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Tuesday 9 January 2024
Jose Trujillo, Co-Defendant of Solomon Peña, Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Jose Louise Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Trujillo, 22, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Trujillo on May 24, 2023, along with his father, Demetrio Trujillo, and Solomon Peña. According to court records, Trujillo helped Peña with his political campaign for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. Specifically, Trujillo allowed Peña to use Trujillo’s bank account to channel approximately $5,155 to his political campaign. Following his electoral defeat in November 2022, Peña decided to pressure members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election and paid Trujillo to help him.
On Nov. 21, 2022, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners voted to certify the results of the election. On Dec. 11, 2023, Trujillo and Peña drove to the home of an election official, and Trujillo fired a gun which Peña provided to him at the residence. On Jan. 3, 2023, Trujillo and his father and Peña drove to the home of a former candidate whom Peña had chosen to target based on their position and carried out a second shooting.
Following that incident, Trujillo was stopped by a deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and arrested. At the time, Trujillo was driving Peña’s car. When the car was searched, deputies located the firearms and ammunition that Peña, Trujillo and Trujillo’s father had used to carry out the shooting earlier that day and 893 fentanyl pills.
At sentencing, Trujillo faces up to life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and may be ordered to pay fines not to exceed $1,750,000.
Solomon Peña and Demetrio Trujillo are currently scheduled to stand trial in June 2024.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment View the Plea Agreement# # #
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Jefferson County men sentenced in separate federal casesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas– Two Jefferson County men have been sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Mikale Rashad Bolton, 21, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to carjacking and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on Jan. 8, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on June 25, 2022, local law enforcement responded to the scene of a carjacking near French Road in Beaumont. The investigation revealed that Bolton approached a vehicle and asked the driver for a cigarette lighter. After the driver handed the lighter to Bolton, Bolton pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the driver’s head. Bolton ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver was told not to contact police or Bolton would return and kill him. Bolton fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Beaumont Police Department.
Jordan Malik Bronnon, 30, of Port Arthur pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on Jan. 8, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on May 23, 2022, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Bronnon was a passenger. The driver consented to a search of the vehicle, during which a backpack was located that contained various pieces of paperwork with Bronnon’s name and a rifle magazine containing ammunition. A rifle was also located on the rear passenger floorboard. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Port Arthur Police Department. Bronnon was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
These cases were prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Jacksonville Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Devan Franklin Hall (33, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Hall had pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023.
According to court documents, between 2022 and 2023, FBI and HSI special agents investigated a drug trafficking organization operating in the Jacksonville area. In 2022, the agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from an associate of Hall’s in Jacksonville. During these transactions, the agents identified Hall as the supplier of the methamphetamine and observed Hall traveling to Ocala before meeting with his associate in Jacksonville. Further investigation confirmed that Hall was supplying his associate in Jacksonville and sourcing the methamphetamine from Ocala. Between April and June 2023, agents observed Hall distributing between 150 and 500 grams of methamphetamine to his associate in Jacksonville. On July 26, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence and found multiple firearms and more than $2,000 in drug proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Frank Talbot.
Fridley Felon Charged in Federal Court After Shooting 11-Year-Old on New Year’s DayRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Fridley man has been charged federally with possession of ammunition as a felon after firing multiple shots from an AR-style rifle, one of which struck an 11-year-old girl in the face, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, just after midnight on January 1, 2024, officers of the Minneapolis Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in north Minneapolis. When officers arrived at the scene a woman told them that shots had been fired outside the residence and a round had struck the woman’s 11-year-old daughter in the face. The victim said she was sitting in her second-story bedroom when she heard gunshots outside the residence at approximately midnight. She went to her window to observe when a round came through the window and hit her in the face.
According to court documents, officers obtained a Snapchat video of James William Turner, 44, that was filmed just prior to the shooting. The two-minute video showed Turner outside, near the victim’s residence, arguing with an unknown individual before the camera turned to show an AR-style rifle lying across the driver’s seat of a vehicle. A neighbor provided officers with a doorbell surveillance video that showed Turner fire multiple rounds in the direction of the victim’s bedroom window. Officers found eight live cartridges and 24 discharged cartridge casings throughout the boulevard, sidewalk, and yard.
Because Turner has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The complaint charges Turner with one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. Turner made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Franklin Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Franklin, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and the illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Roger Solomon of the Franklin Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 13, 2021, in Simpson County, KY, Corey Kaiser, 27, knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 193.2 grams of methamphetamine. On that same day Kaiser also knowingly possessed three handguns. Kaiser was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On January 23, 2020, in Sumner Circuit Court, Tennessee, Kaiser was convicted of possession of a schedule II-controlled substance to sell, methamphetamine, greater than .5 grams.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Franklin Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted 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.
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Four Indicted for Defrauding Dozens of Victims of More Than $7.5 MillionRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Daniel Vernon, Yveler Marcellus, Felix Marcial and Tatiana Williams with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Defendants Vernon and Marcial were arrested earlier today in the Eastern District of New York and their initial appearances were held this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.
Defendant Marcellus is scheduled to be arraigned on January 10, 2024 before Judge Marutollo. Defendant Williams was arrested earlier this morning in Florida, and her initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon in Miami before United States Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Daniel B. Brubaker, New York Division Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, while the defendants called unsuspecting individuals with promises of safeguarding their money and refinancing their mortgages, they lied and actually stole more than $7.5 million from over 50 victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who commit financial fraud and work to recover and return victims’ stolen money. We urge the public to be extremely wary of sending money to people they don’t know, as they may be trying to swindle you.”
“Postal Inspectors will relentlessly pursue anyone who misuses the U.S. mail to commit fraud and take advantage of the American public. The defendants, through their fraudulent tech and mortgage refinancing schemes, allegedly victimized over 50 individuals and stole well over $7 Million. Inspectors and our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, work diligently to ensure these individuals are brought to justice and held accountable. Today’s arrests are proof of that fact. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is continuously working to protect and educate consumers regarding various fraudulent schemes that in this case claimed millions of dollars from innocent victims,” said United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector-In-Charge Brubaker.
As alleged in the indictment, between January 2022 and May 2023, the defendants conducted fraudulent “tech” and “mortgage refinancing” schemes, through which they targeted victims by phone and convinced them to send cash, checks, or money orders to the defendants at various addresses in the Eastern District of New York.
Through the tech scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators falsely represented to individual victims that victim bank accounts were compromised, that individuals were attempting to access the victim’s computer to gain access to the victim’s funds, that individuals at the victim’s financial institution were involved in the scheme to steal the victim’s money and that the victim’s money would be kept safe if the victim sent the funds to the individual on the telephone. Each victim was then directed to send a check, money order or cash to an address provided by the conspirators, under the guise that the victim’s funds would be kept safe with that person.
Under the mortgage refinancing scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators falsely represented to victims that the victims could refinance their mortgages at a beneficial interest rate by diverting their mortgage payments to an address provided by the defendants and their co-conspirators. Each victim was then directed to send a check, money order or cash to an address provided by person on the phone, under the guise that the payment was being made toward the victim’s refinanced mortgage.
After the victims sent their checks, cash, or money order to the address provided to them by the individual they spoke with over the phone, the defendants and their co-conspirators retrieved the mailings from the address it was sent to and deposited it in their own bank accounts. In total, the defendants stole more than $7.5 million dollars from more than 50 victims.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts. The government’s investigation is ongoing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elias Laris.
The Defendants:
DANIEL G. VERNON (also known as “Daquan Mitchell,” “Daniel George,” and “Cory Fortune”)
Age: 28
Ozone Park, New YorkYVELER MARCELLUS
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkFELIX MARCIAL
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkTATIANA WILLIAMS
Age: 26
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-9 (CBA)
Former VFW Commander Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $40,000 From Oklahoma Veterans
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL BRUCE COLLEY, 65, of Marlow, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 19, 2023, Colley was charged by Information with wire fraud. According to the Information, Colley worked as commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1192 in Duncan, Oklahoma. The VFW is a nonprofit, dedicated to veterans’ service and military and community service programs. The Information alleges Colley controlled the finances for the post, and made over 30 unauthorized withdrawals from VFW accounts, which he used to pay his own personal expenses. The withdrawals totaled more than $40,000 and many of these fraudulent withdrawals occurred at Oklahoma casinos.
Yesterday, Colley pleaded guilty to wire fraud. As part of his plea, Colley admitted that between January of 2019 and June of 2021, he defrauded the VFW Post 1192 of over $40,000. At sentencing, Colley faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City field office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Former Texas Resident Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Rosharon, Texas, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Daniel Saucedo, 33, formerly of Rosharon, Texas, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about July 28, 2023, Saucedo attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 and up to 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Social Media Influencer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Scheming to Obtain More Than $1.2 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act LoansRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Denish Sahadevan, a/k/a “Danny Devan,” age 32, of Potomac, Maryland, today to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, relating to his scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $1.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Judge Boardman also ordered that Sahadevan will forfeit the cash and Bitcoin seized during a search of his residence on February 24, 2023 and will be required to pay restitution and a forfeiture money judgement of at least $429,906. Sahadevan provided a $100,000 check to the Court today as part of his restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP, as well as EIDLs to help small businesses meet their financial obligations, both administered through the SBA.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in about March 2020, Sahadevan submitted EIDL and PPP application on behalf of four Maryland entities that he controlled, often creating fraudulent and fabricated documents, such as tax forms and bank statements, to be used in the applications. In addition, Sahadevan used the identifying information belonging to a tax preparer that he knew, without that person’s knowledge or agreement, to legitimize the fabricated tax forms he created and submitted.
Specifically, Sahadevan admitted that he used his home in Rockville, Maryland to create the fabricated documents and electronically apply for EIDL and PPP loans. Sahadevan applied for approximately 71 PPP loans totaling approximately $941,794.75, and successfully obtained approximately $146,000 in PPP benefits. Sahadevan applied for and received eight EIDLs totaling $283,900. On the EIDL loans, Sahadevan induced his father into becoming a co-signer for the loan, then forged his father’s signature on the loan application. Sahadevan’s father would not have agreed to sponsor the loan had he known of its fraudulent nature and contents.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Sahadevan caused the fraud proceeds to be deposited into bank accounts he opened specifically for that purpose, then laundered the funds by engaging in several monetary transactions, including purchasing and trading securities and cryptocurrency, settling personal debts and making payments to his girlfriend.
In addition, between December 16, 2021 and January 10, 2022, Sahadevan applied to a financial institution for a $1,336,000 loan to purchase a property in Potomac, Maryland. In the loan application, Sahadevan failed to disclose the $283,900 he owed to the United States for the EIDL benefits he fraudulently received. Relying on Sahedevan’s representations, the financial institution approved the loan, which was used to purchase the Potomac property.
On February 24, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sahadevan’s Potomac residence and recovered multiple electronic devices, a can containing approximate 18 driver’s licenses belonging to other individuals, what appeared to be a gold physical Bitcoin in a black case, and approximately $17,043 in cash found in a suitcase in a bedroom closet. The cash and Bitcoin constitute proceeds of the fraud scheme.
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 and the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bijon A. Mostoufi, who prosecuted the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Former Oregon State Employee Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Charges After Violating Civil Rights of a Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee, Zakary Glover, 30, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities who was in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.
“This defendant engaged in sexual misconduct with a woman entrusted to his care who was suffering from significant cognitive impairments,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute government officials who abuse their power by sexually exploiting people under their care and custody, and we will do our utmost to vindicate the rights of survivors of sexual violence.”
“Using a position of trust and authority to violate the civil rights of another person is a serious federal crime and will never be tolerated by the Justice Department,” said U.S Attorney Natalie Wight for the District of Oregon. “We thank our partners at the FBI, Oregon State Police and Civil Rights Division for their commitment to seeking justice in this case.”
“There is an expectation that public servants will act with care, compassion and respect, especially when responsible for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Schlegel of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue any individual who violates that trust and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.”
According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Glover worked as a direct support crisis specialist for the Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit. On Nov. 2, 2021, Glover transported an adult woman in his care to an outing in Salem, Oregon. The victim suffers from severe autism and epilepsy, cognitive delays and very limited verbal ability. Staff members responsible for her care communicate by showing her picture books, displaying YouTube videos or drawing pictures.
During the outing, Glover detoured down a dead-end road in Aumsville, Oregon. Glover parked the van and then, using force, attempted to and did cause the victim to engage in a sexual act without her consent. After doing so, Glover forcefully grabbed her and then positioned his body in a way that allowed him to attempt to force her into another non-consensual sexual act. Glover admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual activity. Among other offenses, his conduct constituted attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
A sentencing hearing is set for April 30. Glover faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Portland Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Pleads Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of a Developmentally Disabled Woman in His CareRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.
Zakary Glover, 30, of Lebanon, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity under color of law involving attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
“Using a position of trust and authority to violate the civil rights of another person is a serious federal crime and will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice. We thank our partners at the FBI, Oregon State Police, and Civil Rights Division for their commitment to seeking justice in this case,” said Natalie Wight, U.S Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“This defendant engaged in sexual misconduct with a woman entrusted to his care who was suffering from significant cognitive impairments,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute government officials who abuse their power by sexually exploiting people under their care and custody, and we will do our utmost to vindicate the rights of survivors of sexual violence.”
“There is an expectation that public servants will act with care, compassion, and respect, especially when responsible for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Matt Schlegel, Acting Special Agent in Charge, of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI, its Law Enforcement Partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue any individual who violates that trust and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.”
According to the court documents, Glover served as a Direct Support Crisis Specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU). SACU operates several 24-hour crisis residential programs in Oregon that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a SACU employee, Glover was tasked with ensuring the health, safety and security of the individuals who lived at the residential facility where he worked.
The victim, who has severe autism and cognitive deficits, was one of the individuals under Glover’s care. As part of his duties, Glover took the victim on outings in a state-owned van. The van used for such outings was purposely secured with child locks and a heavy plastic partition between the front and rear seats so that individuals like Glover’s victim cannot get out.
On November 2, 2021, while on an outing with the victim, Glover drove down a dead-end road near a cemetery in Aumsville, Oregon. Upon reaching the dead-end, he parked the van near the cemetery’s gate and proceeded to engage in sexual acts with the victim without her consent.
On February 18, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Glover with depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity under color of law involving attempted aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
Glover will be sentenced on April 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernández. He faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office with assistance from Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Head of New Mission School Sentenced for Misusing Nearly $40,000 in School FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Head of School for New Mission School in Hyde Park, an autonomous pilot school within the Boston Public Schools system, was sentenced today for misusing approximately $38,806 in school funds for her own personal use.
Naia Wilson, 60, of Mattapan, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years of supervised release, with the first 90 days to be served in home incarceration, 160 hours of community service and a $25,000 fine. Wilson was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $38,806 to Boston Public Schools. In September 2023, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Wilson was employed as Head of School for New Mission School from 2006 until about June of 2019. Pilot schools like New Mission are granted maximum autonomy over their budget and spending. New Mission School receives a lump sum per pupil budget from Boston Public Schools and school administrators decide how to spend that money based on the needs of the school.
Pilot school budgets are managed by an external fiscal agent that contracts with Boston Public Schools. The school funds managed by the external fiscal agent were held in a bank account. In order to spend school funds managed by the external fiscal agent, Wilson, in her role as Head of School for New Mission School, would be required to make a formal check request to the external fiscal agent for a check to be issued from the bank account holding the school’s funds.
Beginning in or about September of 2016 and continuing until at least May of 2019, Wilson requested checks from the external fiscal agent school account to be issued to various individuals, purportedly as stipends for work those individuals did at the school. Once those checks were issued, Wilson fraudulently endorsed the checks to herself and deposited them into her own bank account without the nominee ever knowing or authorizing her to do so.
Additionally, Wilson requested checks from the external fiscal agent that were used to pay for two all-inclusive personal vacations to Barbados for herself and several of her friends in 2016 and 2018. For both the 2016 and 2018 Barbados trips, Wilson requested that the external fiscal agent issue checks payable to other people who went on the trips and then converted that money to pay for the all-inclusive hotel and airfare. Wilson also fraudulently endorsed the checks used to pay for the 2018 trip.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The Boston Public Schools were cooperative in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Father, Son, Admit Trafficking Cocaine to St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A father and son from St. Louis, Missouri have pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and admitted trafficking kilograms of cocaine to St. Louis for years.
Gregory Dixson Jr., 53, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to launder money.
Gregory Cornell Dixson III, 32, pleaded guilty January 4 to the same cocaine conspiracy charge as his father.
Both men admitted as part of their guilty pleas that beginning in 2015 or earlier, they conspired with others to bring cocaine to St. Louis. Dixson Jr. acknowledged in his plea that the amount of cocaine attributable to him based upon his conduct and the conduct of others reasonably foreseeable to him is more than 450 kilograms. Dixson III admitted that 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine could be attributed to him based on his conduct and the conduct of others.
They also admitted a series of drug and money transactions and seizures during the long-term investigation.
In September of 2015, a vehicle that was ultimately delivered to St. Louis was found to have 31 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside. The cocaine was supplied by Omar Pena Vargas, who supplied Dixson Jr. until the cocaine was seized. Both Dixsons drove by the vehicle several days before someone broke in and accessed a hidden area where five kilograms of cocaine had been stored, their pleas say.
In late 2016 or early 2017, Dixson Jr. and/or Dixson III would send couriers to Texas to buy kilograms of cocaine from Miguel Angel Gonzalez, who bought it from Carlos Gonzalez. Dixson Jr. initially bought three kilograms several times a month, but he later purchased as much as eight to 16 kilograms per week, the pleas say.
In August of 2018, Gonzalez was brokering the sale of 75 kilograms of cocaine to Dixson Jr. He was found in a hotel with two bags containing a total of $634,770 in cash, representing a partial payment for the cocaine, the Dixsons’ plea agreements say.
On Oct. 28, 2018, eight kilograms of cocaine bound for St. Louis were seized.
In March of 2020, 23.6 kilograms of a mix of heroin and fentanyl was seized from Ruben Sanchez Blanco. Some of the drugs were intended for St. Louis, Dixon III’s plea says.
In April of 2021, Miguel Gonzalez and Dixson III coordinated a pickup of two kilograms of cocaine. Later that month, Carlos Gonzalez traveled to St. Louis to pick up drug proceeds and coordinated the delivery of the money by Dixson III with father and son.
In July of 2021, Quintin Deforest Adkins drove to Texas with cash to buy six kilograms of cocaine. That vehicle was seized, and $161,845 was found hidden inside, the pleas say.
Dixson III is scheduled to be sentenced April 3. His father is scheduled to be sentenced April 11. Dixson III’s cocaine conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, as well as the possibility of a fine up to $10 million. Dixson Jr.’s cocaine conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years due to a prior drug trafficking conviction.
Vargas is in federal prison. Miguel Gonzalez, 59, pleaded guilty in November to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl. Adkins, 63, pleaded guilty in November to the cocaine and fentanyl conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be sentenced February 21. Blanco, 46, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced in June to five years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Carlos Gonzalez, 54, is deceased.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.EDVA Settles Lawsuit Against Property Management Company and Landlord for Violating Servicemembers’ RightsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A property management company operating throughout Hampton Roads has agreed to pay $13,225.65 to settle a complaint alleging that the company and one of its landlord-homeowners violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
According to court documents, McGowan Realty LLC, doing business as RedSail Property Management (RedSail), agreed to settle a complaint that it and one of its landlord-homeowners violated the SCRA by imposing early lease termination charges and additional rent on a servicemember. The United States alleged that the company had a policy of refusing to honor servicemembers’ lease terminations when the servicemember received permanent change of station (PCS) orders to a new duty station that was less than 35 miles (radius) from the dwelling unit.
“Our servicemembers sacrifice greatly, moving and deploying often in support of our nation’s defense. Such moves should never create financial hardship for our servicemembers,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“This case should put all housing providers on notice that if a servicemember meets the requirements of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, they are entitled to all its benefits, regardless of what any state law may provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of our servicemembers and their families to ensure they do not face any unlawful treatment by housing companies or any other entities.”
The SCRA allows a servicemember to terminate a residential lease early if the servicemember receives permanent change of station orders or enters military service during the term of the lease. If the tenant terminates a lease pursuant to the SCRA, the landlord may not impose any early termination fee or rent beyond the effective termination date. The SCRA places no mileage restrictions on a servicemember’s residential lease termination rights. State statutes cannot deprive servicemembers of the full scope of their rights under federal law.
EDVA launched its investigation after a Navy legal assistance attorney reported that RedSail and the landlord had refused to honor the SCRA residential lease termination of a U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class and were assessing early lease termination charges and additional rent against him. RedSail allegedly erroneously insisted that the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) placed a 35-mile limitation on a servicemember’s SCRA residential lease termination rights. The complaint alleges that the Petty Officer paid $3,408.55 in early termination charges and additional rent to RedSail, which placed a considerable financial burden on him.
Under the proposed consent order, RedSail will pay $10,225.65 to the Petty Officer referenced in the United States’ complaint and a $3,000 civil penalty. The consent order also requires that RedSail provide SCRA training to its employees and develop new policies and procedures consistent with the SCRA. In the proposed consent order, RedSail and the landlord have agreed to refrain from imposing or attempting to impose the VRLTA’s 35-mile limitation on servicemembers who lawfully terminate a lease under the SCRA, imposing or seeking to collect any early termination charges from servicemembers or their dependents who lawfully terminate a lease pursuant to the SCRA, and denying SCRA lease terminations from servicemembers who qualify for lease termination under the SCRA. The proposed consent order is subject to approval by the court.
This case was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deirdre G. Brou.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/. The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.
The civil claims settled by this Servicemembers Civil Relief Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
District Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shawn Wooden, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 92 months in prison in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy called the “MLK Crew” based in Southeast Washington, announced United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Geist, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wooden, aka “Black,” pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Wooden to serve three years of supervised release.
Wooden was indicted with 16 co-defendants (listed below) associated with the “MLK Crew.” All 17 defendants have pleaded guilty and only one defendant remains to be sentenced. All 16 defendants who have been sentenced received prison terms ranging from 24 months to 114 months based on their criminal conduct and criminal histories.
The case stems from an investigation by the MPD Narcotics and Special Investigations Division and the FBI into the group that operated an open-air drug market around the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington D.C.
The investigation began in response to numerous citizen complaints about rampant drug trafficking and accompanying incidents of violence in the area. In addition to numerous citizen complaints, MPD targeted this area as one of the most notorious in the city in terms of recent shootings and shots fired, as well as for the area’s high numbers of arrests—particularly offenses involving drugs and firearms.
As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI began conducting surveillance, obtaining search warrants, and making controlled buys of narcotics from suspected members of the conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that MLK Crew members openly engaged in the sale of various drugs (including PCP, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana) and took over the area and, effectively, some of the neighborhood’s businesses. MLK Crew members would often go into the neighborhood businesses to complete sales and constantly loitered outside of these businesses to engage in sales.
As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI obtained video of defendants openly conducting narcotics transactions in these businesses and even displaying firearms. Throughout the case, law enforcement seized at least 10 firearms (many of which were privately manufactured firearms or “ghost guns”) from MLK crew members and/or stash houses and a sizeable quantity of various narcotics.
As discussed at sentencing, Wooden maintained a stash house at an apartment within MLK Crew territory, leased under the name of a different individual, where Wooden stored both firearms and distribution quantities of narcotics. Photographic and video evidence showed Wooden in the apartment, along with several of his co-conspirators, both cooking crack cocaine and separately packaging narcotics for redistribution. Wooden’s stash house was searched on July 19, 2021, where two firearms were recovered, along with 19 grams of fentanyl and 6 grams of crack cocaine. A DNA analysis revealed “very strong support” for the conclusion that Wooden’s DNA was on one of the firearms seized from the crew’s stash-house apartment, specifically, a privately manufactured firearm (a ghost gun) containing a Glock 27 .40 caliber slide, and .40 caliber ammunition in an extended 22- round capacity magazine. Wooden, who has prior felony convictions and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest, is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
The MLK Crew’s trafficking contributed to numerous incidents of drug-related violence in and around the 2900 Block of MLK Avenue, including multiple assaults, shootings, robberies, and murders—most notably, the murder of a six-year-old girl who was the daughter of one of the co-defendants in this case.
In July of 2021, a few months after opening the investigation, MPD and FBI arrested 11 initial defendants and seized 10 firearms, along with PCP, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, pills, and more than $2,500 in cash. The additional six defendants, including Wooden, were charged in September 2021, and were arrested shortly thereafter.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force in partnership with MPD’s Narcotics and Special Investigations (NSID) Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). This partnership targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia.
Assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Park Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and David T. Henek of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy T. Wang also provided valuable assistance.
DEFENDANT
STATUS
Ricky Lyles, Accokeek, MD
Sentenced to 114 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm
Nico Griffin, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Dandre Shorter, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Wesley Leake, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 40 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Leon Lindsay, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 57 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Dezmond Cunningham,
Washington, DCSentenced to 48 months conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Divine Chappell, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 76 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Shawn Wooden, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 92 months for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon
Barry Tyson, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 73 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Delonta Chappell,
Washington, DCSentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Anthony GravesWashington, DC
Sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Deshawn Loggins,
Temple Hills, MDSentenced to 42 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Kevonte Randall, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 46 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm
Corenzo Mobery, Washington, DC
Scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 26, 2024, for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
Rico Griffin, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Shahborne Scales, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Luther McDuffie, 35, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 24 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
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District Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition by a FelonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jordan Johnson, 26, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for unlawfully possessing several hundred rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Graves, U.S. Marshal Ronald Carter of the U.S. Marshals Service, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered Johnson to serve two years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
Johnson pleaded guilty October 10, 2023, to unlawful possession of ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 20, 2023, U.S. Marshals attempted to serve an eviction notice at a Johnson’s I Street apartment in Southeast Washington D.C, where Johnson was the sole tenant. During an initial security sweep of the dwelling, Marshals observed a pistol, multiple “Polymer80” branded boxes, firearm ammunition boxes, loose ammunition, and a firearm slide scattered throughout Johnson’s home.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant. They found evidence of a small arsenal that included a privately made firearm (a “ghost gun”) with one round in the chamber and 14 rounds the magazine; four Polymer80 rifle lower receivers with jigs (the principal components for making multiple illegal ghost guns); one handgun slide; an empty handgun “jig;” a firearm flashlight attachment; six firearm magazines; two empty Glock boxes; two empty Polymer80 boxes; spent shell casings; one firearm sight; a speed loader; and 214 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Johnson was previously sentenced to a period of home confinement and probation for a prior firearm conviction only weeks before these items were recovered. He had been previously convicted of possessing a loaded Glock 27 pistol while attempting to pick up a UPS package containing suspected marijuana.
Johnson was indicted on July 6, 2023, and arrested on July 18, 2023, in Washington D.C.
In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves, U.S. Marshal Carter, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and MPD.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin F. Song and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Pattison.
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District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder and Assault with Intent to Kill in Shooting of Two at Northeast Labor AgencyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Matthew Walker, 25, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as several other related assault and gun possession charges, by Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on January 8, 2024, following trial for a February 2019 shooting of two men, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 14, 2019, at approximately 5:45 am, a masked gunman walked into Trojan Labor, a temporary labor agency in Northeast Washington D.C. Once inside, the gunman ran directly to the agency’s dispatch office, where he repeatedly shot Mike Hardy, the manager of the agency, and David Remen, one of the agency’s workers. The gunman then ran out of the building. Remen died on scene. Hardy died in 2022. The government presented DNA, ballistic, video, and other evidence that linked the Defendant to the shooting. A sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Seidel and Alec Levy.
Delaware Man Federally Indicted for Traveling to Sexually Abuse an 11-Year-Old VictimRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today the unsealing of a December 14, 2023, Indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging a Bear, Delaware man with traveling from Delaware to New Jersey to sexually abuse an 11-year-old victim after meeting and enticing the victim over the internet.
According to the indictment and publicly filed documents, on September 10, 2023, the Wayne Township New Jersey Police Department (“WTPD”) received a report of a missing 11-year-old victim. Through investigative measures, WTPD determined that Darius Matylewich, 27, of Bear, Delaware, took the 11-year-old victim from a New Jersey home to his home in Bear, Delaware. In assisting WTPD, the New Castle County Police Department safely recovered the 11-year-old victim and arrested Matylewich.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Matylewich met the 11-year-old victim on the internet and communicated with the victim via the online video game Roblox and social media platforms Discord, TikTok, and Snapchat. A forensic analysis of Matylewich’s cellphone and social media uncovered message threads in which Matylewich coerced the 11-year-old victim to perform sexual acts, and, in turn, produce child pornography, for him. Investigators also recovered messages in which Matylewich described covertly watching and following the victim near a New Jersey home.
Matylewich used an application on his iPhone to record conversations, videos, and images of the 11-year-old performing sexual acts that Matylewich solicited from the victim via Snapchat. Further, Matylewich stored hundreds of videos and images of the victim within the “hidden” folder of his Apple Photos application, which is only accessed via Apple’s facial recognition, FaceID.
Matylewich is charged with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years’ incarceration up to a maximum period of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss and Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, commended the work of those who investigated the case, including the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Wayne Township New Jersey Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill and Kevin P. Pierce are assigned to prosecute the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-102.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 102 Months for Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – United States Federal District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby sentenced a Washington County man to over eight years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release, after he admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Cruzberto Alballar, 33, of Santa Clara, Utah, was confronted by officers at his residence during a search for a stolen truck in April 2023. Using GPS tracking, the truck was detected inside Alballar’s detached garage. Alballar told officers that someone he knew asked if he could keep the truck at his residence and Alballar gave him permission to do so but noticed it did not have any keys and the driver’s side window was smashed. While executing a search warrant inside Alballar’s residence officers found 160 grams of methamphetamine, a large jar of marijuana, ammunition and multiple firearms, one of which was reported stolen. The firearms and ammunition include a Smith and Wesson magazine with ammunition; a Smith & Wesson M&P firearm; a box of 9mm Fiocchi Luger ammunition with loose rounds of ammo inside; an Astra A 100 handgun, a Smith & Wesson M&P Compact 911 handgun; and a Diamond Back AR15 556 rifle. Officers also located multiple large capacity magazines for the guns, including a double-drum magazine. During a second search warrant of Alballar’s vehicle, officers also found a methamphetamine pipe and several bags of methamphetamine.
Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department“As the U.S. Attorney, community safety is my top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Mr. Alballar not only illegally possessed and intended to distribute narcotics in the community but unlawfully possessed firearms, as a previously convicted felon. We will work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who are a threat to our communities.”
The case is being investigated jointly by the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department and the Washington County Drug Task Force.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
cruzberto_alballar_sentencingmemo.pdfConvicted Felon Indicted for Attempting to Purchase A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the returned an indictment charging Roberto Roman Ramirez (50, Orange Park) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Ramirez faces up to five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Ramirez completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from Academy Sports, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Ramirez indicated on the required paperwork that he was not a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that this was a false statement, and that Ramirez was previously convicted in federal court of conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to purchase a gun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
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.
Citrus County Man Indicted for Forcibly Assaulting Federal Agents with KnivesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a two-count superseding indictment charging Phil Henry Taylor (66, Homosassa) with forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and receipt of stolen government property. If convicted, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the assault charge and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud charge. On December 12, 2023, Taylor and his stepdaughter, Patricia Clinard, were each charged with one count of receipt of stolen government property. Today, the grand jury superseded that indictment to add one count of forcibly assaulting a federal officer by Taylor.
According to court records, between February 26, 2016, and March 2, 2020, Taylor and Clinard fraudulently obtained Social Security benefits from Taylor’s late-wife’s account by forging her name on checks. After the return of the indictment for the receipt of stolen government property, federal warrants were issued for their arrests. On January 4, 2024, special agents with the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General attempted to arrest Taylor at his home. Taylor, however, refused to exit, telling the agents that he would stab them if they entered. After breaching the front door of the home, the agents immediately observed Taylor holding two large knives. Taylor eventually dropped the weapons and was taken into custody.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marcus Alexander Allen, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Allen will also be placed on federal supervised release upon completion of his active prison term.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on March 5, 2022, CMPD officers responded to a service call for a reported shooting at an apartment complex in Charlotte. Court documents show that law enforcement investigating the incident recovered 79 discharged cartridge cases from the parking lot of the apartment complex. In addition, one of the stray bullets fatally injured a resident while the victim was inside his apartment. According to court records, a Glock .40 caliber firearm with a 22 round magazine was recovered from the parking lot. A forensic analysis determined that Allen’s DNA was on the firearm’s grip and magazine. In addition, the firearm was a match to 19 discharged cartridge cases recovered from the scene of the shooting, however the firearm had not discharged the bullet that fatally injured the victim.
According to documents filed with the court, a search warrant was issued for Allen’s residence. Over the course of the search, law enforcement seized from the residence an SKS rifle, an American Tactical .300 caliber Omni Hybrid with a thirty-round magazine, fentanyl pills, and an ID card from the state of New Jersey bearing Allen’s image with another person’s name. Allen has a prior federal conviction for aggravated identity theft and he is not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
On August 16, 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The ATF and CMPD handled the investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeren Danielle Canterbury, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Canterbury twice sold quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, in Nitro on March 3, 2023 and in Charleston on March 15, 2023.
Canterbury is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams 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. 3:23-cr-138.
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Canadian National Charged with Distribution and Importation of FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Canadian national was charged today with distribution and importation of fentanyl to the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Michael C. Wozney, 38, of Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada is charged by a 14-count indictment with seven counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and seven counts of importation of a controlled substance into the United States.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2019 through September 2020, Wozney was a vendor of fentanyl on the dark net – a part of the internet not accessible by most internet browsers and designed to allow users to conduct transactions anonymously. Wozney sold fentanyl on multiple dark net marketplaces, including Empire Market, where Wozney completed hundreds of transactions. Wozney shipped fentanyl to individuals in the United States, including individuals in New Jersey.
Wozney advertised the sale of numerous fentanyl products, including substances that he described as “close to pure” and “DANGEROUS LEVEL.” Wozney shipped his customers’ fentanyl orders in a manner that was designed to evade detection and seizure by border officials and other law enforcement authorities. In instances where law enforcement officials seized shipments, Wozney reshipped those orders and alerted customers that he was modifying his mailing practices to evade detection.
Each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielson, Philadelphia Division, and FBI- Pittsburgh Division, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Shanahan for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinay S. Limbachia of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
wozney.indictment.pdfBox Elder man admits to sexually abusing teen on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man today admitted to sexually abusing a teenage girl he had contacted through social media and convinced to come to his home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 39, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. Gonsalez faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life 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 8. Gonsalez was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 3, 2023, Gonsalez initiated contact with the victim, a 16-year-old identified as Jane Doe, though Facebook Messenger. Gonsalez attempted to lure her to his home, and Jane Doe eventually arrived at Gonsalez’s residence around 10 p.m. A short time later while in Gonsalez’s residence, Jane Doe got scared and wanted to leave, but the residence was isolated, and the temperature was below freezing. Jane Doe asked Gonsalez to have someone pick her up. Jane Doe fell asleep while waiting for the ride. Jane Doe then awoke to Gonsalez sexually abusing her. After he was done, Jane Doe left the residence and called 911 for help. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer found Jane Doe and picked her up on the road near Gonsalez’s residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Anchorage man with history of violence sentenced for drug, firearm crimesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced to over six years in prison for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Jose Galvan Jr., 49, was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a traffic stop on Feb. 12, 2022. The driver of the vehicle told the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license and was recently released from jail. During the traffic stop, officers discovered Galvan had two concealed firearms on his person, and three additional firearms and drug paraphernalia in a backpack.
When officers discovered the concealed firearms, they detained Galvan in a patrol car. While in the patrol car, the defendant ripped open a Ziploc bag of fentanyl that he had concealed on his person, spreading the powder over the seats. Galvan was removed from the vehicle and transferred to a hospital after officers observed the defendant experiencing what they believed to be overdose symptoms from fentanyl exposure.
Further investigation revealed that Galvan intended to sell the fentanyl and carried the firearms for protection while he trafficked drugs.
Court documents also lay out the defendant’s history of violence starting 26 years ago when he used a shotgun to rob a victim. Galvan has committed multiple violent felonies, including robbery, a shooting connected to drug trafficking, possessing firearms as a felon and the assault of a woman that he strangled until she lost consciousness. The court cited these violent actions when the sentence was delivered, stating that the defendant was well attuned to the danger of possessing firearms during drugs crimes since the defendant’s previous conviction was a drug crime that resulted in a shooting, where the defendant himself was shot multiple times.
The defendant pled guilty on March 10, 2023. Galvan will also serve five years’ supervised release as part of his sentence.
“Mr. Galvan’s actions in 2022 continued his long history of violence and added to his time behind bars for this crime,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Violence has no place in our communities. My office will continue to remain vigilant and work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute habitual violent offenders who create problems in our cities and villages, and work to ensure they receive sentences commensurate with their history of violence.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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American Cruise Lines Agrees to Improve Fleet Accessibility in ADA SettlementRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with American Cruise Lines, Inc., headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that the company was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
This matter was initiated based on six complaints received by the U.S. Department of Justice that American Cruise Lines was not accessible to or usable by individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs. American Cruise Lines owns and operates 17 passenger vessels. The complaints alleged that American Cruise Lines failed to provide cruise ships that were fully accessible to passengers in wheelchairs, failed to provide for safe embarkation and disembarkation procedures for passengers in wheelchairs, and failed to provide wheelchair-accessible ground transportation for passengers during shore excursions. This settlement agreement addresses accessibility on all 17 vessels and implements accessibility standards and policies to provide greater access during cruises.
As a result of the settlement agreement, American Cruise Lines will submit a comprehensive remediation plan to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities aboard all ships within 18 months. The United States will have the opportunity to review and approve the plan before renovations begin. In addition, the agreement requires American Cruise Lines to adopt ADA-compliant policies, procedures, and training; assign an ADA compliance officer; and establish an accessible website. Finally, the agreement requires American Cruise Lines to provide safe and accessible boarding and disembarking procedures and staff training, publicly available “accessibility request” and reservation procedures, and portable communication devices to alert deaf passengers when there is an emergency aboard ship.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including cruise ships, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the Justice Department to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that American Cruise Lines has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to safeguarding civil rights, including those protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Businesses are required, under the ADA, to appropriately serve a diverse customer base, ensuring that individuals are able to access and enjoy restaurants, service establishments, retail stores and other places of public accommodation. That includes cruise ships. We appreciate American Cruise Lines’ commitment to increasing access to its ships for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility challenges.”
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Brown, Jr. and Stewart Dearing of the District of Connecticut, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
2 Cincinnati men plead guilty to illegally possessing machinegun conversion devicesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in separate cases to possessing Glock switches.
Glock switches are devices that convert firearms to machineguns: fully automatic weapons that fire more than one shot without reloading the trigger.
Ronnell Aaron Clay, 21, pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a machinegun. Taviyon Broussard, 20, pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to the same crime.
According to court documents, on Aug. 22, 2023, Clay drove over double yellow lines and was stopped by Cincinnati police officers. Officers located a Glock pistol with a missing backplate and crack cocaine in the vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, another officer located a gold Glock switch.
Clay had been using his Instagram account to advertise Glock switches for sale in the Cincinnati area.
Broussard’s court documents detail that he illegally possessed a modified firearm on Nov. 8, 2022. Broussard was using a 3D-printed Glock conversion device.
Illegally possessing a fully automatic weapon is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Congress sets maximum statutory sentences and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a later hearing.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the guilty pleas. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in these cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato represented the United States in the case against Broussard.
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Monday 8 January 2024
Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Murder U.S. Probation OfficerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tammy Morgan, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to time served in federal custody after pleading guilty to Transmitting a Threatening Interstate Communication. At the time of her sentencing, Morgan had been held in federal custody for approximately 14 months.
According to court documents, on multiple occasions spanning from October 2018 through August 2022, Ms. Morgan sent repeated voicemails, texts messages, and physical notes threatening Victim 1, a federal probation officer. In the course of her official duties, Victim 1 supervised the release of the defendant’s husband, who was placed under federal supervision following his release from federal prison following a conviction in the Southern District of Indiana.
Specifically, on March 16, 2021, Morgan called Victim 1 at her office and left a voicemail stating, “I have a driving while suspended on my record, and I’m going to have a murder charge on my record…” Three days later, Morgan left another voicemail stating, “I’m going to hurt somebody…And I’m going to blow your f*****g head off.”
On June 22, 2022, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt issued an Order prohibiting Morgan from entering the U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis. In the Order, Chief Judge Pratt referenced a January 13, 2022, incident wherein Morgan warned an employee, “You look scared, and you should be.” The Order also referenced a June 1, 2022, incident wherein Morgan informed another court employee that “somebody’s going to get hurt.”
According to the same Order, on four occasions, Morgan attempted to enter the U.S. Courthouse with a pocketknife. On July 14, 2022, Morgan approached a U.S. Probation Officer as she walked to her parked vehicle and asked if Victim 1 was at the office. One month later, Morgan left a note on the same Officer’s vehicle that read “I lost my everything because of [Victim 1.] She lied and stole my children and our money, I want justice.”
“Federal probation officers play a critical role in protecting the public by helping offenders successfully reenter society and ensuring they comply with the law following their return from prison—an inherently difficult and sometimes dangerous job,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No public servant should have to suffer death threats just for doing their job. Our office takes threats to all federal employees very seriously and is committed to supporting and protecting our counterparts in the court system.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Morgan be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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Whitingham Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 3, 2024, Carl Butterfield, 54, of Whitingham, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve 135 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM). Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Butterfield to serve a 15-year term of supervised release.
According to court records and proceedings, on September 30, 2021, knowing what it depicted, Butterfield possessed a video that showed an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female. Butterfield broke the video into four separate video files so he could send it to a person with whom he was chatting on the social media platform Kik, which he did. At the time, Butterfield was on furlough with the State of Vermont following his 2007 conviction for possession of CSAM.
In sentencing Butterfield, Judge Crawford noted that Butterfield’s prior conviction for possession of CSAM required the Court to sentence Butterfield to a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. Judge Crawford also enhanced Butterfield’s sentence for obstruction of justice because Butterfield intentionally destroyed an iPhone that he used to access CSAM before it could be reviewed by his state probation officer.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of Butterfield.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Butterfield. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls represented Butterfield.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Westwego Resident Sentenced to Probation for Theft of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYREN TYRONE SHENALL (“SHENALL”), age 19, was sentenced on January 5, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to serve five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, SHENALL, along with his co-conspirators Eric Williams and Kelan Gennings, stole U.S. Mail from post office mailboxes located at the Covington Post Office by using a postal arrow key to obtain access. SHENALL and his co-conspirators then used the checks and other financial documents stolen from the mailbox to commit check fraud.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Westport Resident Charged with Misappropriating $477K U.S. Treasury CheckRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, Acting Inspector General Heather M. Hill of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NEIL A. LOTT, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, LLC (“PAH”), a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, Lott opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization. On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit.
The indictment was returned on January 3, 2024, and Lott was arrested on January 4. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $350,000 bond.
If convicted of wire fraud, Lott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Westmoreland County Resident Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
On January 8, 2024, United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines sentenced Ronnell Taylor, Jr., 41, to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Taylor was also ordered to pay restitution to 27 victims of the fraud scheme in the total amount of $193,111.
According to information provided to the court, Taylor admitted that, from March 2016 to August 2017, he participated in an IRS impersonation fraud conspiracy involving call centers located in India. As part of this fraud scheme, victims in the United States received recorded messages fraudulently claiming that the call was from the IRS concerning the victims’ failure to pay taxes and directing victims to call a U.S.-based telephone number to resolve the matter. Calls to these U.S.-based telephone numbers would be automatically forwarded to call centers in India, and those who answered told victims that they owed money to the IRS and demanded immediate payment via gift card or other means. To assist in this fraud scheme, Taylor activated and programmed cell phones to automatically forward calls to the foreign call centers. Taylor also hired associates, including his co-defendant Michael Galanis, to program hundreds of cell phones for this purpose. After Taylor learned that co-conspirators in India had been charged with conduct related to the fraud scheme, Taylor destroyed evidence related to the scheme, including prepaid credit cards, cell phones, and other documents.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Haines stated that the fraud conspiracy impacted numerous victims and lasted for almost 18 months. Judge Haines further noted that victims of the scheme were threatened and some suffered “financial destruction” as a result of the defendant’s offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Taylor.
Anyone with information about allegations of elder fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833–372–8311. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant?orgcode=USDOJEFH or at 877-FTC-HELP.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
Davion Everette Madlock, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after as August 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between October 2022 and November 2022, Madlock posted videos and photos on social media advertising the sale of marijuana. On November 11, 2022, law enforcement officers searched Madlock’s residence. During the search, officers located a firearm with a laser sight and an extended magazine that was loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition on a coffee table in front of a couch where Madlock would sleep. Behind that couch, officers located a shoe box that contained 33 individually tied sandwich baggies each containing marijuana, a digital scale, and a paper identification card belonging to Madlock. At the time of the search warrant, Madlock was a felon based on multiple prior gun-related felony convictions.
Madlock was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Madlock was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Madlock is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2027.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Washington man accused of conspiring to unlawfully kill and sell bald and golden eagles arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington man suspected of conspiring to unlawfully kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then illegally sell them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere appeared for arraignment today on multiple charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Travis John Branson, 48, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy, unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and Lacey Act violations. If convicted of the most serious crime, Branson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Branson appeared on a summons and was released pending further proceedings. Co-defendant, Simon Paul, failed to appear on a summons, and the court ordered that a warrant be issued for his arrest.
As alleged in the indictment, from about January 2015 until about March 2021, near Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul and Branson conspired to illegally kill and offer for sale bald and golden eagles. Investigators uncovered messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles by stating, “[O]ut [here] committing felonies,” and telling buyers he was on “a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for future sales. Paul, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation and elsewhere. In total, the defendants killed approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles. Paul and Branson then illegally sold eagle feathers and parts on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere.
The indictment further alleges that Branson traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation to shoot bald and golden eagles, and that Paul was a “shooter” and “shipper” of eagles for Branson.
The indictment also alleges that on Dec. 17, 2020, Branson sent a text message to a purchaser with a photo of a golden eagle tail set. On the same date, Branson received a PayPal purchase for the golden eagle tail set. Two days later, Paul mailed the golden eagle set from St. Ignatius, Montana, to Texas. On Dec. 21, 2020, Branson received a text message from the purchaser that said, “Got that thang from Simon. And the mirror feathers. Tnks.” In addition, the indictment alleges that on March 13, 2021, Branson and Paul returned to a previously killed deer to lure eagles and that Branson shot a golden eagle. Paul cleaned the golden eagle and both defendants placed various golden eagle parts in a vehicle for transport.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not only a bird of biological interest but also this country’s national symbol. In 1962, Congress extended the Act to protect golden eagles.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Randy Tanner are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Flathead Tribal Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-55.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl
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Vandalia man sentenced to 13 years in prison for possessing bulk amounts of fentanyl, xylazine within elementary school zoneRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Vandalia man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 156 months in prison and eight years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute drugs within 1,000 feet of a local elementary school.
The United States argued at sentencing that Jason Glanton, 34, possessed enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of full-grown adults in close proximity to kids in kindergarten through third grade at Helke Elementary School on Randler Avenue in Vandalia.
Glanton’s narcotics included fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and a xylazine mixture known by the street names “tranq dope” and “zombie dope.” Xylazine is particularly dangerous because it has no known antidote, meaning Narcan/naloxone is less effective at reversing overdoses.
According to court documents, in the fall of 2022, the FBI and Dayton Police Department began investigating Glanton for fentanyl trafficking. Law enforcement observed Glanton sell fentanyl on at least three occasions in January and February 2023.
While executing a search warrant in February 2023, agents discovered more than 136 grams of fentanyl, $9,000 in cash, five semiautomatic handguns and more than 300 rounds of ammunition in a basement office at Glanton’s home on Pool Avenue. Investigators also discovered three loaded handguns in the primary bedroom.
In Glanton’s Chevrolet Silverado, officials discovered $10,000 in cash in the trunk and a loaded handgun in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle.
When Glanton was arrested in March 2023, he had more than $1,700 in cash on him and nearly 75 grams of fentanyl in his Chrysler 300.
Glanton pleaded guilty in September 2023.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi is representing the United States in this case.
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U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Prison for Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence OfficerRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A United States Navy service member was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China.
Wenheng Zhao, 26, also known as Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also fined Zhao $5,500.
Zhao pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties.
Zhao, who was stationed at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, held a U.S. security government clearance and underwent routine trainings on efforts by hostile nation states to acquire sensitive information.
Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao received at least $14,866 in 14 separate bribe payments from the intelligence officer, who directed Zhao to surreptitious collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information and offered to pay Zhao bonuses for controlled and classified information.
In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao repeatedly entered restricted military and naval installations to secretly collect non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises, and critical infrastructure. Zhao used encrypted communications to transmit that sensitive, non-public information to the intelligence officer. Zhao transmitted plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders, and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan.
Zhao attempted to conceal his crimes and his relationship with the intelligence officer by destroying evidence.
“Zhao betrayed his country and disgraced himself when he accepted bribes from an intelligence officer with the People’s Republic of China,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “As a result, he has now been removed from the military and will serve time in federal prison. Today’s sentence shows that my office will swiftly act to root out and punish those who seek to undermine our nation’s security.”
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, he is being held to account for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combatting the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.”
“Mr. Zhao abdicated his oath to the United States and put American troops in harm's way when he accessed and handed over sensitive information to China for a payout,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “Today's sentence should make it very clear that the FBI and our partners in the military and at the U.S. Attorney's Office will hold accountable anyone who succumbs to advances by the Chinese or any U.S. adversary, and in doing so, puts American secrets and American lives at risk.”
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his oath to the United States and deserves to be held fully accountable for accepting bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects. “NCIS will continue to leverage its unique law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities to vigorously pursue those who attempt to compromise our national security information. We are grateful to the FBI and Department of Justice for their substantial assistance to this lengthy investigation and greatly appreciate our continued partnership.”
The FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division of the Los Angeles Field Office and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section. The Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the Department of Justice provided substantial assistance.
U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese IntelligenceRead the Press Release
A U.S. Navy service member was sentenced today to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay a $5,500 fine for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments.
According to court documents, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, aka Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, California, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiring with the intelligence officer and one count of receiving a bribe.
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, he is being held to account for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combatting the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.”
“Zhao betrayed his country and disgraced himself when he accepted bribes from an intelligence officer with the People’s Republic of China,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “As a result, he has now been removed from the military and will serve time in federal prison. Today’s sentence shows that my office will swiftly act to root out and punish those who seek to undermine our nation’s security.”
“Make no mistake, the PRC is engaged in an aggressive effort to undermine the national security of the U.S. and its partners,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Zhao chose to betray the oath he took to our country and put others at risk by providing sensitive U.S. information to a PRC intelligence official. The Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly shown it will freely break any law or norm to achieve a perceived intelligence advantage. Today’s sentencing demonstrates, yet again, the inability of China’s Intelligence Services to prevent the FBI and our vital partners from apprehending and prosecuting the spies China recruits.”
“Mr. Zhao betrayed his oath to the United States and deserves to be held fully accountable for accepting bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects. “NCIS will continue to leverage its unique law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities to vigorously pursue those who attempt to compromise our national security information. We are grateful to the FBI and Department of Justice for their substantial assistance to this lengthy investigation and greatly appreciate our continued partnership.”
Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, engaged in a corrupt scheme to collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to the intelligence officer in violation of his official duties.
Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao received at least $14,866 in at least 14 separate bribe payments from the intelligence officer. In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao secretly collected and transmitted to the intelligence officer sensitive, non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises, and critical infrastructure. Zhao entered restricted military and naval installations to collect and record this information.
Zhao transmitted plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan.
He used sophisticated encrypted communication methods to transmit the information. He also destroyed evidence and concealed his relationship with the intelligence officer. Zhao’s conduct violated his official duties to protect such information and the oath he swore to protect the United States.
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden for the Central District of California prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Waters for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided valuable assistance.
U.S. District Court and U.S. Attorney’s Office Warn Public of Jury Duty ScamRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida–Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg warn the public of a nationwide scam in which callers pose as U.S. Marshals or other government officials and claim that the victim is about to be arrested for not appearing for jury duty but can avoid arrest by paying a fine. The Middle District of Florida has recently received an increased number of phone calls from victims regarding these scams and deems it of the utmost importance to promote awareness and prevent more people from falling prey to such scams. The scammers may provide convincing information, including about the victim (e.g., addresses, date of birth, etc.), real names of federal judges or court employees, actual court addresses, court phone numbers, and case and badge numbers. Scammers may even “spoof” the phone number on the caller ID so that the call falsely appears to originate from a court number or the number of another government agency. The caller then tells the victim they can avoid arrest by paying an immediate fine and walks them through purchasing a prepaid debit or gift card or making an electronic payment to satisfy the “fine.”
These phone calls are fraudulent, and citizens should not provide the caller with any personal or financial information. In no instance will a court official, U.S. Marshals Service, or other government employee contact someone and demand payment or personal information by phone or email.
“We’ve seen a resurgence of jury scams in recent months where a caller demands that someone pay a fee or face arrest for missing jury duty. Let me be clear: these calls are fraudulent,” warns Chief Judge Corrigan. “If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a judge or other court official, do not give them your credit card or other financial information. The court appreciates those citizens who are called for jury service and always endeavors to treat them with respect.”
“Jury service is one of the most important public services a citizen can perform, and it is a serious matter when scammers attempt to use a citizen’s sense of civic duty to defraud them,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “If someone calls and threatens you to pay them to not be arrested for missing federal jury duty, you are being scammed. This scam works by trying to create a false sense of urgency that you must pay money immediately to avoid arrest. Do not fall for it. Hang up the phone and instead report the call to the appropriate federal authorities.”
Residents of the Middle District of Florida who believe they have been the victim of such a scam are encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ and your local FBI Field Office. Below are a few preventative facts to remember if contacted by a scammer:
- The court will always send a jury summons by U.S. Mail. A court will never ask for a credit/debit card number, wire transfers, bank routing numbers, or demand payment over the phone for any purpose.
- A prospective juror who disregards a summons will be contacted by the District Court Clerk’s Office by mail and may, in certain circumstances, be ordered to appear before a judge. Such an order will always be in writing and signed by the judge.
- A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain their failure to appear. If a fine is imposed, it will be in open court and reduced to writing (and will not be payable by gift card number).
- Report scams to the District Court Clerk’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, or Federal Trade Commission. You can remain anonymous when you report.
- You can authenticate a call by contacting the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court. Each division phone number is on the Court’s website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $25 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $25,434,282 in asset forfeiture and financial litigation debt in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $15,244,637 was collected through asset forfeiture actions and $10,189,645 was collected through civil and criminal debt collection actions.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We are proud to have partnered with so many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to compensate victims and hold criminals financially accountable.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Civil Division Chief Shelese Woods and Asset Recovery Unit Chief Kelly Rota, as well as the Office’s outstanding attorneys and support professionals for their diligent efforts to uphold the law, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover funds for victims of crime.
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U.S. Attorney's Office for Western District of Kentucky Calls for Public Awareness During Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to educate ourselves and raise awareness in our communities about this devastating crime that violates the most basic of human rights - freedom. Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children and adults, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any community. Yet every day, these horrific crimes are happening across the United States and worldwide, stripping victims of their dignity, forcing them into a life of fear and a state of servitude.
That’s why in January and throughout the year, the Department of Justice, and dedicated prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with victim witness coordinators and support personnel, work with law enforcement partners to prevent human trafficking and bring offenders to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins forces with trauma-informed service providers to protect survivors and connect them with the resources and support they need and deserve.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to join in this important mission to help shed light on this horrific crime that too often goes undetected. “The first step in combatting human trafficking is identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “This crime often occurs in plain sight. Labor and sex trafficking situations can be found in both legal and illegal labor industries, including childcare, elder care, massage parlors, nail and hair salons, restaurants, hotels, factories, construction, landscaping, farming, escort services and the drug trade.”
Know the below indicators that can help identify a potential human trafficking situation:
Does the victim have freedom of movement?
Has the victim or their family been threatened with harm if they attempt to leave?
Is the victim in possession of their own travel documents?
Is the victim coached on what to say to community members, workers, law enforcement or immigration officials? Does someone else communicate for the victim?
Has the victim been threatened with deportation or criminal charges?
Is the victim recruited for one purpose but forced to engage in other work?
Has the victim been harmed, deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities?
Is the victim living in substandard housing?
Are the victim’s wages being unlawfully garnished to pay off a debt or fee? (Paying off a smuggling free alone is not considered trafficking.)
Is the victim free to contact friends or family without being coached or monitored?
Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services?
Is the victim forced to perform commercial sex acts?
Is the victim under the age of 18 and engaged in commercial sex?
The public can make a difference by being aware of these red flags and acting. U.S. Attorney Bennett emphasized, “Report what you see and together, we can stop human trafficking.”
If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or your local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Thirty-Five Individuals Charged in Second Superseding Indictment with Participating in Violent Transnational Drug and Money Laundering OperationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Thirty-five individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on narcotics, conspiracy, and money laundering charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The four-count Second Superseding Indictment was returned on December 13, 2023, and unsealed today.
The Second Superseding Indictment charges a total of 35 defendants. Thirty-three defendants allegedly participated in a domestic and international narcotics conspiracy between August 2021 and June 2023, involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Two defendants are charged with being principal administrators of a continuing criminal enterprise, an alleged violation of the federal “Kingpin” statute. Eight of the defendants are further charged with a money laundering conspiracy. A list of the defendants, charges, and maximum penalties is included at the bottom of this release.
According to the Second Superseding Indictment, two of the defendants, Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza and Marcos Monarrez, Jr., allegedly served as the leaders of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization (the “Monarrez DTO”), which imported from Mexico millions of fentanyl pills, kilograms of fentanyl powder, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine that were distributed and sold throughout the United States. The narcotics allegedly were smuggled into the United States inside bulk shipping containers and hidden within commercial consumer products, among other methods. At various times, other defendants, including Jaime Ledesma, Henry Rivera Ortega, and Jesus Miguel Vibanco-Garcia, allegedly served as the suppliers of substantial quantities of narcotics for the Monarrez DTO. Redistributers then sold these drugs throughout the United States, including in Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Wichita, Kansas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cleveland, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Western Pennsylvania, among other destinations.
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Monarrez-Mendoza and Monarrez, Jr. issued payment through various forms and by various means to the organization’s drug suppliers for the drug shipments. For example, Monarrez-Mendoza and Monarrez, Jr. allegedly issued payments to Humberto Arredondo-Soto, a narcotics supplier based in Mexico, in the form of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bulk U.S. currency; military-grade firearms, including .50 caliber, AK-47, and short-stock AK-47 (Draco) rifles; Glock handguns; FN SCAR assault rifles; and vehicles, which were smuggled from the United States into Mexico by way of couriers.
While orchestrating this transnational drug trafficking organization, Monarrez, Jr. allegedly offered to pay and did pay defendant Carlos Zamora to perpetrate violence, including a drive-by shooting, on behalf of the Monarrez DTO. Throughout the duration of the conspiracy, members of the Monarrez DTO are alleged to have regularly possessed and carried firearms to protect the DTO’s drugs and drug proceeds.
Additionally, while detained at the Cambria County Prison in the Western District of Pennsylvania, members of the conspiracy, including Monarrez, Jr., allegedly used contraband cell phones to communicate with other co-conspirators outside of the jail facility in an effort to direct the continued operations of the Monarrez DTO. Specifically, during this time, Monarrez, Jr. allegedly coordinated the distribution of approximately 500,000 fentanyl pills and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl powder throughout the United States. As alleged, Monarrez-Mendoza and Monarrez, Jr. were the principal administrators, organizers, and leaders of the alleged Monarrez DTO, which involved a total of 120 kilograms or more of fentanyl and 150 kilograms or more of methamphetamine.
“Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza and his son Marcos Monarrez, Jr., along with their many co-conspirators, allegedly operated a violent drug trafficking operation that smuggled massive quantities of deadly drugs from Mexico, including millions of fentanyl pills, into the United States for distribution on the streets of our communities in the Western District of Pennsylvania, as well as many other communities throughout the country,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The latest charges in this case are a direct result of the dedication and ceaseless resolve of the prosecutors in our office, who, alongside our many dedicated federal, state, and local investigative partners, will continue to do everything in our collective power to shut down deadly narcotics traffickers—even when, as alleged, they seek to ply their criminal trade from inside the walls of a jail.”
“The trafficking of fentanyl to our region from other states is a huge problem,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “FBI Pittsburgh’s Southwest Safe Streets Task Force and our partners are working very hard to take dangerous drugs off of our streets, along with the people who peddle them. This is another great example of law enforcement working together to combat the drug crisis and make our communities safer by targeting those trying to do harm.”
“These indictments demonstrate HSI’s commitment to cooperation and information sharing with our partner law enforcement agencies. Every time we dismantle one of these criminal enterprises, we help protect the American public from the devastation brought by addiction and the crime and violence that goes along with it,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “These charges carry with them the possibility of life sentences. Given the unparalleled devastation that fentanyl has caused, these superseding indictments send the message to those who deal death that they will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A total of eight defendants are also charged with engaging in a money laundering conspiracy from April 2022 to March 2023 related to the operations of the Monarrez DTO. According to the Second Superseding Indictment, Monarrez-Mendoza and Monarrez, Jr. enlisted the assistance of associates located both in the United States and in Mexico, as well as the family members of their associates, to transport cash proceeds of the Monarrez DTO and engage in various financial transactions designed to legitimize their profits; disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds; and promote the Monarrez DTO. This conduct allegedly involved the transportation and delivery of bulk cash proceeds from drug sales to couriers for transportation from the United States to Mexico; the use of digital money transfer services; casino gaming; and the purchase of jewelry, watches, designer clothing, high-end vehicles, and real property, which were often purchased by and titled in the names of third parties to conceal the identities of their true owners.
Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI’s Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service; Cambria County, Indiana County, and Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Offices and detective bureaus; the Cambria County Sheriff’s Office; Indiana Borough Police; New Kensington Police; Upper Yoder Township Police; Cambria Township Police; the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; and numerous other local law enforcement agencies.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
List of Defendants
Name
Age
Place of Residence
Charges
Maximum Penalty
Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza
53
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Samuel Aguirre
21
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Marco Armenta
22
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Mark Camacho
24
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Robert Foster
25
Buckeye, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Donald Garwood
40
Glendale, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Erivan Guerrero
22
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Bryce Hill
25
Kennewick, WA
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Emmanuel Lopez
27
Glendale, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Cesar Monarrez
25
Maricopa, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Marcos Monarrez, Jr.
23
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Jairo Morales
21
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Stephanie Ortiz
24
Avondale, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Valerie Sanchez
35
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Heaven West
21
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Carlos Zamora
27
Peoria, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Humberto Arredondo-Soto
23
Culiacan, Mexico
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Colby Barrow
29
Peoria, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Luis Chavez-Ortega
26
Glendale, AZ
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Donnell Collins
27
Cleveland, OH
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine
Life imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine
40 years’ imprisonment
Mohamed Kariye
34
Kent, WA
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Jesus Lopez
21
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Diego Monarrez
21
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Alicia Parks
24
Kent, WA
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
James Pinkston
32
New Kensington, PA
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine
Life imprisonment
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine
40 years’ imprisonment
Jesus Ramirez
25
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Sahal Sahal
36
SeaTac, WA
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Diamond Williams-Dorsey
29
Cleveland, OH
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl
Life imprisonment
Luis Carlos Fentanes
22
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine
Life imprisonment
Jesus Aaron Garcia
24
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Jaime Ledesma
26
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Henry Rivera Ortega
20
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Adrian Lopez Rivera
22
Phoenix, AZ
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Michele Soto
20
Phoenix, AZ
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Jesus Miguel Vibanco-Garcia
28
Mexico
Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine
Life imprisonment
Tennessee Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm in HopkinsvilleRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Ripley, Tennessee, man was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Hopkinsville.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Nicholas Bryant Starks, 44, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 24, 2021, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Starks possessed a Taurus, model PT 738, .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Starks was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2002 felony conviction for Armed Bank Robbery out of the Western District of Tennessee at Memphis.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted 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.
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Tama Man Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Assaulting His GirlfriendRead the Press Release
A Tama man who punched and kicked his girlfriend in the face was sentenced today to nearly there years in federal prison.
Bryce Saunders Kapayou, age 43, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 13, 2023 guilty plea to domestic abuse assault.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that in April 2023, Kapayou punched and kicked his girlfriend in the face. She was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for substantial injuries to her nose and face. Evidence showed that Kapayou was drunk and in possession of a machete at the time of the assault. Kapayou has a long criminal history and has 51 prior criminal convictions.
Kapayou was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kapayou was sentenced to 31 months’ and 16 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the FBI.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-46.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Stilwell Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Edmond Lewis Jr., age 41, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a felony conviction.
The charges arose from investigations by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On January 18, 2023, Lewis pleaded guilty to the offense. On November 25, 2020, law enforcement conducting a traffic stop discovered Lewis, a convicted felon, with a handgun and a rifle in the car. During the plea hearing, Lewis agreed that he knew at the time of the traffic stop that he was barred from possessing firearms.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Lewis will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorneys T. Cameron McEwen and Kevin Gross represented the United States.
St. Paul Man Charged for Armed Robbery of Postal EmployeesRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for armed robbery of postal employees on two separate occasions, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2023, Rubin David Adams, 26, approached a USPS letter carrier in Edina, pointed a handgun at them, and demanded the “mailbox key,” which the victim did not have. Instead, the victim handed over two sets of USPS vehicle keys. The following day, Adams approached another USPS letter carrier in Brooklyn Center. Adams pointed a handgun at the victim’s head, demanded and stole two USPS mailbox keys. Mailbox keys are valuable to criminals who use them to steal mail, cash, checks, and other financial instruments. Mailbox keys are the property of USPS, and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one.
“This is part of an alarming trend that law enforcement is seeing around country, including here in the Twin Cities,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “We take this issue very seriously and will continue to ensure postal employees are safe and free from violence as they serve their communities.”
The complaint charges Adams with two counts of assault and attempted robbery, while putting a person’s life in jeopardy with the use of a deadly weapon. The charge of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Adams made his initial appearance last week in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. A preliminary and detention hearing has been scheduled for January 9, 2024.
“The safety and security of Postal Service employees and customers is core to the mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and this incident is a tremendous example of how local, state, and federal partners can join together to quickly and safely resolve situations like this,” said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove. “Mr. Adams’s alleged crimes showed blatant disregard for human decency and overall greed. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts.”
Law enforcement encourages anyone who may have mailed letters or checks from Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park that did not reach their destination to contact the USPIS Tip Line at 612-884-7962 or [email protected].
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, Hennepin County Violent Offenders Task Force, Edina Police Department, the Brooklyn Center Police Department, the St. Louis Park Police Department, and the Minnesota Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Russian National Residing in Sacramento Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Murat Kurashev, 36, a Russian national who resided in Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey, usually in increments of $1000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev during some of the transactions.
Social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser made clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS. Kurashev stated that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. As their conversations showed, Kurashev and the fundraiser believed that providing money in support of the HTS fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad.
According to court documents, Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts, which included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. Forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Kurashev is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 18, 2024. Kurashev faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Russian National Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
Murat Kurashev, 36, of Sacramento, California, pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State and engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey usually in increments of $1,000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev in the midst of some of the transactions.
Law enforcement’s review of social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser, demonstrated that they believed that providing money in support of the HTS’s fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad. During these conversations with the fundraiser, Kurashev mentioned that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. These conversations make clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS.
Additional evidence seized by the FBI revealed that Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts. Some of fundraiser’s social media accounts that were viewed by Kurashev included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. FBI forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters. It appears that Kurashev watched this video while driving his work van along Interstate 80.
Kurashev faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for March 18. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch, and U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola for the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Richmond County man sentenced to prison for trafficking illegal synthetic drugsRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County man who operated a mail-order business selling illegal synthetic drugs has been sentenced to federal prison.
Conway James Rhinehart, 43, of Hephzibah, Ga., was sentenced to 108 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, specifically a-PHP, a synthetic cannabinoid, and Eutylone, commonly known as “bath salts,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Rhinehart to forfeit $50,000 in seized proceeds and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Conway James Rhinehart was so brazen in his illegal drug-selling operation that even after he was indicted and freed on pre-trial release, he continued selling illegal drugs until taken into federal custody,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This sentence shuts down his operation and holds him accountable for his illegal activity.”
As described in court documents and testimony, investigators in 2020 began seizing packages containing a-PHP and Eutylone sent from various overseas locations to Rhinehart under multiple aliases and addresses in the Augusta area. Rhinehart was packaging, reselling and shipping the drugs nationwide through a website, marketing them as “energy powders” or “energy crystals.”
Rhinehart was indicted in June 2022, and after being released on bond was arrested after again attempting to operate his mail-order business. He pled guilty in September 2023.
“Removing this offender from the Richmond County community will effectively disrupt a major illegal synthetic drug operation,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This defendant will now spend well-deserved time in prison.”
“This sentencing sends a very clear message that Postal Inspectors will relentlessly investigate individuals who try to illegally utilize the mail system to transport drugs,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their invaluable help in bringing this defendant to justice.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner, Matthew A. Josephson and Jeremiah L. Johnson.
Redwater Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute over 50 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Leake County woman pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in May of 2021, Kelsy Ann Billie, 24, conspired to distribute over fifty grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Billie was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.
Billie is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of forty 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 Gee, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, made the announcement.
The Choctaw Police Department, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.