $4,611,375 to resolve allegations that it billed Virginia Medicaid for services not provided. Specifically, the allegations involved HCA billing Medicaid improperly for three separate behavioral health services available to children who qualify.
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.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Western District of Virginia, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $19,321,456 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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Collects More Than $7.5 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced today that the Western District of Wisconsin collected $7,596,171.74 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $5,862,991.16 was collected in criminal actions and $1,733,180.58 was collected in civil actions.
“Collecting money owed to crime victims and to the United States in criminal and civil cases is a priority of our office,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Our collections program is committed to holding defendants financially accountable for their illegal activities and ensuring that their debts, particularly to victims, are paid.”
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 United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Wisconsin, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,043,540 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.
Troy man charged with evidence tampering in grizzly bear killingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Troy man was charged this week with evidence tampering related to the shooting and killing of a grizzly bear on his property in 2020 and the discarding of the bear’s GPS collar in the Yaak River, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
An information filed in U.S. District Court on Jan. 22 charges Othel Lee Pearson, 80, of Troy, with tampering with evidence, a felony, and failure to report taking of grizzly bear, a misdemeanor. Pearson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the evidence tampering charge and a maximum of six months in prison and a $25,000 fine on the failure to report charge.
A court date for Pearson’s appearance has not yet been set. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“As alleged, Pearson discarded a GPS collar on a grizzly bear and hid the bear’s claws and an ear tag in an attempt to avoid criminal prosecution for unlawfully killing a grizzly bear. Such conduct is illegal and, as shown here, will result in the prosecution of a federal felony,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The parties informed the court that there is a plea agreement in the matter, and it is anticipated that Pearson has agreed to plead guilty to both charges in the information. The plea agreement calls for the government and defendant to jointly recommend a sentence of three years of probation and an $8,000 fine. In exchange for guilty pleas, the United States agrees not to prosecute another individual in connection with the taking of the grizzly bear, and Pearson agrees to cooperate with the United States regarding the skull of a second grizzly bear discovered on National Forest System lands near his property.
As alleged in court documents, on Nov. 19, 2020, Pearson shot and killed a sow grizzly bear on his residential property, using a .270 rifle. Pearson cut a GPS collar that had been fitted to the bear and discarded the collar nearby in the Yaak River. Pearson also cut paws, ear tags and an identifying lip tattoo from the bear carcass. Pearson then concealed the bear’s claws and an ear tag in a hollowed-out tree on National Forest System land near his residence. As further alleged, Pearson tampered with these identifying objects to impair the criminal prosecution for the unlawful killing of the grizzly bear. Pearson did not report the killing of the grizzly bear to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within five days of occurrence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Tanner is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 24-4.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Tampa Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Enticing A Filipino Child into Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Joshua Friedbauer (61, Tampa) to 15 years in federal prison for enticement of a minor and receipt of child sex abuse material. Friedbauer is also responsible for an Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act assessment of $3,000 and a Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment of $10,000. Friedbauer had pleaded guilty on July 5, 2023.
According to court documents, around June 2021, Friedbauer visited the Philippines and met the impoverished 13-year-old child victim through her mother, with whom Friedbauer shared a romantic relationship. Thereafter, Friedbauer coerced, persuaded, and used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photos of this conduct. In return, Friedbauer gave the child money and other gifts. When the child victim resisted and did not fully cooperate with his requests, Friedbauer continued to pressure and guilted her for more images.
“This predator traveled internationally and exploited the impoverished financial status of a mother and her child to create sexually explicit imagery for his perverse conduct,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “The vile actions of child predators make lifetime victims of their prey and cause irreparable harm. This successful sentencing is a testament to the strength of our global network of law enforcement partnerships, including the Philippine National Police, and our commitment to serve and protect victims of human trafficking and exploitation.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa, with substantial assistance from the Philippine National Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case 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, 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.
Statement of United States Attorney Todd Gee Regarding the Arrests in East Mississippi of over 30 Persons for Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms Possession, and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
I am Todd Gee, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. Today we are announcing the arrests of approximately 40 individuals, who are being charged in 10 federal indictments of large-scale drug trafficking crimes that occurred throughout East Mississippi with connections to Mexico, California, Texas, Alabama, and elsewhere.
The persons arrested today were engaged in trafficking major quantities of dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. They peddled this poison for profit, affecting the lives of so many.
During this investigation, agents seized large quantities of these drugs and uncovered evidence of their trafficking in many forms, such as methamphetamine pills, liquid methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine (“ICE”), powder cocaine, and crack cocaine. These deadly drugs kill tens of thousands of persons every year throughout Mississippi and our nation. Some of these defendants are even charged with committing a methamphetamine drug offense while minors, including a young toddler, were at the location. They choose to harm the health and life of the youngest in our community.
Investigators also seized large amounts of cash and firearms. From one bust alone, agents seized over $48,000 in cash, a semi-automatic weapon, another firearm, numerous rounds of ammunition, and thousands of dollars in narcotics.
The arrests and federal indictments we are announcing today prove the commitment our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have to working together to destroy the networks of large-scale drug traffickers operating in Meridian and the East Mississippi area.
I have a simple message for the drug traffickers in East Mississippi that are still on the streets after today’s arrests: Get out of the business, or like those arrested today, you will eventually spend a large portion of your life behind bars.
To the citizens of Meridian, East Mississippi, and the other areas affected by these traffickers, we hope and expect that these arrests will make your families and community safer. But we need your help to keep making a difference. If you see trafficking and other dangerous crimes going on, say something. Pull aside that police office you trust in church and tell them what you saw, call 911, or report a tip about what you saw to the hotlines maintained by the DEA, HSI, ATF, MBN, and other agencies here with me today.
The large number of arrests made today is the product of several years of cooperation by federal, state, and local agencies. I want to particularly thank the agencies whose leadership is here with me today: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the U.S. Marshal’s Service; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; the
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; the East Mississippi Drug Task Force; the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department; the Newton County Sheriff’s Department; the Scott County Sheriff’s Department; the office of District Attorney Kassie Coleman; the office of District Attorney Steven Kilgore; the office of District Attorney Gregory Griggers; and the Alabama 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.
I thank all of you for joining us here today to announce the product of our teamwork. The Department of Justice looks forward to continuing to work with all of you to fight drug trafficking and violent criminals throughout Mississippi.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis County, Missouri man who had amassed at least 30,000 images containing child sexual abuse material to 78 months in prison.
Daniel Hass, 66, pleaded guilty in August to three counts of possession of child pornography. He admitted using peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download and view child sexual abuse material. In conversations with St. Louis County Police, Hass estimated that he had 20,000 images containing the material and that he had been viewing such materials for about 20 years. Investigators located at least 30,000 images and hundreds of videos containing child pornography, as well as videos Hass had surreptitiously recorded of adult women undressing.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman prosecuted the case.Semi Driver Caught with 40 Kilograms of Illegal Drugs Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a semitrailer driver to 12 years in federal prison after he admitted to hauling nearly 40 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine through southern Illinois.
Ledaniel Russell, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine.
“Heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine all have a dangerous history of infecting individuals and causing harm in communities due to the war on drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the Illinois State Police for interrupting this drug trafficking operation and having the training to detect semitrailer drivers with illegitimate agendas.”
Troopers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on a semitrailer driven by Russell along Interstate 70 in Madison County on Sept. 15, 2022. Following a search of Russell’s trailer, troopers located two large duffel bags concealing a kilogram of heroin, 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl, almost 32 kilograms of meth and nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine.
"The Illinois State Police is committed to stopping illegal drug traffickers and keeping dangerous drugs from flooding and hurting our communities," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Whether it's a trooper on the road or a special agent investigating, ISP is targeting drug traffickers and will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office to put them behind bars.”
In an interview with law enforcement, Russell admitted he planned to deliver the drugs to Michigan, after he stopped in Indiana to deliver his truck’s legitimate cargo. In addition to the 12-year prison sentence, Russell will serve five years of supervised release.
“We know our nations’ freeways are the arteries that bring Mexican cartels’ illegal drugs into our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA, working in lockstep with our partners from the Illinois State Police, will continue to be laser-focused on targeting, disrupting and dismantling the pipelines used to transport deadly drugs so they don’t impact the health and safety of our citizens."
The Illinois State Police and DEA led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
Romanian Man Found Guilty of Stealing Identities of Victims on Public Assistance to Fraudulently Obtain EBT FundsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Romanian man was found guilty by a judge today of stealing victims’ identities to withdraw money from their public-assistance accounts without their permission.
Florin Duduianu, 39, whose last known residence was in Mission Viejo, was found guilty by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb after a two-day bench trial of two counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to evidence presented at trial, in August 2023, law enforcement was conducting an operation to combat Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) fraud at various banks and ATMs in Placentia. Police saw Duduianu, accompanied by a passenger, drive up to a Wells Fargo ATM and make multiple withdrawals on different cards. Based on this information, officers pulled Duduianu over. Duduianu lied to the officers, telling them he was depositing, not withdrawing, money from the ATM.
During a search of Duduianu’s passenger, officers found four Visa gift cards, three Wells Fargo ATM receipts, and $1,850 in cash. The Visa gift cards were encoded with EBT card numbers. Those numbers were run through an EBT database, which showed that they belonged to four different people. Based on the Wells Fargo receipts, Duduianu used two of the cards to make three withdrawals totaling $1,850 from the ATM.
Police contacted the accountholders for the two EBT accounts from which Duduianu made withdrawals. The accountholders said that they did not know Duduianu or his car passenger and did not give permission to anyone to withdraw funds from their accounts.
During a search of Duduianu’s cellphone, law enforcement found dozens of photos and videos related to ATM skimming as well as tools and techniques used to skim EBT information. Law enforcement also found photos of large sums of cash and hundreds of EBT numbers from multiple states. In the chat history of Duduianu’s phone, the government found an article about EBT fraud that was sent from his phone to four other phone numbers.
On another smartphone law enforcement recovered during Duduianu’s arrest, law enforcement found additional videos related to ATM skimming. Phone records and EBT records showed that this phone was used to check the balance of the EBT accounts of the victims in this case, five days before Duduianu withdrew $1,850 from those same accounts.
Previously in this case, Duduianu pleaded guilty on January 5 to three counts of bank fraud and unlawful use of unauthorized access devices.
Judge Holcomb scheduled a March 29 sentencing hearing, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud count, up to 20 years in federal prison for the unauthorized access devices count, and a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to his underlying sentence for each aggravated identity theft count.
The FBI and the Placentia Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section and Diane B. Roldán of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Republic Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Following Shooting at Private PartyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Republic, Mo., man who was providing security at a private party where four individuals were injured by gunfire was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Timothy Johnell Smith, 37, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Smith on Jan. 3, 2024.
The federal indictment alleges that Smith was in possession of a Bear Creek Arsenal rifle between Dec. 31, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2024.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, deputies with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for service at a private party at The Barnhouse in Springfield on Jan. 1, 2024. Smith and his wife had been hired to provide security at the New Year’s Eve party. Deputies were arriving at the scene when another call was dispatched for shots fired at the same location.
Six people were injured; four victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals. A witness at the party told deputies that Smith had attempted to break up a fight involving several people, and had fired an AR-style rifle into the ceiling. Witnesses reported they heard four to five additional gunshots. Deputies found the rifle near a storage area on the upper level of the venue. Deputies interviewed Smith, the affidavit says, who told them he carried the AR-style rifle for “intimidation.”
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Smith has prior felony convictions for burglary, receiving stolen property, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
President of Hair Testing Company Pleads Guilty to Defrauding over 88,000 Customers in Testing ScamRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of KYLE TSUI in connection with a fraud scheme that resulted in sales of approximately $5.9 million worth of fabricated allergy and sensitivity tests to tens of thousands of customers. TSUI pled guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy earlier today, following his extradition from Spain in November 2023.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he has now admitted, Kyle Tsui defrauded tens of thousands of innocent victims, whose health was put at risk with false allergy and sensitivity testing results. Tsui’s company advertised ‘highly-rated’ allergy and sensitivity testing services but didn’t even attempt to test the samples his paying customers sent in, instead directing others to throw the samples in the garbage. Tsui now faces prison time for his brazen scam.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, the defendant’s statements when pleading guilty, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
From September 2018 through April 2019, TSUI orchestrated a scheme to defraud customers of his company, the “Allergy Testing Company,” by purporting to sell food and environmental sensitivity testing services that TSUI knew were not, in fact, being performed. In total, TSUI sold fabricated tests worth approximately $5.9 million to more than 88,000 victims through an online marketplace.
TSUI’s company promoted its “[h]ighly-rated, top selling sensitivity and intolerance test” that “determines how your body responds to 800 different food and environmental items” with just “a small hair sample.” But rather than actually test the hair samples as customers were promised, TSUI directed that the hair samples be discarded in the trash without any laboratory analysis. Customers then received fabricated test results purporting to identify certain foods and environmental factors that were “safe” for them and others that the customers were supposedly “sensitive” to and should avoid.
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KYLE TSUI, 41, of Ontario, Canada, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. TSUI also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $4,165,884.70.
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. TSUI’s sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Williams also thanked the Hyde Park Police Department, the New York State Troopers, the Toronto Police Service, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for their assistance in the investigation, as well as the Government of Spain for working with U.S. authorities to arrest and extradite TSUI to the United States.
If you believe you are a victim of the Allergy Testing Company fraud, updated information regarding the case and victims’ rights, as well as contact information for the victim witness coordinator, is available here.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Qais Ghafary and Benjamin Levander are in charge of the prosecution, which was previously handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Loss.
Polk County Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Scheme to Ship Export-Controlled Firearm Components, Ammunition, and Stolen Credit Cards OverseasRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Polk County, Oregon man pleaded guilty today in federal court to multiple charges stemming from his involvement in a scheme to ship export-controlled firearm components, ammunition, and stolen credit cards to multiple foreign countries, including Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Alan Michael Placzkiewicz, 76, of Falls City, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count each of illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon and delaying or destroying mail.
According to court documents, throughout his involvement in the illegal smuggling scheme, Placzkiewicz operated as a mule, receiving packages containing various items, and as directed by others, shipping them to addresses overseas. Placzkiewicz participated in the scheme knowingly and continued participating after being warned by multiple government officials about his reshipping activity.
In October 2020, Placzkiewicz received two packages in the mail at his residence in Falls City and, following his usual course of action when receiving similar packages, opened them, sent pictures of the items they contained through a portal online, repackaged the items, and shipped them to foreign addresses. In this instance, the packages contained four AR-15-style assault rifle stocks and 1,300 rounds of 6.5mm 139 grain bullets. Placzkiewicz relabeled both packages, declared them as containing “camping gear,” and mailed them to an individual in Moscow, Russia. Both packages were intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Later, in January 2021, Placzkiewicz received a package containing a credit card issued by a bank to an individual without their knowledge. Placzkiewicz repackaged the card as “office supplies” and reshipped it.
On August 2, 2022, Placzkiewicz was charged by criminal complaint with fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, and conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud. Later, on May 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Placzkiewicz with conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, mail fraud, and unlawfully transferring, possessing, or using a means of identification.
Today, Placzkiewicz pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information, filed on November 15, 2023, charging him with illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon and delaying or destroying mail.
Illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Delaying or destroying mail is punishable by up to one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and five years’ supervised release.
As part of his plea agreement, Placzkiewicz has agreed to pay more than $117,000 in restitution to his victims as recommended by the government and ordered by the court. He will be sentenced on April 16, 2024.
This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Rachel K. Sowray, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Sex Offense Against A MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kyle Andrew Umstead, 35, of Douglasville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Umstead must also register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in late March 2022, Umstead began communicating online with a girl he believed to be 14 years old. Umstead admitted that in multiple online conversations he repeatedly told the girl he wanted to take her virginity and regularly described in graphic detail the sexual acts he wished to perform with her. Umstead further admitted that he sent the girl over two dozen photos of his penis and over a dozen videos of him masturbating. Umstead also sent the girl numerous images of pornography depicting adults engaged in sexual activity and women engaged in bestiality with dogs. Umstead admitted that he encouraged the girl to engage in bestiality and incest.
On March 18, 2023, Umstead traveled from Douglasville, Pennsylvania, to Kanawha County, West Virginia. Umstead admitted that he traveled to Kanawha County with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with the girl, including sexual intercourse. Upon his arrival in Kanawha County, Umstead was arrested by law enforcement officers. Following his arrest, officers found videos and images of child pornography on Umstead’s cell phone.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-47.
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Owner of Tax Return Preparation Business Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – A Florida woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for a scheme to file false tax returns and to two years in prison for an unrelated online romance scam. The two sentences are to run concurrently with each other.
According to court documents and statements made in court related to the tax scheme, Iona Coates owned and operated Bits & Bytes Accounting Services Inc., which provided tax preparation and bookkeeping services. Between 2015 and 2020, Coates claimed $228,788 in tax refunds on her individual federal income tax returns by falsely reporting that taxes had been withheld from her income and had been paid to the IRS. Coates further enriched herself by creating nearly 20 sham entities for the sole purpose of filing false tax returns that claimed fuel tax credits. Between 2017 and 2019, Coates prepared and filed 35 such returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court regarding the online romance scheme, in 2020, Coates met two individuals online through a dating website. She subsequently provided them with her bank account information and began receiving money into her account from victims of the scheme. She sent the money she received to them. In December 2020, U.S. Secret Service agents met with Coates and explained that she was acting as a “money mule” in an online romance scheme. As the agents described, the individuals, acting as fake suitors on dating websites, convinced victims to send money to Coates’s bank account. The Secret Service advised Coates to cease participation in the scheme, as the individuals were using her bank account to facilitate their theft. Coates, however, soon thereafter began acting as a money mule for another online romance scammer. Between December 2020 and September 2021, she received $229,376.26 into her bank accounts from victims of the scheme and sent the money to the scammer.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Brian Davis ordered Coates to serve a total of three years of supervised release for both schemes. Judge Davis also ordered Coates to pay approximately $186,288 in restitution to the United States related to the tax charges and $229,376.26 in restitution to the victims of the romance scheme.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the tax scheme and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the online romance scheme.
Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the tax case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frein prosecuted the online romance scheme case.
Owner of Tax Return Preparation Business Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Florida woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for a scheme to file false tax returns and to two years in prison for an unrelated online romance scam. The two sentences are to run concurrently with each other.
According to court documents and statements made in court related to the tax scheme, Iona Coates owned and operated Bits & Bytes Accounting Services Inc., which provided tax preparation and bookkeeping services. Between 2015 and 2020, Coates claimed $228,788 in tax refunds on her individual federal income tax returns by falsely reporting that taxes had been withheld from her income and had been paid to the IRS. Coates further enriched herself by creating nearly 20 sham entities for the sole purpose of filing false tax returns that claimed fuel tax credits. Between 2017 and 2019, Coates prepared and filed 35 such returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court regarding the online romance scheme, in 2020, Coates met two individuals online through a dating website. She subsequently provided them with her bank account information and began receiving money into her account from victims of the scheme. She sent the money she received to them. In December 2020, U.S. Secret Service agents met with Coates and explained that she was acting as a “money mule” in an online romance scheme. As the agents described, the individuals, acting as fake suitors on dating websites, convinced victims to send money to Coates’s bank account. The Secret Service advised Coates to cease participation in the scheme, as the individuals were using her bank account to facilitate their theft. Coates, however, soon thereafter began acting as a money mule for another online romance scammer. Between December 2020 and September 2021, she received $229,376.26 into her bank accounts from victims of the scheme and sent the money to the scammer.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Brian Davis ordered Coates to serve a total of three years of supervised release for both schemes. Judge Davis also ordered Coates to pay approximately $186,288 in restitution to the United States related to the tax charges and $229,376.26 in restitution to the victims of the romance scheme.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the tax scheme and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the online romance scheme.
Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the tax case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frein prosecuted the online romance scheme case.
Orleans Parish Woman Sentenced for Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIELLE REED, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 17, 2024 to 130 months imprisonment, three (3) years supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. REED previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
According to court documents, a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) investigation revealed that REED was a drug dealer who primarily sold crystal methamphetamine. DEA agents utilized a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from REED. On April 19, 2022, DEA agents seized a quantity of methamphetamine and two firearms from REED.
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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA , - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE SMOTHERS, age 41, of New Orleans, plead guilty on January 18, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, SMOTHERS was previously convicted of felony offenses in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He was indicted for possessing multiple firearms on May 17, 2023. He was also charged in the indictment with possessing fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with the intent to distribute as well as possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug distribution.
For the possession with intent to distribute charge, SMOTHERS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge, SMOTHERS faces a minimum of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon charge, SMOTHERS faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each charge, SMOTHERS faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2024.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ASHTON CAUSEY, age 22, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty on January 19, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of the indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged CAUSEY with the illegal possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(o). Count 3 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). Counts 4 and 7 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and (D). Count 5 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Count 8 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c).
Based on his guilty plea, CAUSEY will face the following sentences as to each count:
As to Count 1, CAUSEY faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to years of supervised release. .
As to Count 3, CAUSEY faces up to 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to years of supervised release.
As to Counts 4 and 7, CAUSEY faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and up to years of supervise release.
As to Count 5, CAUSEY faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine , and up to years of supervised release.
As to Count 8, CAUSEY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine , and up to years of supervise release. Any jail sentence imposed in connection with Count 8 must be served consecutive to any other count.
Additionally, as to each charged count, CAUSEY faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY BESSIE, age 30, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty on January 22, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to Counts 6 and 7 of the indictment pending against him. Count 6 charged BESSIE with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Count 7 charged BESSIE with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and (D).
Based on his guilty plea, BESSIE will face the following sentences as to each count:
As to Count 6, BESSIE faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine , and up to three years of supervised release.
As to Count 7, BESSIE faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and not less than three years of supervised release.
Additionally, as to each charged count, BESSIE faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – XAVION WATTS, age 19, a New Orleans resident, was indicted on January 19, 2023 for possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(o).
WATTS faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The indictment alleges that the Glock nine-millimeter pistol he possessed had been converted into a fully automatic weapon.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Britain Man Involved in Coast-to-Coast Drug Trafficking Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. today announced that RAMON RAMOS-ACEVEDO, 48, of New Britain, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to a charge stemming from the large scale trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified suspicious packages that were being to a New Britain address connected to Ramos-Acevedo and his associate, Victor Rodriguez-Gomez, also known as “Calami,” of Desert Hot Springs, California. A court-authorized search of one package, which had been mailed from California, revealed approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and one kilogram of heroin. In July 2022, USPIS investigators in San Bernardino, California, contacted Connecticut investigators to report that a court-authorized search of a package that was addressed to a residence on Willow Street in New Britain revealed eight cell phones. On August 1, 2022, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the package in New Britain and observed Ramos-Acevedo and Rodriguez-Gomez take possession of it.
Investigators identified several additional suspicious packages associated with Ramos-Acevedo and, on August 11, 2022, observed Ramos-Acevedo in California mailing packages to an address in New Britain.
Investigators also developed evidence that Rodriguez-Gomez had an associate who used a van to transport narcotics from California, or another location in the southwestern United States, to addresses in Connecticut associated with Ramos-Acevedo. On August 25, 2022, investigators observed Ramos-Acevedo unloading items from the van in New Britain.
On September 7, 2022, the Connecticut State Police, which was assisting with surveillance, stopped a vehicle that Ramos-Acevedo was driving in Newington for a motor vehicle violation. Rodriguez-Gomez was a passenger in the vehicle. After a K-9 alerted to several items within the vehicle, a search revealed $179,578 in cash and nine cellphones. A subsequent search of a house in Farmington where Ramos-Acevedo claimed he was living resulted in the seizure of an additional $30,426 in cash.
On November 30, 2022, the Iowa State Patrol stopped Rodriguez-Gomez’s associate, who was driving the van that had been identified in August 2022. A search of the van revealed approximately 22 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of fentanyl, which was destined for Ramos-Acevedo in New Britain.
Ramos-Acevedo, who has been detained since his arrest on December 1, 2022, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on April 15.
Rodriguez-Gomez, 48, who has been detained since his arrest on December 4, 2022, pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 4, 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shea on March 8.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The USPIS Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Shan Patel.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: U.S. Attorney and HSI Announce Partnership in Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task ForceRead the Press Release
As part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson is announcing partnership in the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force (TACETT) created by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
TACETT will be proactive on crimes against children relating to the internet including the distribution and production of child pornography, child enticement or exploitation, and human trafficking. The task force will also investigate other child-related cases, including, but not limited to, missing / abducted children, sexting and indecent exposure where children are victims. In addition, the task force will conduct outreach in communities in Oklahoma in an attempt to identify unreported crimes involving children, as well as conducting educational outreach at schools and various youth community organizations.
This partnership will multiply each agency’s resources, authorities, and jurisdictions to prevent, identify, investigate, and ultimately prosecute child exploitation and human trafficking related crimes. This will also enable HSI and its partners to share resources, best practices and intelligence assets thereby maximizing their ability to conduct effective investigations to combat human trafficking and ever-evolving crimes against children.
“This task force is designed to foster closer relationships between the Northern District of Oklahoma and federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement who are actively involved in any child exploitation and human trafficking related investigations,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will do everything within our power to protect victims of child exploitation and human trafficking.”
“Protecting our most marginalized and vulnerable is a major priority for HSI,” said Lester R. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, HSI Dallas. “The creation of this task force will enhance our law enforcement capabilities immensely.”
The TACETT incorporates personnel from HSI Tulsa, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, LeFlore County District Attorney’s Office, Muskogee Police Department, Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office, Pryor Creek Police Department, Skiatook Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, Collinsville Police Department, Owasso Police Department, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Checotah Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Bristow Police Department, Glenpool Police Department, Tahlequah Police Department, Coweta Police Department, Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Osage County Sheriff’s Office, McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
If you or someone you know is a victim of child exploitation or experienced human trafficking, confidential help is available. Resources and contact information for child exploitation is available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Human trafficking resources and contact information is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline Call: 1-888-373-7888; Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE); or Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
Nashville Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal Prison for Assault Committed as an Escaped Federal InmateRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE -- Marchello Shobe, who committed a violent assault after escaping from a federal facility, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for his actions, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
Shobe, 42 of Nashville, Tennessee, had previously been convicted of violent felonies. He was sentenced to ten years in federal prison in 2011 for throwing a Molotov cocktail at an ex-girlfriend.
In March of 2021, Shobe arrived at a halfway house maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and designed to help inmates transition back to civilian life from a prison setting. He escaped from the halfway house barely a month after arriving there. The day after he escaped, on April 21, 2021, Shobe violently assaulted a Nashville woman in a business parking lot in Nashville. Further investigation revealed that he had previously exchanged letters with the woman while he was in prison.
Shobe was later indicted by a federal grand jury and convicted of Escape. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson sentenced Shobe to 32 months in federal prison and ordered that this sentence be served consecutively to the prior sentence Shobe received for assaulting the woman while on escape status. Shobe was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow his prison sentence.
“This defendant has a long history of violence,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions and should send a message that those who escape from federal custody will be prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.”
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Murderer of Deputy U.S. Marshal Sentenced to Life ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Ryan Schlesinger, 31, of Tucson, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Raner C. Collins to life in prison for second-degree murder, plus consecutive sentences of 20 years for attempted murder and 50 years for discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.
In November 2023, a federal jury convicted Schlesinger of second-degree murder of a federal officer, three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer, four counts of assault of a federal officer, and five counts of discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.
On November 29, 2018, deputies with the United States Marshals’ Arizona Wanted Violent Offender Task Force attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant on Schlesinger for allegedly stalking a Tucson Police Department (TPD) sergeant. While the Task Force attempted to execute the arrest warrant, Schlesinger outfitted himself in body armor. Schlesinger refused to exit his residence and opened fire on the deputies who were outside his window. Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White was shot twice in the upper torso and died a short time later.
Prior to the murder, Schlesinger had been in a yearlong dispute with the TPD. Schlesinger sent multiple threatening emails, went to a TPD officer’s parents’ home, and attempted to arrest a TPD sergeant. Despite being under multiple active injunctions against harassment, Schlesinger possessed three firearms in violation of those court-issued injunctions. Schlesinger sent a final threatening email to the TPD hours before the murder. After murdering Deputy White, Schlesinger surrendered to the TPD, wearing the body armor and a ballistic helmet.
Deputy White was 41 years old. He is survived by his wife and four children. He was also a lieutenant colonel with the United States Air Force Reserve. Deputy White was the first Deputy U.S. Marshal killed in the line of duty in Tucson in 66 years.
“The courage of survivors was on display this week in federal court,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “I am grateful to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White for sharing poignant memories of their wonderful son, husband and father; and I am mindful of the valor of the men and women of the Marshals Service.”
“This sentencing finalized the FBI’s efforts to hold Ryan Schlesinger accountable for his senseless act of violence. The diligence and fairness of the legal process has guaranteed Schlesinger will no longer be able to cause harm to law enforcement or members of the Tucson community," said Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI’s Phoenix Field office. "The FBI will not waiver in its pursuit of justice no matter how long it takes."
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White tragically lost his life in the line of duty while bravely safeguarding the community from a dangerous and violent individual,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Van Bayless. “Chase epitomizes the ideals of a dedicated Guardian and compassionate man who extended his help to those in need. His legacy will live on through the United States Marshals Service and his extraordinary family."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah B. Houston and Jane L. Westby, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-02719-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-006_Schlesinger# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Moncks Corner Felon Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Kareem Kashif Jefferson, 34, of Moncks Corner, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after being convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, eutylone, and crack cocaine.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on Feb. 14, 2020, a Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol around 11 p.m. when the deputy stopped to assist what appeared to be a stranded driver on the side of the road with their vehicle. The deputy located a man, later identified as Jefferson, by the vehicle, which had two flat tires. The deputy could smell alcohol and marijuana and he noted signs of impairment in Jefferson’s behavior, such as slurred speech, swaying, and trying to jack up the vehicle, but the jack was not under the car or its frame. The deputy also saw an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. Jefferson said he was going to drive to a church which was nearby, but the deputy instructed him that he could not drive. Jefferson began disregarding the deputy’s instructions and attempted to leave. During the exchange, Jefferson dropped his hands to his waistline area and attempted to manipulate a handgun in his pocket. The deputy could see the magazine, the bottom of the grip, and the magazine well of the gun. Jefferson then removed a gun from his pants and tossed it aside.
After Jefferson was arrested, deputies recovered the gun he discarded, a 9mm pistol. They also located additional guns in the vehicle, along with 223 grams of marijuana and a small amount of crack. Jefferson has previous felony convictions that prevent him from carrying a gun.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Jefferson to 168 months imprisonment, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case.###
Moline Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Moline man was sentenced January 18, 2024, to 25 years in federal prison for Producing, Possessing, and being in Receipt of Child Pornography.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jason Richard Heider, 48, was responsible for producing and receiving child sexual abuse material. Heider pleaded guilty in July of 2022.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Milwaukee Man Convicted of Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 19, 2024, a jury found defendant Samuel L. Spencer, who used the alias “Bin Laden,” guilty of four counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, and one count of Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking following a two-week trial in Milwaukee.
The evidence presented at trial established that between 2005 and 2020, Spencer was a street-level drug dealer who used crack cocaine and heroin, along with false promises of a romantic relationship, to lure female victims to earn money for him by performing commercial sex acts in southeastern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and other midwestern states. The victims testified that Spencer took everything they earned, controlling them with severe physical violence, the threat of withholding drugs, isolation, and other forms of coercion to ensure they complied with his demands.
“The jury’s verdict in this case was the result of tireless work by federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as Mr. Spencer’s victims having the courage to give voice to the trauma they suffered,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, and this case serves as another example of the fact that sex trafficking and labor trafficking can happen anywhere. If you suspect that someone is being trafficked, please report it to law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is staffed around the clock.”
Spencer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing has been set for May 16, 2024, before Chief Judge Pamela Pepper.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with the assistance of the Milwaukee Police Department, the Glendale Police Department, the Oak Creek Police Department, and the Franklin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Julie F. Stewart prosecuted the case.
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Miami cryptocurrency exchanger pleads guilty to running unlicensed money transmitter businessRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The owner of a Miami-based digital currency exchange business pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1960.
Raul Rodriguez, aka raultiovigia, 43, of Miami, Florida, was in the business of converting cash into bitcoin and other digital currency in exchange for a fee. Rodriguez provided these services to the public through an online digital currency exchange platform known as “LocalBitcoins.com.”
According to his plea agreement, Rodriguez exchanged at least $5,047,462 in digital currency from 2016 through 2022; during the first two years of that period, he was the highest-volume trader of digital currency on the LocalBitcoins.com platform in the State of Florida. Rodriguez further admitted that his customers included an online narcotics trafficker and a professional money launderer, both of whom were previously prosecuted in the Southern District of Florida.
Rodriguez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in Miami. He faces up to five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
IRS-CI Miami investigated the case with assistance from FBI, Miami Field Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marx Calderon and Emily Stone are handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20474.
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Mexican Mafia gang member heads back to prison for illegal firearmRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm while a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Alonso Guerrero Garcia pleaded guilty Nov. 3, 2023.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Garcia to serve 120 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Garcia used the firearm to forcibly abduct two individuals at gunpoint before he was apprehended.
On Jun. 3, 2023, authorities encountered Garcia when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling the wrong way down a one-way street at a high rate of speed.
Garcia, a known Mexican Mafia gang member, was in the rear seat of the vehicle. During a search, authorities discovered a Springfield Armory Champion 9mm pistol with gold grips and Aztec markings under the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Authorities also discovered photographs of Garcia holding the distinctive firearm.
Further investigation revealed Garcia had been previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in addition to convictions for aggravated assault and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm per federal law.
Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marck and Liesel Roscher prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.
Paulo Santos, a/k/a “Bucky,” 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy), possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024.
According to court documents, Cameron Street is a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Cameron Street members possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds.
As part of his role in the gang Santos, and another Cameron Street member, assaulted and robbed a rival gang member outside the Dorchester District Court on Dec. 6, 2019. In a video posted on Snapchat later that day, Santos identified the victim as a Wendover gang member and encouraged his fellow Cameron Street member to attack the victim.
At the time of Santos’ arrest, approximately 900 grams of cocaine, 500 grams of marijuana, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and $15,597 in cash were seized from his stash house in Hingham.
Santos was previously convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm in Suffolk County, for which he served a four-to-five-year state prison sentence.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Running Child Sexual Abuse Material WebsiteRead the Press Release
An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday to life in prison for his involvement with a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, William Michael Spearman, 58, of Madison, was the lead administrator of the website, which had been operating for many years. The website included a section devoted to the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, a section devoted to images and videos depicting children being subjected to pain and torture, and a section devoted to avoiding detection by law enforcement, among others. As the lead administrator, Spearman managed numerous other “staff” members, directed them on how to help run the site, recommended other users for promotion, kept records of child sexual abuse material advertised and distributed over the site, presided over staff meetings, praised and scolded users, and counseled users and other managers about the functions and expectations of the website. Spearman also advertised and distributed over the website images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On June 12, 2023, Spearman pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. The following defendants have also been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement with the same website:
Defendant
Residence
Case Status
Selwyn David Rosenstein
Boynton Beach, Florida
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm Good
Silver Springs, Nevada
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston Boyles
Clarksville, Tennessee
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden Garrell
Raleigh, North Carolina
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison Martin
Tahuya, Washington
Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 2 in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Joseph Robert Stewart
Milton, Washington
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18 in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Trial Attorneys Kyle P. Reynolds and William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted this case.
Substantial assistance for these cases was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Western District of Wisconsin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Running Child Sexual Abuse Material WebsiteRead the Press Release
MIAMI – An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday, in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to life in prison for his involvement with a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, William Michael Spearman, 58, of Madison, was the lead administrator of the website, which had been operating for many years. The website included a section devoted to the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, a section devoted to images and videos depicting children being subjected to pain and torture, and a section devoted to avoiding detection by law enforcement, among others. As the lead administrator, Spearman managed numerous other “staff” members, directed them on how to help run the site, recommended other users for promotion, kept records of child sexual abuse material advertised and distributed over the site, presided over staff meetings, praised and scolded users, and counseled users and other managers about the functions and expectations of the website. Spearman also advertised and distributed over the website images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On June 12, Spearman pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. The following defendants have also been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement with the same website:
Defendant
Residence
Case Status
Selwyn David Rosenstein
Boynton Beach, Florida
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm Good
Silver Springs, Nevada
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston Boyles
Clarksville, Tennessee
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden Garrell
Raleigh, North Carolina
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison Martin
Tahuya, Washington
Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2024, in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Joseph Robert Stewart
Milton, Washington
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2024, in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Kyle P. Reynolds and William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted this case.
Substantial assistance for these cases was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Western District of Wisconsin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-CR-80173.
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Man Found with Drugs, Guns, and Explosives Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Wash. - On January 23, 2024, U.S. Senior District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced James Daniel Bacon, 35, of Colbert, Washington, to 140 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine, to be followed by 5 years on supervised release. Bacon will serve an additional 12 months in federal prison for violating his supervised release conditions from an underlying 2011 case, for a total of 152 months of imprisonment.
According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents developed information that Bacon was in possession of methamphetamine and heroin. Following his arrest, federal agents searched a storage unit that Bacon was using to store drugs and weapons. Agents found 2 pounds of methamphetamine, a body armor plate carrier and plates, a velcro “police” patch for the plate carrier, several weapons including an AR-15 style rifle with a large capacity magazine, a plastic tub with more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, 5 pounds of C-4 plastic explosives, and handcuffs.
“Mr. Bacon was a repeat offender who continued to distribute poison in our neighborhoods. He also had access to weapons and military-grade explosives that he could use to harm others,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “I am thankful for our law enforcement partners whose efforts removed dangerous narcotics and weapons from our streets to build a safer and stronger community.”
“DEA’s primary mission is to protect Americans from those who would poison and harm our citizens,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Bacon clearly is a drug trafficker capable of great harm, not only through his drug distribution enterprise, but also his possession of weapons, body armor, police paraphernalia, and explosives. This is a dangerous person that the combined efforts of law enforcement partnered to take into custody. The sentence shows our unified resolve to mitigate these threats.”
“Mr. Bacon’s disregard for the safety of the community in which he distributed drugs resulted in his sentencing to prison, where he belongs.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The danger he posed was greater than the illegal drugs he distributed, but also in his procurement of weapons and explosives which further aggravate the severity of his crimes. This case demonstrates the positive impact the FBI and our partners make when we work together to safeguard our communities.”
“We are thankful that DEA was able to stop Mr. Bacon when they did,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Not only was he distributing drugs while possessing firearms, but it is also clear that he may have had further intentions to harm the community through the use of police paraphernalia and a significant amount of explosives. This sentence is clearly reflective of the harm he has, and could have, caused.”
This case was investigated by the DEA Spokane Task Force, DEA Coeur d’Alene Task Force, assisted by the ATF, FBI and the Spokane Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Cashman.
2:20-cr-0084-RMP
Local gang member imprisoned for trafficking over 900 grams of heroin and various narcoticsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced following his conviction of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Arturo Bazan pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2023.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Arturo Bazan to serve 228 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court viewed evidence from the crime scene and reviewed Bazan’s gang activities on social media. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the crime and its negative impact on the community.
In 2023, authorities began investigating a local heroin distributor which ultimately led authorities to Bazan and his associates operating out of a Corpus Christi residence.
On Aug. 9, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bazan’s residence, at which time they discovered over a kilogram of meth, three kilograms of cocaine, over 900 grams of heroin and more than $20,000. They also found other controlled substances such as alprazolam pills, Xanax and marijuana.
They also recovered multiple firearms throughout the residence, to include a Ruger 5.7 handgun and an Anderson Arms AM-15 in Bazan’s bedroom. Those two firearms were each loaded with a full magazine.
Further investigation revealed Bazan was a local gang member who distributed narcotics on both an individual and large-scale basis.
Bazan 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 and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.
Lake County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tyran Terrell Harris (24, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harris faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal grand jury had indicted Harris on December 12, 2023.
According to the court records, Harris has multiple prior state felony convictions, including grand theft, tampering with a witness, and grand theft auto. On September 25, 2023, officers from the Leesburg Police Department observed Harris walking around an apartment complex with a loaded firearm. Knowing Harris was a convicted felon from previous interactions, the officers arrested him and took possession of the firearm. A record check showed the firearm had been reported stolen approximately two weeks earlier. Harris subsequently admitted to the officers that he knew he could not possess the firearm as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
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.