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Friday 29 December 2023
Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARNELL MELTON, age 27, and SAUL REED, age 32, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 19, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to charges in a 15-count second superseding indictment.
MELTON and REED both pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). REED additionally pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D).
According to court documents, MELTON has prior Louisiana felony convictions for simple robbery, simple burglary, and attempted possession of a firearm by a felon. In March of 2023, MELTON lived in a New Orleans East house which the FBI identified as the residence of members of a gang known as the “10x”, a reference to the St. Thomas Housing Development in the 10th Ward.
On March 28, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) executed a search warrant at the residence. When law enforcement announced their presence to execute the search, the occupants refused to exit the house and repeatedly ignored subsequent commands to come outside. While the officers and agents were outside, multiple gunshots were fired nearby. Moments after the gunshots, 911 dispatch received a call falsely claiming that a five-year old child was shot the next block over. The call came from inside the residence. More than an hour after law enforcement arrived, MELTON, REED, and two juveniles exited the house. FBI found two AR-15 pistols and three handguns inside the house. One of the handguns belonged to MELTON. FBI also recovered a backpack belonging to REED. Inside REED’s backpack there was tapentadol, marijuana, a digital scale, latex gloves, and a black ski mask.
REED was pulled over two months later by Louisiana State Police. He had another backpack in his car containing marijuana and a loaded Sig Sauer handgun. REED is prohibited from possessing a gun because of prior Louisiana felony convictions for simple burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
For their felon in possession of firearm convictions, MELTON and REED each face a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. For his conviction for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, REED faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and a minimum of three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 109 MonthsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Vivian A. Earle, 42, of Phoenix, was sentenced yesterday to 109 months in prison by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow. Earle was convicted on five counts of Bank Robbery by a jury on June 30, 2023.
Between April and August of 2019, while in Phoenix, Earle robbed five banks, including Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America, taking over $34,000. After the last robbery, a bank customer followed Earle’s vehicle from the parking lot and called 911. Phoenix Police responded and followed Earle until they apprehended him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Gayle Helart and Anthony Church, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-01121-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-207_Earle# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Pottsville Man Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Antwain Sharrell Davender, age 38, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 28, 2023, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 45 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 4-year period of supervised release, for methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately January 2022 until April 29, 2022, in Schuylkill County, PA, Davender possessed with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. A felon convicted of a prior drug trafficking offense and therefore not permitted to possess firearms, Davender also unlawfully possessed an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pottsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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North Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Sex Trafficking Charges and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A North Las Vegas resident who recruited his victims over social media pleaded guilty Thursday to 10 federal charges related to child sex trafficking and exploitation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in April 2017 through December 2017, Jacques Anton Lanier, also known as “John Dupree,” coerced and solicited nine girls under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activities with him for money and drugs. Lanier engaged in commercial sex acts with at least four of the girls. He also requested and received sexual images from some of the victims and took a sexually explicit image of at least one victim constituting child pornography. Lanier traveled to California and engaged in sex acts with a victim.
In 2018, while Lanier was in custody pending related criminal charges, he tampered with one of the victims through intimidation and threats, and persuaded that victim to evade legal process, refrain from testifying, and prevent communication between the victim and law enforcement regarding federal offenses.
Lanier pleaded guilty to four counts of coercion and enticement; four counts of sex trafficking of children; one count of sexual exploitation of children; and one count of tampering with a witness, victim or informant.
United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2024. Lanier faces the maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Bianca R. Pucci and David Kiebler are prosecuting the case.
The 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. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or https://report.cybertip.org.
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New Jersey Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to Al ShabaabRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging KARREM NASR, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” with attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization. NASR, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 14, 2023, and was transported to the United States yesterday, December 28, 2023. NASR will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in Manhattan federal court later today.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Karrem Nasr, motivated by the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, devoted himself to waging violent jihad against America and its allies. Nasr, a citizen of this country, traveled from Egypt to Kenya bent on joining and training with al Shabaab so that he could execute his jihadist mission of death and destruction. Nasr was prepared to kill and be killed to support the jihadist cause, and in his own words, he described America as ‘evil’ and the ‘head of the snake.’ Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the career prosecutors in my Office and our law enforcement partners who led the investigation, Nasr’s plan to train with a terrorist organization and wage violent jihad has been disrupted. Make no mistake: My Office is committed to investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting anyone who is inspired by Hamas’s October 7 attack and seeks to harm Americans, whether here or abroad.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Karrem Nasr traveled across the globe in an alleged attempt to join the ranks of a foreign terrorist organization – an organization that has repeatedly expressed its desire to harm Americans around the world. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and our domestic and international law enforcement partners to protect the U.S. against any form of terrorism and ensuring the safety of our community.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “Instead of embracing all that the United States had to offer him, Mr. Nasr allegedly moved abroad and committed himself to supporting a foreign terrorist organization. The provision of support to such a group – particularly by an American citizen – is a heinous threat to our entire country and way of life. In the face of this, NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners on the FBI-led New York Joint Terrorism Task Force will remain relentless in our efforts to identify and investigate anyone who so clearly considers our nation their sworn enemy.”
As alleged in the Complaint:[1]
NASR is a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who moved from New Jersey to Egypt in or about July 2023. NASR is a supporter of al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization that has attacked Americans and American allies. Since at least in or about November 2023, NASR has repeatedly expressed his desire and plans to join al Shabaab and wage jihad, including in communications with an FBI confidential source (the “CS”), who was posing as a facilitator for terrorist organizations.[2]
In communications exchanged with the CS and postings online, NASR stated that he had been thinking about engaging in jihad for a long time, and he was particularly motivated to become a jihadi by the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. For example, in communications with the CS, NASR stated that the number one enemy was “evil America,” which he called the “head of the snake.” In recent public social media posts, NASR warned that “Jihad” was “coming soon to a US location near you,” posting airplane, bomb, and fire emojis:
In further communications with the CS, NASR expressed his intent to join al Shabaab to receive military training and engage in jihad, that he was prepared to kill and be killed, and that he specifically aspired to be a martyr for the jihadist cause. Other examples of NASR’s online posts supportive of jihad and terrorist ideology are shown below:
NASR took specific steps to join and receive military training from al Shabaab, including making flight and lodging reservations for travel to Kenya, where he planned to meet members of al Shabaab for further travel to Somalia to join and train with the group. NASR booked a flight for December 14, 2023, from Egypt to Kenya for purposes of ultimately joining and training with al Shabaab. In addition, approximately thze day before his flight, NASR told the CS that he planned to delete data from his cellphone and computer to ensure that if he were detained, law enforcement would not be able to recover evidence of his jihadist activities from those devices. On December 14, 2023, NASR flew from Egypt to Kenya, where he planned to transit into Somalia and join and train with al Shabaab. Later that day, NASR was taken into custody by Kenyan authorities.
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NASR, 23, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi, Kenya, the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations, including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Joint Terrorism Task Force-Kenya, for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher and Kimberly J. Ravener are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Jennifer Burke and Lesley Woods of the Counterterrorism Section.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
[2] Communications referenced herein are described in substance and in part.
Mission Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023.
Selena Pretty Bird, age 26, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pretty Bird was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. She pleaded guilty on September 25, 2023.
In the morning of November 24, 2022, Pretty Bird, her sister, her mother, and two juveniles responded to a call from Pretty Bird’s brother. Pretty Bird’s brother mistakenly reported that a female had assaulted him and vandalized his vehicle. When Pretty Bird arrived at her brother’s location, an argument began between her and the female. The argument escalated to Pretty Bird and others assaulting the victim. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered a broken left arm that required surgery and a scalp laceration that required staples.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Pretty Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RONNIE WILLIAMS, age 22, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged on December 20, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jane T. Milazzo to five counts of federal drug and weapons violations.
WILLIAMS pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, on January 6, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance in the 500 block of N. Elm Street in Metairie, Louisiana. WILLIAMS arrived in the area and received a backpack from his co-defendant which contained marijuana, cocaine base, and fentanyl. Over the next hour, WILLIAMS made several drug sales to customers arriving in vehicles, including transactions with other co-defendants. When law enforcement arrived, WILLIAMS fled and threw a handgun loaded with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition. WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior Louisiana felony conviction for distribution of heroin.
With respect to his convictions for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a minimum of three years of supervised release on each count. With respect to his conviction for conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. With respect to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. With respect to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 28 was:
Sharon Ann Spang, 30, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spang faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Spang was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-150.
Llima Orser Cameron, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cameron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Cameron was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118.
Appearing on Dec. 27 was:
Michael Vaughn Henderson II, 45, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Henderson faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Henderson was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-46.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indy Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison for Raping a Toddler and Recording it on his PhoneRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Devon Shane Mitchell, 37, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a child.
According to court documents, in February of 2023, law enforcement officers began investigating Mitchell for criminal activity unrelated to child sexual abuse. During the course of that investigation, officers discovered multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse on Mitchell’s cell phone. The videos showed Mitchell raping a child under four years old, who is crying during the attack. At times, the child was in his care, custody, or control.
In April of 2023, Mitchell was arrested at his home. During a thorough search of his electronic devices, FBI agents found over 800 images and videos of other child sexual abuse material Mitchell collected online, in addition to the videos he created using the toddler victim.
“Our hearts break for the violence and trauma the defendant inflicted on such a young and vulnerable child. We are deeply committed to finding the offenders who sexually exploit our children and ensuring that they are taken out of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Thanks to the dedicated investigators at the FBI, IMPD, and our federal prosecutor, this victim and every other child will be protected from the defendant’s crimes for decades to come.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Mitchell be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison and pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Fraudster Sentenced to More than Four Years in Federal Prison After Stealing over $800,000 in COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Temitope S. Adeboye, 32, of Indianapolis has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and other false identity documents offenses.
In 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act provided for the funding of unemployment benefits that were to be paid out by the states. A prospective claimant could apply for benefits and request their unemployment benefits be placed onto a prepaid debit card.
According to court documents, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until at least August 6, 2020, Adeboye obtained and used unemployment debit cards from the State of Nevada in the names of identity theft victims. These individuals had not applied for unemployment benefits. In some instances, when the identity theft victim applied for benefits themselves, they learned that someone has already applied using their identity information.
Adeboye used these fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits debit cards to purchase money orders and other items of value. When asked to verify his identity by cashiers, Adeboye used fake IDs in the names of the identity theft victims. He later used money orders that were purchased with stolen unemployment benefits to buy a Lexus.
On August 6, 2023, Adeboye was arrested by IMPD officers for driving with a suspended driver’s license. During a search of the vehicle, officers found the following items: 96 unemployment debit cards issued by the State of Nevada, each under a different name, a Kroger receipt for $1,501.76, multiple money orders issued by Western Union, U.S. Postal Service, and MoneyGram, and U.S. currency totaling $76,680.
At the time of his arrest, Adeboye possessed approximately 32 fake driver’s licenses from Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, including some that were under the same stolen identities as the unemployment debit cards. The 96 unemployment debit cards recovered from Adeboye were used in over 5,000 transactions at various retailers and financial institutions.
“As the pandemic raged across the country in 2020, fraudsters embraced the motto, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ While countless individuals experienced tremendous grief as loved ones passed away and the strain of isolation grew, this defendant saw an opportunity to steal money and identities,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The Department of Justice and our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement are committed to identifying and prosecuting the criminals who took advantage of the global crisis to scheme and steal. This prison sentence demonstrates that these thieves will have a price to pay in federal court.”
The FBI, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Adeboye be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison and pay $804,460.54 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa, who prosecuted this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID‑19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID‑19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Former federal officer receives more charges for alien smugglingRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer previously charged with bribery and drug trafficking has now also been indicted for illegally smuggling four undocumented aliens into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Emanuel Celedon remains in custody and is set to make his initial appearance on the new charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 10 a.m., at which time the court will also hold his detention hearing. Two others - Homero Romero-Hernandez, 30, and Jose Osvaldo Zapata Vasquez, 24, both Mexican nationals illegally residing in the United States, are also expected to make appearances. The final person charged - Beatris Martinez, 20, Cotulla, is set for her initial appearance Jan. 4, 2024 at 9:40 a.m. before Judge dos Santos.
Celedon had previously worked at the Port of Entry (POE) in Laredo at the time of the offenses.
The superseding indictment, returned Dec. 27, charges Celedon and Martinez with four counts of bringing an undocumented alien to the United States on two separate dates in September and November. Zapata and Romero are charged similarly in three counts.
Celedon was previously indicted Nov. 28 for two counts of bribery and two counts of attempted importation of cocaine. Those charges allege that, on separate two occasions in October, Celedon accepted U.S. currency in exchange for allowing an individual to transport a substance he believed to be several kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Mexico through the Laredo POE without inspection.
If convicted of the new human smuggling charges, he faces up 40 years in federal prison. The previous bribery charges carry up to 15 years in prison each and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. A conviction on the cocaine importation charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 40 years and a possible maximum $5 million fine.
The Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and CBP- Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Webb County Constable Precinct 2 and CBP Laredo Joint Forensic Center. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Bennett and Jennifer Day are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is related to an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) case. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
This case is also supported by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department’s overall efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona and Southern District of California. Numerous components of the Criminal Division are part of JTFA and provide dedicated support for the program which the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section leads. The Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section also provide support. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 260 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 170 convictions; significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial asset forfeiture.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former Assistant United States Attorney Russell E. Smoot Retires from the Department of Justice After More Than Twenty Years of Federal ServiceRead the Press Release
Spokane, WA – Today marks the final day of service for one of Eastern Washington’s longest-tenured federal prosecutors. Over the past twenty-one years, Assistant United States Attorney Russell E. Smoot has served with distinction as a trial attorney and leader within the United States Attorney’s Office. From 2016 through 2021, Smoot served as the Criminal Chief for the Eastern District of Washington, and, for much of that time, as the First Assistant United States Attorney. As First Assistant, Smoot served as the primary deputy and legal advisor to the U.S. Attorney. During his two decades of service, Smoot also served many other roles within the office, including Deputy Criminal Chief, Criminal Appellate Coordinator, and Anti-Terrorism / National Security Coordinator.
In addition to his leadership roles, Smoot honed his skills as a capable and talented trial attorney. Throughout his twenty-one years as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), Smoot handled numerous criminal trials and argued dozens of appellate cases.
The many cases Smoot prosecuted include the pseudoephedrine trials, which helped reduce the proliferation of local meth-labs, and numerous large-scale drug-trafficking organization cases.
Among the many drug-trafficking conspiracy cases prosecuted by Smoot, the “pill hustle” case stands out as significant for the scope of the oxycodone-trafficking, the multi-jurisdictional investigation, and the prosecution. In 2015, the lead defendant, a member of the Eight Trey Gangster Crips, a Los Angeles-based street gang, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for leading a continuing criminal enterprise involving dozens of gang members and associates in the unlawful distribution oxycodone pills in the Spokane area. The case also involved 50 search warrants that were executed simultaneously in Los Angeles, Spokane, and Seattle. Of the 62 defendants charged in the scheme, 4 went to trial, including the lead defendant, who was convicted after a five-week jury trial in November 2014. The trial was handled by Smoot and AUSA Stephanie Van Marter.
Following the oxycodone case, Smoot was part of the trial team that prosecuted a Tri-Cities area man with cartel ties, who was sentenced to life in federal prison for murder in connection with a drug-trafficking conspiracy. At trial, Smoot, again with Van Marter, presented evidence that the victim was lured to a Spokane residence under the guise of resolving a drug debt. Upon arriving at the residence, the victim was beaten with baseball bats, tied up, and driven to a remote location in Stevens County. At that location, the victim was doused with gasoline, shot multiple times, and set on fire. During an investigation, law enforcement connected the murder to a methamphetamine-trafficking organization with ties to Eastern Washington, Mexico, North Dakota, and Idaho.
Smoot also prosecuted the first material support to terrorists cases in the District. In one such case, a local Eastern Washington man with experience in chemical explosives sought to provide his bomb-making expertise online to a person he believed intended to conduct an act of terrorism in the United States. He was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of federal supervision.
Just last year, Smoot was part of a Department of Justice prosecution team, that handled one of the largest-ever fraud schemes in Eastern Washington history – the $244 million scheme involving an Eastern Washington rancher, who was sentenced in October 2022 to eleven years in federal prison after charging Tyson’s Foods Inc. and another company hundreds of millions of dollars for approximately 265,000 head of cattle that did not exist. Ultimately, the rancher was ordered to pay $244 million in restitution for his “ghost cattle” scheme. This restitution award is the largest-ever in Eastern Washington history.
“Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney has been the highlight of my professional career,” AUSA Smoot stated. “It has been an honor to serve alongside many dedicated, hard-working colleagues within this office and across the Department of Justice. There is no equivalent to standing in federal court ‘on behalf of the United States.’” Smoot continued, “Serving the United States and the Eastern District of Washington as an Assistant United States Attorney has been a truly exciting adventure.”
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref thanked AUSA Smoot for his leadership and sacrifices on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington: “Russ’s public service has been nothing short of incredible – from the cases he has tried to the leadership positions he held. Since beginning his career as an AUSA in May of 2002, Russ has prosecuted a wide range of cases, including several jury trials of drug trafficking cases, homicides, and everything in between.” U.S. Attorney Waldref added, “Russ is one of the hardest working AUSAs in our District’s history. He will be sorely missed.”
Assistant United States Attorney Tim M. Durkin, who served as the office’s Civil Chief during the time Smoot served as the First Assistant and Criminal Chief, stated, "Russ Smoot dedicated his career to public service, participating in and overseeing complex criminal investigations and prosecutions of drug organizations, gangs and fraudsters in the Eastern District of Washington. He was an outstanding trial and appellate attorney, handling some of the most challenging cases the U.S. Attorney’s Office brings. He served with distinction and honor, and his skills will be terribly missed. Congratulations to Russ and his family!"
“Russ and I started our careers as Assistant United States Attorneys in early 2002, and we have worked closely together ever since,” stated Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter, who serves as the office’s Special Litigation Counsel and, as noted earlier, tried several landmark cases with Smoot. “It is hard to imagine the U.S. Attorney’s Office without Russ Smoot in it. We are excited for Russ as he begins his next adventure, but we will miss him. His dedication to justice is unparalleled.”
Smoot graduated with honors from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in political science in 1995. Before attending college, Smoot worked as a commercial fisherman, aircraft mechanic, and Alaskan bush pilot.
Smoot received his J.D. from Gonzaga University in 1999, graduating Magna Cum Laude and serving as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Gonzaga Law Review. During law school, Smoot became a law clerk at the United States Attorney’s Office. Then, after graduating from law school, Smoot worked for three years in private practice in Maine, before returning to Spokane and rejoining the United States Attorney’s Office shortly after 9/11.
Brother and Sister Sent to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A brother and sister from Dubuque, Iowa, who conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine were sentenced this week to federal prison.
Jacob Patrick Demaio, age 42, and Codi Lyn Demaio, age 35, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after both pled guilty on July 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
From August 2019 through January 2022, both Demaios were involved in a conspiracy to distribute hundreds of pounds of “ice” methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. There were several residences used by the brother and sister to store and traffic the “ice” methamphetamine in Dubuque and elsewhere.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Jacob Demaio sold hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine to multiple people between 2019 and 2022. Drug customers dropped off hundreds of thousands of dollars at the various “stash” houses. That money was intended to be given to Jacob Demaio.
Evidence also showed that Codi Demaio sold pounds of methamphetamine to several people in Dubuque between 2019 and 2022. On occasions when her brother was incarcerated, she took over his drug operation and sold pounds of methamphetamine. She was once instructed to go to California with $25,000 to buy drugs, though she instead traveled to Las Vegas and lost all the money.
Jacob and Codi were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Jacob Demaio was sentenced to 306 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Codi Demaio was sentenced to 172 months and 27 days of imprisonment and must serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Jacob and Codi are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Nicole L. Nagin and investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-1039.
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Thursday 28 December 2023
Ulster County Felon Sentenced to 70 Months for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bram Fox, age 44, of Kerhonkson, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a rifle as a previously convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
In previously pleading guilty, Fox admitted that on January 31, 2023, he possessed about 30 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his house, including an Aero Precision M5 rifle. Fox has felony convictions in New York and Connecticut, including a 2009 conviction for an armed bank robbery in Connecticut, that prevented him from lawfully possessing the rifle.
Fox also admitted that from about October 2020 until January 2023, he purchased firearms parts from several dozen online retailers; had these items shipped to his residence in Kerhonkson; and then used these firearms parts to manufacture non-serialized handguns and rifles, which are sometimes called “ghost guns” due to the fact that this type of firearm does not contain a serial number imprinted by a manufacturer. Of the firearms that Fox possessed on January 31, 2023, most were non-serialized. ATF agents, who searched Fox’s house on January 31, 2023, also found him to be in possession of various tools that could be used to manufacture and modify firearms, as well as firearms parts and accessories such as frames, grips, scopes, sights, and slides.
The ATF and New York State Police investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown Announces the Confirmation of Jerry Edwards, Jr. as Federal Judge for the Western District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jerry Edwards, Jr. has resigned from the Department of Justice after having been confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as United States District Court Judge.
“There is a reason I selected Jerry Edwards as my First Assistant after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Attorney,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Judge Edwards is a well-respected litigator, the consummate professional, garners great respect among our local, state and federal judges and over the years has constantly displayed strong leadership abilities amongst his peers in this office. I could not dream of a better district judge selection. We are quite saddened to lose him as a colleague in this office, but great things lie ahead for this district due to this historical confirmation.”
During his tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Edwards served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana, which includes 42 of the State’s 64 parishes and geographically encompasses two-thirds of the State of Louisiana. Edwards has served as the First Assistant United States Attorney since 2022 and prior to that, served as the district’s Civil Chief from 2020 through 2022. Edwards is the first person of color ever to have sat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. As First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Edwards oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all federal criminal violations in the Western District of Louisiana and represented the United States in all civil litigation occurring in the District.
Prior to serving at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Edwards was a Shareholder and Director at Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts in Shreveport where he was employed from 2006-2019, with a diverse litigation practice focused primarily on tort defense, consumer bankruptcy work for creditors, and collection work. In addition, he handled municipal work with a focus on zoning and land use. Edwards received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University in 2002 and his Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School in 2005. After graduating law school, Edwards clerked for Judges Jeanette G. Garrett and Scott J. Crichton of the First Judicial District Court of Louisiana.
After being sworn in by Chief U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, Edwards began his service on the bench on December 23, 2023. Edwards, 44, was nominated by President Biden on June 7, 2023. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on December 14, 2023.
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Second New York Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing over $200,000 in Products from Home Depot and Lowe’sRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for transporting stolen goods from Home Depot and Lowe’s across state lines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Deshun Jackson, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 13 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Jackson was also ordered to pay $204,969.02 in restitution, of which $179,606.25 is payable to Lowe’s and $25,362.77 is payable to Home Depot. On September 15, 2023, Jackson pleaded guilty to Transportation of Stolen Goods. Jackson’s co-defendant, Jalil McIntyre, pled guilty on July 31, 2023, and was sentenced to 24 months in prison on November 6, 2023.
“Organized retail thefts have a significant impact on consumers by causing both financial loss and safety risks,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that federal law enforcement will continue to protect retail industry and consumers from this increasingly widespread problem by investigating, prosecuting and incarcerating offenders like the defendants.”
“What DeShun Jackson did –in stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-end merchandise from home improvement retailers all over New England - drives up costs for consumers and businesses everywhere,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that if you engage in organized retail theft and transport stolen goods across state lines like Mr. Jackson did, you too will face serious consequences for your criminal conduct.”
Jackson and McIntyre traveled to Lowe’s and Home Depots across the northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. They stole high-value commercial items, such as circuit breakers. They were seen on surveillance footage grabbing products off shelves, placing them into large plastic bags, and walking out of the stores. In total, they stole $204,969.02 worth of products across 24 separate thefts. They also attempted to steal another $46,619.07 worth of products during 11 additional unsuccessful thefts. The stolen products were brought back to New York, where both defendants lived.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York, the Seabrook Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Windham Police Department, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.
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Remarks of U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger at the 2023 Newark Year-End Crime Stats Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
Thank you Mayor Baraka and Public Safety Director Fragé for including us in today’s event and for your partnership and commitment to combatting and eradicating gun violence in Newark.
Keeping our communities safe is the most fundamental mission of law enforcement. We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are truly honored to collaborate with the Newark Police Department and all of our other law enforcement partners up here today in support of this critical cause. We believe that this partnership, created through our Newark Violent Crime Initiative, which just entered its sixth year, has helped drive the historically low rates of homicides and shootings in Newark that the Mayor and Police Director mentioned. While every homicide and senseless shooting is tragic and is one too many, we believe this hard-earned, steady decline is a direct result of our VCI’s collaborative efforts.
Together, the Newark Police Department, my office, and our other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in our VCI have spent years identifying and gathering intelligence about those who drive the violence in and around Newark. For our part, we’ve dedicated prosecutors to target those street gangs whose members and associates are responsible for the shootings that continue to harm this community, and we have prosecuted violent offenders associated with each and every one of them.
In the course of our partnership, we’ve charged hundreds of Newark offenders for shootings, gun trafficking and possession, and gang-related activities. We currently have two alleged Newark gang members facing mandatory life sentences for murder. We have at least two more facing potential life sentences for non-fatal violent crimes in furtherance of gang activity.
In October, we charged two alleged members of the Sex Money Murder (“SMM”) subset of the Bloods Street gang operating in the Bradley Court Housing Complex with the November 2022 murder of a rival. In November, we charged five additional alleged SMM members and associates for trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Newark, two of whom we also charged with firearms possession.
Following a series of retaliatory shootings between rival neighborhoods in Newark, we charged a member of a street gang operating in the area of Clinton Place and Weequahic Avenue for possessing a machinegun that was used in April to fire 28 rounds, hitting three victims at the Oscar Miles Housing Complex. He pleaded guilty in October.
Over the course of the year, 12 members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang operating in and around Oscar Miles pleaded guilty to running a drug trafficking organization distributing large amounts of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
These are but a few examples of the results of our VCI partnership with all of our law enforcement partners up here today. Thank you.
NuDay Charity Sentenced for Illegal Exports to SyriaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – The New Hampshire charity NuDay, a/k/a NuDay Syria, was sentenced today in federal court for export offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
NuDay was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to five years of probation, the maximum penalty for an organizational defendant. NuDay was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. On September 8, 2023, NuDay pleaded guilty to three counts of Failure to File Export Information.
“Our national security depends on exporters truthfully disclosing where goods are being shipped to ensure that hostile foreign actors do not get their hands on potentially dangerous items,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E Young. “This prosecution shows that willful violations of export law, even by a non-profit charity, will result in criminal consequences.”
“This charity blatantly violated U.S. export control laws when it sent over 100 shipments of humanitarian goods to Syria, a country that is a designated state sponsor of terrorism, and in many instances, lied about where those shipments were going,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to prevent the erosion of public trust in charitable organizations by ensuring that anyone who engages in criminal activity in order to evade our laws and regulations is held accountable.”
“Customs and export laws exist to protect the integrity of our systems of commerce and to protect our national security. The individuals involved with NuDay knew they were breaking the law but did so anyway, sending shipments whose contents were falsely undervalued to Syria, a country subject to export restrictions and sanctions. As today’s sentence shows, these actions have consequences,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
“Despite the availability of a limited waiver of the restrictions allowing for the export and re-export of a wide range of items necessary to provide humanitarian support to the Syrian people, NuDay devalued $8.3 million of goods to avoid reporting requirements and transshipped the items through a third country without disclosing their ultimate destination. The end did not justify the means in this case,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of the Office of Export Enforcement’s Boston Field Office.
NuDay was founded by Nadia Alawa as a non-profit charity in 2013 and is headquartered in Windham, New Hampshire. Alawa served as NuDay’s President, and several family members served as board members and employees. Between 2013 and 2019, NuDay claimed significant growth of in-kind donations, starting from approximately $231,000 in 2013 and reaching almost $71 million in 2019. By way of comparison, in 2019 OXFAM America reported approximately $73.5 million in donations, and the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation reported approximately $41.4 million in donations.
Between 2018 and 2021, NuDay made over 100 shipments to Syria, a country that was subject to sanctions and export restrictions. NuDay claimed that these shipments were worth over $100 million. NuDay had the items shipped to Mersin, Turkey, where another company would transship them into Syria. U.S. Department of Commerce regulations require exporters, such as NuDay, to report true and accurate information about the items being exported, including the shipment’s description, end user, and monetary value. However, NuDay falsely reported that the end destination of the shipments was Turkey and not Syria, and artificially deflated the value of the goods to be below the $2,500 reporting threshold. Alawa’s Facebook messages indicated that she and NuDay were aware of export restrictions, including the need to obtain export licenses, but ignored them.
As a condition of the plea, Nadia Alawa and her family members have ceased involvement with NuDay.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.
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Middle District of Florida Prosecutes 1,500 Individuals for Child Exploitation Offenses as Part of Project Safe ChildhoodRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that the Middle District of Florida has prosecuted more than 1,500 individuals as part of Project Safe Childhood. In May 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
“From the beginning of Project Safe Childhood in 2006 through the present day, the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida has been a national leader in aggressively prosecuting those sexual predators who seek to use the internet to harm and exploit children,” said United States Attorney Handberg. “This year is a great example. In 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged over 100 defendants for child exploitation offenses, our third highest total ever. These cases have involved defendants who have victimized, and attempted to victimize, children by coercing them to produce child sexual abuse material, by enticing them to engage in sexual conduct, and by distributing, receiving, transporting, and possessing material containing images of children being sexually abused.”
United States Attorney Handberg continued, “I want to commend our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary work on these cases. Through their outstanding efforts, our law enforcement partners have rescued children, dismantled conspiracies that have victimized children, and built cases that have led to successful prosecutions of prolific and dangerous offenders. Their work on these federal prosecutions has served to protect children in the Middle District of Florida and across the United States.”
Some significant cases prosecuted in 2023 include:
In Fort Myers in April 2023, Jeffrey Holcombe (51, Naples) was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. According to court documents, as part of a separate investigation, law enforcement stopped Holcombe in his vehicle in Naples and observed a cellphone on the passenger seat. The FBI searched the phone pursuant to a search warrant and found images and videos of a minor being sexually abused. Agents went to Holcombe’s home and discovered the minor from the images and videos on Holcombe’s phone residing there. Further investigation revealed that Holcombe had been sexually abusing the minor, and that he often photographed, or video recorded his sexual abuse of the minor at his home and at various hotels. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
In Jacksonville in September 2023, Paul Edward Lee, Jr. (44, Jacksonville) was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 14-year-old child to produce and send him videos and images depicting the victim’s sexual abuse. According to evidence at trial, Lee, who had previously been convicted of crimes related to his sexual abuse of a minor and had already been designated as a sexual predator, sent sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old child through a gaming application designed for use by children. An FBI agent took over control of the child’s account and communicated with Lee. Lee told the “child” in graphic terms how he wanted to have sex with the “child” and sent several explicit images and videos of himself to the “child.” Lee also solicited the “child” to produce and send him graphic images and videos of “herself.” When FBI agents executed a search warrant at Lee’s residence, Lee tried to damage his cellphone to destroy evidence of his criminal activity and was arrested. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
In Ocala in March 2023, Eddie Joe Oglesby (52, Fort McCoy) was sentenced to 80 years in federal prison for producing and receiving child sex abuse material. According to evidence presented at trial, Oglesby created an elaborate false identity which he used to impersonate a federal agent. He then used this false identity to coerce underaged girls to produce and send him child sex abuse images over the internet. Posing as the false agent, Oglesby threatened to have the victims arrested, imprisoned, institutionalized, or killed if they did not comply with his demands. When the FBI searched Oglesby’s residence, they found him with an underaged female runaway. Agents ultimately found 473 pages of electronic communications between Oglesby and one of his victims on his cellphone. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Weatherford (Texas) Police Department, and the Cobb County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah J. Nowalk.
In Orlando in October 2023, Michael Remaley (22, Winter Garden) was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for the producing and receiving child sex abuse material. According to court documents, over the course of a two-week span, Remaley used a social media app to entice a 14-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit videos of herself. Remaley also shared child sex abuse material with another user, including a video of a female child between the ages of five and eight years old being sexually abused. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
In Tampa in May 2023, Brooke Sparks (38, St. Petersburg) was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse material. According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from the Australian Federal Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Sparks was sharing child sexual abuse material via Facebook. Pursuant to a search warrant at Sparks’s home, investigators discovered that Sparks had produced videos of child sexual abuse material of a nine-year-old child and shared them with an Australian man. Sparks also used multiple platforms to send and receive images and videos of child sexual abuse material. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with substantial assistance from St. Petersburg Police Department and the Australian Federal Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
“Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue those who prey on children” said Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “We are committed to identifying and arresting these egregious criminals, who produce and share horrible images of children being sexually exploited.”
In 2023, child exploitation cases prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida were investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Apopka Police Department, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Glades County Sheriff’s Office, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the North Port Police Department, the Ocala Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Palmetto Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sarasota Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and other state and local partners.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie Boyer, D. Rodney Brown, John Cannizzaro, Belkis Crockett, Amanda Daniels, Courtney Derry, Noah Dorman, Erin Favorit, John Gardella, William Hamilton, Stacie Harris, Abigail King, Shannon Laurie, Stephanie McNeff, David Mesrobian, Kirwinn Mike, Mark Morgan, Adam Nate, Hannah Nowalk, Courtney Richardson-Jones, Ross Roberts, Michael Sartoian, Ilyssa Spergel, Sarah Swartzberg, Laura Cofer Taylor, Megan Testerman, Karyna Valdez, Yolande Viacava, Ashley Washington, and Kara Wick and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lyons.
For more information about other child exploitation cases prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Leader of Belle Glade Based Bank Fraud Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
MIAMI - The leader of a bank fraud conspiracy pleaded guilty on Dec. 21.
Ja’kevious Ri’shaad Vickers, Gregory Bernard Ashley Jr., and Naim W. Kahook were involved in a bank fraud conspiracy involving stolen checks, theft of personal identifying information, and the production of fraudulent or fake checks.
On Dec. 21, Vickers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2024. Vickers faces a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison, to run consecutively to a statutory term of up to 30 years in prison.
Ashley and Kahook each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, respectively. Ashley and Kahook are also scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2024. Ashley and Kahook each face up to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced the guilty pleas.
The FBI Miami, West Palm Beach Resident Agency and PBSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marton Gyires is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Roberto Delgado is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80185.
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Hampton Man Indicted on Additional Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A grand jury returned a superseding indictment against a Hampton man in connection with four fraud schemes, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Anthony M. Silva, 39, was indicted on a total of 10 counts of wire fraud, 3 counts of mail fraud, and 8 counts of aggravated identity theft. Silva is scheduled to appear in federal court in Concord on January 8, 2024. Previously, on March 21, 2022, Silva was indicted on 3 counts of wire fraud, 3 counts of misuse of a Social Security number, and 3 counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Silva orchestrated four separate fraud schemes using stolen identities. Specifically, Silva used stolen names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, and other identifiers to fraudulently obtain (1) unemployment insurance benefits from Vermont, (2) unemployment insurance benefits from Massachusetts, (3) American Express credit cards, and (4) CARES Act funds. The fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits and CARES Act funds were deposited either by check or direct deposit into dozens of accounts Silva controlled at multiple banks. Many of these accounts were in the names of individual victims or fictional organizations, with Silva listed as the trustee. Silva obtained more than $400,000 from Vermont, over $150,000 from Massachusetts, and $600,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Silva was also able to use the credit cards to make a variety of purchases from retailers such as Victoria’s Secret. Silva also tried unsuccessfully to obtain additional CARES Act funding.
The charge of wire fraud and mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of either $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is higher. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of 2 years to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General and United States Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and John J. Kennedy are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 21, 2023, charging a local man with 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on June 3,2023, Daiquan Walker, 28, possessed a Springfield, Model XD-9, 9-millimeter caliber pistol and ammunition, and on October 19, 2023, he possessed a Glock, Model 19GEN5, 9-millimeter pistol, an Anderson, Model AM-15, multi-caliber pistol, and ammunition. Walker was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:
On January 3, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Walker was convicted of robbery in the second degree (2 counts), tampering with physical evidence, and criminal mischief in the first degree.
On December 27, 2023, Walker made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Walker remains detained pending trial. If convicted, Walker faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by HSI and LMPD with the assistance ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting 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 merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fact Sheet: Justice Department Improvements to the Clemency ProcessRead the Press Release
The Justice Department is entrusted with the important responsibility of receiving and reviewing applications for executive clemency and making recommendations to the President in support of his exercise of the constitutional clemency power. In fulfilling this responsibility, the department is committed to improving the clemency application process to make it more transparent, accessible and user-friendly. The department is taking a series of actions to reform and streamline the clemency application process.
Transparency & Accessibility
- Form Simplification: The Justice Department is updating all of its clemency forms, including web forms, to make them more user-friendly, streamlined and accessible to diverse populations. The improved and simplified application for commutation of sentence is now available here. The revised pardon application form is currently open for public comment.
- Language Access: The Justice Department has translated its revised application forms and informational materials into Spanish and is in the process of making its forms available in other languages as well.
- Partnering with Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP): The Office of the Pardon Attorney is working closely with the FBOP to assist incarcerated individuals with the clemency process, including by launching a series of educational seminars for staff and individuals in custody. In 2023, the Office met with over 1,800 people in FBOP facilities to provide information about applying for clemency. Additional sessions are scheduled in 2024.
Efficiency
- Reducing Processing Times: The Justice Department is taking steps, including providing additional staffing and technical support for the Office of the Pardon Attorney, to reduce the processing times to ensure that clemency petitioners receive answers in a timely fashion.
- Closing Long-Pending Petitions: The current Administration inherited an unprecedented backlog of clemency petitions. Soon, the Justice Department will begin issuing letters to petitioners that have not been granted clemency in order to deliver closure to those waiting for answers they deserve. Those receiving letters are welcome to submit new petitions.
Public Engagement
- Education and Outreach: The department is working to educate the public about how to submit a clemency application in order to demystify the process and help ensure broader and more equitable access.
- Listening Sessions: The department continues to engage with diverse external stakeholders to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of clemency petitioners and the public.
Binghamton Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dupray Jordan, age 33, of Binghamton, New York pled guilty yesterday to possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Sergeant Daniel VanWie of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force (BCSIUTF).
In pleading guilty yesterday, Jordan admitted that he possessed for distribution methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a loaded .38 caliber revolver in a Binghamton apartment on November 12, 2021. Jordan threw the gun to the ground as police entered to execute a search warrant at the Binghamton apartment on that date. The defendant was at that time a convicted felon, having previously been convicted in New York state court of Assault in the Second Degree.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 8, 2024, in Syracuse, New York, at which time Jordan faces up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a fine of up to one million dollars. He faces a consecutive sentence of at least 5 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He will also be sentenced to a post-incarceration term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, (consisting of members of the City of Binghamton Police Department, the Broome County Sheriff’s Department, and the Johnson City Police Department), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Broome County Metro SWAT Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting this case as 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.
Assault on Border Patrol Agents Results in Lengthy SentenceRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jorge Zazueta-Miranda, 51, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 90 months in prison. The sentence is to run consecutive to a previous Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien conviction and sentence from New Mexico. Zazueta-Miranda pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon on June 23, 2023.
On April 1, 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents near Douglas observed two yellow, cloned “construction” trucks with construction company logos on the sides. Agents stopped one truck, which contained 19 undocumented non-citizens. The second truck, driven by Zazueta-Miranda, failed to stop and sped up. Zazueta-Miranda drove at high speeds through the city of Douglas to the airport area, then continued along the border road into the rugged desert area. A Border Patrol agent attempted to intercept the truck, but Zazueta-Miranda deliberately turned towards the agent’s vehicle and collided with it striking the rear quarter panel. Zazueta-Miranda backed up and then drove towards a break in the U.S. border wall, striking a second agent’s vehicle. Zazueta-Miranda and several undocumented non-citizens jumped out of the truck and fled through the break in the border wall, successfully fleeing into Mexico. Agents recovered a latent print from the driver’s side door belonging to Zazueta-Miranda. A witness, who had been abandoned in the second cloned construction truck, identified Zazueta-Miranda, by a photo, as the driver, and an arrest warrant was issued. Almost two years later, on February 9, 2022, Zazueta-Miranda was arrested in New Mexico after being caught near the New Mexico – Mexico border.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista field office, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Serra M. Tsethlikai and Evan N. Wesley, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00681-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-206_Zazueta-Miranda# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Arsonist Sentenced for Throwing Molotov Cocktail at Donut ShopRead the Press Release
An arsonist was sentenced yesterday for malicious use of explosive material, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Coby Dale Green, 25, of Tulsa to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. His sentence included a hate crime motivation enhancement.
According to court documents, Green was seen on security camera footage outside the Donut Hole donut shop in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2022. Green placed a flyer with anti-LGBTQ slogans on the business next door prior to using a baseball bat to break the glass door of the donut shop. He then lit an improvised incendiary device, commonly referred to as a “Molotov Cocktail,” and threw it into the restaurant. The incendiary device did not fully detonate but still caused fire damage to the business.
Investigators later searched Green’s residence and found several copies of newspaper articles about the donut shop being vandalized. The ATF Certified Fire Investigator stated that persons who commit arson will often keep mementos or “trophies.” During the search of the residence, investigators also found flyers similar to those left at the Donut Hole, as well as clothing and the lighter seen in the security footage.
Court documents state that Green had been previously arrested in Tulsa County for arson at a separate restaurant in 2021. That case was dismissed because the prosecuting witness failed to appear. Investigators also received additional reports of Green causing disturbances and leaving anti-LGBTQ flyers at other LGBTQ friendly businesses around the Tulsa area.
Green will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Tulsa Fire Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Albany Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander Wilson, age 30, of Albany, pled guilty today to illegally possessing a pistol as a convicted felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; United States Marshal David L. McNulty; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento.
Wilson, who has two prior felony convictions, admitted that on March 16, 2023, he threw a loaded pistol from a vehicle while being pursued by a New York State Trooper on Interstate 90 in Albany.
Wilson faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on April 30, 2024. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The United States Marshals Service, ATF and NYSP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case as 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.
Wednesday 27 December 2023
Wasilla man sentenced for 2021 carjacking during armed police altercationRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to over nine years in prison for his involvement in recklessly evading the police and using a firearm during a carjacking in 2021.
According to court documents, on Dec. 17, 2021, an Anchorage Police officer attempted a traffic stop on Bryson McEneaney, 36, but he evaded the officer and fled north on the Glenn Highway towards Palmer. Palmer Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle. McEneaney avoided the strips by driving into oncoming traffic and stopping the vehicle.
Officers tased McEneaney as he exited the vehicle, but he was able to continue on foot towards a stopped vehicle. McEneaney used a rifle to gain control of that vehicle.
According to a press release from the Anchorage Police Department about the defendant’s actions on Dec. 17, law enforcement located McEneaney in the stolen vehicle on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The defendant wrecked the vehicle while attempting to elude Wasilla Police officers and fled on foot. He was located by law enforcement behind a transit building and taken into custody.
At the time of this conduct, the defendant was previously convicted of multiple violent felonies from 2016, including vehicle theft, assault and burglary.
“Mr. McEneaney’s selfish and careless actions in 2021 were the pinnacle of his habitual violent offenses over the years. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who did tremendous collaborative work to ensure Mr. McEneaney was off the streets and no longer a threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement to prioritize prosecuting violent offenders who continually show disregard for the health and safety of Alaskans.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Palmer Police Department and Wasilla Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
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Reynoldsville, PA Resident Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on her convictions for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Kristy Lepionka, age 40.
According to information presented to the court, Lepionka received parcels that were shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania containing a total of between 5 kilograms and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators searched Lepionka’s residence on August 31, 2021, pursuant to a federal search warrant and seized over a small amount of methamphetamine and a firearm, which Lepionka is prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lepionka.
This prosecution 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on December 20, 2023, KEILEN HAWKINS, age 26, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 71 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a one count indictment, HAWKINS was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He pled guilty on September 12, 2023. In addition to the term of imprisonment, HAWKINS was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
According to court documents, on February 12, 2023, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force were investigating complaints made in the NOPD 5th District about ongoing illegal narcotics distribution in the area. As officers conducted surveillance, they observed what they believed in their training and experience to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction. While officers continued their investigation, HAWKINS arrived on the scene and officers detained him for safety reasons as they conducted their investigation. HAWKINS advised them that he was in possession of a firearm. Officers recovered a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, from HAWKINS’s waistband. Officers learned that HAWKINS had prior felony convictions punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, which made his firearm possession illegal under federal law. Namely, HAWKINS had been convicted most recently in 2022, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program, 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 violenct crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Violations, Making False Statements to a Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERNELL HANKTON, age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 20, 2023 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and one count of making a false and fictitious statement during the purchase of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6), 924(a)(2), and 2.
According to court documents, HANKTON is a convicted felon, and is prohibited from possessing and purchasing firearms. In 2009, HANKTON was convicted of possession of cocaine. In 2010, HANKTON was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 20, 2019, HANKTON was involved in a hit-and-run at the McDonald’s on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, LA. During the hit-and-run, HANKTON’s vehicle struck another vehicle as both vehicles were in the drive-thru. When the passenger of the vehicle struck by HANKTON’s vehicle exited her vehicle, HANKTON attempted to drive off, striking the female passenger and a security guard who was attempting to respond to the accident. The driver of the vehicle that was struck by HANKTON’s vehicle followed behind HANKTON’s vehicle. HANKTON eventually exited his vehicle, brandished a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, and fired multiple rounds of ammunition into the driver’s vehicle. The driver was not injured. HANKTON fled the scene. Days later, officers with the New Orleans Police Department located HANKTON and located the firearm used in the shooting inside of HANKTON’s vehicle.
Within days of being released on bond, HANKTON went to a local firearm store and attempted to take possession of a firearm that he claimed was purchased by his girlfriend. HANKTON’s girlfriend completed an ATF 4473 firearm, attesting that she purchased the firearm for herself. HANKTON’s girlfriend later recanted her statement, admitting that the firearm was purchased for HANKTON. HANKTON made a false statement on the ATF 4473 form for the purpose of deceiving the firearms dealer into selling him a firearm.
On December 9, 2020, New Orleans Police Department officers conducted surveillance near the intersection of S. Liberty and St. Andrew Streets when they observed HANKTON standing by his truck. HANKTON opened the driver’s side door of his vehicle. Officers observed HANKTON lift up a Radical Firearms, LLC Model AR-15, .223 caliber rifle from behind the driver’s seat of his truck. The officers conducted a stop of HANKTON and located the rifle on the rear driver’s seat.
HANKTON faces a sentence up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance, United States District Court Judge, will sentence HANKTON on March 20, 2024.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Indicted on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY THOMAS, age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on December 21, 2023, in a one-count indictment.
According to the court documents, on or about December 12, 2023, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, ANTHONY THOMAS, knowing he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SW40V, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, THOMAS faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, not more than (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Protective Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
Man Indicted in Connection with Denver-Area Carjackings, RobberiesRead the Press Release
DENVER—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Keenan Shane Clodfelter, age 20, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 11 counts, including 3 counts of Carjacking, 3 counts of Robbery, and 5 counts of Brandishing a Firearm in relation to the Carjacking and Robbery charges. The crimes took place throughout the Denver metro area.
According to the indictment, on or about October 4, 2023, Clodfelter carjacked a 2013 Toyota Highlander. On the same day, he attempted to carjack a Hyundai Genesis, resulting in a gunshot wound to the arm of a victim. On or about November 20, 2023, Clodfelter carjacked a 2010 Toyota Scion TC. The Indictment also charges Clodfelter in connection with the robberies of a 7-Eleven located on East Quincy Avenue in Aurora and Pour Boy Liquor on 20th Avenue in Lakewood on November 20th, as well as the robbery of a Circle K on Kalamath Street in Denver on November 21st.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakewood Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Perczak and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dunn.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 23-cr-00503-RMR
Laplace Resident Charged with Preparing and Submitting Fraudulent Applications for Cares Act Financial AssistanceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MUNIRA SCHOFIELD, age 28, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged last week for her role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SCHOFIELD was charged in a one-count bill of information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343. SCHOFIELD’s co-conspirators, Lynn Schofield and Bashir Schofield, were charged previously.
According to the charging document, MUNIRA SCHOFIELD, Lynn Schofield, and Bashir Schofield worked together to submit applications to obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans fraudulently. The applications they submitted contained numerous materially false statements, including that the applicant had a sole proprietorship and generated substantial income from the business by overinflating gross receipts. They also represented that the loan proceeds would be used for business released purposes, and the defendants intended to use the money for personal reasons. In fact, the entities either did not exist or earned far less money than MUNIRA SCHOFIELD, Lynn Schofield, and Bashir Schofield represented.
LYNN SCHOFIELD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Former NASA employee and husband charged in mortgage fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Missouri City couple has been indicted for orchestrating a fraudulent financing and refinancing mortgage loan scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Noreen Khan aka Noreen Khan-Mayberry, 50, and her husband Christopher Mayberry, 51, surrendered to federal authorities this morning. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m.
According to the indictment, returned Dec. 12, both are charged with one count of conspiracy to make false statements to mortgage loan businesses.
Beginning in 2016, Mayberry and Khan, while still employed at NASA, allegedly took out significant personal loans to fund the purchase of their luxury home before quickly defaulting on those loans.
According to the charges, the couple allegedly attempted to eliminate and dispute the debts, claiming to be victims of identity theft. Khan allegedly filed a false police report, submitted a false report to the Federal Trade Commission and sent letters to the credit bureaus in order to have the loans removed from her credit.
As part of the scheme, the couple allegedly signed three separate loan agreements with mortgage lenders related to the financing of their home from 2017 to 2021.
As part of the loan application process, the couple provided false employment information and fake documents which included pay stubs, tax forms and account statements to lenders, according to the charges.
If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine in addition to the possible forfeiture of their luxury home.
NASA’s Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Bogalusa and New Orleans Men Plead Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 19, 2023, JEROME SHAQUILLE WILSON (“WILSON”), age 27, of Bogalusa, plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 while GERROY TOCA (“TOCA”) age 20 of New Orleans, plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of a superseding indictment.
Count 1 charged WILSON and TOCA with conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Count 2 charged WILSON and TOCA with conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). Count 3 charged WILSON and TOCA with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 4 charged WILSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
For Count 1, WILSON and TOCA face up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
For Count 2, WILSON and TOCA face up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
For Count 3, WILSON and TOCA face a up to (5) five years in prison, to be run consecutive to all other counts, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
For Count 4, WILSON faces up to (15) fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
On December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agents (agents) conducted surveillance of the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Their surveillance was for an unrelated investigation during which they observed JEROME SHAQUILLE WILSON. WILSON drove a white Dodge Challenger with one passenger, who was later identified as GERROY TOCA. Agents observed TOCA, WILSON, and a third co-defendant Harry Banks engage in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms. Agents observed Banks enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol in his left hand. Banks then appeared to conceal the firearm in his waistband. TOCA was found with several suspected Tramadol pills and a Polymer Model P80, 9-millimeter pistol. The firearm also had a Glock Model 19 slide. ATF Agents notified the New Orleans Police Department who detained TOCA and Banks. During the search, officers recovered a Sarsilmaz Model Sar 9, 9-millimeter pistol, from inside the center console of the vehicle.
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 track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Blandburg, PA Resident Sentenced to 25 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Blandburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on her conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Danielle Gillam, age 44.
According to information presented to the court, Gillam was a narcotics distributor who obtained between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, the leader of the drug trafficking organization, which Gillam then redistributed.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gillam.
This prosecution 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.
Tuesday 26 December 2023
Sioux Falls Woman is the Second to be Sentenced in Multi-Pound Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023.
Katrina Green, 39, was sentenced to 10 years and eight 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.
Green, along with four co-conspirators, was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. Green pleaded guilty on September 22, 2023, and her co-defendants, Janet Mallet and Tara Clayton, both of Sioux Falls, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023, and November 15, 2022, respectively. Mallet was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment on November 27, 2023, and Clayton is set to be sentenced on February 12, 2024. The remaining co-defendants Frank Baker and Amber Justus have not pleaded guilty to the charge and are currently set for trial in February. They are presumed innocent.
Green and her co-conspirators obtained methamphetamine from out of state and would re-distribute it in the Sioux Falls area. Green herself was held accountable for the distribution of at least 17 pounds of meth. In February of 2023, Green provided two ounces of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator who then sold the methamphetamine to a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement to conduct a controlled buy.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Green was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023.
Anthony Edward Farmer, age 39, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023.
Farmer was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child in 2010. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In March of 2023, Farmer was released from prison and began a period of supervised release. At that time, he appropriately updated his sex offender registration to reflect he was residing at a residence in Rosebud. Farmer subsequently moved out of his registered address, but he did not update his sex offender registration. Farmer was arrested by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers following a traffic stop in Rosebud on June 9, 2023.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Farmer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023.
Jeffery Yellow Hawk, age 34, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yellow Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023.
On the evening June 16, 2023, Yellow Hawk was operating a motor vehicle in the Rosebud area when he approached a sobriety checkpoint. Yellow Hawk performed an illegal U-turn to avoid the sobriety checkpoint and drove away. Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers pursued Yellow Hawk to his residence. Upon arrival to his residence, Yellow Hawk ignored commands from the pursuing officers and carried two firearms into his residence. Yellow Hawk subsequently brandished a loaded firearm at the officers. A short time later, Yellow Hawk exited the residence and was placed under arrest. A loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle were seized from the residence. Yellow Hawk will forfeit ownership of the firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Yellow Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Interstate ProstitutionRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – An Ohio man, Leon Sims, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 37 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for a violation of the Mann Act, which is the engagement of interstate prostitution.
According to his plea agreement, on December 14, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to an advertisement for prostitution services posted on a sex-advertisement website. Law enforcement observed Sims transport a victim to a hotel room and proceed to wait for her in the car. Subsequent investigation revealed that, from at least October 2020 through January 2021, Sims arranged prostitution activities for the victim using online advertisements, managed those activities, communicated with prostitution customers and kept the profits from the prostitution appointments. During the course of managing the victim’s prostitution activities, Sims transported the victim from Kentucky to both Ohio and California for the purpose of prostitution. At sentencing, it was determined that Sims used fraud or coercion to get the victim to participate in prostitution including verbal threats, withholding basic necessities, and false promises.
Under federal law, Sims must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Michael A. Helmig, Boone County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigation, and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Winslow and Erin Roth are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
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Mission Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding. The sentencing took place on December 20, 2023.
Sewell Fool Bull, age 38, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fool Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on January 31, 2023, wherein Fool Bull assaulted his intimate partner at a residence in St. Francis, South Dakota, by striking her in the face.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Fool Bull was ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service by January 2, 2024.
Justice Department Secures Agreement from North Carolina-Based Towing Company to Resolve Violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that is has secured a settlement against Billy Joe Goines, owner and operator of Goines Towing & Recovery, based near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, to resolve allegations that he violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by towing and then selling vehicles without disclosing to the court that they were owned by servicemembers.
The SCRA provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. It requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days.
In a complaint filed on March 3, the United States alleged that Goines auctioned off, sold or otherwise disposed of motor vehicles owned by eight servicemembers in violation of the SCRA, which provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. The SCRA requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days. The complaint here alleges that Goines either failed to file or filed inaccurate military affidavits with the court. Goines also allegedly filed military affidavits stating that he was unable to tell whether a vehicle owner was in the military even in instances where the vehicle at issue was towed from a military installation or had military decals, and instances when the vehicle owner or owner’s spouse had informed Goines of the owner’s active military service.
“Under federal law towing companies are required to file accurate military affidavits after making a good faith effort to determine whether vehicle owners are in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By failing to follow federal law, Goines deprived servicemembers of the opportunity to reclaim their vehicles. This consent order demonstrates the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of servicemembers and their families.”
“Goines took a Marine Corporal’s SUV from a parking lot near Camp Lejeune while he was deployed in Okinawa. Then Goines asked a court to let him sell it and keep the proceeds, without ever flagging the Corporal’s service for the court,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Servicemembers sacrifice a lot — and, in many cases, everything. Debt collectors and towing companies shouldn’t be allowed to take and sell their property behind their backs. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce servicemembers’ rights under the SCRA. Try to illegally take property from a Marine and find out.”
This is the first lawsuit brought by the United States against a towing company under the provision of the SCRA requiring the filing of military affidavits. Under the settlement, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Goines has agreed to pay $66,805.06 in relief for impacted servicemembers, must forgive storage fees assessed to certain servicemembers, attend SCRA training and institute new policies and procedures that comply with the SCRA.
The case resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from U.S. Marine Corps legal assistance.
Since 2011, the Justice Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 146,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Justice Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forced Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
goines_proposed_consent_order.pdfIowa Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Dodge, Iowa, man charged with Theft of Government Funds pleaded guilty to and was sentenced on December 18, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Clarence Soper, age 64, was sentenced to three years of probation, and ordered to pay $13,372 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
After a cancer diagnosis in 2010, Soper was awarded Title II Disability Insurance Benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). When Soper was advised of the receipt of benefits, he was also advised of significant life events that would need to be reported, such as any change in employment or medical status, as these changes may impact his benefits. SSA completed a review of Soper’s file in 2020 after Soper received a “cancer free” diagnosis. Based on the review, Soper was notified his benefits would cease in November. Soper requested a reconsideration and his benefits resumed in December. Soper remained cancer free and began working while his file was under reconsideration. Soper did not report his medical status nor his employment status to SSA while he continued to receive Disability Insurance Benefits.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler.
Hopkinsville Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced last week to 11 years and 6 months in federal prison for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Shaveon Richardson, 26, was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On May 24, 2022, and June 1, 2022, Richardson distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Christian County, Kentucky. On June 9, 2022, Richardson aided and abetted another person in the distribution of 96 fentanyl pills. On June 14, 2022, Richardson provided another person with approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to distribute.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023.
Michael Lovejoy, age 41, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Lovejoy was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 25, 2023.
Lovejoy is required to register as a sex offender under federal law. Lovejoy registered an address in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, with tribal authorities in early September of 2022 following his release from prison. In mid-September, Lovejoy moved to McLaughlin, South Dakota, where he disregarded several warnings from his probation officer and tribal authorities to update his registration. Lovejoy then absconded to Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Lovejoy did not update his registration until his arrest for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in May of 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the U.S Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Lovejoy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Final Defendant in Large Scale Family Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
Anahi Plascencia Cardona, 34, was sentenced on December 21, 2023, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, to 22 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Anahi’s husband, Salvador Magana Madrigal, age 41, was sentenced on August 7, 2023, to 33 years and four months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Oscar Madrigal, age 30, was sentenced on July 27, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Oscar Madrigal is Salvador Magana Madrigal’s brother.
Rosa Elena Magana Madrigal, age 65, was sentenced on August 15, 2022, to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Rosa is the mother of Salvador Magana Madrigal and Oscar Madrigal.
Maria D. Magana-Zavala, age 53, was sentenced on December 27, 2022, to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Magana-Zavala is the sister of Rosa Madrigal.
William Burt Hartwick, age 54, was sentenced on November 21, 2022, to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Hartwick is the husband of Magana-Zavala.
All six defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in the summer of 2021. Oscar Madrigal pleaded guilty on April 4, 2022; Rosa Madrigal pleaded guilty on May 25, 2022; William Hartwick pleaded guilty on August 30, 2022; and Maria Magana-Zavala pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022. Salvador Magana Madrigal and Anahi Plascencia Cardona were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a four-day federal jury trial in Sioux Falls on May 2, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from activities that started when Salvador Madrigal and Anahi Cardona, who are husband and wife, recruited other members of Madrigal’s family to assist them in obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine from California and distributing it in Sioux Falls. Salvador Madrigal and Cardona recruited Madrigal’s aunt and uncle, Maria Magana Zavala and William Hartwick, to transport methamphetamine by vehicle from California. Eventually, Salvador’s brother Oscar became involved in the conspiracy by assisting his brother in transporting and counting shipments of methamphetamine. In total, they obtained and distributed over 150 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 pounds of marijuana throughout the duration of the conspiracy.
Salvador Madrigal, Jr. and Cardona, along with Salvador’s mother, Rosa Madrigal, also intentionally conspired to knowingly conduct wire/money transfers which involved the proceeds of unlawful activities. The group conducted numerous financial transactions intended to transfer the proceeds from methamphetamine sales while concealing the nature and ownership of the money. Agents believe the group laundered over $1,000,000 of drug proceeds. At the time of their arrest, Cardona and Madrigal had approximately $215,000 stored in the garage of their home.
“This multi-defendant conspiracy case is yet another example of the impactful work the U.S. Attorney’s Office is doing alongside its law enforcement partners to dismantle drug organizations in South Dakota,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “We are especially grateful to our partners in the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the IRS-Criminal Investigations for their collaboration to bring down this family drug operation that brought more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine into our communities.”
“A 265-month sentence sends a strong message that trafficking drugs into our communities will not be tolerated," said IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden, St. Louis Field Office. “When criminals launder their ill-gotten funds to hide the source of their crimes, the special agents of CI take pride in uncovering the money trail that leads to the source and helps put a stop to the drug trafficking operation.”
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
All defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencings.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023.
Rydell Iron Rope, age 50, was sentenced to two years and six months prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Iron Rope was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 15, 2023.
On September 30, 1996, Iron Rope was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Iron Rope was subsequently convicted of Commission of a Sexual Offense While Registered as a Sexual Offender on June 16, 2008. As a result of these convictions, Iron Rope must maintain his registration for the rest of his life, including updating his registration within three business days of a change of residence address, employment, or student status. Iron Rope returned to Eagle Butte on April 10, 2023, after being convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in North Dakota. Iron Rope registered an address on the south side of Eagle Butte with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Compliance Office. It was later discovered that Iron Rope had relocated to a different address in Eagle Butte without properly updating his registration.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Iron Rope was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023.
Raymond Leon Blue Arm, age 51, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blue Arm was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023.
In 1996, Blue Arm was convicted in North Dakota state court of Gross Sexual Imposition. In 2015, Blue Arm was convicted of Rape in Standing Rock Tribal Court. Both convictions require him to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In 2020, Blue Arm was convicted in U.S. District Court in North Dakota of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. In March of 2023, Blue Arm properly registered as a sex offender on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. By July of 2023, Blue Arm began residing in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, but he did not update his sex offender registration and remained out of compliance until August 7, 2023.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Blue Arm was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Court Sentences Mobile Man to 148 Months Imprisonment in Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking and Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On December 18, 2023, United States Chief District Court Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Shunn Lashun Sylvester, aka, “ATL” to 148 months imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his methamphetamine trafficking.
Documents filed with the Court in connection with his guilty plea established that on in January 2022 law enforcement arrested Sylvester after an undercover operation in which Sylvester was caught attempting to deliver 115 grams of methamphetamine in a vehicle. Sylvester also had a loaded Rossi .357 magnum handgun in the vehicle with him.
Court documents established that since January 2019 Sylvester had conspired with at least eight other named individuals to distribute methamphetamine. All of these co-conspirators were previously prosecuted on federal drug charges. Sylvester primarily served as a seller and a broker to various persons in Mobile County where Sylvester would sell directly to the buyers or broker transactions between the buyer and three different methamphetamine dealers located in the Moss Point, Mississippi area.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.