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Friday 12 January 2024
Delaware Man Sentenced to 118 Months in Federal Prison for His Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware announced today that a Wilmington man was sentenced yesterday to 118 months in federal prison for devising a plot to engage in interstate murder-for-hire. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, Javier A. Rodriguez, age 47, hired a hitman to murder his ex-wife. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez held multiple meetings about the murder plot, which were audio and video recorded by the FBI. During those meetings, Rodriguez explained exactly how he wanted his ex-wife murdered. Rodriguez made a down payment of $5,000 to another individual to pay for the hitman and agreed to pay an additional $5,000 once the murder was completed. The FBI arrested Rodriguez before anyone was injured. As a result, the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for the offense was ten years in federal prison.
“Human life is sacred,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. “Law enforcement thwarted Mr. Rodriguez’ craven assassination attempt, and my office worked to bring him to justice. The Court’s sentence reflects the severity of Mr. Rodriguez’s criminal conduct.”
"The FBI is committed to investigating violent crimes such as this," said Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI'S Baltimore Field Office. "The thwarted murder-for-hire plot in this case affirms the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Had it not been for their combined efforts, the consequences could have been tragic. The FBI remains steadfast in our goal of making Delaware's streets safer for everyone."
The case was investigated by the FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force with significant assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, and the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-45-CFC.
Delaware Man Sentenced to 118 Months in Federal Prison for His Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware announced today that a Wilmington man was sentenced yesterday to 118 months in federal prison for devising a plot to engage in interstate murder-for-hire. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, Javier A. Rodriguez, age 47, hired a hitman to murder his ex-wife. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez held multiple meetings about the murder plot, which were audio and video recorded by the FBI. During those meetings, Rodriguez explained exactly how he wanted his ex-wife murdered. Rodriguez made a down payment of $5,000 to another individual to pay for the hitman and agreed to pay an additional $5,000 once the murder was completed. The FBI arrested Rodriguez before anyone was injured. As a result, the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for the offense was ten years in federal prison.
“Human life is sacred,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. “Law enforcement thwarted Mr. Rodriguez’ craven assassination attempt, and my office worked to bring him to justice. The Court’s sentence reflects the severity of Mr. Rodriguez’s criminal conduct.”
"The FBI is committed to investigating violent crimes such as this," said Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI'S Baltimore Field Office. "The thwarted murder-for-hire plot in this case affirms the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Had it not been for their combined efforts, the consequences could have been tragic. The FBI remains steadfast in our goal of making Delaware's streets safer for everyone."
The case was investigated by the FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force with significant assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, and the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-45-CFC.
Defendants Convicted of Trafficking Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl Analogue Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two men today for drug trafficking in the Lafayette area.
United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced James Johnwell, 44, of Crowley, Louisiana, to 71 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiring with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. Johnwell pleaded guilty to the charge on September 19, 2023.
In March and April 2022, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), investigated the suspected drug trafficking activities of Johnwell and his co-conspirators in Crowley. On March 31, 2022, law enforcement agents were made aware of the purchase of cocaine by an individual from Johnwell. On April 19, 2022, a search warrant was obtained and executed at Johnwell’s residence in Crowley. Agents seized approximately 1.2 pounds of marijuana, a bottle of promethazine syrup, approximately 765 grams of cocaine containing fentanyl, and approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride. In addition, agents found and seized 14 firearms and over 59 various rounds of ammunition.
The case was investigated by DEA and HSI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John W. Nickel.
In an unrelated case, Henry Washington, Jr., 26, was sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph to 180 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Washington pleaded guilty on September 26, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl analogue. On December 10, 2021, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted the Opelousas Police Department with a United States Postal Service (USPS) package that contained two kilograms of suspected fentanyl. The package was mailed from an individual in California to a residence in Opelousas. Agents were able to recover the package delivered to the residence and the suspected narcotics were tested by the DEA Southeast Drug Laboratory and tested positive for para-fluorofentanyl, a Schedule I illicit fentanyl analogue.
Washington admitted to conspiring with other co-defendants, Jasmin Coleman and Owen Ozenne to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the para-fluorofentanyl that was delivered to the residence in Opelousas.
The case was investigated by DEA, USPS, and Opelousas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John W. Nickel.
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DEA-Led Investigation Dismantles Albuquerque-Based Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced the results of a law enforcement operation that resulted in fifteen defendants being charged with federal drug trafficking offenses. The operation followed a DEA led investigation into a significant drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque.
During the enforcement operation, law enforcement authorities executed federal search warrants at thirteen residences and seized approximately 102 pounds of meth, 21 kilograms of cocaine, 2.8 kilograms of heroin, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, 34 firearms, and approximately $124,000 in cash. At least 8 of these firearms were “ghost guns,” which lack serial numbers.
During the investigation leading up to the search warrants, law enforcement authorities seized over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of fentanyl.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine between August 19, 2020, and November 29, 2023. Three defendants face additional charges for distribution of a controlled substance within one thousand feet of Wilson Middle School in southeast Albuquerque.
A criminal indictment is only an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face sentences of at least five years in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with the assistance of the Rio Rancho Police Department, the Pojoaque Pueblo Police Department, the Laguna Police Department, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was instrumental in assisting the Drug Enforcement Administration in recovering the 34 firearms referenced above.
The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hirsch and Joseph Spindle are prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding Indictment# # #
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Corporate President and Two Corporations Plead Guilty to 20 Counts of Mail and Wire Fraud in Multimillion Dollar California Excise Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rahman Lakhani of Naperville, Illinois, and his two corporations, N. Ali Enterprises Inc. of Naperville, Illinois, and 21st Century Distribution Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, each pleaded guilty on Thursday to 20 counts of mail and wire fraud in a California excise tax fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Lakhani and the corporate defendants used warehouses in Illinois, Nevada, and California, to move over $25 million worth of non-cigarette tobacco (known as Other Tobacco Products or OTP, such as cigars and chewing tobacco) across the United States and into California.
As the defendants moved the OTP from state to state, they submitted false excise tax returns designed to hide the size and value of the shipments. Ultimately, the OTP was sold into California with the misrepresentation that tax had been paid. In fact, Lakhani and the corporate defendants submitted or caused to be submitted false tax returns to the California Board of Equalization (BOE) and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). As a result of the fraud, Lakhani and the corporate defendants defrauded the State of California of over $5.9 million.
This fraud allowed Lakhani and the corporate defendants to earn additional profit and to undercut competitors who lawfully paid the excise tax. A large percentage of the proceeds of the California OTP excise tax are used to fund California’s early childhood development program, First 5 California.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the former California State Board of Equalization, sections of which are now the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Rosanne L. Rust are prosecuting the case.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on May 16, 2024. Lakhani faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. The corporate defendants each face a maximum potential penalty of five years of probation and a $500,000 fine for each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
- Convicted Felon from Montgomery, Alabama Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison Following Federal Drug and Gun Convictions
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 145 months in Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A convicted felon was sentenced on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Lonnie Dean Hewlett, 30, of Huntsville, to 145 months in prison. Hewlett pleaded guilty in July 2023 to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to a plea agreement, on May 18, 2020, Hewlett, attempting to elude law enforcement, led officers on a chase. During the chase, a female passenger either jumped from or was thrown from a vehicle. Also, during the chase, officers observed the rear passenger throw a black backpack from the vehicle. Once officers were close enough to determine the rear passenger was a child, officers discontinued their pursuit. The bag thrown from the vehicle was recovered and officers discovered a firearm, a loaded 30-round magazine, a loaded 15-round magazine, a 100-round drum magazine, cocaine, and a set of digital scales.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Huntsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pillsbury prosecuted the case.
Colombian National Sentenced for His Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Colombian national was sentenced on January 9, 2024 in federal court in Concord for his illegal reentry into the United States after previously being deported, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jheisson Rizo Suarez, 39, was sentencing by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 24 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Rizo Suarez pleaded guilty to one count of reentry after deportation. On September 18, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty to the illegal reentry charge.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those, like the defendant, who commit violent crimes while in the United States illegally,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said.
On July 9, 2021, the defendant was arrested by the Dover Police Department in connection with a residential burglary in progress. The subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant was illegally in the United States, after having been previously deported on or about January 28, 2013.
The Dover Police Department and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward.
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Child pornography on cell phone sends Billings man to prison for more than four yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conviction of a child pornography crime after he and another individual were arrested when they arrived at a park to meet a fictitious teenage boy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jeffrey Mayes Wilkerson, 40, pleaded guilty in May to possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 14, 2022, in Billings, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old boy received a message on a social media platform from Wilkerson’s co-defendant, Kyle Ray Schwindt. Communications between the undercover and Schwindt turned sexual and were later connected to Wilkerson. The communications led to setting up a meeting in a park on July 15, 2022. Officers arrested Schwindt and Wilkerson when they arrived. Investigators served a search warrant on Wilkerson’s cellphone and found 172 files depicting child sex abuse material. Schwindt was sentenced previously to five years and 11 months in prison for his conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bozeman Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Chicago Financial Advisor Charged with Swindling Clients out of Nearly $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago financial advisor has been charged in federal court with swindling clients out of nearly $1.5 million by soliciting them to invest in purported movie productions.
HELEN GRACE CALDWELL, 58, of Chicago, is charged with wire fraud in a criminal information filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
According to the information, Caldwell worked for a bank as a senior financial advisor. She also established an entity called Canal Productions LLC for the purported purpose of producing movies. From 2014 to 2023, Caldwell solicited various bank clients, including elderly individuals, to invest in her alleged movie productions, knowing that those funds would actually be used for her own personal benefit, the information states. Caldwell persuaded the victims to liquidate their other assets in order to fund her purported movie investments, the information states.
As a result of the scheme, Caldwell defrauded three clients out of approximately $1,480,500, the information states.
The charge was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey B. Rubenstein.
The public is reminded that an information is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Caldwell informationBrownsville Resident Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison and Three Years of Federal Supervised Release for Federal Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan following his conviction for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Deago Lee Eddings, formerly of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment for his federal firearms conviction, with his federal sentence to be served consecutive to the term of incarceration for his state parole violation for the same conduct. In total, Eddings will be incarcerated for at least 45 months for his conduct. Judge Horan further sentenced Eddings to the maximum term of three years of federal supervised release following his incarceration.
Eddings’ violation of federal firearms law occurred on September 16, 2020. Eddings had just completed his state sentence and was on state parole when he incurred this federal firearm charge. Eddings, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to illegally being in possession of a firearm and ammunition in May 2023. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Ann Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Brentwood Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eddings.
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.
Brazilian National Charged with Defrauding Immigrant InvestorsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, which was unsealed today, charging a Brazilian woman with falsely posing as an immigration lawyer and defrauding her clients of approximately $700,000.
According to the indictment, Patricia De Oliveira Souza Lelis Bolin, 29, a resident of Arlington, posed as an immigration lawyer able to help foreign clients obtain E-2 and EB-5 visas to the United States. The EB-5 program provides lawful permanent residency, and possible citizenship, if a foreign national invests substantial funds—typically, a minimum of $1 million—in qualifying job-creating enterprises in the United States.
According to the indictment, on September 22, 2021, Lelis Bolin sent a legal retainer agreement to a victim for help in obtaining EB-5 visas for the victim’s parents. The victim made two initial payments totaling over $135,000 based on Lelis Bolin’s representation that the money was going into a Texas real estate development project that qualified for the EB-5 program. Instead, the victim’s money is alleged to have gone into Lelis Bolin’s personal bank account. Rather than investing the money as promised, Lelis Bolin allegedly used it for a downpayment on her Arlington townhouse, bathroom renovations, and paying other personal expenses, such as credit card debt.
According to the indictment, to cover up the scheme and to obtain more money, Lelis Bolin allegedly provided a victim with a fabricated U.S. District Court pleading with a false case number showing her as the litigating attorney. Lelis Bolin is not a licensed attorney. She is also alleged to have falsified U.S. immigration forms, forged multiple signatures, and created fake receipts from the Texas investment project, all of which she emailed to a victim. Lelis Bolin also allegedly created false personas associated with the Texas investment fund and sent emails from those individuals to try to obtain even more money. The indictment alleges she talked friends into posing as employees of the Texas investment fund in phone calls and video calls with a victim. When a victim finally refused to send her any more money, Lelis Bolin allegedly threatened the victim’s parents with removal from the United States and then referred them to a collections agency.
Lelis Bolin is charged with wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft. Lelis Bolin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if she is convicted of engaging in wire fraud, a maximum 10 years if convicted of unlawful monetary transactions, and a mandatory minimum of two additional years in prison if she is convicted of aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
At the time of publication of this press release, Lelis Bolin is not in law enforcement custody. If any members of the public have information regarding the whereabouts of Lelis Bolin, they are encouraged to contact the FBI’s Washington Field Office at (202) 278-2000 or the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Information may also be submitted online using FBI’s electronic tips form at https://tips.fbi.gov.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell Carlberg and Drew Bradylyons are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-2.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
unsealed_indictment_patricia_lelis_bolin.pdfBillings man sentenced to 25 years in prison for role in large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and a firearms crime as part of large-scale conspiracy in which he obtained pounds of the drug from properties on the Crow Indian Reservation for distribution in the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and Billings communities was sentenced on Jan. 11 to 25 years in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Roderick Plentyhawk, 38, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Plentyhawk was among the top drug dealers in this extensive drug conspiracy and worked with out-of-state traffickers in Washington with connections to one of Mexico’s cartels to bring this highly-addictive poison to two Montana Indian reservations and the Billings community. He dealt in large, pound quantities and carried guns for protection. He belongs in federal prison, which is exactly where he will be for the next quarter century. I am proud of the extraordinary work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners in pursuing and shutting down this far-ranging conspiracy,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents and in court that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking organization that was centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations and the Billings community from about January 2022 to March 2023. Plentyhawk is one of approximately two dozen defendants charged in the conspiracy and was one of the main individuals affiliated with the investigation.
Plentyhawk would receive meth from the Crow Reservation locations and redistribute it in the Northern Cheyenne and Billings communities. He also provided meth to other drug dealers, including to some co-conspirators. In addition, investigators obtained meth from Plentyhawk in controlled purchases. The investigation determined that Plentyhawk was selling significant amounts of meth and was indebted to a main source of supply for somewhere between $20,000 to $30,000, which is the equivalent of approximately four to five pounds of meth. Plentyhawk was directly involved with the most major players in the conspiracy, including those who were bringing drugs from Washington to Spear Siding. Proceeds from the drugs went to Washington and eventually to Mexico. The government further alleged that Plentyhawk went to Spear Siding nine to 10 times, purchased pound quantities and carried guns in his backpack.
When federal law enforcement officers arrested Plentyhawk on March 29, 2023 following a high-speed chase in Billings, Plentyhawk had a stolen, loaded 9mm pistol on his person. Plentyhawk had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Baltimore County Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $300,000 in COVID-19 CARES Act LoansRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Theodore Mouzon, age 42, of Pikesville, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent CARES Act loan applications. Co-defendant Yannice Nunez, age 34, of Baltimore County, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 4, 2024. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also offered an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations. An EIDL advance did not have to be repaid, and small businesses could receive an advance, even if they were not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount was $10,000.
According to their plea agreements and other court documents, Nunez and Mouzon submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for purported businesses which they owned. The applications contained material misrepresentations as to the existence of the business, number of employees and average monthly payroll. Based on the fraudulent submissions and misrepresentations, Mouzon and Nunez ultimately obtained $300,162 in connection with their scheme (with $185,416 in loan funds going to Nunez and $114,746 in loan funds going to Mouzon). Nunez and Mouzon further attempted to obtain more than $373,054 in PPP and EIDL funds for various other purported businesses, but those loans ultimately did not close.
Nunez used the fraudulently obtained funds to, among other things, buy a motorcycle, purchase large amounts luxury goods, travel to Miami, Florida for vacation, and get plastic surgery. Mouzon used the PPP funds for personal expenses and provided a portion of the funds to his girlfriend. The defendants’ use of the funds for those purposes was impermissible under the PPP.
Nunez and Mouzon were arrested on November 14, 2022. Law enforcement searched Mouzon’s residence, a house belonging to his girlfriend, that same day and recovered two loaded firearms—a .357 revolver and a .32 caliber revolver—multiple boxes of ammunition, and body armor. Law enforcement interviewed Mouzon’s girlfriend who stated that there were no guns in the residence. Law enforcement also located $4,945 in cash—proceeds from the scheme—next to a box containing 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition in a dresser in the bedroom. As part of his plea agreement, Mouzon has agreed to waive any right, title and interest in the firearms, ammunition, and body armor.
Mouzon and Nunez each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Nunez on March 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and for Mouzon on April 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley, who is prosecuting the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Annapolis Woman Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Role in Manufacturing Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Laura Garvin, 30, of Annapolis, Md., was sentenced today to 24 months in prison in connection with her role in a drug trafficking group running a fentanyl pill pressing operation in and around Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
Garvin pleaded guilty to a one count information on May 17, 2023, charging her with conspiracy with intent to distribute fentanyl. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered Garvin to serve 24 months of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Garvin helped sell real and fake oxycodone pills. She also sold powder cocaine. In addition to this, she allowed members of the drug trafficking conspiracy to store one of the group’s industrial pill presses at her home along with a tub filled with fentanyl pill making mix after the group’s drug lab was discovered in Laurel, Maryland. The conspiracy started in May 2020 and lasted until September 2022. Garvin admitted that she was accountable for between 40 grams and 160 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
In August 2021, the FBI began investigating a drug trafficking group running a fentanyl pill pressing operation in and around Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Law enforcement learned that the group possessed at least three pill presses – including one industrial rotary pill machine – used to press fentanyl into counterfeit prescription pills. The pills were made to appear as legitimate prescription oxycodone and other prescription drugs which the group then distributed throughout the District and Maryland.
On March 29, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at an apartment stash house on the 1300 block of 4th Street in Southeast Washington, D.C. During the search, agents seized Zip-loc baggies of pills and loose powder, totaling more than 516 pills and more than 76 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Garvin had spent the evening at this location on multiple occasions.
FBI agents arrested Garvin on September 20, 2022. After her arrest, she had been on home confinement while awaiting sentencing. However, she tested positive for cocaine and allegedly continued to sell oxycodone pills. Garvin was removed from pre-trial supervision and taken into custody on November 9, 2023.
Garvin’s boyfriend, Co-defendant Collin Edwards, aka “Chills,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and a charge of identity theft. Edwards, 29, of Largo, Md., is scheduled for sentencing on March 5, 2024.
The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating this case.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin L. Rosenberg of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Wasserman and former Special Assistant United States Attorneys Marnee Rand and Sarah Rasalam assisted in the investigation.
Albuquerque Man Charged with Conspiracy Related to Recovery of Tiger Cub in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Amy Lueders, Acting Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging David Mendoza-Enriquez with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits the transport and sale of certain wildlife, in connection with the tiger cub seized in Albuquerque early last year. Mendoza-Enriquez, aka “Cholo,” 40, of Albuquerque, was also one of 15 defendants charged with drug trafficking in a separate superseding indictment.
According to the indictment, between Nov. 20, 2022, and Jan. 10, 2023, Mendoza-Enriquez conspired with others to import the tiger cub from Mexico into New Mexico and sell it for thousands of dollars.
On January 10, 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, located and seized the tiger cub in Albuquerque after responding to an unrelated call. The tiger cub, now named “Duke,” was transferred to the ABQ BioPark, and later to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.
The following photographs appeared in the indictment to illustrate Mendoza-Enriquez’s possession of Duke. They include a distinctive tattoo on Mendoza-Enriquez’s right hand.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mendoza-Enriquez faces up to 5 years in prison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated this case with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Rio Rancho Police Department, the Pojoaque Pueblo Police Department, the Laguna Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hirsch and Joseph Spindle are prosecuting the case.
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24-18
Albuquerque Man Charged with Conspiracy Related to Recovery of Tiger Cub in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Amy Lueders, Acting Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging David Mendoza-Enriquez with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits the transport and sale of certain wildlife, in connection with the tiger cub seized in Albuquerque early last year. Mendoza-Enriquez, aka “Cholo,” 40, of Albuquerque, was also one of 15 defendants charged with drug trafficking in a separate superseding indictment.
According to the indictment, between Nov. 20, 2022, and Jan. 10, 2023, Mendoza-Enriquez conspired with others to import the tiger cub from Mexico into New Mexico and sell it for thousands of dollars.
On January 10, 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, located and seized the tiger cub in Albuquerque after responding to an unrelated call. The tiger cub, now named “Duke,” was transferred to the ABQ BioPark, and later to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.
The following photographs appeared in the indictment to illustrate Mendoza-Enriquez’s possession of Duke. They include a distinctive tattoo on Mendoza-Enriquez’s right hand.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mendoza-Enriquez faces up to 5 years in prison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated this case with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Rio Rancho Police Department, the Pojoaque Pueblo Police Department, the Laguna Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hirsch and Joseph Spindle are prosecuting the case.
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24-18
Additional defendant pleads guilty in $50 million Ponzi scheme involving off-the-road tiresRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Jersey man who is alleged to have fled to Turkey has returned to the United States and pleaded guilty to his role in a nationwide, off-the-road tire sale fraud scheme that resulted in tens of millions of dollars of losses.
Ahmet Neidik, 64, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire fraud.
Neidik was the co-owner of, and ran the daily operations for, transportation, logistics and importing/exporting businesses. Some of the proceeds of the scheme were sent to businesses controlled by Neidik. Neidik would then wire money to the bank accounts of co-conspirators.
It is alleged that John K. Eckerd, Jr., 58, of Dallas, is the leader of the multi-state conspiracy.
Conspiring with previously convicted and sentenced defendant Jason E. Adkins, 46, of Jackson, Ohio, Eckerd and others orchestrated a $50 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors.
According to Eckerd’s indictment, from 2012 until at least in or around late 2018, Eckerd represented himself to potential investors as an entrepreneur and businessman with expertise in the market for off-the-road tires. Off-the-road tires are over-sized tires that are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Eckerd had control of or access to many corporations allegedly used as part of the scheme.
Co-conspirators allegedly solicited millions of dollars from investor-victims under false pretenses. Investors were told their money would be used to buy off-the-road tires at a steep discount, and that the tires would then be re-sold to a buyer at a much higher rate. Investors were promised a high percent rate of return on investment, generally within 180 days.
It is alleged defendants rarely bought or sold tires, and when they did, they used the same tires as the basis for multiple deals, promising multiple investors that they each owned the same tires.
Defendants corresponded with the potential investors face-to-face, as well as through a combination of phone calls, text messages, and, on occasion, emails. It is alleged they used private planes to showcase their inventory and appear wealthy and successful. Defendants also allegedly provided investors with elaborate, fraudulent paperwork regarding the purported deals. The co-conspirators requested large investments and loans, most to be funded through wire transfers.
With his guilty plea, Neidik admitted to participating in the scheme. To give potential investors confidence in the tire deals, Eckerd and Adkins offered the services of a purportedly neutral third party to arrange shipment of the tires and/or hold investment funds in escrow until certain conditions were met in completing the deal. Neidik allowed Eckerd and Adkins to represent to investors that he was the neutral third party, and on some occasions, entered into escrow agreements with the investors.
As part of his plea, Neidik has agreed to pay $370,000 in restitution for his part of the scheme.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.
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Ada Resident Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault and Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Kalup Allen Born, age 25, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and one count of Possessing Contraband in Prison.
At the plea hearing, Born admitted that on April 24, 2023, while being held as a federal inmate at the Muskogee County Jail, he stabbed a fellow inmate in the neck and head numerous times with a metal shank.
The crimes occurred in Indian country, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Judge Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Born will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Conway and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Thursday 11 January 2024
eBay Inc. to Pay $3 Million in Connection with Corporate Cyberstalking Campaign Targeting Massachusetts CoupleRead the Press Release
BOSTON – eBay Inc., the global ecommerce company, has agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty for an August 2019 harassment and intimidation campaign targeting a Massachusetts couple in retaliation for their online coverage of eBay, and for its obstruction of the investigation that followed.
eBay was charged criminally with two counts of stalking through interstate travel, two counts of stalking through electronic communications services, one count of witness tampering and one count of obstruction of justice and has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, eBay admitted to a detailed recitation of all the relevant facts about its conduct and agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $3 million, which is the statutory maximum fine for these six felony offenses. As part of this resolution, eBay will also be required to retain an independent corporate compliance monitor for a period of three years and to make extensive enhancements to its compliance program.
“eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct. The company’s employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying campaign aimed at silencing their reporting and protecting the eBay brand,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We left no stone unturned in our mission to hold accountable every individual who turned the victims’ world upside-down through a never-ending nightmare of menacing and criminal acts. The investigation led to felony convictions for seven individuals, all former eBay employees or contractors, and the ringleader was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.”
Levy continued, “Today’s criminal resolution with the company imposes the maximum fine that the law allows under the statutes, holding eBay accountable for a corporate culture that led to this unprecedented stalking campaign. The corporate monitoring of eBay will be in place for the next three years and will ensure that eBay’s senior leadership sets a tone that makes compliance with the law paramount, implements safeguards to prevent future criminal activity, and makes clear to every eBay employee that the idea of terrorizing innocent people and obstructing investigations will not be tolerated.”
“Today’s settlement holds e-Bay criminally and financially responsible for emotionally, psychologically, and physically terrorizing the publishers of an online newsletter out of fear that bad publicity would adversely impact their Fortune 500 company. It also puts in place some much needed checks and balances to ensure an overhaul of e-Bay’s corporate culture by requiring it to implement a revamped compliance and ethics program designed to prevent the recurrence of the appalling conduct we uncovered in this case,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home, and while this settlement cannot erase the significant distress this couple suffered, we hope it will deter others from engaging in similar conduct.”
According to eBay’s admissions, between approximately Aug. 5, 2019 and Aug. 23, 2019, Jim Baugh, eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety and Security, and six other members of eBay’s security team targeted the victims for their roles in publishing a newsletter that reported on issues of interest to eBay sellers. Senior executives at eBay were frustrated with the newsletter’s tone and content, and with the comments posted beneath the newsletter’s articles. The harassment campaign arose from communications between those executives and Baugh.
Baugh and his co-conspirators executed a harassment campaign intended to intimidate the victims and to change the content of the newsletter’s reporting. The campaign included sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a book on surviving the death of a spouse, a bloody pig mask, a fetal pig and a funeral wreath and live insects; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car. The harassment also featured Craigslist posts inviting the public for sexual encounters at the victims’ home.
The victims spotted the surveillance team and contacted local police. After learning of the Natick Police Department’s investigation, Baugh made false statements to police and internal investigators, and he and his team deleted digital evidence related to the cyberstalking campaign and falsified records intended to throw the police off the trail.
The seven convicted eBay employees and contractors include Baugh, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison in September 2022; David Harville, former Director of Global Resiliency, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison in September 2022; Stephanie Popp, former Senior Manager of Global Intelligence, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2022; Philip Cooke, a former Senior Manager of Security Operations, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 12 months of home confinement in July 2021; Stephanie Stockwell and Veronica Zea, a former Manager of Global Intelligence and a contract intelligence analyst, respectively, who were each sentenced to one year in home confinement in October and November 2022. Brian Gilbert, a former Senior Manager of Security Operations, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Jodi Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Natick Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.
Winter Park Man Indicted for Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material over the InternetRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kevin Scott Thompson (34, Winter Park) with three counts of receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Thompson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for each of the receipt counts, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession count.
According to court documents, law enforcement seized Thompson’s cellphone during a search of his home following an investigation into his activity of downloading child sexual abuse material from a file sharing program. While forensically examining the cellphone, investigators discovered numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the children depicted in the images and videos were under the age of 12 years old.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.
This case is 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.
Violent Member of ‘No Rats Allowed’ Crew Sentenced to 60 MonthsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Adrian Wade, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession a semi- automatic pistol and ammunition inside a known stash house on the 200 block of K Street, Southwest, when the townhome was raided in November 2021.
The announcement was made January 10 by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Wade to serve five years of supervised release.
Wade pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023, to a charge of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. The sentencing followed a lengthy investigation lead by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU), FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The law enforcement partnership identified a crew of young men operating within on the 200 block of K Street, Southwest, with firearms, large amounts of U.S. currency, and illegal narcotics. The members of the group wore matching insignia on clothing printed with “NO RATS ALLOWED” or “N.R.A.” Wade, aka “AD”, and other members of the N.R.A. crew used several townhouses on the block as stash locations or “trap houses” for narcotics and firearms.
Between May 1, 2021, and continuing until November 3, 2021, members of N.R.A. operated out of a townhome they took over at 215 K Street, Southwest, where they would sell counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl. Members of N.R.A. would refer to the townhome through text messages as the “Dope Hole.”
On November 3, 2021, members of NEU and agents from FBI executed a search warrant at 215 K Street Southwest. Inside the townhome, officers located Wade and multiple other N.R.A. members.
Law enforcement recovered 37 grams of cocaine base, 457 counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl, marijuana, multiple bottles of promethazine, and four pistols. One of those pistols was modified with a “giggle switch,” a device that converted the firearm to function as a fully automatic machinegun. Law enforcement then recovered multiple cell phones belonging to each defendant, and search warrants into those phones revealed and ongoing distribution scheme starting around May of 2021. Subsequent DNA testing performed by FBI’s Laboratory in Quantico confirmed Wade’s DNA on one of the firearms, a Glock 23 pistol.
In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves, SAC Geist, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and MPD.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold, Justin F. Song, and Samuel Frey. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also provided valuable assistance.
Vigo County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Russell Silvers, 59, of Terre Haute, Indiana, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on September 15, 2020, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office Deputies observed Silvers sell 15.5 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $550. On November 17, 2021, Silvers was again observed selling 205.2 grams of pure methamphetamine in return for $3,260.
On January 6, 2022, officers with the Vigo County Drug Task Force arrested Silvers while walking from a local restaurant to his parked Mustang. At the time, Silvers was on bond for two state cases, possession of methamphetamine and criminal recklessness, and had two other pending state cases involving dealing cocaine and methamphetamine.
Investigators located two plastic bags containing 896 grams of methamphetamine mixture inside the trunk of the Mustang. During an interview with investigators, Silvers admitted that he was getting methamphetamine from his source in South Bend once every few weeks and would not travel for less than three pounds at a time.
Over the course of the six months leading up to his arrest, Silvers obtained and distributed approximately 8.164 kilograms of methamphetamine to people in Vigo County.
“The people of Vigo County are safer today because of this prosecution. The defendant is responsible for dealing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into our communities, impacting countless lives and fueling the epidemic of substance abuse,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence demonstrates that major methamphetamine traffickers will face serious consequences in federal court. Our office is committed to partnering with outstanding federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Wabash Valley to take dangerous drugs and dangerous criminals off our streets.”
"When local and federal law enforcement work together, serious criminals are taken off the streets. Russell Silvers was given more than one opportunity to change the direction of his life, but he continued to prey upon our community with his weapon of choice, methamphetamine," said Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. "We applaud the efforts of the Vigo County Drug Task Force and Sheriff's Office in putting together such a strong case against Mr. Silvers. And we appreciate the D.E.A. agents, U.S. Attorney Myers, and his team for their efforts in removing another drug dealer from our streets."
The DEA, Wabash Valley Drug Task Force, and Vigo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program provided valuable assistance and resources to support this operation. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Silvers be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Karwoski who prosecuted this case.
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Victoria resident imprisoned for firing several shots at federal authoritiesRead the Press Release
VICTORIA, Texas – A 37-year-old man has been sentenced for aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly weapon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Mark Anthony Garcia Jr. pleaded guilty Sept. 28, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Garcia to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Dec. 1, 2022, at approximately 9 p.m., law enforcement approached the front door of Garcia’s residence and began to knock, loudly announcing their presence. After receiving no response, authorities attempted to force entry into the home through the front door, which was barricaded with a couch.
Law enforcement then broke the front glass window, made entry, announced their presence again and identified themselves as law enforcement with arrest warrants. They then began searching for Garcia inside of the home.
While in the hallway, authorities heard two gunshots coming from a back room and immediately exited the residence. At the time of the shots, there were a total of six law enforcement officer inside the residence. The shots were fired in close proximity to authorities, placing them in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
They began negotiations which spanned several hours, during which Garcia admitted to having a firearm and threatening to use it. The negotiations failed, and Garcia fired at least five more gunshots from the back bedroom.
Authorities then deployed tear gas into the residence, removed Garcia and took him into custody.
He will remain there pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.
Vicksburg Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced in federal court to serve a total of 50 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2022, Samuel Boyd Slade, Jr., 43, produced images and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Slade was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to victims and a $6,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. Slade was also ordered to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Orench of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Human Trafficking Simulation for Human Trafficking Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina (USAO-MDNC), in partnership with Triad Ladder of Hope and the Lexington Police Department, hosted a simulation for community members, law enforcement, and service organizations to learn about the warning signs of human trafficking and provide resources for victims.
Each year, the Department of Justice recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness month in January in an effort to better educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and bring awareness to the victims. This year, the USAO-MDNC hosted its first human trafficking simulation to allow law enforcement, community members, and service providers a chance to learn more about what it is like to be a victim of human trafficking in order to better serve victims and their families. Over fifty participants from all around the state took part in this event, including service providers, NGOs, churches, medical providers, law enforcement, analysts, and victims’ services. Participants were also given a chance to speak with prosecutors and law enforcement about the government response to human trafficking and what resources are available.
“Human trafficking takes place in every state across the United States, and the public is law enforcement’s most valuable partner in identifying cases and preventing this heinous crime,” said United States Attorney Sandra Hairston. “Our office is proud to host this event to educate members of both the community and law enforcement on the ways to recognize and prevent human trafficking, and we will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking, help is available. The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides free, confidential help, 24/7. Call: 1-888-373-7888; Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE); or Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org/chat. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office to Co-Sponsor a “United Against Hate” Forum at Dover Public LibraryRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, in partnership with City of Dover Mayor Robin R. Christiansen and the Dover Police Department, will host a United Against Hate forum on January 25, 2024, at the Dover Public Library located at 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901. The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Light refreshments will be served.
Launched by the Department of Justice, United Against Hate is an initiative focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes. Endeavoring to create and encourage cooperation and coordination, this forum aims to strengthen trust and build partnerships among community residents, community leaders and law enforcement.
“This forum is an education and awareness opportunity for community residents and community leaders to learn how we can work together to stand up against unlawful hate by identifying, reporting, and preventing acts of hate,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. “It is an honor to partner with Mayor Christiansen on such an important initiative.”
City of Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen stated, “I am deeply honored and appreciative of the partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice on their efforts to bring a forum for discussion and identification of hate crimes. It is imperative in the times we live in, that we are able to learn how we can assist authorities to help identify, prevent and respond to hate crimes. I would strongly urge all of our citizens to take the time to participate in this valuable and timely discussion of the ongoing issue that faces our country.”
“As a part of our community policing mission, it is essential that potential hate crimes are fully investigated so appropriate measures are taken against the offenders. Just as important is our goal of hate crime prevention and supporting healthy communities through education and alternative solutions. Bias, Hate or Discrimination has no place, or space, in Dover,” stated City of Dover Police Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr.
The January 25 event will include remarks from local leaders and presentations from prosecutors and law enforcement about hate crimes laws and reporting mechanisms.
For additional information, please email [email protected]. Media inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].
U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month, Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, along with several members of the office, joined with Lutheran Community Services Northwest on Wednesday, January 10, to honor survivors of Human Trafficking at a community reception at the Spokane’s Central Public Library. Lutheran Community Services is one of the United States Attorney’s Office’s principal partners in fighting human trafficking and advocating for survivors. The program included a training session for victim advocates, and was attended by law enforcement personnel, anti-trafficking advocates, and resource providers from around the region.
From L to R: Jolene Jones, First Assistant United States Attorney Rich Barker, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick, and Michelle SpicerU.S. Attorney Waldref reaffirmed her commitment to the importance of federal prosecutors and community partners working together, “My office routinely partners with trauma-informed service providers to protect victims and survivors by connecting them with the resources and support they deserve. We also seek decades-long sentences for those who are convicted of keeping others enslaved through physical and sexual violence.”
Also this month, Assistant United States Attorney, Ann Wick, who serves as the Human Trafficking coordinator for the Eastern District, will be co-presenting a training for all deputy prosecuting attorneys in Spokane County. This training will focus on identifying the signs of trafficking in drug, property crime or domestic violence cases. The training will help put the focus on the victim’s needs, while also pursuing criminal charges.
Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney Waldref recorded a public service announcement, where she encouraged the public to learn the indicators of Human Trafficking and shared ways in join in the fight to prevent it.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please call the FBI, your local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1- 888-373-7888.
U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and in observance of January 11th as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King renewed the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach.
Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion that is physical and/or psychological. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker.
“Human trafficking is a despicable crime that is happening in our cities, our towns, and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Our notable federal prosecutions speak to our commitment to combat human trafficking and bring traffickers to justice. But there’s more work to be done. That’s why today, and every day, we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners, victim service providers, government entities, private businesses, and the community to combine and strengthen our anti-trafficking efforts. Together, we will ensure that traffickers who exploit human beings for profit are brought to justice, and that survivors receive the protection and assistance they need and deserve.”
To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity.
2022 & 2023 Human Trafficking Prosecutions
In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s anti-trafficking efforts resulted in notable prosecutions that have led to federal charges, convictions, and lengthy prison sentences against individual traffickers:
U.S. v. Batten and King – In December 2023, a federal jury convicted Tawaan Batten, 33, of Charlotte, of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. His co-defendant, Kristi Heather King, 33, of Locust, N.C. has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic a minor. From July 2021 to December 2021, Batten engaged in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina and South Carolina. Batten, who was at times assisted by King, posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites, arranged the minor victim’s sexual encounters with customers, and booked hotel rooms where the encounters took place. Batten kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters and used various physical and psychological ways to control the minor victim, including branding the minor victim with tattoos. Both Batten and King are in federal custody and are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. v. Reynolds – In May 2023, a federal grand jury in Charlotte indicted Yusef Reynolds, 32, of Delaware, with sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion, production of child pornography, transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity, and commission of a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. The indictment alleges that, between December 30, 2021, and January 25, 2022, in Mecklenburg County and elsewhere, Reynolds sex trafficked a victim who was not yet 18-years-old. It is furthered alleged that Reynolds engaged in the sex trafficking of the minor after he was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware for a federal sex trafficking crime involving a 17-year-old victim. The charges against Reynolds are pending and the defendant remains in federal custody.
U.S. v. Hasty – In March 2023, Milton Antonio Hasty, a/k/a “Montana,” 31, of Salisbury, N.C., was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor. From January 22, 2019, to June 5, 2019, Hasty sex trafficked an underage female, knowing the victim was a minor, for his financial benefit. Hasty met the victim through a mutual female acquaintance, and, upon meeting the victim, he took photographs of the victim, posted escort advertisements online, booked hotel rooms, and arranged the victim’s sexual encounters with customers. For over five months, Hasty and the minor victim traveled to various cities throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, where the victim engaged in commercial sex acts. Hasty set up sexual encounters for the minor victim twenty-four hours a day and seven-days a week and kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters.
U.S. v. Blair – On June 27, 2022, Dajuan Akeem Blair, 26, of Charlotte, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. Blair was convicted of causing a minor female to engage in prostitution. The victim was a 16-year-old runaway, and she was introduced to Blair by a mutual friend, also a teenager, who had previously dated the defendant. Blair knew that both females were minors. On December 26, 2018, Blair rented a motel room in Charlotte, where he took pictures of the minors and used the pictures to advertise the minors for sex online. Over the next two days, Blair arranged sexual encounters for the minors and set the prices for those encounters. Blair then took a portion of the minor victim’s earnings from the commercial sex.
U.S. v. Luong – On June 15, 2022, Thuy Tien Luong, 38, of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 15 years in prison after a federal jury found that the defendant compelled the labor of one of her nail technicians at a salon she owned and operated in Davidson, N.C. From October 2016 to June 2018, Luong compelled the victim’s labor by, among other things, physically assaulting the victim, threatening to ruin the victim’s reputation with her family, and falsely claiming that the victim owed Luong a fictitious debt.
U.S. v. McIllwain – On January 26, 2022, Simone Cherelle McIllwain, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor from December 2, 2019, to December 19, 2019. The minor victim was introduced to McIllwain through a mutual acquaintance, and shortly thereafter McIllwain began to advertise the victim online for commercial sex. McIllwain also arranged for the minor to engage in sex acts at McIllwain’s hotel room in Charlotte and the defendant kept a portion of the proceeds. At the time of the offense, McIllwain was on supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction in Florida, for transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
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If you believe you are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or submit a tip online.
You can also contact the Charlotte Office of the FBI at 704-672-6100, or your local law enforcement agency.
U.S. Attorney and ATF Release New Public Service Announcement Warning Against Possession of Machine Gun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division today launched a public service announcement designed to raise awareness on the dangers of machine gun conversion devices, sometimes known as “switches,” “chips” or “auto sears.”
The PSA features United States Attorney Martin Estrada and ATF Los Angeles leadership highlighting the dangers of using illegal conversion devices in firearms and how possession of these devices can lead to federal prosecution and incarceration.
“In the last five years, ATF has recovered more than 31,000 machine gun conversion devices,” said ATF LA Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “These devices are not gun accessories. They are illegal and considered machine guns under federal law. This current machine gun conversion device trend is similar to what we saw when ghost guns emerged more than a decade ago.”
“Protecting the public is our priority and gun ‘switches’ pose a real danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Estrada. “Simply possessing a conversion device can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and law enforcement is committed to eradicating them for everyone’s safety.”
Conversion devices can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in less than 60 seconds. One pull of the trigger can release all the ammunition in the magazine.
The PSA encourages the public to contact the local ATF office if they know someone making, selling or possessing a conversion device. Individuals are also encouraged to contact an ATF office if they need to safely dispose of a conversion device.
Conversion devices are advertised using misleading names and deceptive descriptions intended to avoid detection by law enforcement and defeat protocols used by internet vendors. Often the devices are advertised with the assertion that the purchase and possession of the devices is lawful. This is not true. A conversion device just on its own is considered an illegal machine gun under federal law and cannot be possessed, even without a pistol or rifle. Both the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act regulate machine guns.
The definition of a machine gun under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(23) includes:
- Any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
- The combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun.
The 60-second PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnlJ6HMpkMI
The 30-second PSA: https://youtu.be/XFw7abax_EM
The 30-second radio PSA: https://atf.widen.net/s/sg9mltzxk9/california-psa-30-sec.-radio-spot
U.S. Attorney Hosts Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Southeast RaleighRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley and the Ship Outreach and Community Center hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness Training today to foster education and awareness of this crime. More than 150 individuals from law enforcement and local community service organizations were in attendance for the half-day training, which featured speakers from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and multiple community service organizations that provide support to victims of human trafficking. Attendees also heard from a survivor of human trafficking.
“Raising awareness about human trafficking, a crime that often happens in plain sight, is vital to our efforts to stop it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are using every tool available to combat this heinous crime and want victims to know that there are resources available to support them.”
“We are coming together to work towards ending human trafficking: Unite against the exploitation of lives, as every person deserves freedom and dignity,” said Pastor Christopher Jones of the Ship Outreach and Community Center.
“Investigating human trafficking is a top priority for HSI throughout the United States and internationally. By taking a victim-centered approach, HSI is able to disrupt and dismantle these organizations that seek to exploit the most vulnerable of our society for their own financial gain,” said Kyle D. Burns, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers both North and South Carolina. “Training such as this is paramount in our efforts to tackle human trafficking and encourages strong partnerships throughout both the private and public sector. HSI Charlotte is also proud to partner with the Washington, DC based Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). The CCHT is HSI-led and is the first US government unified, inter-component coordination center for countering human trafficking and special agents will be on hand to discuss HSI’s strategies to combat human trafficking and support victims at this important event.”
“As we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Day around the world, it is important for everyone to be aware that no community is immune,” said Dawn Ferrer, Executive Director of A Safe Place. “It impacts men and women, boys and girls of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds and it is commonly interrelated with domestic violence, substance use and mental illness. In order to ensure survivors are identified and assisted in a trauma informed manner, we must all recognize the signs of this ‘hidden in plain sight’ crime as well as understand the most common vulnerabilities to help prevent victimization from occurring.”
“Human Trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the world,” said Traci Klein, Executive Director of True Justice. “It has surpassed both drug and arms trafficking, and North Carolina is consistently ranked in the top 10 reported cases of human trafficking. It is a global epidemic that is happening right here in our local communities. We cannot sit by and expect others to abolish this heinous crime. There are numerous ways to get involved. Become aware of and share the warning signs, host an awareness event, and donate your time and talents to organizations fighting human trafficking. Together we make a difference.”
Two Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Jose Maria Reyes-Fuentes and his brother Juventino Darinel Reyes-Fuentes pled guilty in federal court to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. Jose Maria, 23, and Juventino Darinel, 29, both Mexican nationals, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, a Border Patrol Agent from the Santa Teresa Patrol Station was pursuing a group of five to seven migrants using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). After a brief search, the agent located Juventino Darinel hiding in a bush. The agent pulled Juventino Darniel out of the bush and began to handcuff him. After the agent had placed the first handcuff on, but before the agent had completed securing him, Juventino Darinel began to resist the agent. During the ensuing struggle, Juventino Darinel shouted, at which time Jose Maria rose up approximately 20 yards away and ran towards the agent with a stick. The agent disengaged from Juventino Darinel, drew his duty weapon, and commanded Jose Maria to stop in Spanish. Juventino Darinel then tackled the agent and climbed on top of him. While he was on the ground, Jose Maria made contact with the agent during the altercation. The agent felt Juventino Darinel reach for his weapon and commanded him to stop in Spanish again. The agent then fired his weapon at Juventino Darniel’s leg. The firearm malfunctioned and the agent lost control of the weapon.
Juventino Darniel disengaged from the agent and Jose Maria wrestled the agent’s weapon from the agent before tossing the weapon away. Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria then mounted the agent’s ATV and drove into the dessert.
Other agents tracked the ATV and located it at the bottom of a mesa. Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria were located on top of the mesa by a Border Patrol helicopter. Agents climbed the mesa and located the two men and arrested them.
At sentencing, Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria face up to eight years in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint View Jose Maria's Plea Agreement View Juventino's Plea Agreement# # #
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Two Men from South Louisiana Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two South Louisiana men on child pornography charges. The two defendants and their charges are as follows:
Bryan Anthony Foote, 50, of Westlake, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 204 months (17 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, on a child pornography charge. Foote pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography on August 17, 2023.
During the months of February and March 2022, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned through their investigation that Foote had received multiple images of minor females, all under the age of 18 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. These images were sexually suggestive and had been exchanged for sexual gratification for both the sender and receiver. Foote admitted to receiving and possessing these images by using the internet.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Richmond.
Brodie Carlton Thibodeaux, 35, of Church Point, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 180 months (15 years) in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for one count of receiving child pornography. Thibodeaux pleaded guilty to the charge on September 19, 2023.
Law enforcement agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) began an investigation after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded by an individual. A search warrant was obtained and on February 10, 2023, law enforcement officers with the LBI and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations executed the search warrant at Thibodeaux’s residence in Church Point. Their investigation confirmed that Thibodeaux was the user of the account that had uploaded the images. As a result of the search of his residence, agents located and seized a cell phone from Thibodeaux’s bedroom. A forensic analysis of that phone confirmed that more than 100 still images and more than 100 videos containing child sexual abuse material were stored on the phone. Thibodeaux admitted to receiving these still and video images over the internet.
The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and LBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.
These cases are part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two men pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms from Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Yesterday, Juan Antonio Duran, 28, of Watford City, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to a federal firearm licensee (FFL), false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms trafficking.
In November 2023, Jose Nicolas Flores, 31, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to an FFL, false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms trafficking.
Both men pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler.
According to related court documents, between May 9, 2023, and May 11, 2023, Duran conspired with Flores to purchase at least three firearms from an FFL in the Northern District of Alabama. Flores, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by specifically stating that he was the actual buyer when in fact he was buying the firearms for Duran. On May 9, 2011, after Duran and Flores traveled into Alabama, Flores attempted to purchase three Barrett .50 caliber rifles from the FFL but was told the transaction was delayed pending completion of a background check. Instead, Flores purchased the FFL’s entire stock of Barrett .50 caliber rifle magazines. Flores paid $2,769 in cash for the 15 rifle magazines. The next day, the FFL called Duran and Flores and informed them that the background was complete, and the transfer could proceed. On May 11, 2023, Duran and Flores returned to the FFL from out of state. Flores recertified the document stating that he was the actual buyer and provided approximately $31,000 in cash before being detained by ATF agents. Flores told the ATF agents that he received the bulk cash from Duran for the purpose of buying firearms for Duran. Meanwhile, Duran was detained while moving their vehicle in anticipation of receiving the rifles. During a search of Duran’s property, agents found a receipt for three Barrett .50 caliber rifles purchased by another person from an FFL in Grimes, Iowa, on April 28, 2023. The purchase was made in cash for $35,843.91.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Homeland Security Investigations provided translation and technical support. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Brittney L. Plyler are prosecuting the case.
Three Men Indicted for Breaking into Dunham’s Sports and Stealing 25 FirearmsRead the Press Release
BAY CITY – A federal grand jury in Bay City returned an indictment yesterday charging Eben Gray II, 19 of Flint, Jermain L. Williams, 18 of Flint, and Donald R. Carson, 21 of Flint, for their role in breaking into a Dunham’s Sports store located in Burton, Michigan and stealing 25 firearms, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining in the announcement was James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division.
The three men were charged with conspiracy to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and to possess stolen firearms, theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, and possession of stolen firearms.
As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, sometime in December of 2023, the three men and others conspired to break into Dunham’s, steal firearms, and then sell those firearms for profit. During the day on December 15, 2023, Gray and Williams went to Dunham’s to learn about their gun shop and to obtain information to assist them in planning the burglary. Later that same day, and into the early morning hours of December 16, 2023, the three men and two juveniles drove to a location near Dunham’s where they parked their car and approached Dunham’s on foot. The group, all of whom were wearing masks, broke a window at the store and forced their way through a metal security gate. Once inside the store, the group broke a glass display case and stole 25 firearms. They placed the firearms into bags and then fled the scene. The indictment alleges that the men later sold or otherwise disposed of the firearms.
“Stealing firearms and putting those stolen guns out on the streets of our community is both reprehensible and dangerous. We will continue to hold to account those individuals who threaten the safety of our communities with their reckless behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Robberies and burglaries of gun dealers represent one of the biggest threats to our community’s public safety. Eben Gray, Jermain Williams, and Donald Carson are nothing more than common-day thugs who put personal greed before the safety of our community. In my experience, said Special Agent in Charge James Deir, “these folks represent the most deserving candidates for Federal prosecution. In the end, they’ll have a lot of time to reflect on their wrongdoing.”
The grand jury also returned an indictment against Gray for possessing a machinegun in a separate incident on December 17, 2023.
This case was investigated by the special agents from the ATF and the Burton Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Turkelson. Anyone with any information on those stolen guns is asked to contact the ATF at 1-800-atf-guns.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Individuals Plead to Staged Automobile Accident ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that both DIMITRI FRAZIER (“FRAZIER”), age 31, of Westwego, Louisiana; ADONTE TURNER (“A. TURNER”), age 25, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“T. TURNER”), age 52, also of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 10, 2024 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. January 10th’s guilty pleas bring the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to 47.
According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, FRAZIER, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. FRAZIER, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud .
These defendants face up to five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a fine of up to $250,000.00. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee is also applicable. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for April 10, 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, all of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Temple Terrace Woman Indicted for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Laela Marme (18, Temple Terrace) with possession of stolen firearms. If convicted, Marme faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, on October 28, 2023, Marme stole five firearms, including four handguns and a semi-automatic rifle, from a victim with whom she was in an ongoing relationship. Multiple photographs and videos were located on Marme’s Instagram account depicting her in possession of the stolen firearms.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sullivan County Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 200 Months in Prison for Overdose of 26-Year-Old WomanRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that STEVEN JONES was sentenced to 200 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas for his distribution of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in the death of Jamie Elliott, a 26-year-old woman from Cochecton, New York. Today’s sentencing followed JONES’s guilty plea on November 29, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Steven Jones sold the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed Jamie Elliott, a 26-year-old mother. Even after Jones’s drugs killed Jamie Elliott, he continued to peddle dangerous opioids. This senseless tragedy could have been avoided, and we will continue to seek lengthy prison terms for those who poison others and add to the death toll of the opioid epidemic.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:
On June 1, 2018, the defendant sold fentanyl-laced heroin stamped “Dorney Park,” to Elliott, the mother of one of the defendant’s children. Ms. Elliott was found dead inside her bedroom the following morning. An autopsy conducted following Ms. Elliott’s death revealed that she had died from a lethal dose of fentanyl. New York State Police (“NYSP”) investigators recovered additional bags of “Dorney Park” fentanyl-laced heroin in Ms. Elliott’s clothing.
Facebook Messenger messages reflected that Ms. Elliott had purchased narcotics from JONES the evening before her death. The day Ms. Elliott’s death was discovered, the defendant deactivated his Facebook account. But the defendant did not stop selling dangerous drugs. Shortly before his September 2, 2018, arrest the defendant obtained 500 more glassine envelopes of heroin for sale.
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In addition to the prison term, JONES, 37, of Monticello, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the NYSP in connection with this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.
Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lewis Reynaldi Cypress, age 39, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment charging him with one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on December 3, 2023, Cypress knowingly possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and rounds of 9mm and .22 caliber ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stilwell Police Department.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.
St. Louis Man Indicted on Armed Robbery, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri was accused in an indictment Wednesday of the armed robbery of a store in October.
The indictment accuses Divontay Scott, 33, of the Oct. 17, 2023, armed robbery of a Family Dollar store in St. Louis. Scott was indicted on three felony counts: robbery, possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The felon in possession charge is punishable by of up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The possession and brandishing charge carries a penalty of at least seven years in prison, consecutive to the other charges.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lake is prosecuting the case.
St. Louis County Man Accused of Two CarjackingsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Jennings, Missouri on Wednesday was indicted in connection with two carjackings in October.
Ahmod Samez Moore, 28, of Jennings, was indicted on two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that Moore stole a Kia Optima at gunpoint on Oct. 5, 2023, in St. Louis County and a GMC Envoy five days later, also at gunpoint, in St. Louis.
The carjacking charges are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The brandishing charges carries a penalty of at least seven years in prison, consecutive to any other charges.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The County Club Hills Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
St. Louis Area Doctors Accused of Illegally Administering Ketamine, Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two doctors from the St. Louis, Missouri area were indicted Wednesday and accused of illegally administering ketamine to patients and fraudulently billing Medicare for certain services related to a psychiatric clinic.
Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali, 53, and Dr. Mohd Azfar Malik, 70, were each indicted on 22 felony counts: conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and to maintain a drug-involved premises, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 12 counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, seven counts of making false statements related to health care matters and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.
The indictment says Dr. Ali, an internal medical specialist, defrauded Medicare when he falsely used Dr. Malik’s name and Medicare billing number to bill for health care services, including annual wellness visits. The indictment also says Dr. Ali illegally administered intravenous ketamine and a nasal spray version of the drug without authorization.
Among businesses owned by Dr. Malik, a psychiatrist, was COPE Ketamine Clinic in south St. Louis County, the indictment says. COPE was created to provide intravenous ketamine infusions for serious mental health illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Malik had a Drug Enforcement Administration registration authorizing him to administer controlled substances but not at the office suite housing COPE, the indictment says. He was also enrolled in the Spravato Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program (REMS), which authorized him to administer the prescription esketamine nasal spray Spravato. Spravato is used to treat treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. Due to the risks of the drug, Spravato is only available through REMS and must be administered under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider who is onsite for at least two hours to monitor patients.
Dr. Ali did not have a DEA registration and thus was not authorized to administer ketamine unless he was being directly supervised by and in the physical presence of a practitioner with a DEA registration, and only if the ketamine was being administered in a DEA-registered location, the indictment says.
Dr. Ali was also suspended from participation in the Missouri Medicaid program in December 2020 and had a duty to report that to Medicare, it says. The indictment says he failed to do so and failed to fulfill his obligation to inform Medicare that he was providing services to Medicare beneficiaries through Dr. Malik's businesses.
The indictment alleges that beginning in December 2020, Dr. Malik and Dr. Ali agreed that Dr. Ali would use Dr. Malik's DEA registration to administer ketamine infusions to patients without direct supervision by Dr. Malik and outside of Dr. Malik's physical presence. Dr. Malik knew that Dr. Ali could not lawfully dispense controlled substances, including ketamine, without Dr. Malik's physical presence and supervision, it says. Dr. Ali and Dr. Malik also determined that Dr. Malik could simply "say hi" to the ketamine patients, typically via telephone, as a purported justification for Dr. Ali handling their ketamine treatment, the indictment says.
The indictment also alleges that Dr. Malik and Dr. Ali unlawfully stored ketamine and esketamine at COPE.
“Our agency is committed to investigating medical providers who undermine our federal health care programs and the well-being of patients by submitting alleged fraudulent claims. This case serves as a reminder that health care professionals have a duty to bill for services and prescribe controlled substances responsibly”, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
"The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Program is dedicated to patient safety and oversight of all medical professionals registered with DEA,” said Diversion Program Manager Kim Daniels, DEA’s lead for the Diversion program in Missouri, Kansas and southern Illinois. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.”
The conspiracy charges each carry the possibility of a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine. The illegal distribution of a controlled substance charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. The false statements charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. The charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $500,000 fine.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting the case.
Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 54 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Heather Horrighs, 44, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 54 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that Horrighs and co-defendant Theodis Parnell jointly planned to rob the Alliance Community Bank located at 6530 North IL-29 in Springfield, IL. On September 13, 2021, Parnell drove Horrighs to the area of the bank where he remained in the vehicle with the engine running. Horrighs then entered the bank with a package that she said contained a bomb. After receiving money from two tellers, Horrighs left the bank and Parnell acted as the getaway driver. The pair stole a total of $12,888 from the bank. Parnell was previously sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
Horrighs was indicted in November 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2023. She has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since her arrest.
The statutory penalties for bank robbery are up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Horrighs and Parnell 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.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today to possessing cocaine intended for distribution.
Hector Quinones, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 9, 2024. Quinones was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2022.
On Jan. 20, 2022, Quinones possessed with intent to distribute 236 grams of cocaine.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Cheryl Clapprood, Superintendent of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Seven Individuals Indicted for Violent Kidnappings in QueensRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging Syed Rubel Ahmed, Shahed Alom, Abu Chowdhury, Anzu Khan and Sultana Razia with one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap John Doe-1; Abu Chowdhury and Iffat Lubna with one count of conspiracy to kidnap John Doe-2. Abu Chowdhury and his wife Lubna were previously charged with kidnapping John Doe-2 in the underlying indictment. The defendants and the victims are members of the same ethnic community in Queens. Ahmed, Alom, Khan and Razia were arrested today and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph M. Marutollo. Abu Chowdhury and Lubna were previously arrested and will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date. A seventh defendant remains at large.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the defendants carried out acts of brutal physical and sexual assault of the victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The defendants allegedly exploited their shared ethnic background with the victims in furtherance of the crimes. I urge anyone who believes they were victims of these defendants to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/report-crime.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Joint Violent Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, for their assistance with the investigation.
“The violent physical and sexual assaults these defendants allegedly inflicted upon the victims they kidnapped were disturbing beyond measure. Violent crimes of any nature have no place in our society, and those who perpetrate such crimes will find themselves facing the full extent of our justice system--the FBI and the FBI New York Joint Violent Crimes Task Force is here to make sure of it,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
“The men and women of the NYPD condemn these deeply disturbing allegations,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “We and our law enforcement partners take extremely seriously all accusations of violence and abuse and remain dedicated to eradicating such criminal behavior from the streets of New York City.”
The March 27, 2023 Kidnapping of John Doe-1 in Jamaica, Queens
As alleged in the superseding indictment and detailed in court filings, over the course of approximately 13 hours on March 27, 2023, Ahmed, Alom, Chowdhury, Khan, Razia and a co-conspirator, abducted and assaulted a victim (“John Doe-1”) off a public street in Jamaica, Queens. John Doe-1 had been walking in the vicinity of 181st Street and Hillside Avenue when Chowdhury allegedly forced him into a Honda SUV. Inside the SUV, Chowdhury began beating John Doe-1 as the co-conspirator drove them around Queens. During the kidnapping, Chowdhury forced John Doe-1 to exit the SUV and filmed the victim standing naked in a residential neighborhood. Ahmed, Alom, Khan and Razia communicated with Abu Chowdhury via cellular telephone during the kidnapping, met Chowdhury at different points throughout the night, and took part in further beating and threats to kill John Doe-1. When John Doe-1 begged for water from the kidnappers, the defendants gave him water laced with a sedative. John Doe-1 later lost consciousness and woke up in a local hospital the day after he had been abducted.
The May 11, 2023 Kidnapping of John Doe-2 in Woodside, Queens
As alleged in the superseding indictment and detailed in court filings, over the course of approximately three days beginning on May 11, 2023, Chowdhury and Lubna abducted and assaulted John Doe-2. John Doe-2 had been waiting to meet Lubna outside a restaurant in the vicinity of 72nd Street and Broadway in Woodside, Queens, when Chowdhury forced John Doe-2 into a minivan and began beating him. During the kidnapping, Chowdhury, Lubna and a co-conspirator took John Doe-2 to a hotel, where Chowdhury sodomized John Doe-2. Chowdhury also made a ransom call to John Doe-2’s father, demanding $20,000 for the victim’s safety. The neighborhood where the abduction occurred is an ethnic community which the defendants exploited in warning the victim that they could easily find him if he cooperated with law enforcement. On the third day of the kidnapping, Chowdhury tied up and blindfolded John Doe-2, leaving him at an abandoned house. John Doe-2 was able to free himself by chewing through his restraints, breaking open a window and asking residents in the neighborhood to call 911.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of all counts, the defendants face a maximum of life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Pak and Vincent Chiappini are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Katrina Batista.
Defendants Previously Charged:
ABU CHOWDHURY
Age: 34
Jamaica, QueensIFFAT LUBNA
Age: 24
Jamaica, QueensNewly-Charged Defendants:
SYED RUBEL AHMED
Age: 43
Jamaica, QueensSHAHED ALOM
Age: 29
Jamaica, QueensANZU KHAN
Age: 28
Jamaica, QueensSULTANA RAZIA
Age: 38
Woodside, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-278 (S-1) (NRM)
Serial Bank Robber Arrested After String of RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Justin Eric Lindsay, 28, was arrested Saturday morning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a string of bank robberies committed between August 12, 2023, and January 6, 2024. Lindsay was charged by federal criminal complaint with committing five bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery.
The complaint alleges that, since August 2023, Lindsay has robbed five banks, including branches of Chase and U.S. Bank. According to the complaint, Lindsay would enter a bank and hand a teller a demand note for money. At four of the robberies, Lindsay claimed he had a gun, although no firearm was ever shown. On Saturday, Lindsay was arrested shortly after robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Mesa.
A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The United States will have up to 30 days from arrest to seek an indictment of Lindsay.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Mesa and Tempe police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Goldberg, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 24-09042MJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-004_Lindsay# # #
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.Seattle man making drug sales in car stolen from Childrens’ Hospital sentenced to eight years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Seattle man arrested in a car that had been stolen from a Children’s Hospital garage, was sentenced on Tuesday January 9, 2024, to eight years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Timothy Robert Laucks, 42, pleaded guilty on September 26, 2023, to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart imposed three years of supervised release to follow the prison term.
According to records filed in the case, Laucks was spotted driving a car that had been stolen at the Childrens’ Hospital parking garage, while the owner was inside with a sick child. The car was taken on October 30th and just days later, on November 4, 2022, Seattle Police spotted the car in the Ballard neighborhood. Officers observed the car for a few hours while the driver, Laucks, drove to various homeless encampments in the Seattle area. At these locations, officers observed Laucks carrying a pizza box and trafficking narcotics to members of the homeless encampments.
Officers followed Laucks, who drove to a downtown grocery store parking lot. When officers pulled their marked patrol car pulled in front of the stolen car, Laucks hit the accelerator crashing into the patrol car. He attempted to flee on foot but was caught within moments.
While running, Laucks attempted to toss his jacket and backpack. Those were recovered by officers. In the jacket was a .40 semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen in Redmond, Washington. In the backpack were multiple narcotics packaged for distribution, including zanax, fentanyl pills, powder, cocaine, meth, and heroin. Laucks had a second handgun and more than $8,000 cash on him when arrested.
Laucks claimed he had purchased the car from someone else and didn’t realize it had been stolen from a family with a sick child, until he saw some medical paperwork in the car. He told officers he had intended to return the car and the paperwork but “got busy making drops,” or drug sales.
Laucks was indicted by the grand jury on March 1st, 2023.
Laucks has multiple prior convictions which prohibit him from possessing firearms, including felony convictions in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. In asking for a nine-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “As a prohibited person, the defendant was precluded from possessing any firearms, let alone using them to traffic drugs. Seattle Police officers observed the defendant peddling drugs thinly disguised in a pizza box to various homeless communities in the city. The defendant’s prior encounters with the criminal system have failed to deter or dissuade him from selling drugs and carrying firearms.”
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
Salem Resident Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem, Mass. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Andrew R. Sorrento, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani to six years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Sorrento pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography.
In July 2022, Sorrento was identified as an individual distributing CSAM via social media and text messages. During a search of Sorrento’s Salem residence on Dec. 9, 2022, his cell phone was seized and found to contain 23 images and seven videos depicting CSAM – including images of a child under 12-years-old.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Calgary (Canada). Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted 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.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Bryan Tamblyn, 40, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison for receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim in the case, and a $5,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment.
According to court records, between July 2018 and August 2019, Tamblyn used a BitTorrent client to knowingly receive thousands of files containing visual depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Some of those files included children under the age of 12.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Repeat Sex Offender from Sun Prairie Sentenced to 18 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Robert D. Sutton, Jr., 52, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 18 years in prison for producing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by a lifetime period of supervised release. Sutton pleaded guilty to this charge on October 3, 2023.
In May 2021, law enforcement received information that Sutton was sexually assaulting Minor A, then age 13, and Minor B, then age 15. As part of the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Sutton’s phone and found numerous close-up images of him assaulting the minors.
Sutton was convicted of assaulting a different minor in 2007, and as a result, he was required to register as a sex offender. He was in violation of that requirement at the time he assaulted Minors A and B in the federal case.
Judge Conley stated that Sutton was calculating and manipulative, and that the most disturbing part of the case was Sutton’s willingness and ability to manipulate both adults and children in order to use the children for sexual gratification. Judge Conley was also troubled that Sutton did not seem to recognize the lifelong injury to his victims due to his actions.
The charge against Sutton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Dane County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anita Boor and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.