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Thursday 21 December 2023
Wilton Man Who Sent Child Pornography to Minors Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography to multiple minors was sentenced December 20, 2023, to more than seventeen years in federal prison.
Benjamin Mockmore, age 37, from Wilton, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 4, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography.
Information presented at the sentencing hearing and in a plea agreement showed that in 2021 and 2022 Mockmore had online sexual communications with multiple minors. During some of the conversations, Mockmore sent images and videos of child pornography to the minors. One of the minors with whom Mockmore communicated was a 15‑year‑old autistic girl, from whom Mockmore had requested “nudes.” Mockmore also sent naked pictures of himself to multiple minors, including to the 15‑year‑old autistic girl. In March 2022, an adult female posing as a 12‑year‑old girl from Wilton communicated with Mockmore. During the conversations Mockmore stated that he wanted to have sex with the 12‑year‑old and that he would be home alone on March 20, 2022. The adult woman confronted Mockmore on March 19, 2022, at which time Mockmore admitted that he had sent a picture of his penis to the person he believed to be the 12‑year‑old. Mockmore also offered the woman money not to report him to law enforcement.
Four days after his encounter with the adult woman in Wilton, Mockmore had an online conversation with another adult woman who was posing as a 13‑year‑old girl. Mockmore sent that person a photograph of his penis and requested that the girl send him a photograph of herself in the shower. A search of Mockmore’s residence on March 29, 2022, resulted in the seizure of two of Mockmore’s cellular phones. Searches of those phones revealed 181 images and 50 videos of child pornography, and 61 online conversations during which Mockmore sent child pornography to another person. Over 30 of the people to whom Mockmore sent child pornography had represented themselves to be juveniles.
Mockmore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mockmore was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $9,000 in restitution. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Mockmore is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Shelby County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23‑CR‑00029‑CJW‑MAR.
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Wheatfield man sentenced for his role in debt collection schemeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Greg MacKinnon, 58, of Wheatfield, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. MacKinnon was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $3,067,341 to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between June 2011, and April 27, 2017, MacKinnon operated Vantage Point Services, a debt collection business. MacKinnon and others involved in the conspiracy fraudulently and unlawfully collected on debt, earning income exceeding $10,000 every year from such criminal activity. The criminal activity included using illegal tactics to collect on debt, such as coercion by making false threats of arrest to debtors; collecting more than was owed on a debt; and attempting to collect on debt that had already been paid in full.
MacKinnon, and his co-conspirators, diverted money that represented the unlawful proceeds of illegal debt collection activities employed by Vantage Point Services to other debt collection business entities controlled by co-conspirators. The money was diverted, and made to appear as ordinary business expenses, to avoid reporting income exceeding $10,000 in any year from criminal activity and paying income taxes. The total tax loss to the United States was $3,067,341.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
West Bridgewater Man Arrested for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Bridgewater man was arrested yesterday for allegedly receiving child pornography from an online communication application.
Juan Levano, 23, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of receipt of child pornography. Levano was arrested yesterday morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, remains in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, an investigation into an internet-based communications application used for the trafficking of child pornography identified Levano as a likely user of the platform who participated in at least two groups where child pornography was disseminated.
Search warrants were executed yesterday at the residence where Levano resides and seized various electronic devices. According to the charging documents, Levano rented a room at the residence, which is registered as a residential daycare. Both Levano and the owner of the residence denied that Levano worked at the residential daycare and denied that Levano had any contact with the children who attend it.
It is alleged that Levano admitted to being a member of several groups on the chat application and obtaining child pornography from those groups – estimating that his collection included imagery of children ranging from infancy to 13 years old. A preliminary review of Levano’s phone allegedly revealed that Levano was a member of several active groups on the platform that included the exchange of child pornography. It is further alleged that more than 100 video and image files were identified, most of which appear to depict child pornography, and stored in a photo application on Levano’s phone. Forensic analysis of the seized devices is ongoing.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the West Bridgewater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Office’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting 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.
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.
West Bend Man Sentenced for Federal Child Sexual Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on December 20, 2023, United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig sentenced Steven M. Stathas, (age: 33) of West Bend, Wisconsin, to 180 months’ imprisonment (15 years), after he pleaded guilty to Using a Computer to Attempt to Persuade, Induce, and Entice a Minor to Engage in Unlawful Activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Stathas’s term of imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release, and he will also pay a $100.00 special assessment.
According to court filings, Stathas, who was required to register as a sex offender after being convicted of two felony sex offenses against minors, began communicating online with a fifteen-year-old who lived in Kentucky in late 2021. Between September and November 2021, Stathas travelled from the Eastern District of Wisconsin to Kentucky on multiple occasions and engaged in various sex acts with the victim. Finally, on November 28, 2021, Stathas drove to Kentucky, picked the victim up from her family home without her parent’s consent or knowledge, and drove her to his home in Wisconsin, where he was apprehended by the West Bend Police Department.
When imposing sentence, Judge Ludwig observed that because of Stathas’s behavior “a permanent scar has been left on the victim’s life.” Judge Ludwig also noted that “[t]here is no justification for what occurred,” and that [t]his was a vulnerable young girl who was victimized by a man who was twice her age.” Judge Ludwig additionally stated that “[g]rown men cannot victimize teenage girls, and if they do, a price has got to be paid.”
This case was investigated by the West Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan J. Paulson and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the United States Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood, marshals, federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Waterbury Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PIERRE JOSHWAN RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Ochy,” 42, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force determined that Rodriguez headed a cocaine trafficking operation in which parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine were concealed within boxed Bluetooth speakers and shipped through the U.S. mail from Puerto Rico to multiple addresses in Waterbury. Rodriguez distributed the cocaine in the Waterbury area and mailed money parcels back to Puerto Rico. Felix Ortega-Pagan assisted Rodriguez by frequently picking up the cocaine parcels and delivering them to Rodriguez at various stash locations. Alejandra Santiago-Miranda was a frequent mailer of cocaine parcels from Puerto Rico to Waterbury and was also the recipient of multiple money parcels. Rodriguez and Ortega-Pagan also converted some of the cocaine into crack cocaine.
Investigators seized approximately 28 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation.
On November 20, 2020, investigators searched Rodriguez’s residence and seized evidence of the cocaine distribution conspiracy, $56,008 in cash, and jewelry. Rodriguez remained at large until February 17, 2021. He possessed $5,540.00, four cellphones, and jewelry at the time of his arrest.
In total, law enforcement seized from Rodriguez a total of $455,308.83 in cash and from a bank account, jewelry appraised at $509,045, a 2019 Polaris Slingshot, a 2013 BMW X6, a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2020 Can Am Spyder Roadster, and a 2015 Toyota Sienna.
Rodriguez’s criminal history spans more than 25 years and includes multiple drug convictions. In 2013, he was sentenced in state court to 15 years of incarceration, suspended after 90 months, for possession with intent to sell.
Rodriguez has been detained since February 17, 2021. On August 18, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Ortega-Pagan and Santiago-Miranda pleaded guilty to related charges and have been sentenced.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Rodríguez was designated as a Regional Priority Organization Target (RPOT) under the OCDETF Program.
Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Vermont Resident Sentenced to 135 Months for Attempted Enticement and Coercion of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scarlet Shadows, a/k/a “Dragongurl69,” age 33, of West Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for attempted enticement of a minor. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of her previously entered guilty plea, Shadows, formerly known as Randy Emillion Goodreau, admitted that she attempted to entice and coerce an individual, whom Shadows believed to be an 11-year-old girl, to have sex. After weeks of exchanging sexually explicit text messages with this individual and another person Shadows believed was the child’s guardian, Shadows traveled in January 2022 from Vermont to Warren County, New York, with an engagement ring, condoms and gifts for the child, intending to have sex with the child.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 15-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release. Shadows is required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
United States Reaches $9.1 Million Civil Settlement with Total Access Urgent Care over False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today that Total Access Urgent Care (TAUC) has agreed to pay $9,150,794 to settle allegations that TAUC submitted false claims for medical services, including COVID-19 testing.
“This settlement will fully repay three federal health care programs for TAUC’s overbilling for COVID tests and office visits,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming.
According to the United States’ allegations, from April of 2017 through November of 2021, TAUC submitted claims for payment to Medicare and TRICARE indicating that a physician performed office visits when a non-physician practitioner had actually done so, thereby receiving reimbursement at a higher rate. From November of 2015 through November of 2021, TAUC submitted claims to Medicare and TRICARE for office visits that were upcoded. During the latter portion of that period, it also submitted upcoded office visit claims to a program that reimbursed for the testing or treatment of, and vaccination against, COVID-19 for people who were uninsured, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (UIP), the government alleges. TAUC voluntarily disclosed during the investigation that from April 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021, it submitted false claims to Medicare, TRICARE and the UIP for COVID testing using improper billing codes, again receiving reimbursements at a higher rate.
All of these false claims resulted in TAUC receiving reimbursement from federal health care programs to which it was not entitled, the government alleges.
TAUC fully cooperated in the investigation. The company did not admit liability in the settlement agreement.
The settlement also resolved TAUC’s self-disclosure made in March of 2021 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in which TAUC reported that bonuses paid to certain physicians it employed were in part based on the volume or value of their referrals for designated health services, a prohibited practice.
“Today’s outcome illustrates HHS-OIG’s unwavering commitment to detecting, investigating, and shutting down fraud against Medicare, the HRSA Uninsured Program and protecting federal health care programs under any circumstance — especially during a public health emergency,” said Acting Special Agent Curt L. Muller from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate health care fraud schemes, including those involving providers submitting fraudulent claims in violation of the False Claims Act.”
“When actors within our healthcare system are focused on profit rather than patient care, it undermines the integrity of the medical decision-making process,” said Gregory P. Shilling, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DOD-OIG-DCIS), Southwest Field Office. “DCIS remains steadfastly committed to rooting out fraud and safeguarding the funds entrusted to the Defense Health Agency, which serves our military members and their families.”
This civil settlement is part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to recover funds diverted from the Medicare Trust Account and is the result of the combined work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, HHS-OIG, DOD-OIG-DCIS, and the FBI.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan Collects $68,224,759.35 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2023.Read the Press Release
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that the Eastern District of Michigan collected $68,224,759.35 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $45,879,094.11 was collected in criminal actions and $22,345,665.24 was collected in civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. The largest collection came from a fine imposed in a securities fraud case against Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violation of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. The office also resolved several parallel cases that involved significant civil and criminal penalties related to health care fraud.
In addition to collection of outstanding obligations, the Eastern District of Michigan seized assets valued at more than $67 million dollars and finalized the forfeiture of assets valued at approximately $34 million dollars. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund may be used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“Through the hard work and commitment of our team of dedicated attorneys and support professionals, we recovered more than $68 million dollars in Fiscal Year 2023. Due to the tireless efforts of these extraordinary public servants, crime victims and taxpayers will recover funds owed to them as a result of criminal and civil violations perpetrated in this district. Our staff is a tireless advocate for victims of crime. We take actions to recover assets that have been transferred to third parties, as well negotiate for the liquidation of assets obtained by a defendant because of his or her involvement in criminal activity.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office discovers undisclosed assets and collects over $535,000 for wire fraud victimsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming operates a Financial Litigation Program (FLP) which enforces fines and restitution resulting from criminal convictions in federal court. Recent developments in a case from 2002 led to the collection of over $535,000 in victim restitution.
“Through the FLP, our office seeks to collect fines and restitution efficiently and diligently,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Vassallo. “This includes locating debtors and hidden assets in this country and abroad, establishing repayment agreements, and initiating post-judgment remedies like wage garnishments.”
The FLP initiated collection efforts under the Federal Debt Collection Procedure Act for a wire fraud case involving defendant Matthew T. Bullis. As part of his sentence, Bullis was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $647,112.50 to victims of his fraud.
The FLP first obtained a garnishment order against Bullis’s employer to withhold and pay to the Clerk of District Court 25% of Bullis’s salary. In early 2022, the FLP determined that the employer had failed to withhold the correct amount owed under the garnishment and that Bullis had not accurately described his financial situation. Further enforcement activity by the FLP resulted in Bullis paying his outstanding restitution balance of $535,761.25.
“We are focused on securing restitution for crime victims, recovering taxpayer money obtained by fraud, and depriving criminals of their illegal gains,” said Vassallo. “We recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in this case because of the tenacity and hard work of our attorneys and staff.”
Payment is being distributed by the Clerk of District Court to the victims. Assistant United States Attorney Jasmine Peters handled this enforcement matter. For more information about the FLP, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/civil-division.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $600,734 grant from Justice Department for agencies, organizations to support youthRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $600,734 to the state of Montana to fund agencies and organizations that support youth and their families.
The grant, administered by the Montana Board of Crime Control, is from the Fiscal Year 2023 Title II Formula Grants Program, the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
“This grant -- and the organizations it will support—serves an important role in our efforts to help prevent youth from ending up in our criminal justice system and to improve their chances for success if they do. While the U.S. Department of Justice seeks to hold people accountable for their criminal conduct, supporting at-risk youth and their families contributes to the overall public safety and well-being of Montana communities, which is why this grant is so important,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
Montana’s FY23 Title II program will support efforts to advance the mission of the Youth Justice Council, the state’s advisory group, to improve the juvenile justice system. The Montana Board of Crime Control intends to monitor compliance with the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act, provide training and technical assistance, improve policies and procedures and award grants to evidence-based promising programs. The Youth Justice Council has prioritized community-based programs; delinquency programs; mentoring, counseling and training programs; school programs; mental health and substance use treatment; and Native American Tribal programs. These activities are expected to prevent delinquency, divert youth from system involvement, reduce recidivism, improve outcomes for youth involved in the justice system and increase public safety.
This grant serves hundreds of at-risk children and youth ages 0 to 17 each year. Many of these youth have experienced poverty, trauma, family dysfunction, substance use and mental health issues.
The Montana Board of Crime Control anticipates awarding funding to 14 agencies: Families First Learning Lab, Missoula; CASA of Missoula; Friendship House of Christian Service, Billings; YWCA of Missoula; Billings Public Schools; Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Kalispell; Chippewa Cree Tribal Court, Box Elder; Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources, Hamilton; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Butte, Yellowstone and Kalispell; and Boys and Girls Clubs, Havre, Missoula and Great Falls. The service area will cover eight counties, the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and portions of the Flathead Indian Reservation.
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U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $152,772 grant from Justice Department for Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s OfficeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $152,772 to the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office for supplies and equipment.
The grant is from the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, FY23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
“Our top priority in Billings is fighting violent crime and we cannot do this effectively without the brave men and women of the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. They deserve our unwavering support and as far as the U.S. Department of Justice is concerned, we are putting money where our mouth is by providing them this grant to help keep officers safe and protect our community from dangerous criminals,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The grant award is for a joint application from the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, with the police department acting as the grant administrator. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office plans to use its $20,611 grant allocation to purchase equipment and supplies for its office and detention facility, including rechargeable flashlights and charging docks for the detention facility, batteries used for its tactical robot, helicopter and other radios and miscellaneous supplies. The sheriff’s office also plans to use the money to fix hail damage on the helicopter and to buy a portable radio. The Billings Police Department plans to use its allocation of $132,161 to purchase patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, batteries, first aid supplies and promotional items.
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Two Men Charged in Connection with Kidnapping of New Jersey ResidentRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two men have been charged in connection with their respective roles in an armed kidnapping for ransom of a Paterson, New Jersey, resident, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Julio Cesar Paniagua, 27, is charged by complaint with one count of kidnapping. Paniagua appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was detained.
Joel Ramon Garcia, 33, was previously charged by complaint with one count of kidnapping. Following his arrest on Nov. 20, 2023, Garcia made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Nov. 15, 2023, Paniagua and Garcia kidnapped the victim in Paterson and then drove the victim to Massachusetts, where they held the victim for ransom. During the kidnapping, Paniagua and Garcia both brandished firearms. Shortly after the kidnapping, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s father and threatened that the victim’s fingers would be cut off if the ransom was not paid. The kidnappers ultimately released the victim on Nov. 17, 2023.
The charge of kidnapping carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the FBI’s New Jersey field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked members of the FBI’s Boston field office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Isa M. Abbassi; members of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik; members of the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi; members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mark Musella; and members of the Cedar Grove Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief John J. Kennedy, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maloy of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
garcia.complaint.pdf
paniagua.complaint.pdfTitusville Pharmacist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Opioids and Benzodiazepines Without A PrescriptionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Basil Samir Itani (47, Titusville) to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for distributing and dispensing controlled substances. The court also ordered Itani to pay a $50,000 fine. Itani had pleaded guilty on September 27, 2023.
According to court documents, Itani sold pharmaceutical controlled substances to a confidential source on nine different occasions between January 5 and May 24, 2023. The confidential source purchased the controlled substances from Itani for cash and without a prescription after hours at Itani’s pharmacy. The controlled substances Itani sold included over 3,500 units of oxycodone, over 1,300 units of methadone, nearly 400 units of alprazolam, 200 units of morphine, and a small quantity of methylphenidate—all for which he received thousands of dollars in cash. Itani distributed and dispensed these controlled substances in an unauthorized manner by acting outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Titusville Police Department and by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office, which focuses on opioid-related fraud and abuse by medical and health care professionals who have contributed to the prescription opioid epidemic. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Three-Time Alien Smuggler Sentenced to 60 MonthsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Clifford Valisto, 63, of Tucson, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Valisto pleaded guilty to Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit on October 2, 2023. Valisto also was sentenced to 12 months in prison to run concurrently for violating conditions of his federal supervised release from a prior alien smuggling conviction.
On July 19, 2023, Valisto picked up six undocumented non-citizens, including a 15-year-old unaccompanied minor, in a Ford F-150. Witnesses reported that Valisto was having difficulty controlling his vehicle, and appeared to be falling asleep as he approached a Border Patrol checkpoint. United States Border Patrol agents found all passengers to be present in the United States illegally.
Valisto previously had been convicted of Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit, CR-18-01843-TUC-DCB, and Conspiracy to Transport an Illegal Alien, CR-11-01345-TUC-DCB.
Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-01213-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-204_Valisto# # #
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.Ten Individuals Indicted on Drug Trafficking Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA - Ten residents of Western Pennsylvania and three residents of New York, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of narcotics trafficking, firearms violations, and money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The sixteen-count Indictment named the following thirteen individuals as defendants:
• Juan Duran, 34, of Brooklyn, NY
• Jason Lynn, 37, of Altoona, PA
• Miguel Arce, 39, of Brooklyn, NY
• Scott Daughenbaugh, 41, of Tyrone, PA
• Kurtis Dively, 38, of Claysburg, PA
• Douglas Hillegass, 61, of Duncansville, PA
• Daniel Paz, 32, of Queens, NY
• Joshua Pote, 41, of Roaring Spring, PA
• Tonya Settlemyer, 38, of Altoona, PA
• Andrew Stowell, 65, of Altoona, PA
• Brian Weakland, 65, of Coalport, PA
• Lesley Wilt, 37, of Glen Richey, PA
• Danielle Nepa, 48, of Gallitzin, PAAccording to the indictment, the named conspirators include leaders, members, drug suppliers, and associates of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing narcotics throughout Western Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and heroin beginning in September 2022 and continuing through September 2023. The Indictment. alleges individual drug trafficking violations against Stowell, Pote, Lynn, and Nepa as well as a firearms violation against Lynn. Finally, the Indictment further alleges that Duran laundered the monetary proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking activity.
For all defendants except Nepa, the law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and up to life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.
For Nepa, the law provides for a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine of not more than $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police.
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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sun Valley Man Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Sent Emails Threatening to ‘Unabomb’ the FBI’s Los Angeles Field OfficeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging he sent a series of threatening emails to the FBI, including ones in which he threatened to bomb the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and referenced the notorious “Unabomber.”
Mark William Anten, 52, of Sun Valley, is charged with making threats by interstate communication, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
FBI agents arrested Anten without incident this morning at his residence. A federal magistrate judge this afternoon ordered Anten jailed without bond and scheduled an arraignment for January 11, 2024 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, since July 2023, Anten has sent numerous threatening communications to the FBI, including emails that reference bombing the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office in Westwood. Specifically, on November 2, 2023, Anten allegedly emailed FBI agents saying he “embrace[d]” that he was voted most likely in his graduating class to become the next Unabomber – a reference to Theodore John Kaczynski, whose 20-year bombing campaign killed three people and injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynski was convicted of federal crimes, spent the bulk of his prison sentence in the “SuperMax” federal prison in Colorado, and died in prison on June 10.
In the November 2 email, Anten allegedly listed similarities between himself and Kaczynski, proclaimed that he was working on a manifesto, and signed his email “Unabomber.”
On November 20, two FBI Task Force Officers interviewed Anten in front of his residence. During the interview, Anten admitted to sending the previous communications and the officers admonished him to stop contacting agents, the affidavit states. Despite the admonition, Anten’s conduct escalated.
On December 5, Anten allegedly sent a string of threatening emails to FBI agents, in which he threatened to “Unabomb” the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. In one email sent on December 6, Anten allegedly emailed agents, “I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact, it would be very explainable by your actions” and signed it, “SuperMax or Death.” He also sent an email that included an image depicting the results of a Google internet search for “how to make a dirty bomb.”
Later on December 6, Anten visited the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and later emailed agents that he visited their building and would continue to do so. Surveillance footage confirmed Anten’s presence there.
A criminal complaint contained allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney J’me K. Forrest of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Stoneboro Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property ChargeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Martin Meade Kobsik, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in April 2020, Kobsik obtained a $150,000 COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Loan from the Small Business Administration, falsely representing that he needed the money to maintain his business. Kobsik then used the proceeds from the loan for personal expenses, a vacation, and improvements to his home.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Kobsik on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kobsik.
South Georgian Pleads Guilty to Flying Drone to Drop Contraband at PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. –A Lakeland, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty to flying his unregistered drone and dropping contraband at Macon State Prison.
Dedrick Daesean Sirmans, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of operating an aircraft eligible for registration knowing that the aircraft is not registered to facilitate controlled substance offense before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today. Sirmans faces a maximum of five years in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7.
“Contraband in prisons is a danger to everyone inside the prison, where there is a high potential for violence and drug abuse, as well as inmates using cell phones to direct outside criminal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “As the threat of drones delivering contraband continues to grow, our office—working with law enforcement—will hold all those attempting to get prohibited items to prisoners to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Using drones to distribute contraband is illegal and dangerous,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Southern Region. “We will continue to partner with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue those who intentionally engage in illicit activities that violate federal regulations.”
According to court documents, Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) K9 handlers were conducting a patrol of the grounds around Macon State Prison at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2020, when they encountered Sirmans exiting the woods. Sirmans claimed he was there to meet a female he found on the dating app, Tinder. GDC officers conducted a search of the area and located two plastic bags wrapped in black duct tape with fishing line attached and a black hard-shell case containing a large drone. Inside the bundles, officers found $1,000 in cash, tobacco, marijuana, three cell phones, phone charges, rolling papers, a Bluetooth device and clothing. Sirmans car was parked on the road and officers found three pistols in the trunk.
Investigators with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) discovered a total of 25 flight paths the drone had taken. Several of the flights took place over Macon State Prison and one flight was over Patten Probation Detention Center in Lakeland, Georgia. Investigators found that Flights 23 and 25 occurred on Sept. 14, 2020, within a couple of hours of Sirmans being found by GDC officers on the grounds around Macon State Prison. The drone was unregistered.
The case was investigated by DOT-OIG, GDC and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the government.
Slovakian Man Accused of Running Darknet Market Selling Drugs and Personal InformationRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Slovakian man was indicted this week on charges that accuse him of running a darknet market that sold drugs and stolen personal information. Investigators have shut down the market.
Alan Bill, 30, of Bratislava, was charged by complaint in U.S. District Court in St. Louis December 14. Bill was arrested December 15 at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey by agents with the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. In an indictment Wednesday, a grand jury charged Bill with ten felonies: conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit identity theft and fraud related to identification documents, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, misuse of a passport and money laundering conspiracy.
The complaint and the indictment accuse Bill, also known as “Vend0r” and “KingdomOfficial,” of helping to set up and run Kingdom Market, which had over 25,000 active listings as of late last month. The market opened in March of 2021 and sold illegal drugs and unlicensed pharmaceuticals, stolen identities, credit card information, counterfeit money, computer malware and fraudulent identity documents including passports and drivers licenses from Missouri and other states, the charging documents say.
“The use of darknet marketplaces and cryptocurrency will not protect dangerous criminals from law enforcement efforts to combat the flow of narcotics and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “This case is a result of diligent efforts by a team of U.S. and international investigators to target one of the largest darknet marketplaces in the world.”
“The Kingdom Market darknet site allowed criminals to move dangerous drugs in and out of our communities and use the digital world to hide their illegal activities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) St. Louis Field Office. “Collaboration with our global law enforcement partners is the key to disrupting drug trafficking, money laundering and the other illicit activities that occur on the darknet.”
“These darknet marketplaces present a significant danger to our communities here in the U.S. as well as those of our international partners.” said HSI Kansas City acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho. “Our HSI special agents will continue to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations wherever we find them. I would like to commend the efforts of our law enforcement partners for their work on this case, and especially thank the HSI Newark team for their assistance in arresting Bill.”
Kingdom Market charged vendors 500 Euros to start selling, then charged fees on sales. Transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency and Kingdom advised users in methods to conceal their transactions, the documents say.
Investigators used the market to purchase methamphetamine, pills containing fentanyl, the personally identifiable information belonging to numerous people and a United States passport, the charging documents say.
Websites associated with Kingdom Market have also been seized by law enforcement.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The drug trafficking conspiracy charge carries a penalty of at least five years in prison, with a maximum of 40, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. The identity theft conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The misuse of a passport charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Missouri Department of Revenue investigated the case. The investigation also involved numerous foreign law enforcement agencies, including the German Federal Criminal Police, or Bundeskriminalamt, the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office - Central Office for Combating Internet Crime (ZIT) as well as law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.
Shiprock Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Courtney Frank was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Frank, of Shiprock, an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter on September 14, 2023.
According to court documents, on September 28, 2022, 19-year-old Frank was intoxicated when she drove a car over the center line of a country road in Shiprock and struck an oncoming car head-on. The other driver survived the initial impact but died at the scene. The decedent’s son was also injured in the wreck. Frank’s BAC was .327.
Upon her release from prison, Frank will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment View the Plea Agreement# # #
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Rutland Woman Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Maria Alvarez, 43, of Rutland, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Burlington on December 21, 2023. Previously, a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a one-count indictment on November 15, 2023, alleging that Alvarez possessed cocaine with intent to distribute it. Alvarez was arrested on December 20, 2023 and made an initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Alvarez was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
According to court records, Rutland police responded to a call on September 26, 2023 regarding potentially unresponsive people in a vehicle. Police found Alvarez in the front passenger seat and another individual in the driver’s seat. Police observed on the driver’s lap what appeared to be a rock of crack cocaine. When police effected Alvarez’s arrest, they saw her place in the adjacent door a container with several rocks of what appeared to be crack cocaine. All of the apparent crack cocaine field-tested positive. Police arrested the driver and Alvarez, secured the vehicle and obtained a state court search warrant to search the vehicle.
When police executed the search warrant on the vehicle, they found three bags in the footwell where Alvarez had been seated in the front passenger seat. From those bags, police recovered a variety of items, including: Alvarez’s non-driver’s ID, a key to a lockbox which contained over 600 grams of powder cocaine, over $5,000 in cash and suspected drug packaging. From the vehicle, police also recovered two scales, among other items.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Alvarez remains presumed innocent unless and until she is convicted of a crime. If convicted, Alvarez faces a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The actual sentence following any conviction will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.
The investigation has been led by the Rutland Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Alvarez is represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.
Richmond Career Criminal Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 160 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 550 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Mario Williams, 55, was a prolific drug dealer who sold fentanyl daily from his car at a car wash and a convenience store in Richmond. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained search warrants and planned an operation to detain Williams. On March 16, 2023, an agent conducting surveillance at the car wash watched Williams engage in multiple suspected drug deals. Agents detained Williams and searched his person, his cars, and his home. They recovered 549 grams of fentanyl—more than 5,000 individual doses—47 grams of cocaine base, 12 grams of cocaine, and 120 oxycodone pills. Agents also seized three firearms and an additional loaded magazine. Williams had over $1,200 on his person when he was arrested.
After his arrest, Williams admitted to dealing drugs. During the bail determination after his arrest, when asked by the magistrate judge about his sources of income, Williams stated, “Deal drugs, and I have no idea how much money I make.”
Williams, who was sentenced as a career offender, was previously convicted of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a murder, assault and battery of a police officer, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA’s Washington Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-47.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 68 Months in Prison for Trafficking over One Hundred “Ghost Guns” to the Dominican RepublicRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT ALCANTARA was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick to 68 months in prison for trafficking firearms. ALCANTARA previously pled guilty to conspiring to traffic firearms and conspiring to launder money.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Robert Alcantara alone trafficked over 100 untraceable ghost guns to the Dominican Republic. The proliferation of unlawful ghost guns is a threat to public safety, and our response is clear: we will not let up.”
According to the charging documents and other filings and statements made in court:
From approximately 2017 until January 2022, ALCANTARA operated a “ghost gun” factory out of his home in Rhode Island. ALCANTARA purchased ghost gun kits at gun shows and other places and then machined the kits into working firearms. Once he had completed the untraceable firearms, he exported and sold them to the Dominican Republic. Most of those guns were handguns, but a number were rifles. ALCANTARA and others then laundered the proceeds of his gun sales.
On November 20, 2021, ALCANTARA was stopped in his vehicle in possession of kits to build approximately 45 ghost guns.
ALCANTARA was interviewed by law enforcement agents and stated that he was planning to turn the 45 kits into working firearms, and he had 50 additional similar ghost guns at his home. A photograph of the 45 ghost gun kits is below:
Below are photographs of ALCANTARA’s home ghost gun factory:
Below are photos ALCANTARA sent of firearms he had available for sale in the Dominican Republic:
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In addition to the prison term, ROBERT ALCANTARA, 36, of Providence, Rhode Island was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the Providence Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island for their assistance in the case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mead is in charge of the prosecution.
Rensselaer County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –Ahmed AlSaadi, age 18, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing a machinegun. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; James Smith, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf.
AlSaadi admitted that on August 2, 2023, he possessed three machinegun conversion devices and a Glock handgun that had been modified with a machinegun conversion device that allowed the Glock to shoot and function as a machinegun. AlSaadi also admitted to selling machinegun conversion devices from March to July 2023.
AlSaadi, who is in custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2024, in Albany, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000. The court may also require AlSaadi to serve a term of supervised release of up to 3 years to begin after imprisonment. 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.
ATF, FBI, and Troy Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Meeting with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Representatives from Federal AgenciesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Last week, Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) hosted New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and representatives from 13 federal agencies that serve New Mexico. The meeting focused on ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in Albuquerque by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies to increase public safety.
U.S. Attorney Uballez opened the meeting by outlining the unique and close relationship between federal, state, and local law enforcement in New Mexico wherein federal law enforcement surgically targets drivers of violent crime for federal investigation and prosecution. Governor Lujan Grisham expressed her wholehearted support for federal criminal enforcement, and enthusiasm for the partnership, while noting that previous broadly targeted efforts to arrest had negligible impacts on violent crime. U.S. Attorney Uballez offered that the reason why federal resources are best used in a targeted fashion at the worst drivers of violence, freeing up state law enforcement to address lower-level crimes. U.S. Attorney identified the USAO’s policy of community violence intervention as the only law enforcement approach to result in statistically meaningful reductions in violent crime. This coordinated focused deterrence model identifies drivers of violent crime and offers support to those who chose peace, and federal criminal enforcement to those who chose violence.
To highlight law enforcement efforts, Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office discussed the Violent Crime Task Force, a partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies where federal agents and cross-designated Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local and state law enforcement agencies work together to target drivers of violent crime. Next, Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber from the ATF’s Phoenix Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek from the ATF’s Dallas Field Division discussed crime gun intelligence efforts including crime gun tracing and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which captures and compares ballistic evidence to aid in solving crimes. Next, Assistant Special Agent in Charge John E. Gonzalez from the DEA discussed their data-driven Operation Overdrive which targets violent criminals and drug traffickers linked to overdose deaths. Finally, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Russell Lashley highlighted Operation North Star where Marshal’s deputies arrested violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
U.S. Attorney Uballez summarized that cross-designation is the key to the relationship—TFOs from state and local law enforcement and Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) from local district attorney’s offices are a force multiplier and a critical bridge between agencies.
The federal agencies also discussed the pernicious threat posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating human smuggling operations on New Mexico’s southern Border. Criminal Chief Aaron Jordan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office, described the combined efforts of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security in Joint Task Force Alpha to target command-and-control elements of TCOs, charging their leadership and seizing their money. Chief Jordan also described the USAO’s focused effort to charge all migrants and smugglers who pose a demonstrable threat to public safety in New Mexico. Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Good from U.S. Border Patrol Deputy and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens from Homeland Security Investigations described how the number of migrant deaths in the El Paso Sector doubled from 2022 to 2023, how smuggling organizations recruit minors to drive migrants, how the conditions in “stash houses” where migrants are kept are inhumane, and how migrants face extortion, violence, and rape at the hands of their smugglers.
Other attendees from federal agencies included Chief U.S. Probation Officer Ronald Travers from U.S. Probation and Parole, Special Agent in Charge William Mack from the U.S. Secret Service, Resident Agent in Charge Brenda Gonzales from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress from the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant Inspector in Charge Greg Torbenson from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Special Agent in Charge Victoria Owens from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All of the participants expressed a commitment to partner with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address violent crime in not only Albuquerque, but the entire state.
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Ramsey Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Violent CarjackingsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Ramsey man has been sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $1,918.28 in restitution for his role in a string of carjacking and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on January 3, 2022, Jordan James Smith, 27, approached an individual who was sitting in a parked vehicle. Smith opened the driver’s door of the victim’s Nissan Juke and pushed a gun into the victim’s torso. Smith then stated, “I’ve got a [expletive] gun,” and directed the victim to “give me everything you have and get out of the car.” Smith pulled the victim from the car, got into the driver’s seat, and drove off. The victim’s phone and wallet were still in the car as Smith fled. On January 10, 2022, Smith and an associate used the victim’s Nissan Juke as collateral to test drive a black Maserati. Smith and his associate abandoned the Nissan Juke and stole the black Maserati before being apprehended by law enforcement.
On February 3, 2022, Smith and his co-defendant Carson Thomas McCoy, 22, of Blaine, along with other associates, broke into a local car dealership. The group stole several vehicles, including an unlicensed GMC Acadia. Later that morning, at 8:30 a.m., McCoy—who was driving the stolen GMC Acadia—ran a stop sign and struck another vehicle. McCoy abandoned the GMC Acadia and ran to another vehicle being driven by Smith. However, before leaving the area, Smith approached the vehicle McCoy hit, pointed a gun at the driver, and said “give me your purse or I’ll [expletive] kill you.” Smith then returned to his vehicle and fled the scene with the victim’s iPhone, housekeys, and a child’s backpack.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Smith noticed the driver of a silver Honda Accord parked in a nearby residential area. Smith and McCoy exited the blue Honda Accord and approached the silver Honda Accord. Smith tapped on the driver’s side window with his gun. The driver of the silver Honda Accord exited the vehicle and, as the driver attempted to retrieve a wallet, Smith threatened the driver with his gun. Smith and McCoy then drove off in the silver Honda Accord. Smith was apprehended later that same day on an unrelated warrant. Because Smith has prior felony convictions, he was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Smith pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023, to two counts of carjacking. He was sentenced earlier this week in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim. McCoy will be sentenced on January 3, 2024.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Blaine Police Department, the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
Pornhub Parent Company Admits to Receiving Proceeds of Sex Trafficking and Agrees to Three-Year MonitorRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Aylo Holdings S.A.R.L. (formerly MindGeek S.A.R.L.) (Aylo), parent company to Pornhub.com, was arraigned on a charge of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds, after entering into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York to resolve the charge. The proceeding was held before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom. The DPA provides for the appointment of a monitor (Monitor) for three years and for payments to be made to the United States and to individuals adversely affected by the underlying sex trafficking.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the deferred prosecution agreement.
Mr. Peace also thanked the Victim/Witness Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the FBI’s San Diego Field Office for their valuable assistance in this case.
“This deferred prosecution agreement holds the parent company of Pornhub.com accountable for its role in hosting videos and accepting payments from criminal actors who coerced young women into engaging in sexual acts on videos that were posted without their consent,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office is committed to ensuring internet safety and protecting people from online sexual exploitation. It is our hope that this resolution, which includes certain agreed payments to the women whose images were posted on the company’s platforms and an independent monitorship brings some measure of closure to those negatively affected. This resolution will not only provide oversight over one of the largest online content distributors in the world and ensure the company’s lawful behavior, but it will also develop industry-wide standards for safety and compliance.”
“Motivated by profit, Aylo Holdings knowingly enriched itself by turning a blind eye to the concerns of victims who communicated to the company that they were deceived and coerced into participating in illicit sexual activity” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “Make no mistake, any entity that engages in sexual exploitation will be held to account for the mental anguish and terror imposed on victims. I hope today’s proceedings bring a sense of justice to the victims in this case as they move forward in their lives.”
Unlawful Receipt of Sex Trafficking Proceeds
Aylo operates free and paid adult websites that allow third parties to post and distribute adult videos, including on its websites Pornhub.com and PornhubPremium.com. As part of its business, Aylo contracted and/or partnered with adult entertainment companies who were given personalized channels on Aylo’s websites, which Aylo promoted and from which Aylo profited.
Beginning in 2009, Aylo hosted pornographic videos created by GirlsDoPorn (GDP) founder Michael Pratt and his co-conspirators (collectively referred to as the “GDP Operators”) on Aylo’s websites, including Pornhub.com. The GDP Operators owned and operated a pornographic production company and online pornography websites called GDP and “GirlsDoToys” (GDT). In 2019, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California returned an indictment against the GDP Operators, for, among other charges, sex trafficking offenses, for deceiving and coercing young women to appear in sex videos which were then posted online without the women’s consent. See United States v. Pratt, et. al. 19-CR-4488. Since then, several of the GDP Operators have been convicted in connection with that criminal prosecution.
According to Aylo’s admissions and/or court documents filed today, between 2017 and 2019, Aylo received money that Aylo knew or should have known was derived from the GDP Operators’ sex trafficking operations. For example, in September 2017, Aylo learned that many of the women appearing in the GDP and GDT videos had filed a civil lawsuit in California against the GDP Operators alleging that the complainants had been tricked and coerced into filming the adult videos and that the videos were posted on Pornhub.com without their consent. Between 2016 and 2019, Aylo also received several content removal requests from complainants seeking to remove GDP videos from its websites. The complainants told Aylo that they had been lied to and defrauded into making these videos and that the videos were posted on Pornhub.com without their consent. Although Aylo sought, and received, information from the GDP Operators that purported to establish that the complainants had given consent for their videos to be posted online, Aylo did not independently verify consent and did not remove all the videos that were requested to be taken down. Moreover, in August 2019, Aylo learned that a GDP videographer had testified during the civil trial that he falsely told women that their sex videos would not appear online so that they would agree to appear in the videos, and that such videos were posted on Pornhub.com. Despite the above, Aylo continued to host the GDP and GDT channels on its websites and accept money from its partnership with the GDP Operators.
On or about October 14, 2019, Aylo finally removed the official GDP channel from its platforms. However, the company did not take steps to identify for removal all unofficial GDP content from its website at that time. Aylo also did not remove the official GDT channel from its platforms until December 2020 even though the company knew that the individuals operating GDT were the same as those who operated GDP and that many of the individuals featured in the GDP videos were also featured in the GDT videos.
The Deferred Prosecution Agreement
Under the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement, Aylo has agreed to pay $1,844,952.83 to the United States. Aylo has also agreed to provide monetary payments to victims of the GDP Operators who have not otherwise already received compensation, and whose images were posted on Aylo’s platforms.
Aylo has agreed to be subject to an independent Monitor for a period of three years. The Monitor will be tasked with assessing the company’s compliance with the terms of the DPA. The Monitor will also evaluate the strength and thoroughness of Aylo’s due diligence protocols for its content partners and content programs; the robustness of the company’s content screening and monitoring processes; the adequateness of the staffing and resources dedicated by Aylo to address, mitigate and remediate takedown requests or allegations of the presence of illegal content on the company’s platforms; and the adequacy of the company’s disclosures to relevant law enforcement authorities regarding the presence of illegal content on the company’s platforms. Aylo has agreed to cooperate fully with the Monitor, and to adopt and implement recommendations made by the Monitor, subject to the terms of the DPA.
The Office reached this resolution with Aylo based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the fact Aylo did not voluntarily self-disclose its criminal conduct to the Office but thereafter cooperated with the Office’s investigation; its removal of GDP and GDT content from its platforms; the nature of remedial measures Aylo has instituted across its platforms since 2020; and Aylo’s commitment to remediating and improving its compliance program and internal controls, including its agreement to a three-year monitorship. In reaching this resolution, the Office also considered the wide-ranging impact the monitorship will have on Aylo and, possibly more broadly, other adult website operators and internet safety generally.
In the event Aylo breaches the terms of the DPA, the company has agreed to be prosecuted for engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section in coordination with the Office’s Bank Integrity Task Force, which is charged with investigating and charging corporate and individual actors who launder criminal proceeds using the U.S. banking system and enforcing anti-money laundering controls under the Bank Secrecy Act. Assistant United States Attorneys Hiral Mehta, Gillian Kassner, Genny Ngai and Tara McGrath are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
AYLO HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-463 (BMC)
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on December 20, 2023, on a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced.
Troy D. Arnold, age 57, was sentenced to five years of imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised released by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
The court was advised that on or about August 15, 2022, Arnold possessed more than 2,700 images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. These images and videos included the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age as well as material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, and the sexual abuse or exploitation of infants or toddlers.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pittsburgh Office of Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Arnold.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Philadelphia Used Car Salesman Charged with Stealing over $2.5 Million from Customers Who Sought Wheelchair Accessible VehiclesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Edward Scott Rock, 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was arrested and charged by Indictment on charges of mail and wire fraud for conducting a non-delivery sales scheme in which Rock accepted payment for, but failed to deliver, automobiles to approximately 120 purchasers.
The Indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2023, Edward Scott Rock obtained used vehicles from automobile auctions, and then listed and advertised them for sale on the Internet. The majority of vehicles sold by Rock to victims were accessible vehicles equipped for wheelchair-users or people with disabilities. Despite signing bills of sale for the vehicles, and accepting payment, Rock did not deliver the vehicles as agreed upon. In total, Rock defrauded approximately 120 victims across 36 states, and caused losses exceeding $2.5 million. Approximately two-thirds of Rock’s victims were persons with a physical or mobility disability, persons over the age of 65, or businesses which provided transportation services to those populations.
On several occasions, Edward Scott Rock sold the same vehicle to multiple customers. After agreeing to sale terms and accepting payment from a customer for a particular vehicle, Rock continued to list, sell, and accept payment for that same vehicle again, this time from a new victim-purchaser. In one instance, Rock agreed to sell a particular vehicle – a wheelchair-accessible 2017 Ford T150 van – to 13 different buyers over an 11-month period between February 2022 and January 2023. Despite accepting 13 payments from 13 different buyers and collecting over $260,000 all for the same vehicle, Rock only delivered the vehicle to one buyer (albeit without proper title). Rock failed to deliver the vehicle to the other 12 victims, who had all also purchased and paid for the vehicle.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 170 years’ imprisonment, a 5-year period of supervised release, a $2,750,000 fine, and restitution and forfeiture.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, Major Crimes, Auto Squad, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel S. Dalke.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pharmaceutical Company Ultragenyx Agrees to Pay $6 Million for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Induce Claims for its Drug CrysvitaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Pharmaceutical company Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Ultragenyx) has agreed to pay $6 million to resolve allegations that it caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement concerns Ultragenyx paying for free genetic tests for patients and buying test result information to induce prescriptions of Crysvita.
Ultragenyx is a pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in California that manufactures Crysvita. Crysvita is an FDA-approved drug to treat X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in adult and pediatric patients six months of age and older. XLH is a rare inherited disorder characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood, which can lead to weak bones and, in many instances, may require a genetic test to definitively diagnose.
As part of the settlement, Ultragenyx admitted and accepted responsibility for certain facts providing the basis of the settlement. Ultragenyx understood that, in some cases, an insurer (including Medicare or Medicaid) would require a positive genetic test for a genetic mutation consistent with XLH to pay for a patient’s prescription for Crysvita, or a health care provider (HCP) would require a positive genetic test to make a definitive diagnosis of XLH and prescribe Crysvita. Thus, Ultragenyx entered into an arrangement with a genetic testing laboratory (Laboratory), whereby Ultragenyx paid the Laboratory to conduct genetic tests—at no cost to HCPs or patients—and provide the results to the HCP. Ultragenyx referred to this program as its “sponsored” XLH testing program. Ultragenyx sales personnel discussed the XLH testing program with HCPs and delivered order forms for the tests to HCP’s offices.Ultragenyx separately paid the Laboratory to provide the test results to Ultragenyx, including the name of the HCP who ordered the test, a de-identified patient ID number, the date the test was ordered, and—once ready—the test result itself ( “Results Reports”). Ultragenyx used the Results Reports, in part, for marketing purposes to find potential Crysvita patients and their HCPs. Until April 2022, Ultragenyx received Results Reports and disseminated this information to its sales force with instructions to make sales calls for Crysvita to HCPs who ordered a test or who had a patient with a positive test result. Ultragenyx’s sales force followed up with HCPs regarding test results.
The United States contends that, as a result of these actions, Ultragenyx caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to beneficiaries in the form of free genetic tests to induce their purchase of Medicare- or Medicaid-reimbursed Crysvita and to the Laboratory for the Results Reports to induce the Laboratory’s to refer to Ultragenyx the names of HCPs to whom Ultragenyx could market Crysvita.
“Kickbacks, in whatever form, have no business in our federal healthcare system. We are always on the lookout for financial kickbacks that can improperly influence medical decisions, undermine patient care, and cause waste to federal healthcare programs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As medical practices evolve, our office is committed to ferreting out improper financial kickbacks of any permutation.”
“The department is committed to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs and the medical care received by their beneficiaries,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “A primary focus of this effort is the pursuit of kickback schemes that can allow third parties, such as pharmaceutical manufactures, to insert themselves into the doctor-patient relationship and potentially undermine the objectivity of treatment decisions by physicians and patients.”
“Kickback arrangements designed to improperly influence medical decisions will always be an investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The goals of our continued enforcement in this area are to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and to curb schemes that can inappropriately manipulate the health care choices of patients and their doctors.”
“Today’s settlement makes it crystal clear that pharmaceutical companies like Ultragenyx will not be allowed to exploit patient data to target patients for treatments in order to boost their bottom line at the expense of taxpayer-funded health care programs,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Let this case be a warning to others that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are hard at work investigating allegations of health care fraud, and anyone engaging in similar conduct will face similar consequences.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement agreement were, in part, originally brought in a case filed under the whistleblower, or qui tam, provision of the False Claims Act. The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ruggiero v. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (D. Mass.) (No. 1:21-cv-11176-ADB). The False Claims Act permits private parties to sue for fraud on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. The act also permits the government to intervene in such actions, as the government did, in part, in this case. Of the total $6 million recovery, approximately $5.8 million constitutes a recovery for Medicare and the federal share of Medicaid and approximately $200,000 constitutes a recovery for state Medicaid programs. The whistleblower will receive approximately $1.07 million from the federal portion of the recovery.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; AAG Boynton; HHS-OIG SAC Coviello; and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian LaMacchia and Diane Seol and Senior Counsel for Health Care Fraud Augustine Ripa handled the matter.
Pharmaceutical Company Ultragenyx Agrees to Pay $6 Million for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Induce Claims for Its Drug CrysvitaRead the Press Release
Pharmaceutical company Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (Ultragenyx) has agreed to pay $6 million to resolve allegations that it caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, in violation of the False Claims Act, by paying for free genetic tests, plus a separate fee to receive test result information for marketing purposes, to collectively induce prescriptions of its drug Crysvita and referrals of health care providers (HCPs) to Ultragenyx for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of Crysvita.
Ultragenyx is a pharmaceutical manufacturer with a principal place of business in California that manufactures Crysvita. Crysvita is an FDA-approved drug to treat X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in adult and pediatric patients six months of age and older. XLH is a rare inherited disorder characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood, which can lead to weak bones and, in many instances, may require a genetic test to definitively diagnose.
Ultragenyx understood that, in some cases, a positive genetic test for a genetic mutation consistent with XLH would be required for an insurer (including Medicare or Medicaid) to pay for a patient’s prescription for Crysvita, or for a healthcare provider (HCP) to make a definitive diagnosis of XLH and prescribe Crysvita. Thus, Ultragenyx entered into an arrangement with a genetic testing laboratory (Laboratory), whereby Ultragenyx paid the Laboratory to conduct genetic tests — at no cost to HCPs or patients — and provide the results to the HCP. Ultragenyx referred to this program as its “sponsored” XLH testing program and Ultragenyx sales personnel discussed the XLH testing program with HCPs and delivered order forms for the tests to HCP offices.
Ultragenyx separately paid the Laboratory to provide the test results to Ultragenyx, including the name of the HCP who ordered the test, a de-identified patient ID number, the date the test was ordered and — once ready — the test result itself (collectively, Results Reports). Ultragenyx used the Results Reports, in part, for marketing purposes to find potential Crysvita patients and their HCPs. Until April 2022, Ultragenyx received Results Reports and disseminated this information to its sales force with instructions to make sales calls for Crysvita to HCPs who ordered a test or, in particular, who had a patient with a positive test result. Ultragenyx’s sales force followed up with HCPs regarding test results. The United States contends that, as a result of these actions, Ultragenyx caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks 1) to beneficiaries in the form of free genetic tests to induce their purchase of Medicare or Medicaid-reimbursed Crysvita and 2) to the Laboratory for the Results Reports to induce the referral to Ultragenyx of HCPs to whom Ultragenyx could market Crysvita.
As part of the settlement, Ultragenyx admitted and accepted responsibility for certain facts providing the basis of the settlement.
“The department is committed to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs and the medical care received by their beneficiaries,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “A primary focus of this effort is the pursuit of kickback schemes that can allow third parties, such as pharmaceutical manufactures, to insert themselves into the doctor-patient relationship and potentially undermine the objectivity of treatment decisions by physicians and patients.
“Kickbacks, in whatever form, have no business in our federal healthcare system” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “We are always on the lookout for financial kickbacks that can improperly influence medical decisions, undermine patient care and cause waste to federal healthcare programs. As medical practices evolve, our office is committed to ferreting out improper financial kickbacks of any permutation.”
“Kickback arrangements designed to improperly influence medical decisions will always be an investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The goals of our continued enforcement in this area are to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and to curb schemes that can inappropriately manipulate the health care choices of patients and their doctors.”
“The FBI and its partners will not stand by when a pharmaceutical company illegally takes advantage of our health care system,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “Those who engage in activity that violates the False Claims Act must face the consequences of their actions. As we strive to protect the American people, we will not stop working to combat healthcare fraud.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement agreement were, in part, originally brought in a case filed under the whistleblower, or qui tam, provision of the False Claims Act. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Ruggiero v. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (D. Mass.) (No. 1:21-cv-11176-ADB). The False Claims Act permits private parties to sue for fraud on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. The act also permits the government to intervene in such actions, as the government did, in part, in this case. Of the total $6 million recovery, approximately $5.8 million constitutes a recovery for Medicare and the federal share of Medicaid and approximately $200,000 constitutes a recovery for State Medicaid programs. The whistleblower will receive approximately $1.07 million from the federal portion of the recovery.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, with investigative support from HHS-OIG and the FBI’s Boston Field Office.
This matter was handled by Senior Counsel for Health Care Fraud Augustine Ripa and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian LaMacchia and Diane Seol for the District of Massachusetts.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
SettlementPayette Man Sentenced to over 7.5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Joel J. Martinez, 35, of Payette, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, the investigation began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received numerous CyberTips from Google. A CyberTip is a report submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC gathers leads and tips regarding suspected online crimes against children and forwards them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. HSI determined that Google accounts, later identified as belonging to Martinez, had uploaded child pornography.
HSI obtained a search warrant for the contents of the Google accounts and located over 200 videos of child pornography within the accounts. HSI later executed a federal search warrant at Martinez’s residence in Payette. HSI seized several cellphones and a SD card belonging to Martinez. HSI located additional files of child pornography on the devices. During an interview, Martinez admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography and to paying for access to a website that contained child pornography.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Martinez to 10 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim in the images he possessed. Martinez will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
“Protecting our children from internet predators is, and must be, a priority for both the government and internet service providers,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “CyberTips like the one that led to this conviction exemplify the value of public/private cooperation. My Office will continue to prioritize these prosecutions and hold accountable those who would exploit children.”
“In safeguarding our community, we stand united against those who exploit innocence. Martinez's sentencing is a testament to the resilience of collaboration, reminding us that protecting our children is not just a duty, but a shared commitment to their well-being and the strength of our community bonds,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI is proud to work closely with the Idaho ICAC team along with the Payette Police Department to effect this judgement.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of HSI, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Payette Police Department, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Owner of Marketing Companies Admits Role in $24 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ohio man and owner of several marketing companies today admitted his role in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to pay and receive illegal kickbacks, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.
James D. Feeley, 46, of Grafton, Ohio, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2017 through September 2020, Feeley participated in a scheme with pharmacies, telemedicine companies, and doctors to submit false claims to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and TRICARE, based on a circular scheme of kickbacks and bribes. Feeley controlled several marketing companies though which he and his conspirators identified Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries to target for expensive drugs. The marketing companies spoke to beneficiaries by telephone to pressure them to agree to try expensive medications, regardless of medical necessity. Company employees would deliberately conceal the name of the prescribing doctor – whom the beneficiary had never met before – to increase the likelihood that the beneficiary would agree to accept the medications. Portions of the telephone calls were recorded.
Feeley and his companies then paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies, which in turn paid kickbacks to doctors, to obtain prescriptions for the medications. Feeley transmitted to the telemedicine companies the beneficiaries’ medical information, the telephone call recording, and pre-marked prescription pads for particular drugs that would yield exorbitant reimbursements. Feeley, the marketing companies, and the pharmacies with which they had relationships chose particular drugs for the prescriptions largely based on reimbursement amount and not medical need. The doctors paid by the telemedicine companies signed the prescriptions regardless of medical necessity, often without ever speaking to the patient.
Feeley and his conspirators then directed the prescriptions to pharmacies with which Feeley and his business partner, Mark Belter, had additional kickback arrangements. The pharmacies submitted claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs including Medicare and TRICARE, and thereafter sent a portion of the proceeds to Feeley and his companies as payment for the prescriptions generated through the conspiracy. In total, Feeley and his conspirators caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs totaling more than $24 million of prescription drugs. Belter previously pleaded guilty to an information charging conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Feeley and his companies received kickbacks and bribes totaling more than $6 million in exchange for prescription referrals to Apogee Bio Pharm LLC, a pharmacy located in Edison, New Jersey. The principals of Apogee – William Welwart, Ethan Welwart, and Gary Kaczka – are charged with health care fraud and related offenses in a separate indictment. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and William Welwart, Ethan Welwart and Gary Kaczka are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Elan Yaish, former president of Apogee, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.
The conspiracy charges are each punishable by a maximum of five years in prison, along with fines, restitution, and penalties as to both counts. Both charges are punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2024.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
feeley.information.pdfOwner and Employee of Medical Supply Distributor Charged with Medical Device and Over-The- Counter Drug Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (“FDA-OCI”), and Daniel B. Brubaker, the Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging MOSES RABINOWITZ, a/k/a “Mark Rabin,” and MENACHIM SAMBER with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to obtain pre-retail medical products by fraud or deception in connection with a scheme to obtain medical devices and over-the-counter (“OTC”) drugs not approved for sale in the U.S. at discounted prices under the false pretense that they would be sold outside the U.S. RABINOWITZ and SAMBER were arrested today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznick.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants defrauded manufacturers producing medical devices and over-the-counter drugs of millions of dollars and sold foreign medical products not approved for sale in the U.S. to unwitting consumers. These charges should serve as a warning to fraudsters who think they can benefit financially by undermining the safety of our country’s medical supply chain.”
FDA-OCI Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan: “The FDA is fully committed to the vigorous criminal investigation and prosecution of individuals who threaten the health and safety of American consumers by causing misbranded drugs and medical devices to be distributed. Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who place profits above the public health.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker: “One of the USPIS's top priorities is to protect consumers from individuals who seek to profit from selling FDA-regulated products not intended for sale in the U.S. Postal Inspectors relentlessly pursue criminals who further their criminal enterprises through the U.S. Mail. In this case, Postal Inspectors collaborated with agents from FDA-OCI to help safeguard both the U.S. health care industry and American public. I applaud their efforts on this investigation.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]
RABINOWITZ was the owner and president of medical supply distributor Trasco, LLC (“Trasco”) and the owner of Trasco affiliates GlobalMed International, Ltd. (“GlobalMed”) and Panamedica Trading, Inc. (“Panamedica”). SAMBER was an employee of Trasco whose functions included purchasing and sales.
From at least in or about January 2014 up to and including on or about January 3, 2019, RABINOWITZ and SAMBER engaged in a conspiracy to obtain FDA-regulated medical devices and OTC drugs that were not intended for sale in the U.S. at deeply discounted prices from manufacturers (the Victim Companies”) by falsely and fraudulently representing that the products would be sold and distributed outside of the U.S. when, in fact, RABINOWITZ and SAMBER, from the outset, intended to and did sell and distribute those medical devices and OTC drugs at a substantial profit to wholesalers, distributors, and others in the U.S.
The manufacturers relied on RABINOWITZ, SAMBER, and other co-conspirators’ false and fraudulent representations and sold their products to RABINOWITZ, SAMBER, Trasco, GobalMed, and Panamedica at deeply discounted prices, resulting in losses of more than $5 million.
RABINOWITZ, SAMBER, and other co-conspirators created and caused to be created false and fraudulent documentation, which they provided and caused to be provided to the Victim Companies to conceal their fraudulent scheme. At times, RABINOWITZ, SAMBER, and other co-conspirators arranged for the fraudulently obtained products to be diverted directly to locations within the U.S. and for “dummy” shipments to be exported instead in order to generate documentation to provide to the Victim Companies as proof of export.
RABINOWITZ, SAMBER, and other Trasco employees acting at their direction often removed the foreign language packaging or labeling on the medical devices and OTC drugs so that the provenance of the foreign medical products would also be hidden from the domestic consumers and distributors to whom they were sold.
* * *
RABINOWITZ, 42, of Clifton, New Jersey, and SAMBER, 29, of Hollywood, Florida, were both charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to obtain pre-retail medical products by fraud or deception, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FDA-OCI and the USPIS.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Oswego Vehicle Dealership Owner Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew R. Talamo, 38, of New Haven, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act related to his operation of Southern Diesel Truck Co. and Southern Diesel and Off-Road LLC (collectively “Southern Diesel”), in Oswego, New York. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in New York, made the announcement.
Talamo is the owner and operator of Southern Diesel, which specializes in buying and reselling diesel vehicles and performing after-market modifications to diesel vehicles, particularly pickup trucks. In pleading guilty, Talamo admitted that he conspired and agreed with others to violate the Clean Air Act at Southern Diesel by tampering with emission control monitoring devices and methods on diesel pickup trucks, including both software and hardware modifications. The illegal software modifications involved “tuning” or “deleting” the trucks by tampering with the “on board diagnostic” (OBD) systems and disabling emission controls, which allowed the trucks to emit substantially more pollutants into the atmosphere. Talamo and his employees also made hardware modifications to diesel vehicles, including by removing tailpipes, mufflers, and other exhaust components and replacing them with so-called straight pipes that lacked diesel particulate filters and other systems designed to reduce harmful emissions. Between January 2018 and November 2022, Southern Diesel tampered with the emission control monitoring devices and systems of approximately 244 diesel vehicles, often charging thousands of dollars per vehicle for the modifications. Despite the harm to the environment, diesel vehicle owners sometimes seek such illegal modifications to avoid the costs of maintaining and repairing emission control components and to increase speed and fuel efficiency.
The charge to which Talamo pled guilty carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. 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. The defendant will be sentenced on April 19, 2024, by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse.
EPA-CID is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case.
Oswego County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving, Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joshua Demars, 38, of Fulton, New York, pled guilty today to multiple charges of receipt, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Demars admitted that he communicated with minors on the application Snapchat to receive images and videos of child pornography. Demars also admitted that he used his Dropbox account to upload a video of a 5-7 year old female being sexually abused by an adult male. Moreover, Demars acknowledged that he possessed hundreds of videos and images of child pornography on several of his personal devices.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Demars faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life, to begin after imprisonment. Demars will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 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.
HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crimes Unit investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Carbone prosecuted Demars as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Okeene Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, RANDAL WADE LAUBACH, 55, of Okeene, was sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 18, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Laubach. Count one charged him with transportation of child pornography, and Count 2 charged him with possession of prepubescent child pornography.
The Indictment alleges that on June 9, 2022, Laubach knowingly possessed child pornography. Public record reflects that Laubach possessed more than 50 terabytes of child pornography, stored using various digital mediums including his cell phone.
On July 26, 2023, Laubach pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment. As part of his plea, Laubach admitted he had possessed child pornography for the last 20 years.
At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Laubach to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release. He has been in federal custody since July 26, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Nurse Practitioner Sentenced for $192M Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida woman was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for her role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting over $192 million in claims for genetic tests and durable medical equipment that patients did not need and telemedicine visits that never occurred.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Elizabeth Hernandez, 45, of Miami, signed thousands of orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces and genetic testing for Medicare beneficiaries she never spoke to, examined, or treated. As part of the scheme, telemarketing companies would contact Medicare beneficiaries to convince them to accept orthotic braces and genetic tests and would then send pre-filled orders for these products to Hernandez, who signed them, attesting that she had examined or treated the patients. However, she had never spoken with many of the patients, and she often had others, including non-licensed individuals, sign her name to fraudulent orders. Hernandez also falsified information in the orders about beneficiaries’ symptoms and injuries.
During the period of the conspiracy, Hernandez ordered more cancer genetic tests for Medicare beneficiaries than any other provider in the nation. In 2020, when Medicare expanded its telemedicine coverage in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernandez also billed Medicare for thousands of telemedicine visits she never performed, routinely billing over 24 hours of telemedicine in a single day. Hernandez personally pocketed approximately $1.6 million in the scheme, which she used to purchase expensive cars, jewelry, home renovations, and travel.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and the FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Kate Payerle and Trial Attorney Andrea Savdie of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Norfolk Man Convicted of Armed Robbery of Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Norfolk man today on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jamique Mays, 30, conspired with a former girlfriend, Jaclyn Inge, 44, and a friend, Desmond Littlejohn, 37, to rob Inge’s employer, a federal firearms licensee. On October 9, 2017, the three co-conspirators drove to Inge’s employer’s business in Virginia Beach. They waited until Inge’s employer and another co-worker arrived. Mays and Littlejohn approached the two victims and brandished firearms. They demanded a black bag they knew would contain a large sum of money the business earned during a weekend gun show held in Philadelphia. Once they obtained the bag, they ran back to the vehicle where Inge was waiting. As they fled the scene, Mays threw items out of the car window, including a black ski mask. Littlejohn’s DNA was found on the mask. Mays later confessed to committing a robbery to a friend while on Facebook Messenger.
Mays faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum sentence of life in prison when sentenced on April 19, 2024. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Littlejohn was previously convicted of the same charges in February 2019 and was sentenced to 189 months in prison. Inge pled guilty to illegally purchasing and possessing the firearm used by Mays in the robbery and was sentenced to 78 months in October 2020.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Bird and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Miller are prosecuting the case. Miller also serves as a Virginia Assistant Attorney General.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-123.
Nicaraguan Woman Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ, age 19, was sentenced on December 19, 2023 to probation for a term of one year for illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to court documents, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was first arrested, by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) near Hidalgo, TX, on or about September 30, 2022. BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was later determined to be unlawfully present and inadmissible into the United States. She was released from custody by USBP and instructed to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Orleans. In conjunction with her release, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was enrolled in the “Alternative to Detention” program, run by BI Incorporated (BI) and provided a GPS device to monitor her location in the United States.
On or about March 28, 2023, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ reported to BI's office and presented her immigration documents consisting of a Louisiana state ID featuring her name and photograph, and a Social Security Card. Through investigation, Homeland Security Investigations agents determined that BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was not the individual to whom that social security number had been issued. To the contrary, agents confirmed that the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration had instead, issued that social security number to another individual.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
New Jersey Man to Pay $656,000 for Illegally Operating Ballston Spa Nursing HomeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Justice Department, together with the New York State Office of the Attorney General, announced today that Chaim “Mutty” Scheinbaum has agreed to pay $656,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false claims to the Medicaid program for worthless services provided to residents at Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care (Saratoga Center). Saratoga Center closed in February 2021, after this investigation was initiated. The United States and the State of New York previously settled with other individuals who agreed to pay a total sum of $7,168,000 to resolve similar allegations arising from misconduct at Saratoga Center.
“Nursing homes should protect the health and well-being of every resident,” said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. “That did not happen at Saratoga Center. An individual with no lawful authority controlled the finances and failed to pay vendors. This unlawful arrangement resulted in false claims to Medicaid for worthless services. We will continue to hold responsible people accountable when they receive federal funds while providing substandard care. Thank you to Attorney General James and her office for collaborating on this case.”
“Ensuring nursing homes are safe and deliver quality care is a top priority for HHS-OIG,” said Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s New York Regional Office. “As alleged this individual had no legal authority to operate Saratoga Center and mismanaged their control, resulting in residents suffering the consequences of unacceptable living conditions. Together with our law enforcement partners we will continue to relentlessly pursue owners and operators of nursing homes that egregiously disregard resident safety and quality-of-care.”
“Every resident of New York’s nursing homes deserves high-quality care and proper staffing to meet their needs. Rather than ensure vulnerable residents got the care they deserved, this individual mismanaged Saratoga Center’s finances and failed to adequately staff the facility, causing residents to suffer the consequences of neglect and unsanitary conditions. I want to thank United States Attorney Carla Freedman and our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in bringing this unacceptable situation to light and to justice. My office will continue to ensure nursing home residents are protected, and I encourage anyone who has witnessed alarming conditions, resident neglect, or abuse at a nursing home to contact my office.”
Scheinbaum acknowledged in the settlement agreement that, despite never obtaining a license that would have allowed him to legally operate Saratoga Center, beginning around April 2018, he controlled Saratoga Center’s finances, determined which vendor bills would be paid, maintained the financial books and records, and had the authority to hire and fire high level employees. Under New York State law, these responsibilities were vested exclusively in the licensed operators, who had previously relinquished control of Saratoga Center. While Scheinbaum was operating Saratoga Center, certain vendor bills went unpaid and some vendors refused to deliver goods and/or services, including making necessary repairs. Further, Saratoga Center failed to ensure that:
- residents had access at all times to hot water;
- the fire alarm system was properly maintained;
- the kitchen was clean and staff were able to serve hot food;
- there was a supply of linens to bathe and care for residents;
- garbage was collected;
- there was effective pest control; and
- water leaks were timely repaired.
This settlement resolves allegations that Scheinbaum submitted or caused the submission of false claims by (1) illegally operating Saratoga Center and (2) overseeing the provision of worthless services provided to residents of Saratoga Center.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Justice Department’s Civil Division Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran and Civil Division Attorneys Carol Wallack and Lyle Gruby handled this matter for the United States.
The United States’ investigation was part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Harass and Intimidate Two JournalistsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to harass and intimidate two journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes and the home of one of the victims’ parents with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint.
Tucker Cockerline, 32, of Salem, N.H., pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and the use of a facility of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2024. Cockerline was initially arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023 along with alleged co-conspirators Michael Waselchuck and Keenan Saniatan. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury along with Eric Labarge in September 2023.
According to the charging documents, after a year-long investigation, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article in March 2022 detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. In response to this reporting, Labarge – who is alleged to be a close personal associate of Subject 1 – Saniatan, Cockerline and Waselchuck allegedly agreed to harass and intimidate Victims 1 and 2 and their immediate family members. Among other things, the indictment alleges that:
- On or about April 22, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H., using a brick and red spray paint. Thereafter, on the evening of April 24, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and allegedly threw a brick through an exterior window of the home;
- On or about April 22, 2022, Saniatan allegedly agreed to vandalize Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H., and Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., using large rocks and red spray paint. Thereafter, on the evening of April 24, 2022, Saniatan allegedly spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a large rock at the exterior of Victim 2’s home; and he allegedly threw a softball-sized rock through a front exterior window and spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home;
- On or about May 18, 2022, Labarge allegedly solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., and Victim 1’s home in Melrose, Mass., using bricks and red spray paint. Cockerline, in turn, allegedly recruited Waselchuck to vandalize Victim 1’s residence; and
- On the evening of May 20, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home, and left a brick on the ground near the front door. Several hours later, Waselchuck allegedly threw a brick through an exterior window of Victim 1’s home and painted the phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” in large red letters on the front of the house.
Each charge in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments, the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Hampshire Man Indicted for Threatening to Kill Three Presidential CandidatesRead the Press Release
A New Hampshire man has been indicted in connection with sending threatening text messages to three presidential candidates.
Tyler Anderson, 30, of Dover, was charged with three counts of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another. Anderson was arrested on Dec. 9, and he made an initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 11. On Dec. 14, the court released him on conditions.
“We have seen an increase in threats of violence against public officials and those seeking public office across the country, and I have made clear that these types of illegal threats undermine the function of our democracy,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will not tolerate illegal threats of violence directed at public officials or those seeking public office.”
According to the charging documents, Anderson sent a series of threatening text messages to three separate presidential campaigns going back to November. On Nov. 22, Anderson threatened to “impale” and “disembowel” one candidate. On Dec. 6, Anderson threatened a second candidate in a series of text messages, including that he would “blow” the "head off" of the candidate and conduct a “mass shooting.” On Dec. 8, Anderson threatened via text message that he would “blow” the “brains out” of a third candidate and “kill everyone” who would attend a then-upcoming campaign event.
Anderson faces a maximum of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dover Police Department and the Portsmouth Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau for the District of New Hampshire is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine in Chicago AreaRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for trafficking heroin and cocaine in the Chicago area.
From 2015 to 2022, ALFONSO HIDALGO-GOMEZ obtained heroin and cocaine from Mexico and distributed the narcotics in the Chicago area. During his trafficking activities in the Chicago area, Hidalgo-Gomez was accountable for distributing at least 13.4 kilograms of narcotics. At least two other individuals worked for Hidalgo-Gomez, distributing drugs at his direction.
Hidalgo-Gomez, 37, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a drug conspiracy charge. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso imposed the sentence on Dec. 13, 2023, after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office, and Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.
“The streets of Chicago are made immeasurably more dangerous because of the drug trade,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “People like defendant perpetuate the drug trafficking crisis in Chicago and all that goes with it, including addiction, crime, and violence. This type of activity endangers our communities.”
Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Contempt of Court After Sending Racial Slurs and ThreatsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 19, a federal judge in Miami sentenced Matthew James Choy to 40 months in prison for contempt of court after he sent racial slurs and violent threats using the courts’ Case Management/ Electronic Case Files (CME/ECF) system.
This sentence follows Choy’s guilty plea to a charge of criminal contempt, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 401(1). Choy had previously been convicted of sending graphic, profane, and excessive threats over the internet to identifiable victims, and was serving a term of imprisonment for that crime when he committed the instant offense.
According to the court record, from in or around April 15, 2022 and continuing through on or about November 20, 2022, Choy knowingly transmitted a number of handwritten pro se letters and motions, intending that they be filed on the CME/ECF system, and the handwritten pro se letters and motions contained racial slurs, profanity, and statements such as “I give up, as long as I get to see the blood spray out of [victim 1’s] neck when I get out, I’ll consider it even,” and “F--- all of you!” in court numbers 21-10848 (11th Cir. 2022), and 20-20165-CR-CMA (S.D. Fla).
The receipt of the filings obstructed the administration of justice by disrupting the business of and making work for the Clerk’s Office and the Court, in that court staff was forced to receive, review, and act on the filings. Choy knowingly filed the documents and letters for the purpose of disrupting the proceedings.
Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga also sentenced Choy to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, and imposed several special conditions, including an association restriction, restricting Choy from associating with victims, and Court staff and personnel, among others.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentencing.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman and Brooke Watson prosecuted the case. 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 20-cr-21065.
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Man Sentenced in Firearms Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth D. Blair, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Blair to 21 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Blair’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
Rodolfo Falcon owned a house that was the central location for the distribution of marijuana, marijuana derivatives, and cocaine. Falcon rented that house out to several younger drug dealers including Kenneth Blair, Alexis Bernal-Lopez, and Keland Strong. Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force performed a search of the residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, currency, drug paraphernalia, and several firearms. Falcon, who has a distinctive tattoo on his hand, was seen in photos posing with firearms. One of the firearms shown in the picture was recovered from the residence. Agents also located a stolen firearm and AR15 rifle.
At the time of the search, Kenneth Blair was in the basement of the residence along with two apparent narcotics customers. Drugs and cash were also recovered from that location. Keland Strong used an upstairs room that contained numerous firearms. Falcon lived on the main level of the home where agents recovered cash, cocaine. and personal identification documents. Evidence of significant marijuana distribution such as wrappers for large quantities of marijuana were also recovered. This, along with the text messages between the group members revealed that the home was being used as a main distribution hub and that Bethow, Bernal-Lopez, Strong, and Blair all worked together to sell drugs, particularly marijuana to ‘serves’ (their code word for narcotics purchasers) and would drive each other to sales and work together to get the right types of THC cartridges and marijuana to customers.
On September 28, 2023, Majok Bethow: plead guilty to firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is January 11, 2024.
On October 27, 2023, Rodolfo Falcon plead guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is January 19, 2024.
On November 17, 2023, Keland Strong plead guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is February 8, 2024.
On November 20, 2023, Alexis Bernal Lopez plead guilty firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is February 16, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Man Sentenced for Illegally Distributing over $16M of Adulterated HIV MedicationRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for his role in a nationwide scheme to illegally distribute at least $16.7 million of adulterated HIV drugs that were ultimately dispensed to unsuspecting patients throughout the country.
According to court documents, Armando Herrera, 43, of Miami, and his co-conspirators established companies in Florida, Texas, Washington, and California, which they used to sell and distribute adulterated prescription drugs, primarily HIV medications, to wholesale pharmaceutical suppliers. Herrera and his co-conspirators created false documentation to make it appear as though the drugs were acquired legitimately when, in fact, they were not. The pharmaceutical suppliers then sold the drugs to pharmacies, which dispensed the adulterated prescription drugs to unwitting patients. As part of the investigation, federal agents seized more than $1.5 million worth of adulterated prescription drugs from Herrera, including more than 16,000 tablets of adulterated and misbranded HIV medication.
Herrera pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 to one count of conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
HHS-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and the FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx P. Calderón for the Southern District of Florida handled asset forfeiture.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Man Indicted on Charges Connected to Five St. Louis Area RobberiesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday on charges connected to five armed robberies in the St. Louis area since September.
Ronald O. Perkins, 28, of Black Jack, Missouri, was indicted on four counts of robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony. The indictment accuses Perkins of robbing a Mobil Gas Mart in St. Louis on September 8, Wheeler’s Service Station and a 7-Eleven in St. Louis County on November 8 and a BP Gas Mart in St. Louis County on November 12. He is also accused of transporting a firearm across state lines on November 17 with the intent to commit an armed robbery.
The Gas Mart robber was captured on surveillance video, according to an affidavit filed in support of a November 21 criminal complaint against Perkins.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each robbery charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The discharge of a firearm charge carries a penalty of at least 10 years consecutive to the other charges, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine. The brandishing charge carries a penalty of at least seven years consecutive to any other charge and the same fine. The transporting charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.
The St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the Richmond Heights Police Department, the Columbia (Illinois) Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Indicted for Possession of a Postal Service Mail Key and Stolen MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that HAVON MONTGOMERY, age 19, of New Orleans, was charged on December 14, 2023 in Count 1 of a two-count indictment with for Unlawful Possession and Use of a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail “arrow” key, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704. Such keys are used by Postal Service employees to access authorized mail receptacles. Additionally, MONTGOMERY was charged in Count 2 with Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to the indictment, on August 22, 2023, the defendant was found in possession of approximately 132 pieces of stolen mail as well as the USPS mail key. If convicted, MONTGOMERY faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment on the unlawful possession of the United States Postal Service mail key count, and up to five (5) years imprisonment on the possession of the stolen mail items count. Each count carries up to three (3) years of supervised release following any prison term, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution.
Lockport man connected to global sex trafficking network charged with receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Richard Greer, 57, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, Homeland Security Investigations has been investigating individuals who provide access to live-streaming online webcam shows involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children to paying customers worldwide, including a specific individual (Trafficker) operating a child-sex-trafficking network from the Philippines. During the investigation, they identified significant communication between Trafficker and defendant Greer, with the two exchanging approximately 31,000 messages, 3099 calls, and 213 media files. During these communications, Greer received many images and videos of child pornography from Trafficker.
Greer made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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