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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
15 February 2024
DOJ and Vancouver, Washington, hospital resolve allegations of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violationsRead the Press Release
Seattle – PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington has resolved allegations it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide a sign language interpreter to a patient who is deaf. The settlement, with the U.S. Department of Justice, requires the medical facility to improve its services, staff training, and communications with the public. The patient will be paid $75,000 for the discrimination she suffered while hospitalized March 20-23, 2020.
“Ensuring compliance with the American with Disabilities Act is a top priority of our Civil Rights Unit – and that is critically important in the health care setting,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman. “When facing hospitalization and treatment, every patient deserves clear communication about their course of treatment. This settlement seeks to ensure that effective communication for each patient.”
According to the settlement agreement, PeaceHealth violated the ADA by failing to have a sign language interpreter for the patient and that failure caused significant emotional distress as the patient was unable to understand the reason for her hospitalization or the suggested course of treatment. Other patients who needed sign language interpreters or video remote interpreting services, were also denied appropriate communication aids.
Under the terms of the settlement, hospital staff will now assess a patient’s communications needs at the initial visit. They will also assess the needs of the patient’s companion. As part of their scheduling obligation, staff will make sure appropriate language services are available for effective communication.
The medical center will designate members of staff as the communications services resources. At least one of these staff members will be available at all times the hospital is operating. This person is responsible for knowing where the assistive devices are located and how to arrange for qualified sign language interpreters.
The hospital will keep a log of all requests for qualified interpreters or video remote interpretation. The hospital will keep records of all complaints about services provided to patients who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. The hospital may not charge additional fees for the interpretation services.
Under the terms of the agreement, PeaceHealth Southwest will maintain relationships with five different interpreter services. The hospital will have access to Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) but will not use it if it does not provide effective communication for the patient.
PeaceHealth agrees to post information about auxiliary aids and services in the facility and on its website. The medical facility also commits to training personnel about the communications resource program and services.
Every six months PeaceHealth Southwest will provide a compliance report to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and will report any complaint regarding failure to provide effective communication within 45 days.
In addition to the $75,000 paid to the complaint in this case, the medical center will pay DOJ $10,000 for violating the ADA.
This matter was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by the Northwest Justice Project (NJP).
The matter was investigated, and the settlement was negotiated, by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Kas, who serves as the Civil Rights Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
Cuban national convicted of trafficking aliens in rotten produceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury in Corpus Christi has returned a guilty verdict against a 38-year-old man for transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Illeysel Carcasses following a two-day trial that included 10 witnesses.
On Nov. 13, 2023, Carcasses drove a refrigerated box truck to the Sarita Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Upon initial inspection, a K-9 alerted to the rear of the truck. During a search, authorities discovered five undocumented individuals concealed inside the back of the vehicle hidden amongst pallets of rotten produce. The jury heard how the individuals were locked inside with no way of escaping.
Carcasses denied having keys to open the rear of the vehicle. However, authorities had discovered the keys in the truck’s cab. Evidence also showed that his cell phone was present at the location where the undocumented individuals were loaded into the vehicle.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Carcasses was unaware the undocumented individuals were concealed in his truck. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 8. At that time, Carcasses faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Carcasses was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marck and Joseph Griffith are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Dallas woman sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison for drug and firearm charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Danette Ozuna, 48, was indicted in October 2022 and she pleaded guilty in September 2023 to one count each of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ms. Ozuna was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr. According to court documents, in March 2022 a confidential informant made multiple purchases of methamphetamine from Ms. Ozuna at the Star Motel located in Dallas. Following those purchases, in May 2022 law enforcement executed a search warrant at the hotel and located Ms. Ozuna in the hotel room. While she was being taken into custody, Ms. Ozuna told officers there was a handgun under the pillow of the bed. During the search, officers located a handgun, drug ledger, bank bag containing $7,006 in cash and a red bag containing methamphetamine. Additional methamphetamine was located in the nightstand drawer. At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors discussed a sign in the hotel room that listed rules for drug purchases:Please Read First!
1) I don’t want to do no fronts, and if I do the price goes up!
2) You only get a price break when 4 and up
3) If you Owe me money you will not get more until Debt is cleared.
4) price went up on me So goes up for you too!
4 - 650
1 - 175.00
½ - 125.00
7 - 80.00
8 Ball - 50
Teen - 30
Anything above that 150 piece
5) what you have $ for is what you will get - ne extra, No fronts
I have too much money out and I have my own Bills to pay!
If you ask after Reading this you will Be directed back to read it Over again!
No exceptions! Thank you!
Ms. Ozuna was convicted on April 2, 2014 of a crime in the 86th Judicial District Court of Kaufman County and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. That conviction made it a federal crime for her to possess a firearm.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department, and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted the case.
Company and Owners Plead Guilty to Violating the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 15, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Brothers Robert and Filip Sulc, along with their company Bio-Edge Inc., pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting they discharged methanol-contaminated wastewater to the sewers at their San Diego-based facility in violation of the Clean Water Act in June of 2023.
Bio-Edge, a company located on Nancy Ridge Drive in San Diego, produced polymeric additives. The company used methanol, both as part of its manufacturing process and to clean glassware.
In violation of both federal pretreatment standards and Bio-Edge’s permit with the City of San Diego, Robert Sulc instructed Bio-Edge employees to collect their methanol-contaminated wastewater, treat it with salt to prevent drain clogs, dilute it with water, and dump the wastewater down the drain into the municipal sewage system.
According to the plea agreements, federal pretreatment standards (40 CFR 403.5(b)(1)) and the permit prohibit the discharge of wastewater that includes pollutants that create a fire or explosion hazard in municipal sewer systems, such as methanol. The federal pretreatment standards (40 CFR 403.6(d)) and the permit further prohibit the use of dilution as a substitute for approved treatment in order to achieve compliance.
Robert Sulc and Bio-Edge, Inc. each pleaded guilty to felony violations of the Clean Water Act. Filip Sulc pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the Clean Water Act, admitting he acted negligently with respect to the same wastewater discharge.
“Environmental regulations don’t just keep San Diego beautiful; they keep us safe.” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “We have one planet, and the United States Attorney’s Office will do everything in our power to protect it.”
“The deliberate and routine discharge of a toxic and ignitable chemical into the city of San Diego’s sewer system by Bio-edge, Robert Sulc, and Filip Sulc, posed a risk to the community and the company’s employees,” said Kimberly Bahney, Acting EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge. “Criminal neglect and disregard for Clean Water Act requirements are vigorously prosecuted to ensure protection of human health and the environment.”
Sentencing is scheduled to occur on May 6, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Marilyn L. Huff
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carl Brooker and Melanie Pierson.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-cr-00242
Count 1
Robert Sulc Age: 46 San Diego, CA
Bio-Edge, Incorporated
Count 2
Filip Sulc Age: 48 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Violation of a Federal Pretreatment Standard – Title 33, U.S.C., Section 1317(d)/1319(c)(2)(A)
Count 1: Maximum penalty as to Robert Sulc: Three years in prison and a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation.
Count 1: Maximum penalty as to Bio-Edge Inc.: Five years of probation and a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation.
Count 2: Violation of a Federal Pretreatment Standard – Title 33, U.S.C., Section 1317(d)/1319(c)(1)(A)
Count 2: Maximum penalty: One year in prison and a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $25,000 per day of violation.
AGENCY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cofundador del Cártel de Sinaloa Acusado en Formal Sustitutiva de Conspiración para Fabricar y Distribuir FentaniloRead the Press Release
Hoy se presentó una quinta acusación formal sustitutiva en un tribunal federal de Brooklyn atribuyendo a Ismael Zambada García, también conocido como El Mayo, el delito de unirse en asociación delictuosa para fabricar y distribuir una sustancia que contenía N-fenil-N-[1-(2-feniletil)-4-piperidinil] propanamida (fentanilo), una sustancia controlada de categoría II con la intención y a sabiendas de que dichas sustancias serían importadas ilegalmente a los Estados Unidos. Zambada fue imputado anteriormente en múltiples acusaciones formales sustitutivas por dirigir una actividad delictiva continuada, así como por asociación delictuosa para cometer homicidio, asociación delictuosa para lavar dinero, asociación delictuosa para fabricar y distribuir cocaína, heroína, metanfetamina y fentanilo, así como por otros delitos relacionados con drogas, a través de su liderazgo continuado del Cártel de Sinaloa, una de las organizaciones de narcotráfico más violentas y poderosas del mundo. La quinta acusación formal sustitutiva extiende las fechas de finalización de la actividad delictiva continuada y varias asociaciones delictuosas desde mayo de 2014 hasta enero de 2024. Zambada García permanece prófugo.
El fiscal federal Breon Peace para el Distrito Este de Nueva York, la administradora Anne Milgram de la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA), el subdirector interino Iván J. Arvelo de Operaciones Nacionales de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI), el subdirector a cargo David Sundberg de la Oficina de Campo de Washington del FBI, el comisario Edward A. Caban del Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Nueva York (NYPD) y el superintendente Steven G. James de la Policía Estatal de Nueva York (NYSP) anunciaron la quinta acusación formal sustitutiva.
“Tal como se alega, Zambada García está acusado de numerosos delitos relacionados con drogas, que ahora incluyen la fabricación y distribución de fentanilo, una droga mortal que era en gran medida desconocida cuando fundó el Cártel de Sinaloa hace más de tres décadas y que hoy es responsable de un daño inconmensurable”, señaló el fiscal federal Peace. “Si bien Zambada García continúa siendo un líder principal de la actividad delictiva responsable de importar enormes cantidades de narcóticos a los Estados Unidos, esta quinta acusación formal sustitutiva demuestra nuestra firme determinación de llevarlo ante la justicia, tal como lo hicimos con su ex cómplice El Chapo, y tal como continuaremos haciendo con todos aquellos que trafican con drogas y buscan lucrar con la devastación infligida a nuestras comunidades”.
El fiscal federal Peace también expresó su agradecimiento a la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia por su asistencia en el caso.
“El fentanilo es la amenaza de drogas más letal que los estadounidenses hayan enfrentado jamás, y el Cártel de Sinaloa sigue siendo el mayor traficante de fentanilo para los Estados Unidos”, señaló la administradora de la DEA, Milgram. “Siendo el fentanilo la principal causa de muerte entre los estadounidenses entre 18 y 45 años, debemos seguir responsabilizando a Zambada García y otros líderes, miembros y asociados de los cárteles por las personas que han matado”.
“Como cofundador y actual líder de la organización de narcotráfico más grande y poderosa del mundo, Ismael Zambada García está acusado de suministrar fentanilo a los Estados Unidos en un momento en que el narcótico letal se ha cobrado vidas a un ritmo devastador”, comentó Arvelo, subdirector interino de HSI. “Durante décadas, el despiadado y violento Cártel de Sinaloa ha continuado su flagelo mortal con el tráfico generalizado de fentanilo, cocaína, heroína, metanfetamina y otras drogas sintéticas para los Estados Unidos. HSI de Nueva York y nuestros colaboradores del orden público no se detendrán hasta que llevemos a Zambada García ante la justicia en nombre de sus innumerables víctimas”.
“Tal como se alega, Zambada García ha supervisado durante décadas el tráfico de decenas de miles de libras de cocaína, heroína, metanfetamina y fentanilo para los Estados Unidos junto con decenas de actos de violencia relacionados”, dijo el subdirector a cargo del FBI, Sundberg. “Esta acusación formal sustitutiva es otro ejemplo más de nuestro compromiso de llevar a los líderes de los cárteles ante la justicia. Prometemos continuar trabajando con nuestros colaboradores nacionales y extranjeros para desmantelar organizaciones violentas de delincuencia transnacional como el Cártel de Sinaloa”.
“Después de la detención y condena de Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán Loera, los investigadores del NYPD permanecieron totalmente dedicados a nuestra colaboración con el orden público enfocada en llevar ante la justicia a los líderes que quedan del Cártel de Sinaloa”, comentó el comisario Caban del NYPD. “Este último cargo contra Zambada García demuestra aún más nuestro compromiso de impedir que los productos ilícitos de su masiva y violenta actividad delictiva ingresen a nuestro país y plaguen las calles de nuestras ciudades”.
“Sencillamente, no toleraremos este tipo de actividad de tráfico ilegal de drogas en nuestro país y en el estado de Nueva York”, dijo el superintendente James del NYSP. “Quiero agradecer a la fiscalía federal y a todos nuestros colaboradores del orden público por su tenaz trabajo en este caso. Es gracias a su colaboración continua y su firme compromiso que estamos un paso más cerca de acabar con esta peligrosa actividad y poner a Zambada García tras las rejas”.
Tal como se alega, Zambada García fue cofundador del Cártel de Sinaloa con su ex coacusado Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera. Guzmán Loera fue declarado culpable por un jurado federal en Brooklyn en febrero de 2019 y sentenciado a cadena perpetua más 30 años. Zambada García ha seguido evadiendo la captura y, tal como se alega, continúa dirigiendo el Cártel de Sinaloa desde México. Según la acusación formal sustitutiva, desde 1989 hasta 2024, Zambada García dirigió una actividad delictiva continuada responsable de la importación y distribución de cantidades masivas de narcóticos y que generó miles de millones de dólares en ganancias. Para asegurar el éxito del cártel, Zambada García empleó a personas para obtener rutas de transporte y bodegas para importar y almacenar narcóticos, y a sicarios para llevar a cabo secuestros y homicidios en México y tomar represalias contra rivales que amenazaban al cártel. Los millones de dólares generados por la venta de drogas fueron luego transportados de regreso a México. El nombre de Guzmán Loera ha sido eliminado de la quinta acusación formal sustitutiva a la luz de su condena en juicio de 2018.
Según lo especificado en la ley, la cantidad de fentanilo involucrada en la asociación delictuosa atribuible al acusado como resultado de su propia conducta y de la conducta de otros razonablemente previsible para él, fue de al menos 400 gramos o más, pero se demostrará en el juicio que se trató de una cantidad bastante más grande.
El Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos ofrece una recompensa de hasta $15 millones de dólares estadounidenses por información que conduzca a la detención y/o condena de Zambada García. Si tiene información, comuníquese con la DEA al +1-619-540-6912, donde se pueden aceptar mensajes de aplicaciones de mensajería social, o por correo electrónico en [email protected]. Si se encuentra fuera de los Estados Unidos, comuníquese con la embajada o el consulado de los Estados Unidos más cercano.
Los fiscales federales adjuntos Francisco J. Navarro, Robert M. Pollack y Lauren A. Bowman para el Distrito Este de Nueva York están procesando el caso.
Esta acusación formal sustitutiva es parte de una investigación de la Fuerza de Tarea de Control de Drogas contra la Delincuencia Organizada (OCDETF). La OCDETF identifica, desarticula y desmantela a los narcotraficantes, lavadores de dinero, pandillas y organizaciones delictivas transnacionales de más alto nivel que amenazan a los Estados Unidos mediante el uso de un enfoque multiagencial dirigido por fiscales e impulsado por inteligencia que aprovecha las fortalezas de las agencias del orden público federales, estatales y locales contra las redes delictivas.
Una acusación formal es simplemente un alegato. Todos los acusados se presumen inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad en un tribunal de justicia.
Co-Founder of Sinaloa Cartel Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
A fifth superseding indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as “El Mayo,” with conspiring to manufacture and distribute a substance, containing N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide (“fentanyl”), a Schedule II controlled substance intending and knowing that such substances would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Zambada was previously charged in multiple superseding indictments with running a continuing criminal enterprise, as well as murder conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl manufacture and distribution conspiracy, as well as other drug-related crimes, through his continuing leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. The fifth superseding indictment extends the end-dates of the continuing criminal enterprise and several conspiracies from May 2014 to January 2024. Zambada Garcia remains at large.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ivan J. Arvelo, Acting Assistant Director of Domestic Operations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); David Sundberg, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office (FBI); Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Steven G. James, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the fifth superseding indictment.
“As alleged, Zambada Garcia is charged with numerous drug offenses, now including the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl, a deadly drug that was largely unheard of when he founded the Sinaloa Cartel more than three decades ago and today is responsible for immeasurable harm,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “While Zambada Garcia continues to be a principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States, this fifth superseding indictment demonstrates our firm resolve to bring him to justice, just as we did with his former co-conspirator El Chapo, and just as we will continue to do to all those who traffic drugs and seek to profit from the devastation inflicted on our communities.”
Mr. Peace also expressed his thanks to the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section for its assistance on the case.
“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat Americans have ever faced, and the Sinaloa Cartel continues to be the largest trafficker of fentanyl into the United States,” stated DEA Administrator Milgram. “With fentanyl the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45, we must continue to hold Zambada Garcia and other cartel leaders, members, and associates accountable for the people they have killed.”
“As the co-founder and current leader of the largest, most powerful drug trafficking organization in the world, Ismael Zambada Garcia is accused of supplying fentanyl to the United States at a time when the lethal narcotic has claimed lives at a devastating rate. For decades, the ruthlessly violent Sinaloa Cartel has continued its deadly scourge with the pervasive trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs into the U.S,” stated HSI Acting Assistant Director Arvelo. “HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will not stop until we bring Zambada Garcia to justice on behalf of his countless victims.”
“As alleged, Zambada Garcia has, for decades, overseen the trafficking of tens of thousands of pounds of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the U.S. along with scores of related violence,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sundberg. “This superseding indictment is yet another example of our commitment to bringing cartel leaders to justice. We vow to continue to work with our domestic and foreign partners to dismantle violent transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel.”
“After the arrest and successful conviction of Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman Loera, NYPD investigators remained fully dedicated to our law enforcement partnership focused on bringing the Sinaloa Cartel’s remaining leadership to justice,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “This latest charge against Mr. Zambada Garcia further demonstrates our commitment to keeping the illicit products of his massive, violent criminal enterprise from entering our country and plaguing our cities’ streets.”
“We simply will not tolerate this type of illegal drug trafficking activity in our country and New York State. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all our law enforcement partners for their tenacious work on this case. It is because of their ongoing collaboration and steadfast commitment that we are one step closer to shutting down this dangerous enterprise and placing Mr. Garcia behind bars,” stated NYSP Superintendent James.
As alleged, Zambada Garcia was a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel with his former co-defendant Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera. Guzman Loera was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn in February 2019 and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. Zambada Garcia has continued to evade capture, and, as alleged, continues to run the Sinaloa Cartel from Mexico. According to the superseding indictment, from 1989 to 2024, Zambada Garcia led a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for the importation and distribution of massive quantities of narcotics and which generated billions of dollars in profits. To ensure the success of the cartel, Zambada Garcia employed individuals to obtain transportation routes and warehouses to import and store narcotics, and “sicarios,” or hit men, to carry out kidnappings and murders in Mexico to retaliate against rivals who threatened the cartel. The millions of dollars generated from the drug sales were then transported back to Mexico. Guzman Loera’s name has been removed from the fifth superseding indictment in light of his 2018 trial conviction.
Under the statute, the amount of fentanyl involved in the conspiracy attributable to the defendant as a result of his own conduct, and the conduct of others reasonably foreseeable to him, was at least 400 grams or more, but a vastly larger quantity would be proven at trial.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Zambada Garcia. If you have information, please contact the DEA at +1-619-540-6912, which can accept messages from social messaging applications, or via email at [email protected]. If you are located outside of the United States, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Robert M. Pollack, and Lauren A. Bowman are in charge of the prosecution.
This superseding indictment 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 Defendant:
ISMAEL ZAMBADA GARCIA (also known as “El Mayo”)
Age: 76
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 9-CR-466 (BMC)
Centerville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Prohibited Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Centerville, South Dakota, man, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on February 9, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Robert W. Blakey, age 57, was sentenced to one year and nine months federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blakey was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person on November 28, 2023.
On January 26, 2023, law enforcement was dispatched to a location in Centerville for a report of shots fired. While officers were speaking with Blakey on scene, they noticed a leather holster on Blakey’s left hip which contained a revolver that was loaded with four bullets.
Then, on May 23, 2023, law enforcement was dispatched to a 911 call reporting a male subject brandished gun near the Cockatoo bar in Yankton, South Dakota. Officers located the male and identified him as Blakey. Blakey had in his possession revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammo and one in the chamber.
Blakey is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he has eight prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Centerville Police Department, and the Yankton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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.
Blakey was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
California Pharmaceutical Company to Pay $750,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Liability for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Induce Prescriptions of Opioid ProductsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A California pharmaceutical company has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of claims for certain opioids in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
From Dec. 1, 2015, through Aug. 31, 2016, Sentynl Therapeutics Inc., of Solana Beach, California, a specialty pharmaceutical company, marketed and sold prescription opioids Abstral and Levorphanol Tartrate (Levorphanol).
The settlement resolves allegations that, during the relevant time period, Sentynl knowingly caused the submission of claims for Abstral and Levorphanol medications to Medicare in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. These allegedly false claims resulted from Sentynl’s alleged indirect payment of kickbacks to a physician. Specifically, the United States contends that Sentynl hired the girlfriend of a physician who was a top prescriber of Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl (TIRF) medications to act as a sales representative in South Florida – the same region in which the physician practiced. Sentynl hired, employed, and made salary and bonus payments to the physician’s girlfriend to induce the physician to prescribe its Abstral and Levorphanol medications.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“The opioid crisis has had devastating impacts here in New Jersey and for the country at large. This office is committed to combatting this crisis at every level of the healthcare system, from the prescribers to the manufacturers. Here, this pharmaceutical company is alleged to have indirectly paid unlawful kickbacks to a doctor by employing his girlfriend in an effort to improperly induce him to prescribe their opioid products. Today’s settlement holds them accountable for this alleged wrongdoing and reflects law enforcement’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of medical decision-making and combatting the opioid crisis.”
"Pharmaceutical companies that sold opioids are being held accountable for improper inducements offered to prescribers,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. The Newark FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue our pursuit of those who continue to believe the rules don’t apply to them.”
“Pharmaceutical companies are not exempt from their responsibilities to operate within the confines of the law,” Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division said. “We are glad our diversion investigators were able to assist efforts to bring this matter to a resolution.”
“Some violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, like those alleged here, can induce physicians’ imprudent prescribing of controlled substances,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; investigators of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, with the investigation leading to the settlement.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan J. Pappy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Robert L. Toll of the Office’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit, and Trial Attorney Douglas J. Rosenthal of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section).
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its efforts to combat healthcare fraud. One of the strongest tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
sentynl.settlement.pdfCalifornia Man and South Dakota Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Mojave, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on January 29, 2024.
Alfred Sarco, a/k/a “Rambo Red,” a/k/a “Red,” 44, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sarco was indicted, along with co-defendant Morningstar Kitto, for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. Sarco pleaded guilty on October 24, 2023. Kitto, of Rosholt, South Dakota, pleaded guilty on January 26, 2023, and was sentenced on January 30, 2023, to 10 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, Sarco and Kitto conspired to sell methamphetamine, together they sold more than 2,275 grams (five pounds) of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent. Sarco also forfeited more than $9,500 in drug proceeds to the government.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert prosecuted the case.
Sarco and Kitto were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Man Sentenced to over 18 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute 30 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Salinas, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 5, 2024.
Jose Rolando Gonzalez, 56, was sentenced to 18 years and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gonzalez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023.
Gonzalez was arrested on September 25, 2022, when he was traveling through South Dakota and was approached by a police officer at a gas station in Brookings regarding traffic complaints about his driving. The officer ran his onsite police dog around the vehicle and the dog gave a positive indication to the presence of drugs. Law enforcement performed a search of the vehicle which revealed approximately 13.39 kilograms (approximately 30 pounds) of methamphetamine. Gonzalez was traveling from California, where his methamphetamine source was located, to Minnesota, with the intention of distributing the methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Brookings Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Gonzalez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Man Sentenced for Smuggling Fraudulent Cognitive Enhancement Drug into the United States from ChinaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for conspiring to smuggle tianeptine, a highly-addictive drug that claims to enhance mood and cognitive functioning, into the United States from China.
Ryan M. Stabile, 37, of Pasadena, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Stabile was also ordered to pay a forfeiture of $1,833,922. In September 2023, Stabile pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and two counts of introduction of misbranded drugs with intent to defraud and mislead.
“Mr. Stabile knew how addicting and dangerous tianeptine was and yet it did not stop him from smuggling the illegal drug into the United States and selling it under false pretenses,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “He continued to profit off the addiction of others even after he was indicted.”
“Misbranded and unapproved drugs that are smuggled from overseas can present a serious health risk to those who buy and use them. Tianeptine is an unsafe drug that is not approved for any use in the United States. All smuggled drugs carry additional risks of unknown ingredients and unknown manufacturing conditions,” Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to traffic in these dangerous, misbranded, and unapproved drug products.”
Stabile was the owner of Supplements for Work, a company which sold the misbranded drug tianeptine, commonly known as gas station heroin, online. Stabile, through his company, marketed tianeptine as a mood enhancer and claimed that it improved cognitive functioning and falsely represented that he was selling tianeptine for research purposes only, even though he sold tianeptine to individuals for personal use.
Stabile smuggled tianeptine in multi-kilogram quantities from China into the United States, importing between 10-15 kilograms of tianeptine per month from a Chinese supplier. Once received, Stabile divided and repackaged the tianeptine and resold it on his websites in five-gram, 10-gram and 20-gram quantities for prices between $55 and $175. Stabile’s tianeptine sales averaged $250,000 per month and comprised 95 percent of his company’s profits.
Additionally, following his indictment by a federal grand jury in November 2019, Stabile continued to sell tianeptine on the internet for several years while on pre-trial release, under a different company and website called Ultra Vulgar Festival Drip.
In total, Stabile made at least $2.2 million in illegal tianeptine sales.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FDA SAC McMillan made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
California Man Charged with Threats to Kill Postal WorkersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Simon Peters, 41, of Valley Center, CA, was charged after repeatedly making threats to kill postal workers in St. Thomas. Peters is expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge in California on February 15, 2024, after with he will appear in St. Thomas for prosecution.
According to court documents, on January 27, 2024, a United States Postal Service employee received a telephone call from Peters at the Ottley Post Office located in St. Thomas. Peters was angry that his package addressed to the Kirwan Terrace Housing Community had not been delivered. During the call, Peters told the postal employee to “Make sure the fat boy know we’re watching him and next time we’re going to kill him behind the building”. Peters further threatened that if “any more packages from California go missing, you will see what happen to the co-workers, one by one.” Peters provided the tracking number for his missing package which had been intercepted and seized by Customs and Border Protection. An inspection of the package reveals that it contained marijuana. On January 29, 2024, Peters again contacted the Ottley Post Office and asked to speak with the Kirwan Terrace delivery driver. Peters stated that he had people driving around looking for the postal employee to kill him.
This case is being investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natasha L. Baker.United States Attorney reminds the pubic that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bristol Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN HORVATH, 73, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for fraud and tax offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Horvath was licensed by the State of Connecticut as a resident insurance producer, which authorized him to sell various forms of insurance. In that capacity, he sold annuity contracts issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (“Allianz”) to clients. Beginning no later than July 2015 and continuing until April 2021, Horvath defrauded several clients by advising them that they could achieve better rates of return through alternative investments, rather than their existing annuity contracts, and that he could broker and manage those investments for them. Victim-investors gave Horvath investment funds with the expectation he would manage the funds for them. Instead, Horvath commingled the victim-investors’ funds with his own and used the pooled money to pay personal expenses and repay earlier victim-investors.
Through this scheme, Horvath defrauded at least eight victims out of a total of approximately $1,189,200. One victim, a widow who family members described as suffering from increasing memory impairment, lost nearly $900,000 through this scheme.
In addition, Horvath failed to pay income taxes on his substantial income from the scheme, resulting in a loss to the government of $267,739 for the 2015 through 2020 tax years.
Judge Shea ordered Horvath to pay full restitution.
On July 26, 2023, Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
Horvath, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 12.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). For more information, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.
Bloods Gang Member Convicted at Trial for Violent and Extortionate Takeover of the New York City Fire Mitigation IndustryRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction of JATIEK SMITH, a/k/a “Tiek,” of racketeering and extortion conspiracies. The verdict was issued yesterday following a two-week bench trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff in December 2023.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jatiek Smith’s audacious takeover of the New York City fire mitigation industry with the help of his gang associates presented a new form of organized criminal activity in our community, but the experienced career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners stand ready to combat violent and organized crime, no matter how unconventional. We will not stand for gangs or any criminal groups who try to corrupt our communities and threaten our safety. Those who do should expect to find themselves in handcuffs.”
According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial:
The fire restoration industry refers to the businesses that repair properties that have suffered damage from fires or exposures to fires. Within this industry, fire restoration companies (sometimes referred to as emergency mitigation services (“EMS”) companies) provide emergency mitigation services, demolition, and construction services to properties that have suffered such damages. First Response Cleaning Corp. (“First Response”) was one such EMS company.
In 2019, JATIEK SMITH joined First Response and quickly assumed control over its operations. SMITH, a member of the Bloods, a violent street gang, recruited other gang members and associates to join him at First Response. As the leader of this crew, SMITH and his associates used violence, threats of violence, and extortion to terrorize and dominate the fire restoration industry in New York City.
SMITH asserted control over the industry by first ousting First Response’s main competitor through violence, threats, and extortion. Once SMITH and his crew had established control over the industry, they imposed rules that allocated a preferential share of fires to First Response. These rules were backed by threats — including threats to kill children — and violence. Industry participants, including senior citizens, who solicited fires in violation of SMITH’s rules were assaulted in broad daylight. Through threats of violence, actual violence, and economic fear, SMITH and his crew also extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from other industry participants. SMITH maximized his profits from this scheme by concealing illegal conditions in properties and defrauding insurance companies.
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JATIEK SMITH, 39, of Staten Island, New York, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and extortion conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rushmi Bhaskaran, Marguerite B. Colson, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Adam S. Hobson, are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Grayson Glogoff and Ananya Sankar.
Blackstone Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Former Employer, Identity Theft and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Blackstone man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to defrauding his former employer– a company that operates a national chain of second-hand retail stores – by using others’ identities and repeatedly falsifying working hours for employees and taking all the wages for himself. He also admitted to evading taxes on the income derived from the fraud scheme.
Anthony Prizio, 48, pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud, one count of tax evasion and one count of unauthorized use of another’s identity. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2024. Prizio was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023.
From January 2019 until July 2021, Prizio served as manager of the company’s Worcester store location. In this position, Prizio had access to the store’s timekeeping system for employees’ working hours, human resources portal and un-activated payroll paycards issued to certain employees for wages. Prizio used his position as store manager to repeatedly falsifying working hours for employees, including employees who no longer worked there. He would then take some or all of the wages for his own use on personal expenditures, including his home’s utility expenses, vehicle registration fees and veterinary services. As part of the scheme, Prizio caused payroll debit cards to be issued in others’ names, which he then took for himself. Additionally, Prizio took steps to conceal his fraud by misrepresenting the productivity of the Worcester store to make it appear that the store processed more items, as well as by entering false paid sick and bereavement for employees to fraudulently cause payment for fictitious hours without adversely affecting the productivity measurement of the store. Prizio failed to pay taxes on any of the income derived from this fraudulent scheme.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross loss involved. The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of unlawful use of another’s identity as charge in this case provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Billings man sentenced to 20 years in prison for producing, possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA -- A Billings man who admitted to coercing a minor girl in New York to make and send him sexually explicit images of herself was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jeffrey Eugene Herbert, 35, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered restitution of $842.
In court documents, the government alleged that Herbert possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) prior to using minor victims to produce the material for his personal enjoyment.
In June 2022, the parents of a 13-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, in New York reported to law enforcement that their daughter was coerced to self-produce CSAM online through a social media application. An investigation and review of Jane Doe 1’s phone determined that the girl and a user, “amberbaby 14141,” had exchanged nearly 900 communications in June 2022. The user, “amberbaby 14141,” who was later identified as Herbert, was posing as a 14-year-old female and was actively soliciting sexually explicit content from Jane Doe 1. In an attempt to solicit more material from Jane Doe 1, Herbert became increasingly coercive and threatening. He threatened to send the videos that she had sent him to others and said he would “mess ur life up.”
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Herbert’s residence in October 2022 and collected electronic media. In an interview with law enforcement, Herbert admitted to using the “amberbaby 14141” account to coerce underage girls to produce sexually explicit content. Herbert told law enforcement where CSAM would be located on his cellular phone, and investigators found a hidden application where folders were organized by names of victims. Law enforcement identified potentially 22 minor victims. The content included hundreds of videos and images and reflected minors around the country self-producing CSAM at Herbert’s instruction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Baltimore Robber Pleads Guilty to Committing a Series of Armed Bank and Commercial RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Dexter Nikoe Eaton, age 34, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty yesterday to armed bank robbery, related to a series of bank and armed commercial robberies he committed.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to Eaton’s plea agreement, between June 3 and July 30, 2022, Eaton committee six separate robberies/attempted robberies of banks and other businesses and used a firearm in four of the robberies.
Specifically, Eaton admitted that on June 3, 2022, he robbed a bank in the 3200 block of West North Avenue in Baltimore, providing a note to the teller that demanded money and threatened to kill the teller’s family if the teller did not comply with Eaton’s demands. On June 9, 2022, Eaton attempted to rob a check cashing and financial services business located in the 1600 block of West North Avenue, again by passing a note to the teller. The teller refused to read the note, instead activating an alarm, and Eaton fled the bank. Law enforcement collected the note passed by Eaton, which again demanded money and threatened to kill the family of the employee if Eaton’s demands were not met.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on June 10, 2022, Eaton, armed with a handgun, entered a bank in the 3200 block of West North Avenue wearing a black head covering and a surgical mask and pointed the gun at customers and employees stating, “Nobody move. Give me $4,000 or everyone in this b***h is dead.” Eaton forced a customer to the ground at gunpoint and took the customer’s wallet and cash. With the gun still pointed at the customer’s head, Eaton demanded that an employee get him $4,000 or Eaton would shoot the customer. The bank employee, fearing for her safety and the safety of others, gave Eaton cash, and Eaton fled the bank. On June 27, Eaton, armed with a handgun, robbed a bank in the 4700 block of Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore, pointing a gun at the security guard’s head and forcing the security guard to accompany Eaton to the teller window, where a customer was conducting a transaction. With the gun still at the security guard’s head, Eaton demanded that the teller give him $7,000 and threatened to shoot the security guard and the customer if the teller did not give him money or pushed any alarms. Fearing for her safety, the teller gave Eaton cash and he fled the bank.
Finally, on July 23, 2022, and July 30, 2022, Eaton robbed two businesses in the 3100 block of West North Avenue. In both robberies, Eaton held employees at gunpoint and demanded money, threatening an employee in the second robbery for moving too slow. The employees in both robberies gave Eaton cash and he left the stores.
Eaton and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, a sentence between seven and 20 years in federal prison is the appropriate disposition of the case. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the FBI and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and Paul E. Budlow, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Attorney Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Operating $18.8 Million Ponzi Scheme, Money Laundering, Obstruction of Justice, and PerjuryRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT WISNICKI was sentenced to 78 months in prison today by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for operating an $18.8 million Ponzi scheme run through his New York-based law firms, Wisnicki & Associates LLP and Wisnicki Neuhauser LLP (the “Wisnicki Firms”), and a separate conspiracy to commit money laundering to conceal a healthcare fraud scheme. WISNICKI pled guilty before Judge Gardephe to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 18, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As an attorney, Robert Wisnicki was well aware that organizing a Ponzi scheme, laundering money for a healthcare fraud conspiracy, obstructing justice, and committing perjury would expose him to criminal charges and potentially land him in federal prison. Wisnicki’s sprawling schemes showed his flagrant disregard for the law, and today’s sentence should make crystal clear to anyone who believes they are above the law that this Office will not waver in our commitment to hold all offenders accountable.”
According to public documents and statements made in court:
The Ponzi Scheme
The Wisnicki Firms specialized in real estate transactional work — namely, assisting clients with purchasing and selling property. In or about 2007, WISNICKI began a real estate investment business using the Wisnicki Firms. Existing clients of the Wisnicki Firms (“Investor Clients”) asked WISNICKI to identify potential real estate investment opportunities for them. The Investor Clients then either transferred funds to WISNICKI or asked him to retain their funds that were already held in the Wisnicki Firms’ Interest Only Lawyers Accounts (“IOLA”) accounts. WISNICKI then identified real estate investment opportunities for the Investor Clients, and the Wisnicki Firms represented the Investor Clients in the resulting investment transactions.
The Investor Clients began suffering losses in the investments that WISNICKI had arranged. Rather than notify the Investor Clients of their losses, WISNICKI used funds from the Wisnicki Firms’ clients who did not participate in the real estate investments, which were held in trust in the firm’s IOLA accounts, and transferred those funds to the Investor Clients to mask their losses. WISNICKI falsely represented to these other clients that their funds were still held in the Wisnicki Firms’ IOLA accounts when, in fact, he had transferred those funds to his Investor Clients.
WISNICKI also used funds from new Investor Clients to cover up losses suffered by prior Investor Clients. WISNICKI falsely told the new Investor Clients that their funds would be invested in real estate when, in fact, he used those funds to repay his prior Investor Clients.
WISNICKI continued the above-described fraud through at least in or about 2022. WISNICKI misappropriated approximately $18.8 million from Investor Clients, which includes approximately $6.3 million stolen from members of his own family and approximately $12.5 million stolen from non-family members.
The Money Laundering, Obstruction, and Perjury Scheme
WISNICKI engineered deceptive financial transactions, submitted fabricated documents, lied to investigators, and committed perjury in testimony before the grand jury all in an effort to conceal one of the largest no-fault insurance schemes in New York history.
New York and New Jersey no-fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate and is below a particular monetary threshold (the “No-Fault Laws”). Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims, without the need to bill the victims themselves. This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident.
Beginning in or about 2014, a criminal organization (the “Gulkarov Conspiracy” or the “Gulkarov Conspirators”) began a scheme to exploit the No-Fault Laws. As part of the scheme, the Gulkarov Conspirators fraudulently owned and controlled more than a dozen medical professional corporations – including medical, acupuncture, and chiropractic practices – by paying licensed medical professionals to use their licenses to incorporate the professional corporations (collectively, the “Gulkarov Clinics”). The Gulkarov Conspirators further defrauded automobile insurance companies by billing insurance companies for unnecessary, harmful, and excessive medical treatments, and lying under oath to insurance company representatives.
The Gulkarov Conspirators laundered the proceeds of the healthcare fraud through, among other ways, the Wisnicki Firms. In or about 2016 and 2017, one of the Gulkarov Conspirators (“CC-1”) transferred funds from the Gulkarov Clinics to the Wisnicki Firms. WISNICKI deposited the funds into one of his IOLA accounts, despite the fact that the Wisnicki Firms did not represent the Gulkarov Clinics and had no attorney-client relationship with the Gulkarov Conspirators. The Gulkarov Conspirators then arranged for the Wisnicki Firms to use the healthcare fraud proceeds to pay for real estate on behalf of the leaders of the Gulkarov Conspiracy.
In or about April 2021, the Wisnicki Firms were served with a subpoena from a grand jury sitting in the Southern District of New York (the “Subpoena”). Among other things, the Subpoena required the Wisnicki Firms to produce documentation concerning the funds obtained from the Gulkarov Clinics.
WISNICKI, CC-1, and a second member of the Gulkarov Conspiracy (“CC-2”) agreed to respond to the Subpoena by submitting fabricated documents to the grand jury, lying in communications with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and committing perjury before the grand jury.
WISNICKI, CC-1, and CC-2 further agreed to re-launder the proceeds in response to the Subpoena. At the direction of CC-1, WISNICKI wrote checks, drawn on his IOLA account, purporting to return the monies that had been previously paid to his firm. The checks were made payable to physicians who purported to be owners of the Gulkarov Clinics and to family members of the Gulkarov Conspirators (together, the “Payees”). WISNICKI wrote the checks under the false pretense that the Payees were clients of the Wisnicki Firms who had previously paid money to the Wisnicki Firms for legal services. WISNICKI and others agreed that the checks to the Payees would be deposited, and the funds would then be withdrawn and returned to the Wisnicki Firms. WISNICKI delivered the checks to CC-1 for this purpose.
Thereafter, on or about April 19, 2021, WISNICKI submitted to the grand jury over a dozen fabricated retainer agreements. The same day, WISNICKI falsely stated to the U.S. Attorney’s Office that the funds paid to the Wisnicki Firms “were originally supposed to be used for a [sic] retainer fees, which is why the agreements were originally prepared,” but that the clients ultimately “instead asked us to hold the funds to be used for future investments.” WISNICKI further represented that the Wisnicki Firms decided to return the retainer fees after receiving the Subpoena.
On or about July 6, 2021, WISNICKI was called to appear before the grand jury as custodian of records for the Wisnicki Firms. WISNICKI falsely testified to the grand jury, among other things, that payments to the Wisnicki Firms had been made for the purpose of opening a “lending platform” that was never completed and that WISNICKI had not spoken to anyone outside of the Wisnicki Firms about the Subpoena.
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In addition to the prison term, ROBERT WISNICKI, 45, of Woodmere, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. WISNICKI was also ordered to forfeit a money judgment of $19,010,548.06 and to pay $18,800,000 in restitution.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Timothy Capozzi, and Ryan W. Allison are in charge of the prosecution.
Assaults on woman send Lame Deer man to prison for more than three yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted assaulting a dating partner and using a baton to strike the victim on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were at times were in a romantic relationship in 2022. In December 2022, Crazymule, who was drunk, straddled and assaulted the victim as they sat in a parked car. Crazymule used his forearm to strangle the victim. Crazymule was mad because the victim had tried to take the keys from him. Earlier in the year, in January 2022, Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe with a baton, described as a collapsible police baton, by striking her on the head.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Armed cocaine and fentanyl dealer sentenced to 14 years prison and forfeits money, jewelry, guns, and carRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Darnell Manning a/k/a D-Man, 40, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 170 months in prison U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Manning was also ordered to forfeit $91,899.00 in cash, jewelry appraised at approximately $246,000, a 2022 Infiniti QX55 SUV, two firearms and ammunition. In addition, Manning paid $50,000 cash to the government in lieu of forfeiting his residence in Greece, NY.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between March 2021, and March 29, 2023, Manning conspired with others to sell fentanyl and cocaine in the Rochester area. On March 9, 2023, investigators searched numerous locations in Rochester maintained by Manning and utilized for distributing narcotics. During the searches, they seized approximately 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 123 grams of crack cocaine, 803 fentanyl tablets, two loaded firearms, ammunition, $87,290 in cash, jewelry with an appraised value of $246,000, and drug paraphernalia. On March 29, 2023, Manning was arrested at a residence in Niagara Falls, NY, at which time investigators also seized $4,620 in cash, marijuana, and multiple cell phones.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino, III, New York Field Division.
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Armed Methamphetamine Trafficker and Co-Conspirators Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An armed methamphetamine trafficker and his co-conspirator were sentenced in federal court today, announced Dena J. King U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Stephen Zill of the Gaston County Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Bret Scott Funderburk, 34, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Eric Eugene Allen, 42, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Funderburk’s mother, Melanie Mitchum Funderburk, 55, of Gastonia, N.C., has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents and court proceedings, from March 2021 to April 2021, Bret Funderburk, Melanie Funderburk, and Eric Allen operated a drug conspiracy and distributed methamphetamine in and around Gaston County. Court records also show that Bret Funderburk sold methamphetamine while he illegally possessed firearms and illegally sold firearms. Specifically, on March 10, 2021, Bret Funderburk engaged in a drug transaction while he illegally possessed a Ruger LC9 pistol, and a stolen Ithaca Model 66 sawed-off shotgun. Over the course of the transaction, Bret Funderburk sold the stolen sawed-off shotgun to another individual. Court documents further show that, on March 30, 2021, Bret Funderburk engaged in another drug transaction, during which he illegally possessed and sold a Taurus PT738.38 caliber pistol. Bret Funderburk has prior criminal convictions and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Bret Funderburk and Allen are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Gaston County Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Aneth Man Found Guilty of Murdering His Girlfriend in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal jury convicted a Utah man today for murder in the second degree while within Indian Country. The four-day trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge David Nuffer at the United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City and was prosecuted by United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tad May and Tanner Zumwalt.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Randy Lansing, 40, of Aneth, Utah, unlawfully, deliberately and intentionally killed his girlfriend, Tammy Clark, while within Indian Country on April 23, 2022. The evidence presented at trial established Lansing drove Ms. Clark, her two young daughters and a second woman to McElmo Creek on April 23, 2022. When they reached the creek, Lansing parked his blue SUV and started drinking beer with Ms. Clark. Upon arrival, Lansing violently beat Ms. Clark in front of her two young daughters and the second woman while at McElmo Creek. Ms. Clark sustained injuries that included, but was not limited to, extensive facial swelling, brain hemorrhaging, and bruising; lacerations to her right frontal cheek and left ear; oral lacerations to the lips and inner cheek; fractured hyoid (neck) bone; fractured posterior ribs; and extensive blunt force trauma to her torso and extremities.
Evidence at trial showed that Ms. Clark’s beaten body was taken by the defendant from McElmo Creek to Aneth in the back of his SUV. Neighbors, including an EMT, called San Juan County Dispatch for an ambulance and performed life saving measures until the ambulance arrived and transported Ms. Clark to Blue Mountain Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
“The strongest piece of evidence is Tammy Clark’s body. Tammy Clark’s body tells of the brutal beating she experienced during her last moments of life,” said U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins during closing arguments.
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Monticello Resident Agency and Navajo Nation Police Department, Criminal Investigations.
Lansing’s sentencing is scheduled for May 17, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge David Nuffer at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Airline Passenger Sentenced After Taking a Straight Edge Razor on a PlaneRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Merrill Darrell Fackrell, 42, of Syracuse, Utah, was sentenced today to time served of over one year imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release by a U.S. District Court Judge as a result of a guilty plea. Fackrell admitted to taking a straight edge razor on a JetBlue flight in 2022.
According to court documents, Fackrell admitted that on November 21, 2022, during a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York en route to Salt Lake City Airport in Utah, he had taken a wood-handled straight edge razor with a one-to-two-inch blade on board the flight. In the statement in advance of plea, Fackrell further admitted that during the flight, he was seated next to a passenger and that he consumed several alcoholic beverages. Later in the flight, Fackrell told the passenger to pause the movie the passenger was watching, placed his hand in front of the screen, took the straight edge razor out of his carry-on bag and placed it inches from the passenger’s throat/neck. The passenger escaped, but Fackrell grabbed the passenger’s shoulder and attempted to stop the passenger. Another passenger observed the incident and convinced Fackrell to put the straight edge razor down. The passenger then took the razor off the seat and passed it off to be secured. See 2022 press release.
“Carrying a dangerous weapon on an aircraft is a serious offense. No one should be put in harm’s way by another passenger during a flight,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “In the interest of passenger safety, individuals who carry a dangerous weapon on an aircraft will be prosecuted.”
An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Adair Police Chief Convicted for Fraud, False Statements, and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – On February 14, 2024, a federal jury in Des Moines convicted Bradley Eugene Wendt, 47, of conspiring to make false statements to the ATF, making false statements to the ATF, and illegal possession of a machine gun.
Since July 2018, Wendt has been the Chief of Police for Adair, Iowa. He is also the owner of BW Outfitters, a federal firearms licensee in Denison, Iowa. Evidence at trial showed that, between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt used his position as Chief of Police to obtain machine guns for his own personal use and profit, including to buy machine guns for his own store.
Generally, machine guns made after May 1986 are illegal to transfer and possess. But, law enforcement agencies can buy machine guns for their official use and authorized dealer can get machine guns to demonstrate to a police department for the department’s future possible purchase. If a police department wants to purchase or receive a demonstration of a machine gun, it can submit a letter to ATF, referred to as a “law letter,” expressing its need for and interest in the machine gun.
Between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt wrote nearly 40 law letters, requesting the purchase or demonstration of 90 machine guns for the Adair Police Department. In the law letters to purchase machine guns for his two-man department, Wendt said he was buying the machine guns for the official use of his department and was not getting the machine guns for resale. In the law letters requesting demonstrations of machine guns, Wendt said the Adair Police Department wanted a demonstration for the department’s future possible purchase of the requested machine guns.
A jury found that Wendt made false statements in several of these letters, convicting him of conspiracy to make false statements to the ATF and eight counts of making a false statement to the ATF. Evidence at trial showed that Wendt purchased machine guns for the Adair Police Department, but later resold those machine guns at a personal profit of nearly $80,000. The evidence also showed Wendt used demonstration law letters to purchase machine guns for his own gun store, BW Outfitters, including a .50 caliber machine gun called a “Ma Deuce,” which he immediately mounted to his personally owned armored Humvee.
Wendt was also convicted of illegal possession of a machine gun, based on his personal possession of a belt-fed, M60 machine gun registered to the Adair Police Department. Wendt, along with his gun store BW Outfitters, hosted a machine gun shoot in April 2022, where he charged the public to shoot machine guns, including several registered to the Adair Police Department. The jury found Wendt was not acting within the scope of his official duties when he possessed the M60 machine gun.
Wendt faces up to five years’ prison on the conspiracy count, five years’ prison for each false statement charge, and up to ten years’ prison for illegal possession of a machine gun. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14, 2024, at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said “In a stark abuse of the position of trust he held, Brad Wendt exploited his position as chief of police to unlawfully obtain and sell guns for his own personal profit. When so many law enforcement officers in our country are working to protect our communities and uphold the law, Brad Wendt did exactly the opposite. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who violate their oath of office to enrich themselves.”
Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen stated “Mr. Wendt was in a position of trust and his egregious behavior betrayed his community he was entrusted to protect. Wendt was sworn to uphold the law, but instead he abused his authority as the Chief of Police for his own personal benefit.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. “No one relishes seeking criminal prosecution of a law enforcement officer,” stated U.S. Attorney Richard Westphal, “however, with the oath of public service, comes the accountability of putting the public trust at the forefront of this duty. An oath that most officers zealously pursue every day with honor. If an individual law enforcement officer is the exception to this rule, then we should not shirk from holding them accountable. Our thanks to the dedicated work of the investigative ATF and FBI agents, and our hard working trial team.” This case was investigated by ATF and FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mikaela Shotwell, Ryan Leemkuil, and Shai Gonzales.
14 February 2024
법무부가 공평성 실행 계획에 대한 업데이트를 발표Read the Press Release
법무부는 오늘 연방 정부를 통한 인종 형평성 증진 및 소외된 지역사회에 대한 지원 강화에 대해 바이든 대통령의 행정 명령을 실행하기 위한 보다 광범위한 노력의 일환으로 오늘 2023 공평성 실행 계획(계획)을 발표했습니다. 법무부의 공평성 실행 계획에 대한 업데이트는 2023년 12월에 완료되었으며, 2024 회계연도에 법무부의 형평성 전략을 이끄는 데 도움이 될 것입니다. 계획은 전통적으로 소외되고 서비스가 부족한 지역사회를 포함한 모든 사람이 법무부의 프로그램 및 자원에 접근하고 그들의 권리를 주장하기 위해 복잡한 법률 및 규제 장애물을 헤쳐 나가 자신의 권리를 옹호하고, 법무부의 업무 범위를 이해하며 법무부 의사 결정권자들과 의미 있게 소통할 수 있도록 지원하겠다는 법무부의 헌신을 기념하는 것입니다.
"법무부는 우리의 프로그램과 서비스가 이를 필요로 하는 모든 지역사회에 도달할 수 있도록 최선을 다하고 있습니다."라고 메릭 B. 갈랜드 법무장관은 말합니다. "이 계획의 다섯 가지 전략은 취약한 지역사회가 중요한 자원에 접근하는 것을 방해하는 장벽을 제거하기 위해 노력함으로써 법치를 수호하고, 사람들을 안전하게 지키며, 민권을 보호하려는 법무부의 광범위한 사명을 발전시키려고 합니다."
법무부는 2024년 회계연도부터 다음 다섯 가지 공평성 전략 추진에 전념하기로 했습니다:
- 연방 자원의 접근 및 수령에 있어서 사회적, 제도적 장벽에 직면한 역사적으로 소외되고 소외된 지역사회와 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 지역사회를 이끌고 주로 봉사하는 단체들에 대한 보조금 지원 및 자원에 대한 접근 장벽을 제거합니다.
- 재범을 줄이고 사법 관련자들(역사적으로 소외되고 취약한 지역사회 및 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 이들)을 위한 결과 개선을 추구하기 위해 의료보험 보장 및 의료 지원의 연속성 개선, 정부 발급 신분증을 얻기 위한 장벽 줄이기, 벌금 및 수수료 지급 불능과 관련된 부담 해결하기 및 기술적 위반 사항에 대한 취소 발생률을 줄이기 위한 지역사회 감독 전형 개선하기를 포함한 교정 및 재진입 프로그램을 지원합니다.
- 소외된 지역사회를 위한 연방, 주, 부족, 지역 및 자치 지역 법 집행 기관 내에서 대표성에 대한 장벽을 제거함으로써 대중의 신뢰를 강화하고 공공 안전 결과를 개선하기 위해 포용적이고 다양하며 전문적인 법 집행 인력을 육성합니다.
- 여성, 소녀, 성전환자 및 성별 불일치자(성별 기반 폭력 및 성매매를 포함한)에게 불균형적인 영향을 끼치는 범죄에 대한 법 집행 및 형사 사법 인력의 대응을 개선하기 위해 이러한 범죄를 수사하고 기소하는 방법을 대상으로 한 교육; 피해자가 이용할 수 있는 정신적 외상에 대한 정보와 문화적으로 민감한 접근 방식, 돌봄 및 서비스에 대한 교육 및 자원; 그리고 역사적으로 소외되고 취약한 사람들과의 관계를 구축하고 서비스 및 도움에 대한 접근을 늘리는 것과 함께 자원과 지원을 제공 및 또는 지원합니다.
- 소외된 지역사회가 (그중에서도 영어 실력이 부족한 사람들과 장애인들을 포함해) 환경 범죄, 오염, 기후변화 및 기타 환경적 위험을 해결하기 위한 법률 서비스에 대해 인식하며 접근할 수 있고, 깨끗한 물, 공기 및 기타 천연자원에 대한 접근을 확보하는 데 필요한 법률 및 규제 환경을 탐색하는 데 도움을 받도록 보장합니다.
이러한 공평성 전략은 행정 명령 제14091호에 명시된 의무를 준수하기 위해 노력하고 법무부의 2022 공평성 실행 계획에 요약된 다섯 가지 공평성 우선순위를 기반으로 구축합니다.
이 중요한 작업이 진행됨에 따라https://www.justice.gov/equity에 업데이트가 게시됩니다. 바이든 해리스 행정부의 공평성 의제와 관련된 계획들은 www.whitehouse.gov/equity에서 더 자세히 알 수 있고 www.performance.gov/equity에서 모든 기타 연방 공평성 실행 계획을 확인할 수 있습니다.
- 연방 자원의 접근 및 수령에 있어서 사회적, 제도적 장벽에 직면한 역사적으로 소외되고 소외된 지역사회와 범죄, 폭력 및 피해로 인해 불균형적으로 영향을 받는 지역사회를 이끌고 주로 봉사하는 단체들에 대한 보조금 지원 및 자원에 대한 접근 장벽을 제거합니다.
司法部發佈公平行動計畫更新Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣佈發佈2023年公平行動計畫（計畫），該計畫是司法部為執行拜登總統關於 通過聯邦政府進一步促進種族平等和支援服務欠缺社區的行政命令而做出的更廣泛努力的一部分。司法部公平行動計畫的更新於2023年12月完成，將有助於指導司法部2024財年的公平戰略。該計畫紀錄了司法部致力於幫助所有人（包括歷史上被邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區）參與司法部計畫的承諾和資源，克服複雜的法律和監管障礙以維護自己的權利，瞭解司法部工作的廣度，並與司法部決策者進行有意義的接觸。
“司法部承諾保證我們的計劃及服務貫徹到每一個需要它們的社區,” 司法部長 Merrick B. Garland 指出. “該計劃中的五項公平戰略旨在通過努力清除阻止弱勢社區獲取關鍵資源的障礙來推進司法部的更廣汎的職責以維護法制, 保障公衆安全, 及保護公民權利.”
2024 財年，司法部承諾推進以下五項公平戰略：
- 清除障礙，使歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區領導並主要其服務的組織和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社區得以獲得贈款資金和資源，前者在獲取和接受聯邦資源時，面臨社會和系統性障礙。
- 支持懲戒和重返社會計畫，旨在減少累犯並改善司法行動涉及者（包括來自歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區者及受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害者）的結果，包括通過改善醫療保健覆蓋率和連續性護理支持，減少在獲得政府頒發的身份證明時的障礙，解決與無力支付罰款和費用相關的負擔，並改進社區監督模式，以減少因技術違規而被撤銷的發生率。
- 通過消除聯邦、各州、部落、地方和地區執法機構中招募來自人數欠缺的社區的人員的障礙，促進一支包容、多元化和專業的執法隊伍，以加強公眾信任並改善公共安全成果。
- 通過提供和/或支持以下措施，改善執法和刑事司法人員對嚴重影響婦女、女童、跨性別者和非常規性別不合者（包括基於性別的暴力和性販運）的犯罪的反應：如何調查並起訴這些罪行的針對性培訓；為受害者提供有關創傷知情和文化回應方法、護理和服務的培訓和資源；提供資源和支援，為同歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區建立關係，並增加其獲得服務和援助的機會。
- 確保服務欠缺的社區（包括英語水準有限的人和殘疾人等）瞭解並能夠獲得法律服務，以解決環境犯罪、污染、氣候變化和其他環境危害，並幫助其瞭解必需的法律和監管資訊，確保其獲得清潔水、空氣和其他自然資源。
這些公平戰略力求遵守第14091 號行政命令中規定的任務，並在司法部2022 年公平行動計畫中概述的五個公平優先事項為基礎上百尺竿頭，更進一步。
隨著此項關鍵工作的進展，更新將發佈於網站 https://www.justice.gov/equity。您可在www.whitehouse.gov/equity上瞭解有關拜登-哈里斯政府的公平議程和相關舉措的更多資訊，並在www.performance.gov/equity上查看所有其他聯邦公平行動計畫。
- 清除障礙，使歷史上邊緣化和服務欠缺的社區領導並主要其服務的組織和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社區得以獲得贈款資金和資源，前者在獲取和接受聯邦資源時，面臨社會和系統性障礙。
司法部发布公平行动计划更新Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣布发布2023年公平行动计划（计划），该计划是司法部为执行拜登总统关于 通过联邦政府进一步促进种族平等和支持服务欠缺社区的行政命令而做出的更广泛努力的一部分。司法部公平行动计划的更新于2023年12月完成，将有助于指导司法部2024财年的公平战略。该计划纪录了司法部致力于帮助所有人（包括历史上被边缘化和服务欠缺的社区）参与司法部计划的承诺和资源，克服复杂的法律和监管障碍以维护自己的权利，了解司法部工作的广度，并与司法部决策者进行有意义的接触。
“司法部承诺保证我们的计划及服务贯彻到每一个需要它们的社区,” 司法部长Merrick B. Garland 指出. “该计划中的五项公平战略旨在通过努力清除阻止弱势社区获取关键资源的障碍来推进司法部的更广泛的职责以维护法制, 保障公众安全, 及保护公民权利.”
2024 财年，司法部承诺推进以下五项公平战略：
- 清除障碍，使历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区领导并主要其服务的组织和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社区得以获得赠款资金和资源，前者在获取和接受联邦资源时，面临社会和系统性障碍。
- 支持惩戒和重返社会计划，旨在减少累犯并改善司法行动涉及者（包括来自历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区者及受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害者）的结果，包括通过改善医疗保健覆盖率和连续性护理支持，减少在获得政府颁发的身份证明时的障碍，解决与无力支付罚款和费用相关的负担，并改进社区监督模式，以减少因技术违规而被撤销的发生率。
- 通过消除联邦、各州、部落、地方和地区执法机构中招募来自人数欠缺的社区的人员的障碍，促进一支包容、多元化和专业的执法队伍，以加强公众信任并改善公共安全成果。
- 通过提供和/或支持以下措施，改善执法和刑事司法人员对严重影响妇女、女童、跨性别者和非常规性别不合者（包括基于性别的暴力和性贩运）的犯罪的反应：如何调查并起诉这些罪行的针对性培训；为受害者提供有关创伤知情和文化响应方法、护理和服务的培训和资源；提供资源和支持，为同历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区建立关系，并增加其获得服务和援助的机会。
- 确保服务欠缺的社区（包括英语水平有限的人和残疾人等）了解并能够获得法律服务，以解决环境犯罪、污染、气候变化和其他环境危害，并帮助其了解必需的法律和监管信息，确保其获得清洁水、空气和其他自然资源。
这些公平战略力求遵守第14091 号行政命令中规定的任务，并在司法部2022 年公平行动计划中概述的五个公平优先事项为基础上百尺竿头，更进一步。
随着此项关键工作的进展，更新将发布于网站 https://www.justice.gov/equity。您可在www.whitehouse.gov/equity上了解有关拜登-哈里斯政府的公平议程和相关举措的更多信息，并在www.performance.gov/equity上查看所有其他联邦公平行动计划。
- 清除障碍，使历史上边缘化和服务欠缺的社区领导并主要其服务的组织和受到不成比例的犯罪、暴力和其他危害的社区得以获得赠款资金和资源，前者在获取和接受联邦资源时，面临社会和系统性障碍。
“Logistics coordinator” sent to prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced for her convictions of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to do so, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera deliberated for three days before convicting Brenda Banessa Leal March 7, 2023. The bench trial began Feb. 27, 2023, and concluded March 1, 2023.
Judge Olvera has now ordered Leal to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Leal’s testimony at trial was not credible and the evidence against her led to her conviction.
During trial, the court heard evidence that since at least 2018, Leal assisted several family members who were part of a drug trafficking organization. She helped transport narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Mexico to Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. The drugs were hidden in the rear differential in tractor trailers.
Several members of the organization reside in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico where Leal has lived the majority of her adult life. She also assisted family members in transporting bulk cash money, ammunition and weapons to Mexico.
The court saw evidence of text and WhatsApp messages between co-conspirators, jail call recordings and videos detailing Leal’s criminal actions.
The investigation revealed that between February 2021 and June 2021, Leal was the logistics coordinator of the drug trafficking organization. In that role, she coordinated drivers, dealers and cover loads on this side of the border. In June 2021, while Leal and co-conspirators were preparing to unload a tractor truck that contained approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine, the organization got robbed (“ripped”) of the cocaine by another drug trafficking organization.
Authorities apprehended that group shortly after stealing the cocaine from Leal.
The defense attempted to convince the judge that Leal did not have knowledge of the cocaine that was hidden in the tractor trailer and was simply a victim of the “rip crew.” Judge Olvera did not believe those claims and found Leal guilty as charged.
Leal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS - Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Alejandra Andrade and former AUSA Ed Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
“Ghost” Tax Preparer Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tijan Mboob, a/k/a “TJ,” a/k/a “Teejay McBoob,” a/k/a “Sheikhtijan,” 59, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for tax fraud, announced Dena J. King U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from 2014 to 2021, Mboob prepared or caused to be prepared hundreds of fraudulent tax returns for clients, that were submitted to the IRS. The tax returns included fabricated and fraudulent items, including false filing status, false American Opportunity and education credits, false itemized deductions, and false reforestation credits, among others. Mboob’s inclusion of the fabricated and fraudulent items resulted in the reduction of his clients’ tax liabilities and inflated refunds totaling more than $4.7 million. Court records show that after Mboob prepared the fraudulent returns, he refused to assist clients who received correspondence from the IRS questioning items on their tax returns that Mboob had prepared and filed.
According to court records, Mboob operated as a “ghost” preparer, because contrary to IRS requirements he failed to identify himself as a paid tax preparer on the tax returns he prepared or submitted for his clients. Court documents further show that Mboob failed to report any of the preparation fees he earned as income for tax years 2017 and 2020, and did not file any tax returns for tax years 2018 and 2019.
On September 21, 2023, Mboob pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. Mboob will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked IRS-CI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassye Cole and Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
The IRS’s annual Dirty Dozen Tax Scams campaign lists the worst of the worst tax schemes that taxpayers may encounter and typically peak during filing season. To learn more about the Dirty Dozen scams and for help with recognizing and avoiding abusive tax schemes, the IRS offers educational material at IRS.gov. Suspected tax fraud can be reported to the IRS using Form 3949-A found on the IRS.gov website. If you have been financially impacted by a tax preparer’s misconduct or improper tax preparation practices you can file a complaint here.
Woman Sentenced for Evidence TamperingRead the Press Release
A Tulsa woman was sentenced today for three counts of Evidence Tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Ashton Nikoel Mattingly, 31, of Tulsa to 144 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in Feb. 2021, Mattingly knew she was the target of a federal Grand Jury investigation. She instructed a third party to go into her home and remove a pill bottle so it would not be available as evidence in the investigation. Mattingly then instructed the third party to tamper with her social media account, attempting to disable the account. She then contacted a different third party instructing them to falsify that her cellphone was stolen and to request the service to be disabled. Mattingly admitted that she knowingly intended to obstruct the Grand Jury investigation.
Mattingly will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vani Singhal and Timothy Faerber prosecuted the case.
Wetzel County Man Sentenced for Federal Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Duwayne Luis Ueltschy, age 44, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ueltschy, also known as “Duane” and “D-Wayne,” sold methamphetamine and offered a shotgun as collateral for another drug deal. Ueltschy has a criminal history involving domestic violence, theft, and drug trafficking.
Following his incarceration, Ueltschy will be required to be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Waterford Resident Indicted for Possession of Materials Depicting Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Waterford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Sean Eric Madigan, 44, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in and around April 2023, Madigan received images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Madigan also possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material from in and around September 2022 to May 2023.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $24.4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced today that the District of Maine collected a total of $24,435,341.37 in civil and criminal actions in 2023.
$1,390,922.70 was collected in criminal actions and $23,044,418.67 was collected in civil actions, including $22,589,634.83 from the July 2023 settlement in United States of America v. Martin’s Point Heath Care, Inc., a collaborative effort with the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. This False Claims Act settlement was the largest Medicare fraud settlement in state history.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 added a new source of revenue for the Crime Victims Fund, directing revenues collected from deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements to be deposited into the Crime Victims Fund.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maine, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,390,922.70 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“The Crime Victims Fund is a vital resource that helps fund state and local programs that provide services for victims of crime, and it is funded by the work that occurs in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country including our district,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “Ensuring that the taxpayers of the United States as well as crime victims receive the money that is due to them and that is needed to aid in their recovery is a priority for our office.”
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Two Charged with Possessing Fentanyl Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Two Dane County men were charged yesterday with possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. Corvalis M. Stewart, 36, Madison and Larry D. Williamson Jr., 35, Waunakee will make their initial appearance in federal court today at 1:45 pm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker.
The complaint filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Madison alleges that on February 8, 2024, law enforcement arrested Stewart and Williamson Jr. at the Middleton Municipal Airport. At the time of their arrest, the two men allegedly possessed approximately 46.4 pounds of M30 Fentanyl pills and approximately 17.5 pounds of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture.
According to the complaint, on February 6, 2024, law enforcement received a tip from someone who interacted with Stewart and Williamson, Jr. at an airport in Arizona, who described suspicious behavior. The tipster provided Homeland Security with the airplane tail number. The plane was a private rental plane.
The complaint indicates that law enforcement was able to determine on February 8, 2024, that the plane was traveling to the Middleton Municipal Airport. Law enforcement officers canvassed the airport parking lot and found a pickup truck parked there that was registered to Williamson Jr. A Jeep registered to Stewart was parked directly next to Williamson Jr.’s truck. A Middleton Police Officer and his narcotics detection-trained K-9 conducted a free air sniff around Stewart’s Jeep and the K9 positively alerted for the presence of controlled substances.
According to the complaint, the plane arrived at approximately 10:56 pm. Two individuals, later identified as Stewart and Williamson Jr., exited the plane and observed Stewart carrying bags and putting them in the back of his Jeep. Law enforcement detained Stewart and Williamson Jr. Based on a second positive K-9 alert on Stewart’s Jeep, investigators searched it and found 5 bundles wrapped with black electrical tape, each containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement also located a duffle bag with zip lock bags full of blue pills that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
If convicted, Stewart and Williamson, Jr. face a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charge against the men is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, Dane County Narcotics and Gangs Task Force, and the Middleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) in Riverside, CA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Twenty-Five Charged in Indictment Targeting Philadelphia Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty-five people have been charged in a case targeting a Philadelphia-based organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced the unsealing of an indictment and the arrests of individuals in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia on drug trafficking charges. According to court documents, Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, was the leader of a group that was supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to Monongalia County. The organization’s members utilized apartments in Morgantown in which to reside and store their drugs.
“The indictment and subsequent arrests have led to the dismantling of a sophisticated operation that was causing large quantities of dangerous drugs to be distributed in our region,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The work of our agents and prosecutors in this matter has made our communities safer and shows the reach that we have when it comes to the disruption of drug trafficking.”
“I want to highlight the collective efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle a criminal enterprise who was intent on flooding our communities with this poison,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “An investigation of this size requires partnership and teamwork. The result of this operation is a testament to the power of partnership and the FBI’s commitment to curb violence in our communities.”
Law enforcement arrested 22 people in a coordinated effort across the four states. Investigators are still searching for:
- Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Ryan Shaw, age 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Rasheab Bradsher, age 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
List of defendants: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/defendants-charged-us-v-johnson-et-al
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Intentionally Ramming into 3 Police CarsRead the Press Release
Andrew Leon Roberts, 67, of Tulsa was sentenced today for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Destruction of Property While Placing Life in Jeopardy in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Roberts to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, witnesses observed Roberts trying to run people off the road with his vehicle. Roberts came upon two Tulsa Police officers there were transporting an unrelated arrestee to jail. He then side swiped the first officers patrol car and attempted to rear end the second patrol car. Roberts turned around and attempted to T-bone the second patrol car, who was able to evade the attempt. Roberts then left the scene.
Later that day, Roberts was at his friend’s house. He began threatening to ram his friend’s vehicle. The friend asked Roberts to leave and called 911. Witness said that Roberts was driving erratically through the neighborhood. He pulled up to an elderly witness and stated to leave the area because, “there was going to be a killing.”
As officers responded to the 911 call, Roberts was still in the neighborhood. Upon sight of the first responding officer, Roberts immediately began ramming into a third patrol car several times. His rampage was finally stopped when an officer discharged their duty weapon at Roberts, while Roberts attempted to run him over. This caused Roberts to wreck into a tree where he was taken into custody.
Roberts is a member of the Cherokee Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.
Transporting $800,000 of liquid meth sends trafficker to prison for over two decadesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 54-year-old naturalized citizen residing in Mexico has been sentenced for importing nearly 91 pounds of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa pleaded guilty Nov. 28, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Ley Villa to serve 255 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Ley Villa had been previously convicted for the same offense.
On April 30, 2023, Ley Villa approached the Hidalgo port of entry driving a maroon Chrysler Pacifica. Law enforcement noticed he appeared nervous and referred him to secondary inspection. There, an X-ray inspection revealed anomalies within the vehicle’s fuel tank.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered a fuel tank filled with a liquid material which crystalized upon contact with the floor. The weight of the liquid meth was approximately 41.14 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $810,000.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Violent Carjacking Conspiracy that Targeted Uber and Lyft DriversRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Three Minneapolis men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“The defendants targeted innocent people who were simply doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “The crimes committed by these four men contributed to the sharp increase in violent carjackings throughout the Twin Cities in recent years and left victims with physical and emotional scars. I commend our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing these defendants to justice.”
“The residents of Minneapolis have dealt with violent crime for far too long,” said Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara. “The sentencing of these individuals sends a clear message: anyone who chooses to use violence and terror for personal gain will be held accountable. I am grateful for the leadership and partnership we have with U.S. Attorney Luger. I’m also thankful for the continued partnership with our law enforcement partners who helped ensure justice was done and accountability was achieved.”
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined not to allow our community to become a breeding ground for violent, carjacking criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “These sentencings send a clear message: carjacking will be met with swift and decisive action. We are committed to working tirelessly with law enforcement, community leaders, private sector partners, and residents to eradicate this heinous crime. Our community deserves safety and security, and we are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that carjackers are brought to justice.”
According to court documents, between September and October 2021, Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, 20, William Charles Saffold, 21, Javeyon Demario Tate, 23, and Eric Harrell Knight, 20, engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, targeting Uber and Lyft drivers. As part of the scheme, the defendants conspired with each other to lure drivers to preplanned locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the drivers arrived, the defendants carjacked the drivers at gunpoint. To intimidate and force compliance, they brandished firearms, beat, and pistol-whipped the drivers. They also demanded keys, wallets, and cell phones and forced the drivers at gunpoint to unlock their phones and provide passcodes. The defendants then used the passcodes to further victimize the drivers by accessing and stealing money from the drivers’ Cash App accounts or other applications.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2022, while attempting to execute an arrest warrant, an FBI agent approached Saffold, who immediately drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing on foot.
All four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiring to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence. Saffold also pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Knight was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On February 13, 2023, Tate was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On February 12, 2024, Childs-Young was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Saffold is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2024. Judge Katherine M. Menendez sentenced the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger thanked the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI for their skilled investigative work on the case, and Uber and Lyft for their assistance throughout the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison Following his Jury Trial Convictions for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - James Mack, age 40, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 15 years (180 months) in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile (SPD), Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division Frank A. Tarentino III, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) John B. DeVito made the announcement.
The evidence at trial established that Mack used his Honda Accord as a stash location for his drug trafficking operation. During a search of the defendant’s vehicle on February 12, 2020, SPD Detectives located a hidden compartment (or “trap”) in the dashboard. From within the trap, Detectives recovered over 400 grams of cocaine, over 100 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine), and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The defendant was at that time under federal supervision from a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Mack was also sentenced today to serve an 8-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence, and a concurrent term of imprisonment for violating his previous federal supervision.
The Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SID), DEA, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle and Jessica Carbone prosecuted the defendant.
Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty to Murder and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Lee Matlock, Jr., age 41, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging him with one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Court documents allege that on the evening of September 14, 2021, Matlock intentionally shot an individual with a rifle outside a Stilwell residence before fleeing the scene of the crime. Adair County deputies responding to the shooting discovered the victim dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. The crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Matlock was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Carjackings, Jail Escape and Fatal Shooting of De Smet High School Football CoachRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Wednesday sentenced a St. Louis, Missouri man involved in fatal and nonfatal carjackings and a jail escape to 60 years in prison.
Kurt Wallace, 31, shot the drivers during three separate carjackings in 2017 that were set up via a dating app and Wallace’s co-defendant, Jherrica Dixon. On Oct. 16, 2017, he fatally shot Jaz Granderson, a football coach at De Smet Jesuit High School, while stealing his Jeep Grand Cherokee in St. Louis.
Wallace shot the driver of a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the shoulder in the 300 block of Walsh Street in St. Louis on Sept. 16, 2017. On Oct. 15, 2017, while carjacking a Cadillac CTS in the 5800 block of Kennerly Avenue in St. Louis, Wallace shot that driver in the leg.
Wallace was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November 2017 and detained in jail pending trial. Wallace escaped from jail on July 15, 2019. He and fellow inmate James Flannel then carjacked a vehicle before leading police on a multi-jurisdiction pursuit that ended with Wallace crashing the vehicle.
Wallace pleaded guilty in September 2023 to four counts of carjacking, two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking resulting in death and one count of escape.
Wallace is the seventh individual convicted in connection with a series of violent crimes.
Dixon, 30, pleaded guilty to four counts of carjacking, three counts of discharge and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. She admitted setting up a series of meetings with men so that they could be carjacked by her then-boyfriend Wallace and others. Judge White sentenced her in December to 19 years in prison.
Flannel, 43, was sentenced in November 2021 to life in prison for the fatal carjacking of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver on June 25, 2018. He is scheduled to be sentenced February 20 for the escape and carjacking.
Floyd Barber, 28, was sentenced in December to 22 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking, one count of discharge and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. He admitted the Sept. 9, 2017 carjacking of a Kia Optima in St. Louis and admitted participating in the carjacking of Granderson and the fatal drug robbery of Ladareace Pool, 26, in the 4700 block of Goodfellow Avenue on Oct. 3, 2017.
In 2022, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Jerell Henderson, 33, to 42 ½ years in prison for Pool’s robbery and murder. Larenta Jones, 30, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Stephan Jones, 33, the driver the day of Pool’s murder, was sentenced to five years in prison on a drug charge.
“While this sentencing, as well the others, will not bring back Mr. Granderson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will always work to bring trigger-pullers who terrorize our communities to justice” said Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, the Troy Police Department, the Saint Ann Police Department and the Saint Louis County Police Department.
St. Louis County Man Accused of Depositing Checks Stolen from the MailRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri has been accused in an indictment of depositing thousands of dollars’ worth of checks that had been stolen from the mail.
Malik Jones, 26, of Berkeley, Missouri, was indicted by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Nov. 8, 2023, with three counts of bank fraud, one count of possession of stolen mail matter and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He was arrested January 31 in Florida and appeared in court in St. Louis Wednesday to plead not guilty.
The indictment alleges that Jones recruited other people to supply their debit cards and banking information to him, which he then used to deposit forged and fraudulent checks that Jones obtained from mail stolen out of collection boxes and mailboxes in the St. Louis area. Jones altered the amount payable on the checks and the payee’s name before depositing them, the indictment says. He then withdrew the money before the banks discovered that the checks, each written for thousands of dollars, were bogus, the indictment says. The indictment says Jones would pay kickbacks to the bank account holders and those who helped him deposit the fraudulent checks.
Each bank fraud charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both prison and a fine. The possession of stolen mail is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The aggravated identity theft carries a penalty of two years in prison, consecutive to all other charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Maryland Heights Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.
Sioux City Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Steven M. Woodall, 64, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, was sentenced February 14, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for theft of government funds. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Woodall to four years of probation. Woodall is also required to pay restitution in the amount of $50,540.
Woodall applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Based in part on statements provided by Woodall, he was determined to be 100% disabled due to being legally blind and he began receiving benefits. Law enforcement agents discovered Woodall maintained a Nebraska driver’s license during the period when he was received disability benefits due to blindness. As they investigated his claims, the agents further discovered that Woodall had obtained a Nebraska concealed handgun carry permit. That permit requires the person to possess at least the same level of sight as is required to obtain a driver’s license, and the person must pass a written test and a shooting test to demonstrate accuracy with a firearm. Local police reports also listed Woodall as a witness to a few events reported to police in South Sioux City, Nebraska. During surveillance, agents regularly observed Woodall driving and walking around without difficulty and without any aids.
An eye examination was performed on August 13, 2020, to determine Woodall’s eligibility for benefits. Woodall was observed by agents driving approximately 86 miles from his home in South Sioux City, Nebraska to the facility where the eye exam was to take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The agents also observed his wife riding as a passenger in the vehicle. Woodall drove to the facility without any apparent difficulty, parked his car, and then walked to the front door and into the facility without any assistance or aids. During the eye exam, Woodall reported that due to his blindness, he was unable to drive.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Timothy Jones, (60, Orlando) to 25 years in federal prison for bank robbery. The court also ordered Jones to forfeit $30,000 of unrecovered proceeds from his robberies. Jones pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on September 26, 2023.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2022, Jones was released from Putnam County Correctional Facility after having served an eight-year term of incarceration for committing a bank robbery of a Wells Fargo bank located on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. On the morning of June 2, 2022, Jones walked into a Truist Bank on that same street in Orlando, met with an employee in an office, and announced that it was a robbery. Jones told the employee that he had a gun and would shoot everyone in the bank if they did not give him $150,000 and told the employee that there would be a “bloodbath” if he did not get what he wanted. After employees provided $30,000, Jones took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped.
Seven days later, on June 9, 2022, Jones entered a SouthState bank in Kissimmee. He walked into an office with an employee and announced it was a robbery and that he had a gun. Jones told the employee he did not want any “funny business” and demanded $50,000 that they then provided. He again took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped in that car. Later that afternoon, Jones was apprehended near the employee’s car with $1,815 in cash and $47,200 in the vehicle.
After being arrested and detained on state and then federal charges, Jones claimed to be mentally incompetent and unable to stand trial. In May 2023, Jones wrote handwritten letter to a relative and attempted to conceal it from law enforcement by marking it as though he was communicating to an attorney. In the letter to his relative, Jones explained that he was pretending to be incompetent in order to “manipulate,” “trick,” and “fool” doctors and the court system into showing him leniency and reducing his sentence. Jones had been convicted of robbery charges in 1995, 2006, and 2013 and had spent almost all of the past 18 years incarcerated for robbery charges. Jones was sentenced as a career offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kissimmee Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Second Wayne County Man Charged with Committing Covid-19 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert M. Reynolds, age 69, of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, was charged in an information with wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that from May 2020 to August 2021, Reynolds aided and abetted another in submitting a fraudulent application and weekly certifications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The application and weekly certifications allegedly claimed that Reynolds was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had earnings for each quarter of 2019, and was available to accept employment if offered a job, when in fact, he was a retiree. Reynolds allegedly obtained approximately $36,000 in PUA benefits as a result of the scheme.
The PUA program was created by the March 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.
In May 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office unsealed charges against a related defendant, Christopher J. Miller, formerly of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. Miller was charged with 54 combined counts of wire fraud, bank fraud false statements, identity theft, and unlawful monetary transactions, for allegedly obtaining over $1,500,000 in pandemic stimulus funds for himself and for others. Miller was arrested, detained, and pleaded guilty. He awaits sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalties under federal law are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Salt Lake City Man Accused of Carjacking a U.S. Postal Service Truck and Causing Multiple Car Accidents is Arrested and ChargedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned an indictment today charging a Salt Lake City man with federal crimes after he allegedly carjacked a U.S. Postal Service truck from a postal employee and drove recklessly through Davis County.
According to court documents, Wilber Castellanos Hernandez, 32, a foreign national living in Salt Lake City, Utah stole a U.S. Postal Service mail truck at 594 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, on Feb. 5, 2024. According to witnesses, who called Salt Lake City Police Department, a suspicious man, later identified as Hernandez, was checking door handles and breaking into vehicles in the area. Upon officers’ arrival, witnesses and a postal employee told officers Hernandez had stolen his mail truck. When the postal employee saw Hernandez in his truck, and told Hernandez to get out of his vehicle, Hernandez pointed a knife at him and threatened him and other witnesses. One witness attempted to hit Hernandez with a piece of wood, but Hernandez was able to start the mail truck, using the keys that had been left in the vehicle, and flee from the area. The mail truck contained mail including letters and packages.
According to the complaint, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and postal employees tracked the stolen mail truck using GPS technology. Hernandez then drove recklessly through Davis County and was involved in several minor traffic accidents with other vehicles. The mail truck was located and stopped by assisting police officers in Davis County. Hernandez was subsequently taken into custody after refusing to get out of the mail truck. Several items within the mail truck were damaged, discarded or destroyed.
Hernandez is charged with carjacking, mail theft, and theft of government property. His initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Romance Scammers Accused of Taking More than Love from Victims, Approximately $8MRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned an indictment today charging seven defendants in a romance scam that cost victims around the United States and the world $8 million in losses.
The announcement, made on Valentine’s Day, comes as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing efforts with law enforcement partners to raise awareness and prevent these crimes from taking place. Romance Scam PSA.
According to court documents, the defendants include, Bolanle Christina Odeyale, 39, Forney, Texas; Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko, 34, of Nigeria; Charles Owhonigho Emurotu, 40, of Ontario, Canada; Jimmy Iwezu, 44, of Forney, Texas; Lori Tsoritse, 38, of Nigeria; Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke, 38, of Nigeria; and Rukevwe Solomon Ologban, 44, of Grand Prairie, Texas.
As alleged in the indictment, from March 2018 through June 2019, the defendants worked with a group of individuals in the District of Utah, aka the Utah Money Transmitters, who agreed to help overseas operators launder money obtained from the romance scheme. The primary operators of the alleged romance scams are known as the “Yahoo boys,” and operated in Nigeria. The defendants either helped the Utah Money Transmitters source opportunities to work with Yahoo boys or helped them to transmit the fraud proceeds from the District of Utah to other places within the United States or abroad. Ultimately, the goal of the money laundering activities was to transmit the criminal proceeds to the Yahoo boys overseas, while paying a share of the financial gains to those who help move the funds along the way.
As alleged in the indictment, the Yahoo boys typically created a fictitious online persona and used the false persona to pursue online relationships with potential targets of the scam. Once gaining the victims’ trust, the Yahoo boys would use a false pretense, such as a need to buy a laptop for a child in college, the need to repair equipment, pay an emergency medical expense or debt to the government. Many of the victims were elderly and lost their life savings, family inheritances and retirement funds. In return for their generosity, the victims were often promised the money would be returned.
An essential role in the romance scam was the Utah Money Transmitters. By operating in the District of Utah, they opened accounts at United States financial institutions to be used to collect money from victims and to distribute money to the coconspirators, to conceal the ultimate destination of the funds and the Yahoo boys’ location and identities.
The defendants are charged with various federal crimes, including wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. Their initial court appearance on the indictment will be scheduled for a later date and held before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl D. Lesueur of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
The FBI encourages those engaged in online relationships to review and become familiar with information about romance scams on its website FBI.gov. Additionally, if you or someone you know has been a victim, file a complaint with the FBI at .ic3.gov. For more information on romance scams, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 420 months (35 years) in federal prison for committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes while on federal supervised release following convictions and a prison sentence for prior firearm and drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Randale Chapman, 36, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab also ordered that Chapman serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Chapman was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial in July 2023 of committing the following crimes on April 30, 2020: (1) possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxyamphetamine with intent to distribute, (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (3) possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also convicted at the trial of possessing with intent to distribute oxycodone and methamphetamine on February 5, 2021.
According to the information presented to the Court, Chapman was on federal supervised release when he committed those drug trafficking and firearm crimes in 2020 and 2021. His supervised release term started in 2019 following a prior 109-month federal prison sentence for conspiring to distribute heroin and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2010.
The trial and sentencing evidence also established that Chapman was on probation for a Pennsylvania state-court heroin trafficking conviction when he committed his prior federal drug trafficking and gun crimes in 2010.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chapman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Recidivist Westmoreland County Drug Trafficker Indicted on Four Counts of Narcotics and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Duran Foster, 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 26, 2023, Foster possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base, as well as a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The Indictment alleges that Foster has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior felony drug-trafficking convictions and a prior felony conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Queens Man Sentenced for Smuggling SnakesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Calvin Bautista, age 38, of Richmond Hill, New York, was sentenced today to one year of probation and fined $5,000 for smuggling three Burmese pythons into the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ryan Noel, Regional Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
Bautista previously admitted that on July 15, 2018, he smuggled three Burmese pythons in his pants as he rode on a bus that crossed the U.S.-Canadian border at the Champlain Port of Entry in Clinton County, New York. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered the snakes while reviewing Bautista’s passport and conducting a border search. The young adult snakes were in snake bags attached to Bautista’s pants near his inner thigh. Bautista did not obtain the required permits and documentation to import the snakes into the United States. As their name suggests, Burmese pythons are not native to North America and are an invasive species.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and CBP investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.