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Wednesday 10 January 2024
Big Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Big Lake woman has pleaded guilty to her role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Sharon Denise Ross, 53, was the executive director of House of Refuge Twin Cities, a St. Paul-based non-profit which she enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and Sponsor A. Ross claimed that House of Refuge operated distribution sites at a dozen locations throughout the Twin Cities that served food by a vendor called Brava Café, a restaurant in Minneapolis run by Hanna Marakegn. Between September 2021 through February 2022, Ross falsely claimed to be serving thousands of children each day at her House of Refuge sites. In total, Ross fraudulently claimed to have served nearly 900,000 meals and received approximately $2.4 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Ross distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to family members and used the rest of the money to fund her lifestyle, including to pay for vacations to Florida and Las Vegas, to purchase a suite at a Minnesota Timberwolves game, and to purchase a house in Willernie, Minnesota.
Ross, who is the 17th defendant to plead guilty to charges relating to the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, appeared today in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Chelsea A. Walcker, Matthew S. Ebert, and Harry M. Jacobs are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Reginald Alphonso Hopkins, age 52, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, today to two years in federal prison, followed by one year of home confinement as part of three years of supervised release, for a wire fraud conspiracy relating to the submission of fraudulent claims for the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The 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 sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
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 his plea agreement, Hopkins fraudulently obtained $1,007,224 in PPP funds and $9,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds for various purported businesses he controlled—a transportation business, a car sales business, and an assisted living facility. He also attempted to fraudulently obtain more than $3,132,224 in PPP and EIDL funds.
As detailed in the statement of facts submitted as part of the plea agreement, between June 11, 2020 and March 23, 2021, Hopkins, with the assistance of a co-conspirator submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for Prestige Executive Transportation, Prestige 24/7 Auto Sales & Services LLC (“Prestige 24/7”), and Prestige Assisted Living Inc. (“Prestige Assisted Living”), all businesses owned by Hopkins. Each loan application contained multiple material misrepresentations, including as to the number of employees and average monthly payroll. Fabricated IRS tax forms and bank records were also submitted in support of the loan applications. In fact, IRS tax records reveal that none of the companies reported paying wages to any employees.
Based on the fraudulent submissions, the PPP loans were funded. Approximately $291,090 was distributed to Prestige Transportation’s bank account; approximately $294,771 was distributed to Prestige 24/7’s bank account; and approximately $421,363 was distributed to Prestige Assisted Living’s bank account. All the bank accounts were controlled by Hopkins. Hopkins agreed to pay the co-conspirator a kickback payment for his work in submitting the false applications. Hopkins provided the co-conspirator: a check for $58,000, approximately 20 percent of the PPP loan amount for the Prestige Executive Transportation loan; eight checks totaling $75,000 or 25 percent of the Prestige 24/7 loan; and five checks totaling $44,000 or approximately 10.5 percent of the Prestige Assisted Living loan.
Hopkins admitted that he spent the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds in various ways unrelated to job retention or other business expenses, including the $177,000 in kickbacks paid to the co-conspirator, providing PPP funds to various friends, family members, making large cash withdrawals for himself, and paying off various personal debts. Hopkins also used $30,000 of the PPP funds to purchase an auto body repair shop called B&G Auto Repair LLC, for which he planned to obtain a fraudulent PPP loan.
In addition to obtaining the PPP loans discussed above, Hopkins also conspired with the co-conspirator to fraudulently obtain PPP loans for various other purported businesses, including Prestige Executive Protection Services, LLC, Prestige Paradise Promotions, LLC, Prestige Executive Protection Services II, LLC, Prestige Real Estate & Development, LLC, and B&G Auto Repair LLC. Hopkins repeatedly sought the co-conspirator’s assistance in obtaining PPP loans for these entities, but the loans never closed.
Hopkins further admitted that he caused to be submitted numerous fraudulent EIDL applications, including for Prestige Executive Transportation and Prestige Executive Protection Services II. Both of those loans, as well as others, were ultimately declined, but Hopkins received an EIDL advance of $5,000 and $4,000, for Prestige Executive Transportation and Prestige Executive Protection Services II, respectively.
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 for their work in the investigation and thanked the Baltimore County Police Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”). Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Riley, who prosecuted the federal case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna 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 and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Appleton Woman Charged with Producing & Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 4, 2024, a federal criminal complaint was issued alleging that Charlotta A. Belgum (age: 38) of Appleton, Wisconsin, produced and distributed child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(b).
According to the criminal complaint, between approximately December 2021 and June 2022, Belgum produced CSAM of a minor child which she then shared with a male acquaintance in Texas via the internet. The complaint further alleges that Belgum frequently engaged in online conversations on a “fetish” website centered around the sexual abuse of children. Belgum faces a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the production charge. She also could be fined up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Appleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security, Milwaukee Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Tuesday 9 January 2024
Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force announces series of trainingsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about all forms of trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force is kicking off a series of training conferences to educate members of law enforcement, the legal community, and non-government organizations that provide services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.
The first training conference is scheduled for tomorrow, January 10, 2024, from 9:00 am-12:30 pm at Jamestown Community College, Hultquist Library Building Lenna Theater, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY, 14701.
The conference will cover a victim-centered approach to identifying, investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases and responding to trafficking victims and survivors. Presentations will include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, domestic violence and child trafficking, and services and resources that are available for victims and survivors. Additional conferences will be held in the coming weeks and months throughout the Western District of New York.
According to a proclamation from President Biden declaring January 2024 as Human Trafficking Prevention month, more than 27 million people around the world endure the abuse of human trafficking and forced labor, including thousands of people right here in the United States. For more information on sex and labor trafficking, including services and resources, go to: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/human-trafficking/overview.
The Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and International Institute of Buffalo, brings together law enforcement and social and legal service agencies to collaborate on human trafficking cases. The Western District of New York includes the 17 counties: Allegany; Cattaraugus; Chautauqua; Chemung; Erie; Genesee; Livingston; Monroe; Niagara; Ontario; Orleans; Schuyler; Seneca; Steuben; Wayne; Wyoming; and Yates.
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Washington County man pleads guilty to exploiting minors locally & internationallyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Lower Salem, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to crimes related to exploiting minor victims in Ohio and in the Philippines.
James A. Sabolick, 58, admitted to bringing a minor from West Virginia to his hunting cabin in Washington County to engage in illicit sex acts. Sabolick also admitted to sending money to Filipino women for their basic living expenses in exchange for child sexual abuse material.
Sabolick pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor and one count of possessing child pornography. As part of his plea, the parties involved in his case have recommended a sentence of 25 years in prison.
“This case shows that we are dedicated to working across all levels of law enforcement to hold people accountable for their crimes, no matter where they exploit their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Our priority is putting perpetrators like Sabolick behind bars for significant periods of time so that they can no longer prey on the vulnerable.”
“Our law enforcement priority will always be to protect the most vulnerable, especially children in our communities,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “Our laws also protect children in other countries from Americans looking to sexually exploit them. HSI special agents will continue to leverage our international footprint to hold those violators accountable.”
“This predator fed his sick desires at the expense of vulnerable children,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “Excellent work by our human trafficking task forces and federal partners to end his evil exploitation.”
According to court documents, on July 24, 2021, Marietta police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that Sabolick was driving. Sabolick told officers he was alone while attempting to conceal a minor female, who officers discovered in the back seat.
Further investigation conducted by the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Sabolick had driven the minor from West Virginia to a cabin near his residence in Washington County to engage in various sex acts with the minor.
Some of the sex acts involved abuse such as needle pokes, lighter burns, restraints, strangulation and urination. Items recovered from Sabolick’s hunting cabin and vehicle included panty hose, lubricant and a box of t-pins. Sabolick photographed the minor victim during the sexual abuse.
Court documents detail that Sabolick had met the minor victim when she was approximately 13 or 14 years old. Sabolick possessed several communications and nude images of the minor victim on his phone.
Additional forensic review of Sabolick’s electronics and social media accounts revealed he had communicated with Filipino women he knew through prior trips to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014. In recovered Facebook chats, the women requested money from Sabolick for basic living expenses like food, utility bills, tuition, etc. In exchange, Sabolick requested sexually explicit images of their minor children and offered to send them money for the child sexual abuse material.
For example, in December 2020, Sabolick sent money to a Filipino woman for images of her daughter’s genitalia. Financial records from Paypal, Western Union, Xoom and Moneygram all revealed numerous transactions to the Philippines totaling more than $1,000, including to the Filipino women identified in the investigation on the same days that Sabolick was requesting child pornography from them.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Washington County Sheriff Larry R. Mincks and Marietta Police Chief Katherine Warden announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by both the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which are operated under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
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Virginia man admits to selling ghost guns in the Eastern PanhandleRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Michael Reckert, 29, of Purcellville, Virginia, has admitted to possessing and selling privately-manufactured and unregistered firearms.
According to court documents, Reckert was advertising and selling the firearms on social media. Reckert was found with a privately manufactured short-barreled AR-15 style rifle that wasn’t registered.
As a part of the plea agreement, Reckert will forfeit dozens of firearms, firearms parts, rounds of ammunition, and tools.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; and the Loudon County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Virginia Animal Breeders Surrender Approximately 200 Dogs and CatsRead the Press Release
Two North Chesterfield, Virginia, animal breeders, Elena Mikirticheva and Andrey Mikirtichev, recently surrendered approximately 200 dogs and cats following court-ordered injunctive relief secured by the Justice Department, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), for alleged, pervasive mistreatment of the animals in their possession.
U.S. District Judge David J. Novak for the Eastern District of Virginia ordered the relief to replace a temporary restraining order after considering a joint agreement by the United States and the defendants. Following entry of the court order, around 45 dogs and cats were surrendered to USDA, which placed the animals in Virginia shelters and rescue organizations for adoption. The agencies then worked with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, which seized the remaining animals, more than 150, and placed them with the Humane Society of the United States.
Subsequently, the Justice Department filed a consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to permanently ban Mikirticheva and Mikirtichev from Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensure or registration. The USDA filed a corresponding consent decision and order in its administrative enforcement proceeding that includes more than $300,000 in civil penalties and permanent AWA license revocation. Both filings were approved.
In August, the Justice Department filed a complaint and motion for temporary restraining order alleging that Mikirticheva and Mikirtichev, licensed under the AWA, had received over 50 AWA citations for failing to provide adequate shelter, medical and other care, and access to USDA APHIS inspectors, thereby placing the health of their animals in serious danger. The filings alleged that, over the course of two years, APHIS inspectors repeatedly found animals in need of veterinary care. The defendants would delay seeking veterinary care, and, even when animals were seen by a veterinarian, the defendants would fail to follow the veterinarian’s advice. The filings further alleged that APHIS inspectors found animals in cages smaller than AWA requirements and others that were seemingly dehydrated or malnourished due to dominant or aggressive behavior displayed by animals with whom they should not have been housed. APHIS inspectors also allegedly observed junk, waste and/or hazardous materials in areas accessible to the animals.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Deputy Administrator Dr. Roxanne Mullaney of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Care Program made today’s announcement.
USDA APHIS investigated and referred the case as well as removed and secured placement for animals surrendered to it from the facility. The Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife & Marine Resources Section filed the complaint, preliminary injunction motion, and consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The federal case is United States v. Elena Mikirticheva and Andrey Mikirtichev, No. 3:23-cv-552.
Utah Man Sentenced to 26 Months’ Imprisonment for Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Jason Grace, 54, of St. George was sentenced to just over two years’ imprisonment followed by three years supervised release after he admitted to a credit union robbery. The sentence was ordered by United States Federal District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2023, Grace entered a Mountain America Credit Union (MACU) in St. George. Grace handed the teller a note which read “this is a robbery” and directed the clerk to provide $4,400 in lower denominations. The teller gave Grace ten $100 bills and Grace fled in a two-door black Chevy Silverado with black rims and a tonneau cover on the bed. St. George Police Department officers and FBI agents responded to the scene and began investigating and alerted surrounding neighboring law enforcement of the robbery and provided descriptions of the suspect and the Chevy Silverado. The next day, Mesquite police officers spotted a matching Chevy Silverado with a Utah plate in the parking lot of the Virgin River Casino. A records check of the vehicle determined it belonged to Grace and photos confirmed it was the getaway vehicle. Investigators also identified Grace as the suspect by comparing his driver's license photo to surveillance from the robbery and photos on social media. Grace, who was a guest at the casino, was served a search warrant and his hotel room and vehicle were searched. Officers located clothing that matched what Grace wore during the robbery. Grace was arrested and admitted to chewing up the robbery note and spitting it out the window as he was driving. He told officers that after obtaining the money, he purchased two money orders, a pool cue he recently pawned, paid his back rent, and fled to Mesquite with the remainder of the money.
“No individual should be threatened or intimidated at their place of business,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “This was not a spontaneous act of violence, but instead something Mr. Grace carefully considered for approximately a week. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who acted quickly and carefully.”
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency, St. George Police Department and the Mesquite Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Burton of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Lawsuit Against Franklin County Jail Alleging It Discriminated Against Officer with Lyme DiseaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that it filed a lawsuit charging Franklin County Jail (the Jail) with violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit alleges that the Jail unlawfully terminated a correctional officer whose disability substantially limited her ability to walk, stand, concentrate, and sleep. The correctional officer sought, but was denied, a modification of the Jail’s policy that a probationary employee could only have two unscheduled absences during her probationary period. Although the Jail initially provided the employee an accommodation, it later relied on the absence policy to terminate her.
“Employers must make reasonable accommodations so that employees with disabilities can earn a living,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Lyme Disease creates debilitating health issues for numerous Pennsylvanians yearly, and employers should find reasonable solutions to allow employees with any kind of disability to work and not terminate them because of that disability. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to enforce civil rights laws and ensure equal employment opportunities for all.”
Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified individual on the basis of disability in regard to the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees; employee compensation; and other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. An employer may not demote, terminate, or deny employment opportunities to an employee who is otherwise qualified if the demotion or termination is based on the need to make reasonable accommodations for the employee.
The U.S. Employment Opportunity Commission, Philadelphia District Office, found that the Jail violated the ADA and referred the matter to the Department of Justice. The United States is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, Civil Rights Coordinator, and Attorney Kimberly Scheckner of the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section.
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
The complaint alleges unlawful conduct, but the United States must still prove that allegation in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit and Law Enforcement Partners Jointly Release Public Service Announcement in Recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation DayRead the Press Release
BOISE – Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, along with the Idaho Sheriffs Association, the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association, the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, and the Idaho State Police, released a public service announcement, available here, in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The PSA highlights the wonderful collaboration that Idaho’s law enforcement community enjoys with each other and the impact that community support has on law enforcement as a whole. This PSA showcases Idaho’s natural beauty and the peace and prosperity of its communities. A short version of the PSA is available here.
City Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei (Past President of the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association President), Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz (President of the Idaho Sheriffs Association), Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Chief Sam Abrahamson, and Idaho State Police Director Colonel Kedrick Wills, and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit participated in the filming of this PSA. Together, they highlight the strong law enforcement partnerships in Idaho and law enforcement’s commitment to keeping Idaho a safe and wonderful place to call home or visit.
“Like our state, Idaho law enforcement is strong,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “But we all share in the responsibility of creating safe and supportive communities. So we invite you to be a part of our team by respecting and supporting our officers in uniform. Together we will ensure that Idaho continues to offer peace and tranquility for all.”
"Law enforcement partnerships in Idaho are the bedrock of our commitment to ensuring that the Gem State remains safe for everyone,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills, Director of the Idaho State Police. “The collaboration between agencies reflects our collective dedication to upholding the values of safety, security, and community well-being."
U.S. Attorney Hurwit expressed his gratitude to all the law enforcement agencies who partnered in sharing this message and to law enforcement throughout the entire state who are committed to safeguarding our comminutes and achieving justice through their hard work and professionalism.
If you have a tip or information about crime in your community, please visit FBI.gov or contact local law enforcement in your community.
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U.S. Attorney Buchanan honors law enforcement officers on National Law Enforcement Appreciation DayRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Annually, January 9th is observed and commemorated as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and is observed across the country. Today we honor the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers who selflessly serve our communities, often risking the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“We thank law enforcement officers in the Northern District of Georgia who faithfully risk their lives to protect our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “These brave men and women put on a badge each day, knowing that they may face dangerous situations while carrying out their duties and are frequently the target of violence and abuse. Despite these challenges, they continue to serve with the utmost dedication and commitment and are unfaltering in working tirelessly to protect and serve the public.”We also solemnly take time on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to honor officers in our district who recently paid the ultimate price in the line of duty:
- Officer Kenya Galloway, Atlanta Police Department - Jan. 4, 2024
- Sgt. Marc McIntyre, Spalding County Sheriff's Office - Dec. 29, 2023
- Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix, Coweta County Sheriff's Office - Jan. 4, 2024
“We acknowledge and thank you for your sacrifice and hope to encourage support and respect for everything that you do to keep our communities safe. Your courage, commitment, and willingness to safeguard others inspire us all,” said U.S. Attorney Buchanan.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day began when multiple organizations joined efforts to express gratitude for law enforcement officers throughout the United States. Their purpose was to provide the public opportunities to gain greater insights into the integral role that these individuals play in our society while also strengthening the social bonds between law enforcement officials and the communities that they serve.
“Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting and serving. Your efforts are deeply appreciated,” said Buchanan.
For inquiries, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Two Tax Shelter Promoters Sentenced to 25 Years and 23 Years in Billion-Dollar Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme; Two More CPAs Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced today for crimes arising from their organization, promotion and sale of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.
Jack Fisher, a certified public accountant (CPA) who began selling units in his abusive tax shelters at least as early as 2008, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. James Sinnott, an attorney who joined Fisher’s scheme in 2013 and oversaw the massive expansion of the tax shelters’ fraudulent deduction amounts claimed from the IRS, was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Also today, Victor Smith and William Tomasello, both Atlanta-area CPAs, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
“Using inflated appraisals, backdated documents and other sham actions, these conspirators generated more than $1.3 billion in fraudulent syndicated conservation easement tax deductions, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to the U.S. Treasury,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “The significant sentences and convictions obtained are the direct result of the skill and tenacity of career prosecutors and agents, whose multiyear investigation pulled back the curtain on this massive criminal scheme.”
“Today’s message should be a clear one: IRS CI Special Agents will use their financial investigative expertise to hold those involved in abusive tax shelter schemes accountable,” said Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI). “As this complex investigation continues to evolve, today’s judicial actions illustrate our resolve to hold responsible every individual involved in tax evasion schemes.”
Jack Fisher and James Sinnott
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Fisher, Sinnott and their co-conspirators sold over $1.3 billion in fraudulent tax deductions, leading to a tax loss to the IRS of over $450 million. Five other tax professionals involved in Fisher’s scheme previously pleaded guilty. Fisher was not only a pioneer in the conservation easement industry, but also one of its biggest promoters across the country. Fisher and Sinnott each made millions of dollars promoting and selling their tax shelters to wealthy taxpayers. The two men also used fraudulent deductions generated by their tax shelters on their own personal income tax returns to reduce the taxes they owed on the millions earned.
A federal jury sitting in Atlanta convicted Fisher and Sinnott on Sept. 22, 2023, of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns and subscribing to false tax returns arising out of their fraudulent tax shelter scheme involving syndicated conservation easements dating back nearly two decades. Fisher was also separately found guilty of money laundering. One of the appraisers who was charged with Fisher and Sinnott pleaded guilty and was sentenced in November 2023. Fisher’s primary assistant, Kate Joy, who was also indicted, remains a fugitive.
The evidence proved that Fisher and Sinnott designed, marketed and sold to high-income clients abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters based on fraudulently inflated charitable contribution tax deductions, promising them deductions 4.5 times the amount the taxpayer clients paid to buy the deductions.
Fisher and Sinnott used the funds raised from their taxpayer clients to buy land through their property holding companies and then had the tax shelters cause those companies to donate the land or a conservation easement over the land – often within days or weeks of the land’s purchase. To reach the inflated fair market value of the donations, Fisher and Sinnott primarily used appraisals of the conservation easements and fee simple land donations at valuations often more than 10 times higher than the price Fisher and Sinnott actually paid to acquire the property.
The evidence further showed that Fisher and Sinnott backdated and instructed others to falsely backdate documents to be presented to the IRS, including subscription agreements, payment documents, engagement letters and other records. Fisher’s accountant, a partner at the accounting firm Fisher started, testified at trial and previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme. Along with Fisher and Sinnott, he oversaw the preparation of false tax returns, which claimed charitable contribution tax deductions based upon the false appraisals. The evidence demonstrated that Fisher, Sinnott and others received more than $41 million in payments from the sale of units in these tax shelters that involved backdated documents or untimely payments, which were paid to claim fraudulent and inflated tax deductions.
The government proved that Fisher and Sinnott personally made millions from their scheme. Fisher, specifically, used the illegal proceeds to purchase luxury items, including a Mercedes Benz car, a Recreational Vehicle and trailer and a private jet. Fisher also used proceeds of the scheme to purchase homes and condos in the United States and on the Caribbean Island of Bonaire, which the jury found to be forfeitable.
In total, the defendants sold over $1.3 billion in fraudulent tax deductions to wealthy taxpayers through this scheme.
In addition to the terms of imprisonment, U.S. District Chief Judge Timothy C. Batten for the Northern District of Georgia ordered both Fisher and Sinnott to serve three years of supervised release. He also ordered Fisher to pay approximately $457,855,755 in restitution to the United States and Sinnott to pay approximately $443,760,035 in restitution to the United States.
Victor Smith and William Tomasello
According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith served as a CPA and founding partner of an Atlanta-based accounting firm. Beginning at least in 2014 and through at least 2019, Smith promoted and sold tax deductions to his wealthy clients in the forms of units in illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized and created by co-defendants Fisher, Sinnott and Joy. For his part, beginning at least in 2015 and through at least 2019, Tomasello also promoted and sold units in the Jack Fisher syndicated conservation easement tax shelters to his wealthy clients at another firm.
Tomasello earned approximately $525,072 in commissions from Fisher and Sinnott for his role in promoting and selling the illegal tax shelters to clients, and his accounting firm received approximately $2,430,301 in commissions. Smith earned approximately $491,400 in commissions from Fisher and Sinnott for his role in promoting and selling the illegal tax shelters to clients.
Smith and Tomasello each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
To date, in addition to the convictions of Fisher and Sinnott and today’s guilty pleas of Smith and Tomasello, six additional defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to Fisher and Sinnott’s syndicated conservation easement tax shelters, including appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, CPAs Stein and Corey Agee, CPA Ralph Anderson, CPA James Benkoil and CPA and Attorney Randall Lenz.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement. They thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft, Grace Albinson and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr. of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section for the Northern District of Georgia, are prosecuting the case.
Two More Defendants Sentenced to Probation for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – DILLON ARCENEAUX, age 33, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, and ZEB SARTIN, age 37, a resident of Duson, Louisiana, were sentenced on January 3, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ARCENEAUX received 3 years of probation, with the first 12 months to be served in home confinement, a $10,000 fine, and he was ordered to pay $1,604,581 in restitution to the victim. SARTIN received 3 years of probation, with the first 12 months to be served in home confinement, and he was ordered to pay $2,100,690 in restitution to the victim from U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo. ARCENEAUX and SARTIN were also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of fee $100 per count.
As according to court documents, ARCENEAUX and SARTIN conspired with RYAN MULLEN, DUANE DUFRENE, GRANT MENARD, and LANCE VALLO to use several shell Louisiana corporations that were devoid of assets, to defraud a Georgia based merchant cash company. MULLEN and DUFRENE helped establish ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN as the owners of the existing corporations. MULLEN and DUFRENE then created fake vendor accounts for the corporations, and MULLEN, along with another person, created falsified bank records for the corporations. MULLEN then used an alias and represented himself to be a broker for the shell corporations he helped create.
Through the aid of another broker, MULLEN supplied the victim merchant cash advance company with the fake vendor accounts and false bank records in order to obtain funding. The victim cash advance company approved the advances and electronically wired ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN millions of dollars in advances. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN laundered a some of the funds by paying MULLEN and DUFRENE percentages of the funds. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN then closed their non-existent corporations before fully repaying the victim merchant cash advance company, resulting in overall losses of approximately $6.4 million. ARCENEAUX was responsible for approximately $1.6 million in losses to the victim, and SARTIN was responsible for $2.1 million in losses.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit and Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.
Three sentenced for domestic violence-related chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three men were sentenced on federal charges related to domestic violence.
Brian Michael Lewis, age 42, of Levels, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court documents and statements made in court, Hampshire County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a domestic dispute at Lewis’s home. During a search of the home, officers found 8 firearms along with ammunition. Lewis cannot possess guns due to prior drug and larceny charges in Virginia.
Derik Wayne Bowers, age 44, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 41 months for stalking. According to court documents, Bowers harassed and intimidated his ex-girlfriend in Berkeley County and used social media to attempt to undermine her online business. Despite being subject to a protective order, Bowers placed more than 800 phone calls to her during a 48-hour period and sent nearly 2,000 text messages in six months.
Rodney Allen Mayhew, age 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months for unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, while responding to a domestic violence call, officers recovered two pistols and a rifle in Mayhew’s bedroom. Mayhew is prohibited from possessing guns due to a prior conviction.
The Lewis case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI investigated the Bowers case. The Mayhew case was also investigated by the ATF, along with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the Bowers case on behalf of the government.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the Mayhew and Lewis cases.
U.S. District Court Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Second Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced January 5, 2024.
Anthony Bartusek, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 4, 2023, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. In 2015, Bartusek was convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the hearings showed that between April 2022 and March 2023, Bartusek and others distributed more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. On March 9, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a disorderly call at a local hotel and found Bartusek under the influence of drugs, with marijuana on his person, and in possession of a backpack full of drugs. Law enforcement seized approximately 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 1.5 ounces of cocaine and 15 ounces of marijuana. This occurred about 11 months after he was released from federal prison.
Bartusek was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to 153 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Bartusek is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4024. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on January 4, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Thomas Powell, 36, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on May 15, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. Amongst other convictions, Powell was previously convicted in federal court of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 2010.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on November 13, 2022, while in Sac County, Iowa, Powell was found with over 90 grams of pure methamphetamine that he planned to distribute to other persons. At sentencing, Powell was found to be a career offender with multiple prior convictions relating to drugs, fraud, and violence towards others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Powell was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment and must serve a term of 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Powell remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Second Man Admits Robbing St. Louis Foot LockerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A second man has pleaded guilty and admitted the armed robbery of a Foot Locker in St. Louis, Missouri in 2021.
Demetrius Kirksey, 35, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to robbery and possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted robbing the Foot Locker at 4651 Chippewa Street in St. Louis on Oct. 6, 2021. Kirksey admitted pointing a handgun at the clerk before running behind the counter and stealing cash from the register. Kirksey’s guilty plea interrupted his trial, which started Monday.
Marion Jones, 49, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in August to robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In his plea agreement, Jones admitted stealing shoes while Kirksey took cash. Jones was caught by police two days later in a Waffle House parking lot in St. Charles, Missouri with a .22 caliber pistol. Jones is a convicted felon and barred from possessing a firearm.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced February 9. Kirksey is scheduled to be sentenced April 11. The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The firearm charge is punishable by at least seven years in prison, consecutive to any other charges.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassandra Wiemken and Jennifer Szczucinski are prosecuting the case.
Rochester man charged with production of child pornography involving 13-year-old girlRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Laffin, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 27, 2023, the Albion Police Department received a report that a man was found in the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl (Minor Victim), together with the Minor Victim. The man fled the area but left a cell phone in bedroom. The Minor Victim told police that she met the man at the Hoag Library in Albion, and believed him to be approximately 20 years old. A few days later, on December 31, 2023, Laffin was located in Albion near the Minor Victim’s residence and advised Albion Police that his cell phone had been stolen on December 26, 2023, in Albion, NY. Laffin was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. On January 3, 2024, seven items of digital evidence were turned over to the FBI. An initial review of Laffin’s cell phone located in the Minor Victim’s bedroom recovered multiple images and video files of child pornography involving the Minor Victim.
The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Readout of Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer’s Visit to Federal Correctional Institution DublinRead the Press Release
On Jan. 9, Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer and members of her team visited Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, which has a low-security Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) facility for women with an adjacent minimum security camp, located in Dublin, California. The Pardon Attorney and her team provided a series of educational sessions about the federal clemency process and answered questions from inmates and staff. The Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff during their visit.
The visit to FCI Dublin was the fifth in a series of quarterly educational events that the Pardon Attorney is conducting for inmates and staff at different FBOP locations.
The first took place at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security institution in New Jersey, in January. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 700 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. The second took place at U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg, a medium-security institution in Pennsylvania, in April. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. The third took place at FCI Aliceville, a low-security institution for women in Alabama, in July. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 500 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. The fourth took place at FCI Petersburg, a medium-security and low-security facility for men with an adjacent minimum security camp. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility.
These educational sessions within the FBOP are part of an initiative by the Office of the Pardon Attorney to increase the accessibility and transparency of the clemency process through education and community engagement.
Randolph Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for sex trafficking a 15-year-old minor.
Admilson Gomes Pires, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Pires was also ordered to pay $5,500 in restitution to the victim. In September 2023, Pires was convicted by a federal jury of one count of sex trafficking of a child and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child.
“Mr. Pires not only preyed upon a minor runaway, but he cruelly subjected her to sexual abuse and trafficking. His calculated manipulation, from grooming this vulnerable young girl to orchestrating commercial sex transactions, demonstrate a reprehensible lack of humanity,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case underscores why combatting human trafficking, which often hides in plain sight, is such a high priority for this office. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and our office remains steadfast in our commitment to combatting this heinous conduct, seeking justice for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. The exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially minors, will never be tolerated.”
“Admilson Pires is a predator who groomed a 15-year-old child who ran away from home for his own gratification and profit, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Sex trafficking is among the most depraved crimes on the books, and using a victim-centered approach, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to do everything it can to protect our most vulnerable from those who seek to manipulate and harm them.”
In February 2019, Pires met the minor victim who had run from her home in Western Massachusetts and began a sexual relationship with her. Pires groomed the minor victim and, in July 2019, began trafficking her in Boston and Norwood. He first sold the minor victim for sex to his adult uncle in Dorchester and then created and posted a commercial sex advertisement online that contained explicit photographs and a video of the minor victim. Pires told the minor victim that she would have to engage in prostitution with strangers if she wanted to stay in a relationship with him.
Pires used drugs to manipulate an adult female into agreeing to harbor the minor victim at her apartment in Norwood for sex trafficking. Over the course of 11 days, Pires had the minor victim engage in commercial sex for him out of the Norwood apartment – arranging four to five “dates” per day in exchange for money he kept himself. On at least one occasion, a sex buyer that Pires had arranged for the minor victim to have sex with was extremely violent toward her.
On Aug. 1, 2019, local law enforcement located the minor victim in Norwood and returned her home.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk and Norfolk County District Attorney’s Offices; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Arlington, Boston, Fall River, Norwood, Randolph and Springfield Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
Pill Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl-Laced TabletsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Nathan Ott, 28, of Moncks Corner, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison last week after pleading guilty to distributing a pill which was sold as “Roxy” (a street name for Roxicodone, a pharmaceutical drug which is an opioid that contains oxycodone hydrochloride). The pill Ott sold contained fentanyl.
Ott pled guilty to violating a section of Title 21, the Controlled Substances Act. The indictment specifically charged that he distributed "fentanyl,” a Schedule II controlled substance, which resulted in the death of Matthew Hearne on May 27, 2021.
Information presented during the hearing showed that the victim had suffered painful injuries from a motorcycle accident three weeks prior to his death. On May 27, 2021, his girlfriend, Victoria Racioppa (also charged in the case) found Hearne in the morning, unresponsive and called 911. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office, and EMS all responded to his residence and found that Hearne had died during the night. The investigation revealed that Ott had “dropped off” what he claimed to be four “Roxy” pills for both Racioppa and Hearne. Hearne had run out of his prescription medicine and was seeking to relieve the pain from his injuries. He took one of the pills during the evening of May 26, 2021. The autopsy showed that Hearne had a lethal amount of fentanyl in his body, which caused his death.
During the hearing, the prosecution noted that the nation was experiencing a surge in opioid and fentanyl poisoning deaths and argued that the tragic death of Matthew Hearne warranted a substantial sentence. Ott, the prosecutor said, knew or should have known that was selling a deadly product. After Hearne’s death, Ott continued to sell “Roxy.”
“Dealers like Ott, who know they are selling fentanyl-laced pills, show a callous disregard for human life,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “The fentanyl epidemic and the use of opioids is affecting our families, friends, and communities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue people who push pills and advocate for strong sentences in federal court.”
United States District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Ott to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Gergel also ordered restitution to be paid to the victim’s family in the amount of $8,000 for funeral and related costs.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, members of the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad and the Berkeley County’s Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case.
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Owner of Oregon Payroll Services Company Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Employment Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in prison for willfully failing to pay employment taxes owed to the IRS.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Kohnle, of Lake Oswego, was the president, secretary and chief executive officer of Real Benefits Group Inc. doing business as Aliat. Aliat was a professional employer organization that provided payroll and payroll-related services for its clients. Pursuant to service agreements with its clients, Aliat was responsible for receiving and paying to the IRS the payroll taxes withheld from wages the client businesses paid their employees, including federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2016 through the fourth quarter of 2022, Kohnle received funds from Aliat’s clients that represented payroll tax withholdings, but kept the money rather than pay the IRS, as required by law. Kohnle instead used the money to pay Aliat’s other expenses and creditors, including himself. In total, Kohnle caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $22.6 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut for the District of Oregon ordered Kohnle to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $14,092,693.42 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Patrick Burns and Regina Jeon of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Orlando Man on Federal Supervision for Distributing Drugs Charged with Distributing Kilograms of Cocaine and Fentanyl in Polk and Osceola CountiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the charging of Maximo Espinosa (44, Kissimmee) with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and fentanyl. If convicted, Espinosa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Because Espinosa was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense, he will also face an additional sentence for violating his terms of supervised release.
According to the criminal complaint, on November 9, 2023, December 5, 2023, and December 7, 2023, Espinosa and others were part of a criminal conspiracy that distributed kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl throughout the Middle District of Florida, including Polk and Osceola Counties. On January 2, 2024, Espinosa again attempted to distribute controlled substances, and was arrested with 10 kilograms of cocaine and 2 kilograms of fentanyl. A search warrant executed at Espinosa’s home revealed another kilogram of cocaine, a half kilogram of fentanyl, two firearms and several hundred pills.
A criminal complaint 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 Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Winter Haven Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Adam J. Nate.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Leslie Russell Burney, 36, of Groveport, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 20, 2021, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Burney on Interstate 77 in the area of Ripley, West Virginia. After the officer approached the vehicle and asked for his driver’s license, Burney drove off in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
Officers pursued Burney’s vehicle until he pulled off the interstate and fled on foot with a red backpack from his vehicle. Officers located and captured Burney utilizing a K-9 and seized the backpack, which contained suspected methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed that the substance found in the backpack was over 6 pounds of methamphetamine. Burney admitted that he was going to receive payment to deliver the drugs in the backpack, and fled the traffic stop because he did not want the drugs to be discovered.
Burney has a long criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for kidnapping and felonious assault with a firearm.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Ripley Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-91.
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North Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for $1.1 Million COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A North Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 19 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for submitting at least 56 fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of himself and others totaling more than $1.1 million dollars over the course of more than six months.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2021, Jaquari Davonte Woodward (25) submitted a fraudulent loan application in his own name, and when he was successful in obtaining $20,833 in fraudulent funds (the maximum available), he advertised on social media by posting the amount of fraudulent proceeds he had received and offered to do the same for others in exchange for a $10,000 fee payment for each successful application. In each of these fraudulent applications, Woodward provided false financial information, often for fake companies or companies which did not exist during the qualifying time period, and he created fictitious IRS Form 1040 Schedules C. Altogether, from March 2021 to October 2021, Woodward submitted at least 56 fraudulent applications in his own name and the names of others, and he caused over $1.1 million in loss to PPP lenders and the Small Business Administration.
Woodward pleaded guilty to wire fraud. In addition to imprisonment, he was ordered to pay $1,264,252.02 in restitution to PPP lenders and the Small Business Administration.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King for the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The SBA OIG and FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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North Fort Myers Felon Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sherri Polster Chappell today sentenced Chester Lewis Risco, III (20, North Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Risco to forfeit the firearm and ammunition, which facilitated the offense. Risco had pleaded guilty on September 20, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, on April 27, 2023, Risco fled from a deputy on his bicycle after committing several traffic violations. Risco had a loaded Taurus pistol in a holster in his waistband when he was apprehended by the deputy. At the time, Risco had previous felony convictions which prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Risco was also under court ordered supervision when he was found in possession of the loaded pistol.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
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.
North Branford Man Who Downloaded Child Sex Abuse Videos from Dark Web Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSEPH AMADEO, 39, of North Branford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for downloading child sex abuse images and videos from the dark web.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, HSI began investigating Amadeo for his involvement in an online community of individuals who sent and received child pornography images and videos on the dark web. Amadeo was a registered sex offender on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry based on a 2013 state conviction involving child pornography.
On March 24, 2021, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Amadeo’s residence and seized Amadeo’s computer and other electronic devices. Analysis of the devices revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, many as young as infants.
Amadeo was arrested on June 3, 2021. On April 19, 2023, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.
Amadeo, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 2.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Oakes and Shan Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Nine Indicted in Federal Health Care Fraud ProbeRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A November 2023 indictment, returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Roanoke, Virginia charging nine people with healthcare fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and obstruction of justice, has been unsealed following the arrest and initial court appearances of all nine defendants.
According to court documents, Carolyn Bryant-Taylor, 59, of Clinton, Maryland; Kafomdi “Josephine” Okocha, 48, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Samuel Okocha, 50, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Shekita Gore, a.k.a. Shekita Steele, 38, of Clinton, Maryland; Berthe Feuzeu, a.k.a. Berthe Djuni, 48, of Manassas Park, Virginia; Anthony Kanu, 57, of Bladensburg, Maryland; Elizabeth Ilome, 41, of Stafford, Virginia; Eno Utuk, 47, of Stafford, Virginia; and Rhabiatu Kamara, 45, of Fort Washington, Maryland, are all charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Bryant-Taylor, Josephine Okocha, Samuel Okocha, and Gore also are charged with one count of health care fraud. Additionally, Bryant-Taylor is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of money laundering. Josephine Okocha is charged with three counts of money laundering.
According to the indictment, Bryant-Taylor, Josephine Okocha, Samuel Okocha, and Gore are owners and operators of 1st Adult N Pediatric Healthcare Service, a Medicaid-enrolled home health agency providing private duty nursing, personal care, and respite care services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, including in the Western District of Virginia. Feuzeu, Kanu, Utuk and Kamara were employed by 1st Adult as nurses and Ilome as a medication technician. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to submit false claims to Medicaid for services that were not provided to patients, including falsifying records and documentation in support of the fraudulent claims submitted for reimbursement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, and Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today following the indictment’s unsealing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are investigating the case, with assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Terry, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Newington Couple Admit Large Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that ANTHONY NIRO, 60, and NANETTE NIRO, 59, of Newington, have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to offenses stemming from a tax evasion scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Niro was a co-owner of A. Niro Landscape Contractors, Inc. (“ANLC”), a business that provided landscaping and snowplowing services for large commercial properties and for personal residences. Nanette Niro, who is married to Anthony Niro, was the bookkeeper for ANLC and maintained ANLC’s financial records. For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro conspired to evade both corporate and individual income tax by causing a large portion of ANLC’s receipts to be deposited into two non-interest-bearing checking accounts, and then transferred money out the accounts to themselves for their benefit. Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro failed to provide information about these non-interest-bearing accounts to the tax return preparer who prepared ANLC’s federal income tax returns. The 2006 through 2009 tax returns were filed with the IRS. A 2010 tax return was not filed.
Through this scheme, nearly $14 million in ANLC’s gross receipts were not reported to the IRS for the 2006 through 2010 tax years, resulting in a tax loss of $2,931,011.
Anthony Niro and his ANLC business partner also owned numerous residential and commercial properties through several entities. They earned rental income through some of the properties, and some of that income was also not reported to the IRS.
For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony and Nanette Niro failed to report to the IRS $8,022,644.90 in income, resulting in a tax loss of $1,472,735. As an example, on their 2009 federal individual tax return, Anthony and Nanette Niro reported taxable income of $131,895 when their correct taxable income for that year was $1,891,955.
On January 4, 2024, Anthony Niro pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Nanette Niro pleaded guilty to the same charge today. At sentencing, they each face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Anthony and Nanette Niro have paid restitution of $1,472,735. They are still required to pay substantial financial penalties and interest.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRANCE RICHARDS, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 4, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 100 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Judge Barbier also ordered that RICHARDS be placed on supervised release for three (3) years following release from imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on August 22, 2020, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to a report of shots fired in a New Orleans neighborhood. NOPD, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, determined through investigation that RICHARDS was one of the shooters. RICHARDS’s prior felony convictions for attempted distribution of cocaine (2010), possession of cocaine (2010), felon in possession of a firearm (2011) and distribution of cocaine (2012), prohibited his possession of a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Maintaining Drug PremisesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RYAN NEGROTTO, a/k/a “WHITE BOY,” age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 4, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 255 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of the superseding indictment pending against him. Judge Fallon also ordered that NEGROTTO be placed on supervised release for five (5) years following release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 assessment special assessment fee as to each count.
Count 1 charged NEGROTTO with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 841(a)(1) and 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Count 2 charged NEGROTTO with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B), and 18 U.S.C. § 2. Count 3 charged NEGROTTO with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Count 4 charged NEGROTTO with distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Counts 5 and 7 charged NEGROTTO with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 6 charged NEGROTTO with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count 8 charged NEGROTTO with using or maintaining a drug premises, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 856(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C § 2.
According to public records, prior to March 2, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) was informed that a New Orleans motorcycle shop harbored drug dealers. ATF used a confidential informant (“CI”) who both visited the shop numerous times, saw drug sales occurring and heard discussions about other drug sales. The CI learned that NEGROTTO was the co-renter of the shop.
On separate occasions in March 2021, NEGROTTO sold methamphetamine to a CI, one sale of which totaled over 300 grams, and also provided prices for future purchases. In May 2021, NEGROTTO sold over 400 grams of methamphetamine to a CI.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 300 Months for Hobbs Act Robberies and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MARVIN LEGENDRE, age 40, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 4, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 300 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $500 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to a five-count indictment.
The indictment charged LEGENDRE, in Counts 1 and 3, with Hobbs Acts Robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). Counts 2 and 4 charged LEGENDRE with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). Count 5 charged LEGENDRE with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force, in conjunction with New Orleans Police Department and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigated several Hobbs Act Robberies linked to LEGENDRE. On March 7, 2021, LEGENDRE committed an armed robbery at a Cricket Wireless store in Chalmette, LA and on March 10, 2021, LEGENDRE committed an armed robbery at a Boost Mobile store in New Orleans. Using both physical and video surveillance to track a vehicle that LEGENDRE, used for the robberies, agents located LEGENDRE’s residence. After executing a search warrant for the residence, LEGENDRE was arrested. The search of the apartment yielded the clothes he wore during the robberies and other evidence, including firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Inga Petrovich and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.
Moreno Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Running Ponzi Scheme That Took in More Than $24 Million from Hundreds of Victim InvestorsRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A Riverside County man has pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge for running a Ponzi scheme that lasted nearly 20 years and fraudulently obtained more than $24 million from at least 200 investors, the Justice Department announced today.
Paul Horton Smith Sr., 59, of Moreno Valley, pleaded guilty late Monday afternoon to one count of wire fraud.
According to his plea agreement, Smith operated Riverside-based companies named Northstar Communications LLC, Planning Services Inc., and eGate LLC. From July 2000 to May 2020, Smith obtained money from investors by soliciting individuals – who often were elderly or retired – to invest in something Smith called “Northstar.” Some of the investors previously were Planning Services clients.
Smith communicated with the victim investors regarding Northstar in person, over the telephone, and via email and text messages. He falsely told investors that Northstar was an annuity or an investment like an annuity He falsely told other investors that Northstar invested in real estate or followed the stock market. He typically told the investors that their investment would generate a fixed rate of return and was a “safe investment.”
While Smith led most Northstar investors to believe his company reinvested their initial investment, generating the percentage they were to earn, in fact, he never invested the money. Instead, Smith deposited all investor funds into a non-interest-bearing checking account.
Smith used some money from later Northstar investors to pay earlier Northstar investors’ monthly interest payments and to repay earlier investors who wanted to withdraw their investment.
For example, in April 2019, Smith caused one victim to invest with him $400,000 – life insurance proceeds after the victim’s spouse had died. The victim wrote a personal check for that amount and the check was deposited into a bank account in Riverside, which then was electronically transferred to the bank’s Alabama headquarters for processing.
Smith promised the victim he would invest the $400,000 in a safe investment with a 5% rate of return. But Smith never invested the money. Instead, he transferred the funds to pay other victims of his Ponzi scheme. In an attempt to conceal his criminal activity, Smith made 11 payments to the victim that totaled $163,324.
As a result of the scheme, Smith fraudulently obtained more than $24 million from at least 200 investors. Of these investors, 106 victims have not been fully repaid. The total loss for these victims is $13,331,505.
United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal scheduled an April 1 sentencing hearing, at which time Smith will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed a complaint and obtained a judgment against Smith and Northstar Communications LLC in 2020, provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Weir of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Money Launderer Sentenced to Prison for Role in Online ScamsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Whitney Adams, 27, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to 17 victims. Adams pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on May 16, 2023.
Between January 2021 and April 2022, Adams laundered money for scammers who lured victims into various online frauds. In some instances, the victims believed they were sending money to support an online romantic partner who falsely stated they needed to pay taxes and fees to release an inheritance or gold bars. The stories told to the victims by the scammers were fraudulent. The scammers directed the victims’ monies into accounts controlled by Adams and her co-conspirator. When Adams and her co-conspirator received the fraudulent monies, they kept a fee for themselves, and then transferred the funds, via trade-based money laundering or other means, to Ghana. Adams and her co-conspirator set up phony businesses and then opened business bank accounts to hide the transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. The FBI traced $4,437,604, sent by 106 victims, through Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s bank accounts. One Arizona victim lost nearly $5 million to the scams, sending over $1 million to Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s accounts and the remaining money to multiple other individuals. Adams’ co-conspirator pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024.
This case was prosecuted as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This DOJ hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step and can help authorities identify fraudsters and recoup losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00893-JCH-2
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-002_Adams# # #
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.Missouri man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew Neal, 22, of Columbia, Missouri, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018, and November 5, 2020, Neal received and attempted to receive sexually explicit images from three minor victims located in Lancaster, NY, San Francisco, California and Springfield, Missouri. Neal contacted the victims through Instagram and requested the sexually explicit images. If the victims did not comply, Neal threatened to share images previously sent by the victims with their Instagram followers. The victims initially complied but once they stopped, Neal did in fact share images with some of their Instagram followers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Missouri Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Accessory After the Fact in the Murder of Three Employees of Hinds County BusinessRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Missouri woman was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison for helping her co-defendant, who discharged a firearm during the commission of a robbery that killed three people.
According to court documents, Jamison Layne Townsend, 42, and her co-defendant, Joshua Michael Garcia, went to Bill’s Coin & Jewelry on December 17, 2016, to rob the business. During the robbery, Garcia shot and killed the owner and two co-workers. Townsend and Garcia emptied the display cases of watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, coins, and other items. Later that day, they entered a pawn shop in Mobile, Alabama, and pawned five items that were stolen from Bill’s earlier that day.
On December 19, 2016, a trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol attempted to stop Townsend and Garcia, who were traveling in a red Dodge Charger on Interstate 24. A chase ensued and Townsend and Garcia escaped at a high rate of speed. Two days later, Townsend and Garcia were arrested in Geary County, Kansas. Officers searched the Charger and found numerous items that were stolen from Bill’s, including coins, watches, trays of jewelry, and many items that still contained the sales tags from Bill’s. Additionally, officers recovered four firearms, including a Les Baer .45 caliber handgun that was determined to be the murder weapon by the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory. Ammunition, a cell phone, and numerous items of clothing were also recovered from the Dodge Charger.
Townsend pled guilty on September 18, 2023, to three counts of accessory after the fact.
Joshua Michael Garcia previously pled guilty to discharging a firearm that resulted in the murder of three persons during the commission of a robbery. He was sentenced to three life sentences.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Orench of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department with assistance from the Geary County, Kansas, Sherriff’s Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Biloxi Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Erin Chalk.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 43 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute approximately 43 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Willie Bernard Lewis, 37, sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on August 20, 2021, and August 31, 2021. On September 1, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence and located approximately 43 grams of methamphetamine and 10.9 grams of fentanyl. Lewis has prior convictions for sale of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The DEA reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. More facts on fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl.
Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case.
Mercer County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Austin Pannell, 26, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2022, Pannell sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant outside of a Princeton apartment. Pannell admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling additional quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant on three other occasions in Princeton and Bluefield between July 12, 2022, and August 18, 2022.
Pannell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-109.
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Member of notorious international hacking crew sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 22-year-old French citizen from Epinal, France, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and more than $5 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Criminal Chief Sarah Vogel for the Western District of Washington. Sebastien Raoult, aka ‘Sezyo Kaizen,’ was arrested in 2022 in Morocco and was extradited to the U.S. in January 2023. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “This is an extraordinarily serious offense. We’re talking about him robbing people of millions of dollars.”
“For over two years, Mr. Raoult participated in extensive computer hacking that caused millions of dollars in losses to victim companies and unmeasurable additional losses to hundreds of millions of individuals whose data was sold to other criminals,” said Criminal Chief Sarah Vogel of the Western District of Washington. “Mr. Raoult’s motive was pure greed. He sold hacked data. He stole people’s cryptocurrency. He even sold his hacking tools so that he could profit while other hackers attacked additional victims.”
According to records filed in the case, Raoult and his co-conspirators hacked into protected computers of corporate entities for the theft of confidential information and customer records, including personally identifiable information and financial information. They hacked numerous companies, including companies in Washington State, elsewhere in the United States, and around the world. After Raoult and his co-conspirators hacked companies, a user going by the name ShinyHunters posted hacked data from many of those companies for sale on dark web forums, including RaidForums, EmpireMarket, and Exploit. Between April 2020 and July 2021, ShinyHunters posted sales of hacked data from more than 60 companies. Sometimes ShinyHunters threatened to leak or sell stolen sensitive files if the victim did not pay a ransom.
Raoult helped create websites that pretended to be login pages belonging to legitimate businesses. The conspirators sent phishing emails to company employees that were designed to look like they came from legitimate businesses and contained links to those login pages. Victims provided their account sign-on credentials on those fake login pages, and the conspirators obtained the victims’ credentials. Raoult and his co-conspirators used the login information to breach victims’ accounts, steal the data stored there, and search the stolen data for credentials to access additional data on companies’ networks and third-party service providers, such as cloud storage services. In total, the conspirators stole hundreds of millions of customer records and caused loss to victim companies that is estimated to exceed $6 million.
In asking for a six-year prison term, Assistant United States Attorney Miriam Hinman wrote to the court, “Stealing and selling customer records put these hundreds of millions of individual customers at risk of identity theft and financial loss. As ShinyHunters demonstrated by listing the number of stolen customer records in its sale offerings, buyers would value the stolen data based on the number of customers whose data could be used. Raoult understood that buyers of the stolen data sought to misuse customers’ financial information, and yet he was eager to find those buyers.”
“The lengths to which Mr. Raoult and his co-conspirators went to steal personal and financial information are remarkably devious, and he played a substantial part in the scheme by creating code and phishing websites," said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle field office. "Thanks to the diligent work of federal and international law enforcement, Mr. Raoult will be held accountable for his cyber-crimes, which caused millions of dollars of harm to companies and customers.”
Speaking to the court, Sebastian Raoult said “I understand my mistakes and I want to put that part behind me. No more hacking. I don’t want to disappoint my family again.”
Judge Lasnik said he believed Raoult’s arrest and imprisonment “has gotten through to Sebastian.” Still, he urged Raoult’s family and friends in the courtroom to “keep an eye on him” when he returns to France to guard against a return to criminal conduct.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miriam R. Hinman. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Moroccan and French authorities.
Man admits making threat to blow up Dodson schoolRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man accused of making threats to blow up the Dodson school admitted to a hoax crime on Jan. 8, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jacob Edwin Wilson, a transient, pleaded guilty to false information and hoaxes as charged in an indictment. Wilson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 9. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 29, 2023, Wilson called both the 911 emergency number in Blaine County and the Dodson school, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and said he was “about to blow Dodson school up.” Law enforcement responded, and because school was in session that day, the superintendent and principle evacuated students and staff from the school on buses to a nearby church parking lot. First responders from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Malta Fire Department and U.S. Border Patrol responded, set up security around the school and searched the school for an explosive device. No explosive device was found in the school.
In the meantime, Wilson called 911 again and asked for someone to give him a ride off the reservation, said he was at an individual’s house and that he needed a ride from anyone except the Fort Belknap police. The 911 operators traced the call to the individual’s residence, which was located on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Officers located Wilson and arrested him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Tribal Police, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Malta Fire Department conducted the investigation.
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Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearm Offense After Elizabeth City Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Jonathan Jermaine Peek, of Elizabeth City, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. Peek, 33, pled guilty to the charge on May 2, 2023.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to multiple breaking and entering calls at residences in Elizabeth City between August and October of 2019. Checks from a stolen check book from the first burglary totaling more than $1,000 had been written to Peek’s girlfriend at the time. Following the second burglary, witnesses told PCSO that they observed a man, meeting the description of Peek near the home along with a dark SUV parked in front of the house at the time of the burglary. In the second burglary, six firearms, including at least three revolvers, and five brown holsters were taken from an unlocked gun safe in the home. The third burglary was interrupted when the home’s resident returned home to find an unfamiliar dark Honda CRV parked in the yard, and called his son, who arrived with two coworkers, to investigate. The son entered the home and saw a burglar, later identified as Peek, in the home. Following a scuffle, Peek fled in the Honda CRV. Peek was followed by the son and his two coworkers until members of PCSO intercepted and took over pursuit.
Peek did not stop for law enforcement and continued to flee through Elizabeth City at speeds exceeding 85 miles per hour. He eventually lost control and crashed through a brick wall at the edge of Elizabeth City State University campus, where he was taken into custody. A search of Peek recovered cash that was identified as the same amount missing from the third burglary. Investigators also determined that the Honda CRV, driven by Peek, was registered to his girlfriend at the time.
On October 15, 2019, investigators interviewed Peek’s girlfriend regarding charges relating to the robberies. She stated that Peek had brought her a checkbook and had taken the money from checks that she had cashed. She also indicated that Peek had shown up at her house with revolvers on the date of the second burglary. He handed her a case to take inside, and she saw four or five revolvers when she looked inside. She had also seen him put brown holsters into the garbage.
Peek’s federal conviction follows six prior felony convictions in state court. Notably, Peek committed the above offense while still on post-release supervision after having served a multi-year sentence for felony first degree burglary and robbery with a dangerous weapon. His earlier felonies include drug offenses, possession of a stolen firearm, and common law robbery.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-0001-FL.
Leader of Portland Area Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of a drug distribution organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs into the Portland Metropolitan Area for redistribution and sale was sentenced to federal prison today.
Luis Angel Rivera-Huezo, 31, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, after a monthslong investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), investigators identified Rivera-Huezo as the regional cell leader of an international and interstate drug trafficking organization based in Mexico responsible for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, into the Portland Metropolitan Area and elsewhere for redistribution and sale.
Over the course of the investigation, DEA agents and other assisting law enforcement officials documented numerous incidents wherein Rivera-Huezo, with assistance of multiple co-conspirators, arranged for drugs to be transported from various locations outside of Oregon, including Mexico, California, and Washington State, into the Portland area for further distribution. Investigators lawfully seized multiple loads of narcotics Rivera-Huezo had arranged for transport to Portland.
As of November 1, 2022, investigators had located and seized more than 125 pounds of methamphetamine, more than six pounds each of fentanyl and heroin, a smaller distribution quantity of cocaine, and nine firearms connected to the Rivera-Huezo network.
On June 7, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Rivera-Huezo and 10 other individuals with conspiring with one another to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substance and use a communication facility. On June 12, 2023, Rivera-Huezo pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging him with the same.
Two of Rivera-Huezo’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison, seven have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, and a tenth co-conspirator is scheduled to plead guilty later this month.
This case was investigated by the DEA Portland District Office in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tigard Police Department (TPD), and the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
WIN is a Washington County, Oregon-based interagency drug interdiction task force that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, DEA, FBI, and HSI.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Leader of Large Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Large Quantities of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in Wenatchee and Moses Lake areas of Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Edward James Salvador, age 41, of Wenatchee, Washington was sentenced after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 300 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Salvador, AKA Droopy, was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating between the Wenatchee and Moses Lake areas. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD) used a range of investigative techniques, including tracking warrants, controlled buys and cooperating defendant interviews to gather information about how the organization operated. Investigators learned Salvador was a Sureno gang member out of California who had relocated to the area after being released from California Department of Corrections custody.
The investigation revealed Salvador’s operation was distributing a very large amount of fentanyl-laced pills obtained from Bakersfield, California, into the Chelan and Douglas county areas with the help of multiple other individuals, most of whom were also Sureno gang members. Salvador would have individuals “audition” for the organization to see if they were cut out to work for him and make money. Salvador would pick up thousands of fentanyl pills as well as 15 to 20 pounds of methamphetamine from his supplier in California several times a month.
In early 2022, investigators learned that, in addition to trafficking large amounts of fentanyl-laced pills, Salvador was working with other high-level drug traffickers to set up a location in Moses Lake to cook methamphetamine.
In late March of 2022, Salvador met with other high-level drug traffickers in Moses Lake. The group discussed losing money because they were not moving enough drugs. The source of supply, who lived in California, committed to increasing the amount of methamphetamine being produced.
The next day information was received that Salvador had acquired 15 pounds of ephedrine, which is used in the production of methamphetamine, and the chemicals would be used to produce methamphetamine at a compound in Moses Lake. The drug trafficker who owned the compound would get to keep half of the drugs produced in exchange for letting the group cook methamphetamine on his property, as well as providing other materials for the drug production.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke noted that while Salvador had a troubled childhood and had a period of sobriety prior to his involvement in leading this organization, he returned to criminality in “epic fashion”. Judge Dimke stated Salvador exercised organization and control over an entire area and did so in a fashion and with such amount of violence that scares an entire community.
“Mr. Salvador spread a staggering amount of illegal narcotics into our communities, including by distributing as much as 20,000 fentanyl pills to his network of drug traffickers every couple weeks. Mr. Salvador also attempted to set up an operation to manufacture large quantities of methamphetamine in the Moses Lake area,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to shutting down dangerous drug trafficking organizations that pump poison into our communities and neighborhoods. I’m thankful for all our federal, state and local partners, as well as federal prosecutors, who worked together seamlessly to put a stop to Mr. Salvador’s operation.”
“The scourge of narcotics has touched every corner of this nation, and we are proud to have worked with our regional partners to put a halt to Mr. Salvador’s illicit ventures,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI will use every resource at its disposal to eliminate the economies of scale created by these operations and remove these deadly drugs from our communities.”
“Mr. Salvador did everything under his power to grow his drug trafficking network in central Washington,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “We will always work to investigate those who are causing grave harm to our communities. This sentence sends a strong message that these actions will not be tolerated by ATF and our law enforcement partners.”
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Columbia River Drug Task Force consisting of, the Chelan County Sheriff, Douglas County Sheriff, East Wenatchee Police Department, and the Wenatchee Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Moses Lake Police Department, and the Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team also assisted in the investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
23-CR-046-MKD
Leader of San Francisco MS-13 Clique Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Convictions for Murder and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO -- The leader of the San Francisco 20th Street clique of the MS-13 street gang was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. There is no parole in the federal system.
Elmer Rodriguez, a/k/a “Gordo,” of San Francisco, California, was convicted on June 1, 2023, following a three-week jury trial. The Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge, handed down today’s sentence.
“For years, the defendant led a violent street gang that committed several murders and attempted murders in the Bay Area, particularly in the Mission District of San Francisco,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins. “San Francisco residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that anyone who commits acts of violence and endangers public safety in the Northern District of California will face federal prosecution and a severe federal prison sentence as a consequence of their conduct.”
“This sentence today sends a loud and clear message that HSI, with law enforcement agencies in the region, will continue to work around the clock, always prioritizing the safety of our communities. It represents another important stride in our ongoing effort to combat crime in the Bay Area,” said San Francisco HSI Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “Working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, we’ve successfully brought to justice this dangerous gang leader who played a key role in ruthlessly murdering multiple victims. Of note, collective efforts in this overarching case began in July 2017, which underlies the complexities of investigations into transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, as well as the commitment of the agencies involved. HSI is deeply appreciative of the work of its agents and analysts, as well as SFPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
At trial, the government presented evidence that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Jorge Martinez near 19th and Mission Streets on March 17, 2017. Martinez had been celebrating his birthday after attending a Golden State Warriors game with his son. After the game, they went to a bar in the Mission District. Rodriguez and other MS-13 clique members were also present at the bar that night and identified Martinez as a possible rival Norteño gang member. Rodriguez ordered another clique associate to murder Martinez. The associate followed Martinez out of the bar and shot him to death.
Evidence at trial also showed that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, a/k/a “P Wee,” on May 25, 2017. Alvarez was a 20th Street clique member whom Rodriguez and others in the clique believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Rodriguez sanctioned Alvarez’s murder because of these suspicions. Rodriguez and his associates, including Edwin Alvarado Amaya, a/k/a “Muerte,” and Kenneth Campos, a/k/a “Nesio,” lured Alvarez into a car. Campos drove the group to Bernal Heights Park. At the park, Rodriguez gave a signal to Alvarado Amaya, who then hacked Alvarez to death by inflicting dozens of deep wounds to his face and torso with a machete. Alvarado Amaya and Campos have pled guilty and been sentenced for their roles in this murder.
Rodriguez was also sentenced for his role in an attempted murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from a shotgun shooting that followed an extortion attempt by Rodriguez and other MS-13 associates on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District on November 26, 2017.
Rodriguez’s trial also featured evidence of Rodriguez’s involvement in additional acts of violence including:
• Ordering that other members of the clique go on a “hunt” to shoot suspected Norteños, which culminated with the September 16, 2016 shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street;
• Attending an October 27, 2016 gang assault in the Mission District;
• Instigating a May 17, 2017 gang assault outside of a taqueria in the Mission District;
• Serving as the driver in a November 30, 2017 attempted murder at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District during which members of the 20th Street clique repeatedly stabbed a victim whom they incorrectly identified as a Norteño.In total, 17 defendants have been convicted as a part of this investigation, which has resulted in convictions relating to four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons.
This case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Strike Force of the Office of the United States Attorney. The prosecution is the result of investigations by HSI, SFPD Homicide Unit and Community Violence Reduction Team, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit and Investigations Bureau, Daly City Police Department, Pinole Police Department, Redwood City Police Department Street Crimes Reduction Team, and San Pablo Police Department.
Kansas City Men Accused of St. Louis County CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men from Kansas City, Missouri have been arrested after being indicted in connection with a 2022 St. Louis County carjacking.
Ki’Juan Calhoun, 26, and Reginald Hudson, 27, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were each indicted December 6 on one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Hudson was arrested December 20 in Texas and had his first appearance in St. Louis Monday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Calhoun was arrested December 19 and pleaded not guilty that same day.
The indictment accuses both men of stealing a 2019 Ford Fusion on Jan. 12, 2022. A motion seeking to have them held in jail until trial says two armed men stole the victim’s purse, phone and car keys as she was walking into her apartment complex on Marbella Drive. One of the men was holding a handgun equipped with a drum magazine. The victim’s car was found the next day by the Kansas City Police Department. Officers then found the victim’s purse, and Hudson in a nearby home, the motion says.
The carjacking charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. The brandishing a firearm charge is punishable by at least seven years in prison, consecutive to 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 County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Walker is prosecuting the case.
Kanawha County Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Imeesha Bradley, 28, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $18,703 in restitution for receipt of stolen money. Bradley admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $18,703 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 21, 2021, Bradley applied for a PPP loan for her purported business, “Imeesha Bradley.” Bradley admitted that “Imeesha Bradley” was never engaged in legitimate business activity and was not a registered business entity at the time she applied for the loan. Bradley further admitted that she falsely represented that her fictitious business received $89,772 in gross income during 2020.
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.
A California lender approved Bradley’s fraudulent PPP loan application for $18,703, and transferred the funds to Bradley’s personal bank account on May 10, 2021. Bradley admitted that she withdrew $5,000 of the stolen funds that day and an additional $7,000 on May 14, 2021, each time from a bank branch in Nitro, West Virginia.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Francesca C. Rollo and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-112.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cv-62277.
View the complaint.
View the Isle of Paradise B consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise C consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise E consent decree.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
complaint_isle_of_paradise_filed_2023-11-30.pdf isle_of_paradise_b_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_c_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_e_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdfJustice Department Releases Information on Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote, Prosecute Election Crimes, and Secure ElectionsRead the Press Release
In advance of this year’s federal election cycle, and consistent with longstanding Justice Department practices and procedures, the department today is providing information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, National Security Division (NSD), and U.S. Attorneys’ offices throughout the country, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or criminal activity in the election process, and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference.
Civil Rights Division
The department’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right. This work is often performed in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including: the Voting Rights Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the Help America Vote Act; and the Civil Rights Acts. Among other things, collectively, these laws:
- prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose or a discriminatory result on account of race, color, or language minority status;
- prohibit intimidation of voters;
- allow voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union);
- require minority language election materials and assistance in certain jurisdictions;
- require accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities;
- require that provisional ballots be offered to voters who assert they are registered and eligible to vote in the jurisdiction, but whose names do not appear on poll books;
- require states to provide for absentee voting for uniformed service members serving away from home, their family members also away from home due to that service, and U.S. citizens living abroad; and
- require covered states to offer the opportunity to register to vote through offices that provide driver licenses, public assistance, and disability services, as well as through the mail, and to take steps regarding maintaining voter registration lists.
The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, selection and accessibility of voting facilities, and the casting of ballots on Election Day or during early voting, whether in-person or absentee.
The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter interference based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
- Throughout the election cycle, Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations of any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. The Civil Rights Division will work closely with counterparts at U.S. Attorneys’ offices and other department components to review and take appropriate action concerning these complaints.
- Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at 800-253-3931, and can also submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
- Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at ada.gov.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911. They should also be reported to the department after local authorities are contacted.
Criminal Division and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
The department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize certain forms of election fraud and vindicate the integrity of the federal election process.
The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and U.S. Attorneys’ offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election crimes, such as destruction of ballots, vote-buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, alteration of votes, and malfeasance by postal or election officials and employees. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices are also responsible for enforcing federal criminal law prohibiting unlawful threats of violence against election workers, and prohibiting voter intimidation and voter suppression for reasons other than race, color, national origin, or religion (as noted above, voter intimidation and voter suppression that has a basis in race, color, national origin, or religion is addressed by the Civil Rights Division often in partnership with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices).
U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country designate Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in their respective districts. DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election-crime matters in their districts, and for coordinating with the department’s election-crime experts in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorneys’ offices work with specially trained FBI personnel in each district to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible election crimes are handled appropriately. Specifically:
- In consultation with federal prosecutors at the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C., the DEOs in U.S. Attorneys’ offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public.
- Election-crime complaints should be directed to the local U.S. Attorneys’ office or the local FBI field office. A list of U.S. Attorneys’ offices and their telephone numbers can be found at www.justice.gov/usao/districts/. A list of FBI field offices and accompanying telephone numbers can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us.
- Public Integrity Section prosecutors are available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the FBI regarding the handling of election-crime allegations.
All complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should be reported first to local police authorities by calling 911. After alerting local law enforcement to such emergencies by calling 911, the public should contact the Justice Department.
National Security Division
The department’s NSD supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting or relating to national security, including any cases involving foreign malign influence and interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections. In this context:
- NSD oversees matters involving a range of malign influence activities that foreign governments may attempt.
- NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section oversees matters involving covert information operations (e.g., to promulgate disinformation through social media); covert efforts to support or denigrate political candidates or organizations; and other covert influence operations that might violate various criminal statutes.
- NSD’s National Security Cyber Section oversees such matters when they are cyber-enabled (i.e., when online platforms, such as social media and other online services, are central to the commission of the offense), as well as those involving computer hacking of election or campaign infrastructure.
- NSD’s Counterterrorism Section oversees matters involving international and domestic terrorism and supports law enforcement in preventing any acts of terrorism that impact Americans, including any violent extremism that might threaten election security.
As in past elections, the National Security Division will work closely with counterparts at the FBI and our U.S. Attorneys’ offices to protect our nation’s elections from any national security threats. Attorneys from National Security Division sections will be partnered with FBI Headquarters components to provide support to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and FBI field offices to counter any such threats. The Department of Homeland Security also plays its own important role in safeguarding critical election infrastructure from cyber and other threats.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911 and, after local authorities are contacted, then should be reported also to the department.
Protecting the right to vote, prosecuting election crimes, and securing our elections are all essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government. The department encourages anyone with information regarding concerns in these subject areas to contact the appropriate authorities.
For more information about the department’s work to ensure compliance with federal civil and criminal laws related to voting, please visit Voting | Department of Justice and Election Crimes Branch | Department of Justice.
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today sent to the Federal Register for publication a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines and mammography equipment.
Accessible MDE is essential for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care. The rule proposes to adopt technical standards that clarify how public entities that use MDE, such as hospitals and health care clinics operated by state or local governments, can meet their existing obligations under the ADA. The department has received many complaints from individuals with disabilities that health care providers have not provided them with basic, vital health care — for example, not obtaining an accurate weight when administering anesthesia before surgery — because of the lack of accessible MDE.
“Individuals with disabilities often experience great difficulty obtaining routine or preventative medical care because of inaccessible medical diagnostic equipment. From examination tables to weight scales to mammography equipment, accessible MDE is critical to ensuring equal access to medical care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This groundbreaking rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice Department’s efforts to remove barriers that people with disabilities face when accessing medical care.”
The department is eager to hear from the public and get input from stakeholders on our proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet that provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on www.ada.gov. The department invites the public to submit their comments on the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for 30 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can be submitted on www.regulations.gov.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department’s website. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 833-610-1264) or visit the ADA website.