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Wednesday 13 December 2023
New Charges in Case Related to Two-Year-Old Child in Lansing Who Died After Accidental Discharge of GunRead the Press Release
Child’s death reflects larger crisis: gun violence has now become the #1 cause of death among children and teenagers
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury has returned an indictment charging Avis Damone Coward with being a felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to tamper with evidence, and tampering with evidence. Coward was previously charged in a complaint that alleged that an accidental discharge of Coward’s gun led to a two-year-old child’s death.
Two other Lansing residents were also charged in the indictment. Emma Huver, 26, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gina Schieberl, 26, is charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence and tampering with evidence. A copy of the indictment is attached.
“For the first time ever, gun violence is the leading cause of death for kids in America,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Nothing more horribly illustrates this crisis than the death of an innocent two-year-old child. The cure demands an all-hands approach and my office will play its part by ensuring accountability for those who put children in harm’s way.”
As alleged, on October 24, 2023, Avis Coward got out of a car at a Lansing gas station and went inside, leaving a two-year-old child and his mother, Ms. Huver, in the car. Surveillance video showed that a minute later, a bullet hole appeared in the car window. The mother got out of the car holding her child, who had blood on his face from a gunshot wound. As she did so, Coward’s gun fell out of the car. Huver handed the child to Coward, who then passed the child to a third person who took the victim into the gas station and attempted to control the bleeding until medical personnel arrived. Coward returned to the car, picked up the gun off the ground, and put it back in the car. The surveillance video also showed Coward use his hand to break out the front passenger window, which had the bullet hole. Coward then drove away. The child later died from his injuries.
The tampering charges concern attempts by Defendant Coward and Schieberl to hide or destroy evidence in this case, including the car, which was later found burned-out and abandoned in a field in Lansing, and a .45 caliber Springfield Armory semiautomatic pistol, the barrel of which was found disassembled and hidden in the wall of a house in Lansing.
“The allegations in this case represent the most horrific side of gun ownership and the tragic unintended consequences associated with poor choices. Avis Coward is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm. He chose to possess an illegal firearm and to leave a loaded firearm unsecured in a vehicle with a toddler in it,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “In the aftermath, as alleged, Avis Coward chose to tamper with evidence in an attempt to avoid blame in this dreadful situation.”
“We are thankful for the support of U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his office against the gun crime that has had a grip on the Lansing area for too long,” said Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee. “Our community deserves better, and with partnerships like this, we are moving in the right direction to combat the gun issues faced every day in this city, state, and country.”
“Gun violence is a national crisis and the leading cause of death of our children so it’s best to have strong law enforcement partnerships to address this crisis and protect our children,” said Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney John J. Dewane. “Locally and nationally, we have far too many senseless, preventable deaths because of children having access to firearms. No child should ever have access to a loaded firearm. No child should ever be in danger of being shot under any circumstances. My office, in collaboration with U. S. Attorney’s Office, will hold offenders accountable when children are victims of gun violence.”
“Gun violence is a public health concern,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, State of Michigan Chief Medical Executive. “Many of the strategies that have been used to impact motor vehicle accidents and tobacco use—including education and community outreach—can be applied to community violence prevention. Let’s work together to keep Michigan children and families safe.”
Gun violence is an acute problem across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. firearm homicide rate in 2021 was the highest documented since 1993. While the numbers have slightly declined since 2021, they remain high.
In 2021, for the first time ever, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death for American children, ages 1-19, according to the New England Journal of Medicine (see also here).
While gun violence has the potential to impact everyone, recent studies show that gun violence has a disparate impact on people of color. For example, a recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that the disparity in shooting injuries among children before and after the pandemic in four major cities approximately tripled as between white children and children of color (Black, Hispanic, Asian).This week, in conjunction with the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Summit, the Department released a Violent Crime Reduction Roadmap, which outlines ten actionable steps to help reduce gun violence and identifies federal resources to support these efforts.
This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department, Michigan State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Michigan Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Traveling to Minnesota to Have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Michigan man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, required to pay restitution to the victim, and ordered to pay $5,000 to the Domestic Victim Trafficking Fund for interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to his plea agreement, in late 2022, Maxwell Winston Beardsley, 22, met a young teenager on Omegle, a free online chat website that does not require user registration. Although the minor immediately identified as such, Beardsley lied and said he was 16 years old and then proceeded to pursue a romantic relationship with the minor victim. Over the course of several months, Beardsley exchanged sexually explicit materials with the minor victim and engaged in sexually explicit conversations. On January 27, 2023, Beardsley drove from Michigan to Minnesota for the express purpose of meeting the minor victim to engage in sex.
On July 19, 2023, Beardsley pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. He was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel on December 11, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Lakeville Police Department in Minnesota, and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in Michigan. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Unlawful Return after Removal and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Mexican man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for unlawful return to the United States after removal, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2023, the Pearl Police Department received a report of an intoxicated man with a gun at a Pearl apartment complex. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located Antonio Andrade-Hernandez, 36, with a gun pointed at his own head. Law enforcement officers were able to get Andrade-Hernandez to surrender peacefully. A records check revealed that Andrade-Hernandez was an illegal alien who had previously been removed from the United States. Additionally, since Andrade-Hernandez is a Mexican national illegally in the United States, it is contrary to federal law for him to possess any firearm.
On April 4, 2023, Andrade-Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury. He subsequently pled guilty to unlawful return after removal and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Pearl Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
McKees Rocks Resident Pleads Guilty to a Charge of Theft of Mail by an Officer or EmployeeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
India Schatzman, age 49, of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 30, 2022, Schatzman, who was a postal employee at the Pittsburgh Process and Distribution Center, was surveilled by inspectors of the Postal Inspection Service stealing a Visa gift card from a greeting card intended for a recipient in the State of Washington.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schatzman.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Boston, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for conspiring to distribute fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Victor Cuevas Romero, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for April 3, 2024. The defendant was originally charged on June 6, 2023.
On May 19, 2023, at law enforcement’s direction, a cooperating source called a number that law enforcement knew to be operated by a drug trafficking organization and placed an order for fentanyl. The individual who answered the phone, who was not the defendant, directed the confidential source to an address on Belmont Street in Manchester to make the drug transaction. The confidential source went to the address, and shortly thereafter, the defendant drove there and picked up the cooperating source in his car. Inside his car, the defendant provided the cooperating source with fentanyl in exchange for $100.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Man Who Sparked Police Standoff in Shrewsbury Sentenced to 13+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon caught repeatedly with a firearm, including after a standoff with police, to 13 years and nine months in prison.
Stephen Joseph Diani, 49, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted being caught with a gun three times.
On Sept. 8, 2021, St. Louis County Police Department officers were investigating whether the car Diani was driving was stolen because the license plate wasn’t registered to the vehicle. When Diani opened the driver’s door, they spotted a 9mm handgun between the door and the seat and what turned out to be cocaine base and heroin in plastic bags in the car.
On Sept. 23, 2021, Diani was arrested after St. Louis County police responded to calls about someone walking through a neighborhood checking car door handles. After police spotted Diani inside someone else’s SUV, he ran but was caught. In his car, officers found a .223 caliber rifle and tools that had been stolen from a nearby resident’s truck that evening.
In December of 2021 and January of 2022, police in Shrewsbury and St. Louis were investigating a series of burglaries in St. Louis near the Shrewsbury border and were monitoring Diani’s use of a storage unit in Shrewsbury. They also received a tip that Diani threatened to kill officers or himself rather than going back to jail.
On Jan. 12, 2022, Shrewsbury police spotted Diani’s car at the storage unit, called for backup and attempted to detain him. Diani tried to close the door of the storage unit but was prevented from doing so by an officer, sparking a 38-minute standoff with police. Diani placed his hand on a handgun if police approached, constructed a makeshift barricade and repeatedly told police to kill him. Officers successfully negotiated with Diani to allow a man who had responded to an internet ad about tools for sale to leave the unit. As he left, officers leaped the barricade and tackled Diani, who continued to resist officers’ attempts to arrest him.
At least one officer was injured when he jumped the barricade and landed among the stolen tools and equipment in the storage unit.
The Shrewsbury Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDEN HUERTAS, 42, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 75 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Huertas. Huertas was arrested on February 26, 2020, after a search of his vehicle revealed quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed additional quantities of crack and heroin, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a loaded 9mm Taurus PT-92C semi-automatic handgun, and additional rounds of ammunition.
Huertas has a criminal history that spans 25 years and includes state convictions for drug, weapon, robbery, burglary and larceny offenses, and federal convictions in 2015 for possession of firearm by a felon, and in 2019 for escape from custody. Huertas was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest in January 2020.
On April 26, 2021, Huertas pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession a firearm by a felon.
In April 2022, Huertas’ sentencing was continued to allow him to continue drug and mental health treatment, and it was subsequently again continued after Huertas was admitted to Support Court.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 19, 2023, Huertas is suspected of being involved in a homicide of a 20-year-old man in South Carolina.
On July 10, 2023, law enforcement investigating attempted burglaries in Danbury on July 8 and in Southington on July 9 traced a vehicle used in the burglaries to a hotel in Danbury. It is alleged that investigators located Huertas and another individual within a room identified as belonging to the operators of the vehicle. As officers attempted to take the two men into custody, they both ran. Huertas’ associate began fighting with officers, resulting in two of the officers being transported to the hospital for injuries. Huertas and his associate were apprehended a short time later. A search of the hotel room revealed two firearms, including an assault-type rifle and a pistol.
Huertas has been detained in Connecticut state custody since July 10. State charges against him in South Carolina and Connecticut are pending.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, and Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department and the Horry County (S.C.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.
Man Sentenced for $11.4M Medicare and Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man was sentenced today to three years in prison for his role in a multi-year scheme to bill Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME).
According to court documents, from January 2016 to June 2022, Craig L. Lovelace, of Destrehan, billed Medicare and Medicaid through his DME supply company, Advanced Medical Equipment, Inc. (AME), approximately $11.4 million for supplying respiratory support and nutritional support DME — including ventilators, tracheostomy supplies, and feeding tubes — that were not medically necessary or not provided as represented, and for which AME was paid approximately $7.96 million. Lovelace then directed the forgery of medical records, physician notes, and provider signatures in response to audits and record requests to cover up the scheme. Lovelace personally obtained over $3.4 million in proceeds from the scheme, which he used to pay for personal vehicles, personal chef services, events, and entertainment.
On Aug. 17, Lovelace pleaded guilty to health care fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses for the Eastern District of Louisiana 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.
Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing War Crime Charge in CroatiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to emigrating to the United States.
According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 55, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989 and omitting his service in the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent status and received a green card.
“Jugoslav Vidic knew he had been charged with a war crime, concealed that fact from U.S. immigration officials so he could enter the United States, and enjoyed lawful status in this country for nearly 20 years,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time and then be removed from this country. His conviction demonstrates that no human rights violation is too distant for the Justice Department to seek accountability.”
“By pleading guilty, Jugoslav Vidic admitted that he lied in his application to become a lawful permanent U.S. resident, hiding the fact that he had been charged with and convicted in absentia of committing war crimes in Croatia,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “He also admitted to concealing his military service during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, including in the specialized ‘Red Berets’ unit. Vidic tried to outrun his past, but today it caught up with him. Our country has long provided opportunities for refugees searching for a better life, but America extends that privilege with the expectation that applicants respect basic human rights and are truthful about their personal history. The Justice Department will hold accountable anyone, such as Vidic, who abuses our immigration system by trying to hide his crimes against humanity.”
Vidic was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.
“This guilty plea underscores the importance of these complex investigations and the closure they can provide to victims’ families,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI special agents, along with our law enforcement partners both here in the United States and across the globe, will continue the vital work of ensuring that war criminals like Vidic can no longer hide from justice.”
“The FBI is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of war crimes find no safe haven in the United States and are held accountable for lying and fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizen privileges,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will continue to work alongside our domestic and international partners to pursue justice — no matter how long it takes.”
Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States. Vidic would be required to serve any sentence imposed in the United States before being removed.
HSI and the FBI are investigating the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Departments thanks the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.
Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing War Crime Charge in CroatiaRead the Press Release
An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to emigrating to the United States.
According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 55, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989 and omitting his service in the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent status and received a green card.
“Jugoslav Vidic knew he had been charged with a war crime, concealed that fact from U.S. immigration officials so he could enter the United States, and enjoyed lawful status in this country for nearly 20 years,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time and then be removed from this country. His conviction demonstrates that no human rights violation is too distant for the Justice Department to seek accountability.”
“By pleading guilty, Jugoslav Vidic admitted that he lied in his application to become a lawful permanent U.S. resident, hiding the fact that he had been charged with and convicted in absentia of committing war crimes in Croatia,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “He also admitted to concealing his military service during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, including in the specialized ‘Red Berets’ unit. Vidic tried to outrun his past, but today it caught up with him. Our country has long provided opportunities for refugees searching for a better life, but America extends that privilege with the expectation that applicants respect basic human rights and are truthful about their personal history. The Justice Department will hold accountable anyone, such as Vidic, who abuses our immigration system by trying to hide his crimes against humanity.”
Vidic was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.
“This guilty plea underscores the importance of these complex investigations and the closure they can provide to victims’ families,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI special agents, along with our law enforcement partners both here in the United States and across the globe, will continue the vital work of ensuring that war criminals like Vidic can no longer hide from justice.”
“The FBI is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of war crimes find no safe haven in the United States and are held accountable for lying and fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizen privileges,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will continue to work alongside our domestic and international partners to pursue justice — no matter how long it takes.”
Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States. Vidic would be required to serve any sentence imposed in the United States before being removed.
HSI and the FBI are investigating the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Departments thanks the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.
Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 8, 2023, ORLIAN CABRERA-JOA, age 31, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
If convicted, CABRERA-JOA faces a minimum term of ten (10) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 8, 2023, ANACLETO SILVA-HERRERA, a/k/a “Chofer,” age 37, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
If convicted, SILVA-HERRERA faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Madison Man Sentenced to 33 Months for “Ticket Switching” ScamRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Madison man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Aaron Hoster, 51, to 33 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $57,593.19 in restitution. Hoster pleaded guilty on September 11, 2023.
According to court records, from June 2021 to April 2023, Hoster removed UPC labels from low-cost items and applied them to higher-priced items which he then purchased. Hoster defrauded multiple Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in Maine, cheating the retailers out of more than $51,000. In one instance, Hoster purchased a $439 cordless finish nailer kit, paying just $19.98 by scanning a price code for trimmer line. In another example, he scanned a code for an $11.36 chrome-plated plastic tailpiece despite purchasing a powered drain cleaner valued at $429. In all, Hoster, who has 29 prior criminal convictions, committed 160 thefts using his “ticket switching” scam. Most of the thefts occurred in Maine, and additional thefts took place in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
In sentencing Hoster, Judge Woodcock stated, “The defendant had a full-time job of stealing for two years. You are causing the price of all goods to rise because people like you take what they haven’t paid for. There were plenty of times you could have stopped but didn’t because it was easy money.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case.
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Louisiana Man Sentenced to More than Three Years in Prison for DogfightingRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man was sentenced to 41 months in prison today for his part in a conspiracy to sponsor, exhibit, possess and transport animals in an interstate animal fighting venture, and to possessing an animal in such a venture, all in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
Antonio Damon Atkins, 35, of Baton Rouge, is the final of seven total defendants to be sentenced for participating in an interstate dogfighting ring. Atkins previously pleaded guilty. An Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation originally uncovered the ring.
Six of the defendants have already been sentenced, receiving the following for their dogfighting convictions:
- Eric “EZ” Williams, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 60 months in prison
- Corey Brown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 50 months in prison
- Clay Turner, Loranger, Louisiana: 36 months in prison
- Dangelo Dontae Cornish, Greensburg, Louisiana: 16 months in prison
- Aquintas Kantrell Singleton, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 12 months and a day in prison
- David Guidry III, of Independence, Louisiana: 12 months and a day in prison
“Today’s sentencing is the final chapter of a grim conspiracy to train and kill dogs for sadistic sport,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this case and brought these individuals to justice.”
“With the sentencing of Antonio Atkins today, the culmination of hard work and prosecution of seven defendants has been successfully completed,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr. for the Middle District of Louisiana. “The question becomes: would this case have been discovered if not for an OCDETF lead? This is the true power of the federal government as we see all our agency partners working collectively to send a message that it is not worth violating the Animal Welfare Act. I commend these agencies, along with my office, in working together to achieve justice.”
"Mr. Atkins and the other defendants in this case are faring much better than the dozens of animals they tortured and killed," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr., FBI New Orleans. "The FBI thanks its partners for their help in dismantling this vicious operation."
“The cruel and inhumane practice of animal fighting has no place in a civilized society and is a clear violation of federal law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew T. Wilkins of U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “The outstanding work of our law enforcement partners and USDA-OIG agents who investigated this case made it possible to bring these operators of a major animal fighting venture to justice. This agency has made animal fighting a high priority to demonstrate that these vicious acts of cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and USDA-OIG.
Formerly of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans for the District of Minnesota prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyman E. Thornton III and Jeremy Johnson for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for DogfightingRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to sponsor, exhibit, possess and transport animals in an interstate animal fighting venture, and to possessing an animal in such a venture, all in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
Antonio Damon Atkins, 35, of Baton Rouge, is the final of seven total defendants to be sentenced for participating in an interstate dogfighting ring. Atkins previously pleaded guilty. An Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation originally uncovered the ring.
Six of the defendants have already been sentenced, receiving the following for their dogfighting convictions:
- Eric “EZ” Williams, Baton Rouge: 60 months in prison
- Corey Brown, Baton Rouge: 50 months in prison
- Clay Turner, Loranger, Louisiana: 36 months in prison
- Dangelo Dontae Cornish, Greensburg, Louisiana: 16 months in prison
- Aquintas Kantrell Singleton, Baton Rouge: 12 months and a day in prison
- David Guidry III, of Independence, Louisiana: 12 months and a day in prison
“Today’s sentencing is the final chapter of a grim conspiracy to train and kill dogs for sadistic sport,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this case and brought these individuals to justice.”
“With the sentencing of Antonio Atkins today, the culmination of hard work and prosecution of seven defendants has been successfully completed,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr. for the Middle District of Louisiana. “The question becomes: would this case have been discovered if not for an OCDETF lead? This is the true power of the federal government as we see all our agency partners working collectively to send a message that it is not worth violating the Animal Welfare Act. I commend these agencies, along with my office, in working together to achieve justice.”
"Mr. Atkins and the other defendants in this case are faring much better than the dozens of animals they tortured and killed," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI thanks its partners for their help in dismantling this vicious operation."
“The cruel and inhumane practice of animal fighting has no place in a civilized society and is a clear violation of federal law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew T. Wilkins of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “The outstanding work of our law enforcement partners and USDA-OIG agents who investigated this case made it possible to bring these operators of a major animal fighting venture to justice. This agency has made animal fighting a high priority to demonstrate that these vicious acts of cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
The FBI and USDA-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans for the District of Minnesota, formerly of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyman E. Thornton III and Jeremy Johnson for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Lewistown Man Sentenced to 40 Months’ Imprisonment on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Allen Shirey, age 48, formerly of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 40 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised released based upon his previously entered guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Shirey was prohibited from possessing firearms because of an active Protection From Abuse (PFA) order issued in Mifflin County. On March 8, 2021, United States Marshals executed a search warrant at Shirey’s residence in Lewistown and recovered approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine, 23 packets of fentanyl, $1140 in cash, a digital scale, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia indicating drug distribution. In addition, four firearms were seized including a handgun with an obliterated serial number and another handgun reported missing.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals, the Lewistown Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler prosecuted the case.
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Lead Defendant Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – An Arizona resident was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 135 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Mateo Vailon-Ramirez, aka Juan De Dios Yuen Felix, 38, conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and launder monetary proceeds in Las Vegas. As part of the conspiracy, customers living in Las Vegas would place orders for methamphetamine with Vailon-Ramirez who lived in Arizona. Vailon-Ramirez would dispatch couriers to deliver the methamphetamine to these customers. In November 2020, during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Las Vegas that was utilized by Vailon-Ramirez as a stash house, law enforcement recovered approximately 6.59 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Vailon-Ramirez further admitted that he directed couriers to deliver the money from the sale of the drugs to Claudia Perez-Contreras who worked at a money service business in Las Vegas. He directed Perez-Contreras to wire the cash proceeds to individuals in Mexico.
Vailon-Ramirez pleaded guilty in July 2023 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance-Methamphetamine and money laundering conspiracy.
Six co-conspirators have been sentenced or await sentencing:
- Jasmin Arredondo pleaded guilty and sentencing is set for January 18, 2024;
- Maria Baltazar pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release;
- Miguel Felix-Valdez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 63 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release;
- Rey Munoz-Ambrocio pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release;
- Claudia Perez-Contreras pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of supervised release; and
- Francisco Tostado pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Co-conspirator Wanda Soliai is currently in RISE Court and co-conspirator Christina Vasquez has successfully completed RISE Court. RISE (Recovery, Inspiration, Support & Excellence) is a pre-adjudication court-led initiative involving a comprehensive substance abuse use disorder program.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams of the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
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Justice Department Publishes Model Legislation to Help States Reduce Gun Violence and Improve Gun SafetyRead the Press Release
The Justice Department published two pieces of model legislation for states to consider to help address the continuing epidemic of gun violence affecting communities across the country. The model legislation is drawn from commonsense gun-safety statutes already on the books in a broad cross-section of states.
First, the Department published model legislation to help states craft appropriate requirements for securing firearms kept in residences and vehicles and to ensure that those firearms do not fall into the hands of children, teens, and prohibited persons. Second, the Department published model legislation to help states craft appropriate requirements for the prompt reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. The resources for states announced today follow model legislation on extreme risk protection orders first published by the Justice Department in June 2021.
“Whether stolen from lawful gun owners or found by children and teens, unsecured firearms are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths across our country each year,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “We cannot resign ourselves to losing our neighbors, our loved ones — even our children — to misuse of firearms that could have been kept safely out of reach. The model legislation announced today provides states with new tools to improve the safety of legally-owned firearms and reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in our communities.”
Empirical evidence shows that the secure storage of firearms saves lives. Keeping firearms and ammunition locked has been associated with a lower risk of firearm injuries for children and teens in homes where guns are stored. Safe storage protects both minors and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and decreasing the risk of gun suicides, gun thefts, and criminal discharges of firearms. Based on similar laws already on the books in over a dozen states, the model secure-storage legislation will help additional states craft laws to reduce the risks associated with unattended firearms.
Every year, thousands of firearms are lost or stolen out of vehicles, businesses, and private homes. The timely reporting of lost and stolen firearms allows police to develop investigative leads and identify patterns that might indicate the involvement of illicit firearms traffickers. Based on similar laws already in effect across 15 states and D.C., the model theft/loss-reporting legislation will help additional states craft laws to ensure prompt and responsible engagement with local law enforcement.
These model bills provide a framework that will help more states enact sensible gun-safety laws. Both pieces of model legislation are accompanied by detailed commentary that will make it easier for states to assess various policy options and select appropriate requirements, notices, and penalties. The Justice Department encourages states to consider adopting their own versions of this model legislation to ensure safer communities across the country.
The model legislation on secure firearm storage is available here. The model legislation on reporting lost and stolen firearms is available here.
Justice Department Announces Funding Opportunities to Support Public Safety in Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the opening of the 2024 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) period for comprehensive funding to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. CTAS funding supports crime prevention activities, victim services and coordinated community responses to violence in Indian Country.
Administered by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the solicitation includes guidance on how federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal consortia can apply for funding to aid in the development of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety and victimization.
“The Office of Justice Programs is committed to working with Tribes and Tribal communities to provide a wide array of services and supports to help keep their communities safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP. “Our grants provide funding to Tribes for their juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, including providing support to victims and families, helping to strengthen Tribal court systems and enabling tribes to develop, expand or strengthen approaches along the juvenile justice continuum.”
The funding from OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Office for Victims of Crime, along with funding from the COPS Office, can be used for a range of public safety and justice-related projects and services. These include enhancing law enforcement, advancing fair and effective adult and juvenile justice systems and reducing juvenile delinquency and improving youth outcomes. In addition, the grants serve American Indian and Alaska Native victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.
“The COPS Office is well aware of the vital role Tribal law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of our Native American communities,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “Our commitment to providing them with the resources they need — including officers, equipment and training — is unwavering. By investing in the capabilities of Tribal law enforcement, we strengthen the fabric of justice that spans across state, local, Tribal, and territorial jurisdictions.”
In FY 2023, the department awarded 182 CTAS grants, amounting to more than $96 million in CTAS funding to 111 Tribes and Tribal consortia across the United States.
The grants.gov application deadline for CTAS is March 5, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. ET, and the JustGrants deadline is March 12, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. ET.
The department will also facilitate a series of webinars to guide applicants through the application process. Details, including how to register for these webinars, will be made available online in the coming weeks here.
Individuals indicted and arrested in Collin County sex trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Three North Texas individuals have been charged with sex trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
William McKinnley Garland, 40, of Plano; Jalen Alexander Bobo, 24, of Dallas; and Robberta Marie Khan, 27, of Euless, have been charged by an indictment returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas. All three were charged with coercion and enticement and aiding and abetting. Garland and Bobo are also charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
This indictment is the culmination of a years-long investigation by the Plano Police Department into a sex trafficking organization run by Garland and others. Evidence revealed that young women were allegedly recruited to work for Garland as escorts. However, once enticed, they were allegedly forced into performing commercial sex by Garland, or those working under his direction, often through violence and threats of violence. Evidence obtained by law enforcement revealed that the organization operated throughout Collin County. A federal search warrant was executed at Garland’s Plano residence on December 11, 2023, at which time Garland was taken into custody.
If convicted, Garland and Bobo face a maximum term of life in federal prison. Khan may be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison.
“The Eastern District of Texas is proud to work with our local and federal partners to stand against the exploitation of vulnerable persons and hold human traffickers accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “This indictment represents the first step toward dismantling an organization in which individuals profited from commercial sex, including from women who were threatened or forced into prostitution.”
According to Plano Police Department Chief Ed Drain, “I am extremely pleased with the collaboration and diligence on the part of our Plano Police Detectives, our FBI partners, and the United States Attorney's office in this investigation. These investigative efforts brought several violent offenders to justice and restored the peace, tranquility, and safety, not only to our community, but to the victims of these egregious crimes. Our continuing work will leave no stone unturned in an effort to identify those who aid in perpetrating these offenses and to provide assistance and justice to those who fall victim to these offenders.”
“Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes the FBI encounters and unfortunately, these encounters are far more common than most people realize,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “Collaboration with the Plano Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office was critical to identify and arrest the alleged traffickers and as we continue the investigation and move forward to prosecute the perpetrators, we hope to identify additional victims in order to provide the services and support they need to regain their dignity, identity and sense of self.”
Investigators believe that there are other individuals who worked for or had interactions with this organization. Any members of the public with information about this case or possible victims are urged to contact the Plano Police Department at (972) 941-2044.
This case is being investigated by the Plano Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller.
It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Indictment Charges Eight Men in an Interstate Fentanyl and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 19-count indictment charges eight men from the metropolitan Washington D.C. area with participating in an interstate fentanyl and cocaine conspiracy believed responsible for distributing multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics in the region.
The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, of the Washington Division, FBI Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Tremblay, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Charged are Samuel Braxton, 55, formerly of Washington, D.C., Ronnie Rogers, 68, of Washington D.C., Wayne Glymph, 57, of Port Tobacco, MD, Ricky Jackson, 65, of Washington, D.C., Kevin Quattlebaum, 57, of Upper Marlboro, MD, Michael Owens, 36, of St. Charles, MD, and Michael Stewart, 59, of Washington, D.C. As of November 29, 2023, seven of the eight defendants are in custody. The indictment alleges overlapping conspiracies to possess and distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. DEA chemists determined that a portion of the fentanyl powder contained carfentanil, an animal tranquilizer 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
“This group of defendants was allegedly supplying deadly fentanyl and carfentanil - a fentanyl analogue that is 100 times more potent than regular fentanyl - across multiple states in kilogram quantities,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “As I have said before, anyone selling this poison on our streets or funneling these drugs to our community will find themselves on the wrong end of a criminal investigation. With the dedicated legion of law enforcement partners, we will pursue those people regardless of where - in the United States or the world - they may be.”
“Fatal drug poisonings caused by deadly drugs like fentanyl are the most significant threats throughout the United States and in our area, in particular,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Forget. “These poisonings are driven by drug traffickers and local gangs involved in violent crimes. Thanks to the investigation by DEA and local, state, and federal partners, the indictments mentioned today led to dismantling a multi-state drug trafficking organization that was involved in distributing unprecedented amounts of fentanyl within and beyond the Nation's Capital.”
According to the indictment, the fentanyl distribution conspiracy and the cocaine distribution conspiracy ran from at least July 2021 and August 2022, respectively, until November 2023, when arrests were executed.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than eight kilograms of high potency fentanyl, some of which was at least 65% pure; more than 6,000 fake pills containing fentanyl produced to resemble OxyContin; and more than six kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement also seized eight firearms, of which at least one had armor-piercing capabilities nicknamed “the cop killer;” and more than $70,000 in cash and money orders, including money intercepted that was intended for the purchase of kilogram quantities of fentanyl.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in its collaboration with law enforcement partners, standing side by side to relentlessly pursue individuals infiltrating our communities with this deadly drug,” Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge – Washington Division. We remain committed in eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. mail and consequently safeguarding our customers and employees.”
“The amount of Fentanyl on our streets is disturbing. It is constantly ripping apart families and loved ones and having a profound impact on our communities,” Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said. “Our detectives investigate each overdose case to get to the root of where illegal drugs are entering our community and work with our federal partners to hold people responsible accountable.”
CHARGES
DEFENDANT
AGE
ADDRESS
CHARGES
Samuel Braxton
55
FCI Fort Dix, NJ (formerly D.C. Metro)
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin
Ronnie Rogers (10 total charges)
68
Washington, D.C.
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin;
(2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base;
(10) (13) Unlawful Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl (two charges);
(12) (16) (18) (19) Attempted Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl (four charges);
(15) Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl;
(17) Attempted Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin;
Wayne Glymph
57
Port Tobacco, MD
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin
Ricky Jackson
65
Washington, D.C.
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin
Kevin Quattlebaum
57
Upper Marlboro, MD
(2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base
Michael Owens
36
St. Charles, MD
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin;
(2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base
Michael Stewart (11 total charges)
59
Washington, D.C.
(1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin;
(2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base;
(3) (4) (6) (8) (9) Unlawful Distribution of a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl (five charges);
(5) Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl;
(7) (11) (14) Unlawful Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl (three charges)
This operation 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.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos, William Hart, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel, all of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Importer agrees to pay $798,334 to resolve allegations of underpayment of customs dutiesRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs of the Eastern District of Texas announced today that Homestar North America, LLC has agreed to pay $798,334 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to pay customs duties owed for furniture imports from China.
Customs laws require importers to pay duties determined by the actual value of the goods imported. Liability to pay duties arises immediately and automatically upon the importation of goods into the United States. This settlement resolves allegations that Homestar North America, LLC and its parent company Homestar Corporation, conspired to underreport the value of imported goods delivered to Homestar North America, LLC in the United States following the two increases on Section 301 tariffs for certain products manufactured in China under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The two increases respectively took effect September 24, 2018 and June 15, 2019.
Specifically, the government alleged that from September 2018 through December 2022, falsified invoices were created and submitted to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) containing false, lower values for the goods Homestar North America, LLC received from Homestar Corporation, its Chinese parent company, to avoid payment of the increased duties owed. The government contended that a second set of invoices containing the true, actual value of the goods imported were withheld from CBP but were then used to ensure that Homestar North America, LLC paid its parent company and supplier the actual value of the imported goods. The government alleged that this false invoicing practice resulted in undervaluation of goods imported into the United States, which resulted in a loss of revenue to the United States.
“Imported goods are necessary for the consumer-economy in the United States. However, companies that wish to gain access to the United States' markets must comply with all laws regarding the import of their goods, including the obligation to disclose the actual value of imported goods and to pay the duties owed as a result of importation,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “Instead of complying with those obligations, Homestar chose to disregard its obligations and improve its bottom line. Our office will aggressively pursue any company that similarly chooses its bottom line over compliance with the law.”
“CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence and Expertise worked in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review thousands of documents, hundreds of entry summaries, and analyzed financial reports provided by Homestar, as relevant to the undervaluation and payment allegations,” said Director Gregory Alvarez of the CBP Atlanta Field Office. “CBP is proud of the investigative work and analysis done by its employees on this case and will continue to work collaboratively with inter-agency stakeholders to safeguard our nation’s economic security.”
The civil settlement resolves claims brought by a relator under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam action is captioned U.S. ex rel. Larry J. Edwards, Jr. v. Homestar North America, LLC, Cause No. 4:21-cv-00148 (E.D. Tex.). As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $151,683.
The resolution obtained was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Betty Young for the Eastern District of Texas.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Illinois Man Convicted of Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Martin Devalois, 40 years old, of Romeoville, Illinois, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Devalois is scheduled for sentencing on March 29, 2024. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Joel L. Mathur.
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.
Honduran Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Honduran man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, Tommy Pineda-Guevara, 20, was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop on September 1, 2022. Pineda-Guevara is a citizen and national of Honduras. Under federal law, aliens are prohibited from possessing firearms.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans made the announcement.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Honduran Citizen Sentenced to 78 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – David Rivera-Mejia, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today to serve 78 months (6.5 years) in federal prison for possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Chief Border Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Rivera-Mejia admitted that he is a citizen of Honduras, and on March 24, 2021, he illegally entered the United States from Canada by walking across the international border near Mooers, New York. United States Border Patrol apprehended Rivera-Mejia and seized his cell phone. Rivera-Mejia’s phone contained approximately 38 videos and 12 images depicting child pornography.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, which will start when Rivera-Mejia is released from prison, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment and restitution to victims in the amount of $6,000. Rivera-Mejia will also be required to register as a sex offender. Upon his release from prison, Rivera-Mejia may be removed/deported from the United States.
Border Patrol and HSI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carling Dunham and Tamara Thomson prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Hernandez Man Charged with Federal Firearms Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the El Paso Division of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced today that Isaiah Rojas appeared in federal court on a 7-count indictment charging him with 3 counts of firearms trafficking, straw purchasing firearms, possession a firearm not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, unlawful possession and transfer of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Rojas, 27, of Hernandez, New Mexico, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on May 16, 2023, Rojas purchased and provided firearms to another person with the belief that the recipient intended to use the firearms in furtherance of a felony or drug trafficking crime. Later, on June 3, 2023, Rojas provided rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record to another individual. Lastly, on Sept. 6, 2023, Rojas provided machineguns with obliterated serial numbers to another individual.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rojas faces up to 25 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations jointly investigated the case. 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.
View the Indictment here# # #
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Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KARLIS MANSON, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing controlled substances.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted an investigation of a business located at 136 Barbour Street in Hartford that was suspected of trafficking narcotics. The business, a purported clothing store, had an awning that read “The HOLE Ex-Con 360 the movement.” In October 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of marijuana from the store.
On October 5, 2022, Manson and others were in the store when investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the store and seized quantities of suspected crack cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, synthetic opioid films, fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, MDMA, drug packaging and processing materials, U.S. currency, and five handguns. Manson, who was found in possession of distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and approximately $1,000 in cash, was arrested at that time. After a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in Manson’s vehicle, which was parked outside the store, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 400 grams of cocaine, 10 pounds of marijuana, and $8,200 in cash.
Also on October 5, 2022, investigators searched a U-Haul storage facility in Plainville, which was rented under the name of a Manson relative, and found documents connected to Manson, a large duffle bag containing approximately 28 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags, a suitcase containing approximately 12 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags, and approximately two pounds of phenacetin, which is used as a cutting agent for narcotics.
Investigators also seized a safe containing six firearms, and a duffel bag containing approximately 25 pounds of marijuana, from a Vernon residence where Manson had stored the items.
On September 7, 2023, Manson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Manson, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 17, 2024.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and Brendan J. Keefe.
Harrison County man sentenced to 10 years for fentanyl and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Edward Maxwell, age 44, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking and unlawful firearm possession.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Maxwell was selling fentanyl from his home. Investigators searched the property and found fentanyl and a pistol. Maxwell has prior felony convictions which prevents him from having firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Greenbelt Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Firearms Charges, Including Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Donald Fortune, Jr., age 19, of Greenbelt, Maryland, today to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for federal charges of illegal possession of a machinegun, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (“PGPD”).
According to his guilty plea, law enforcement began investigating Fortune in April 2022 for suspected firearms and drug trafficking offenses. As part of the investigation, PGPD detectives monitored public posts from Fortune’s social media account where he displayed firearms and advertised drugs for sale. Based on their investigation, including the social media posts, a search warrant was obtained for Fortune’s apartment.
On June 2, 2022, law enforcement was conducting surveillance outside Fortune’s apartment building in preparation for executing the warrant. In the late morning, Fortune exited the building and approached a silver Honda Civic. Fortune removed a large bag of blue pills, suspected to be oxycodone, from a Gucci satchel that he was wearing and engaged in a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction with the driver of the Civic. Fortune then placed the pills back in the Gucci satchel and returned to his apartment.
According to court documents, a short time later, Fortune, still wearing the Gucci satchel, left the apartment building with a woman. They both got into a rideshare and the vehicle drove away. PGPD police conducted a traffic stop of the ride-share vehicle a short time later and observed Fortune reach down toward his feet. Officers asked Fortune, who was still wearing the Gucci satchel, to step out of the vehicle and officers observed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the floorboard where Fortune had been seated. The gun, which had an obliterated serial number, was loaded with one round in the chamber and 21 rounds in an extended magazine and was equipped with a full auto selector switch on the rear of the handgun slide, making it a machinegun under federal law. A search of the Gucci satchel recovered a large bag containing 282 30mg blue pills, later found to be counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Officers also recovered $790 in cash from Fortune. Fortune was arrested and charged in Prince George’s County. He was released on June 14, 2022, pending trial.
Fortune admitted that he continued to sell drugs and possess firearms after his release, including coordinating a drug deal around a court appearance. Fortune switched to using a second social media account in mid-July 2022, believed by investigators to be an effort to evade law enforcement. Investigators began monitoring this account. Fortune continued to advertise pills for sale and display firearms, despite being on pretrial release. For example, on July 26, 2022, investigators observed a public-facing live video that was streaming from Fortune’s second social media account, which showed Fortune smoking a suspected marijuana cigarette, flashing two prescription bottles, and holding an AR-style pistol. Fortune then turned the camera around to show a table display of at least six firearms, including two AR-style pistols, one handgun with an extended magazine, and one handgun with a suspected full-automatic switch, with cash fanned out in front of the firearms.
As detailed in the plea agreement, on the evening of July 26, 2022, PGPD officers were on patrol in the 6400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in District Heights, Maryland and saw Fortune smoking marijuana on the sidewalk in front of a residence. As the officer was parking his car in the parking lot, he saw Fortune walk behind a pick-up truck, crouch down, and throw an item on the ground before walking away. Believing Fortune had discarded a firearm or contraband, the officer got out of his unmarked police cruiser to speak with Fortune, who continued to walk away. As the officer got closer, Fortune began running and was apprehended a short distance away. Another officer arrived and stayed by the location where Fortune had been seen throwing something. A search of the area recovered a privately manufactured 5.56 caliber semi-automatic AR-15 style pistol with no serial number, also known as a “ghost gun.” The gun was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one in the chamber. Officers searched Fortune and recovered two pill bottles containing 16 real or counterfeit oxycodone pills. The pills were tested and eight were found to contain approximately 5mg of oxycodone each and the rest were found to be counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI’s Cross Border Task Force and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Joshua A. Rosenthal, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Fraud Involving Cellphone SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Rohan Conrad Campbell (49, Jamaica) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a consecutive minimum mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft offense. Campbell has also agreed to forfeit $4,207, which represents the proceeds of his offenses. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement and public records, on August 5, 2017, Campbell entered a Five Star Cellular store in Clay County. Using a fraudulently established account and a counterfeit state of Washington driver license, both in the name of a victim, Campbell obtained multiple cellphones. On August 15, 2017, Campbell returned to a Sprint store in Clay County to collect cellphones he had fraudulently ordered using another victim’s identity. A store employee recognized Campbell and called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Upon arriving and making contact with Campbell, Campbell provided a deputy with a counterfeit Washington driver license in the identity of a third victim. As a deputy was talking with him, Campbell ran, but was tackled. Campbell then got up and fled, but was later apprehended by the CCSO after a pursuit. Follow up investigation by the CCSO and the United States Secret Service determined that Campbell set up numerous fraudulent accounts, using counterfeit identification documents in the identity of various victims and obtained thousands of dollars’ worth of cell phones at multiple stores in Florida.
Campbell was arrested on May 31, 2018. After being released on pre-trial supervision, Campbell fled the jurisdiction in August 2019 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Campbell remained a fugitive for more than three years until law enforcement arrested him in early 2023.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Ft. Thompson Man Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Loren Goodlow, age 34, of Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, of eight counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact, two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, and Tampering with a Witness following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on December 7, 2023.
The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. Each count of conviction also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Goodlow was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2023.
Evidence at trial established that on March 18, 2023, Goodlow engaged in sexual acts with two minor females who had attained the age of 12 years old but not attained the age of 16 while on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Goodlow also enticed one of the minors in December of 2022 and engaged in sexual acts with the minor between December 26, 2022, and January 16, 2023. After the minor disclosed in March of 2023, Goodlow attempted to tamper with one of the witnesses over Facebook Messenger, by repeatedly telling the minor to recant the disclosure. The investigation also revealed that on December 8, 2021, Goodlow enticed another minor female and attempted to receive child pornography.
The acts of enticement and receipt of child pornography all occurred over the social media application of Snapchat.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fruitland Man Charged with Abandonment and Abuse of a ChildRead 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’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Logan Nelson appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with 3 counts of abandonment and abuse of child resulting in great bodily harm. Nelson, 20, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, in October 2022, Nelson placed Jane Doe, a minor, in a situation which endangered her life, causing great bodily harm to her ulna, humerus, ribs, tibia and right fibula.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the most serious allegation, Nelson faces a minimum of 18 years and up to 54 years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
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Four Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sim-Swapping Scheme Based in OrlandoRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Coury Robert Badnell (38, Oakland, FL) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Dalton previously sentenced Anthony Roberto Hutchinson (26, Orlando), Deandre Devante Levy (26, Orlando), and Jordan Brian Burgos (26, Orlando) to terms of imprisonment of 24 months, 15 months, and 8 months respectively for their participation in the same conspiracy. Each had previously pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, the individuals engaged in a SIM-swapping scheme through which they stole more than $509,475 in cryptocurrency proceeds from unsuspecting victims. “SIM swapping” is a fraud scheme where an individual’s wireless service is taken over by a perpetrator, who has the end goal of gaining access to that individual’s email accounts and financial accounts. The objective for this conspiracy and fraud scheme was to target individuals who maintained cryptocurrency.
During the course of the conspiracy, Badnell was employed as a manager at the office of a major wireless communications provider in the Orlando. He used his insider access at this business to bypass the provider’s security protocols. This allowed the conspirators the ability to swap the SIM cards of cellphones that they controlled with the SIM cards assigned to victims’ cellphones. As a result, the conspirators were then able to access and drain the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey A. Bratt and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Former Sacramento Resident Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Terence Aubrey Larker, 37, of Las Vegas, previously of Sacramento, was sentenced Tuesday to four years and 10 months in prison for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme to defraud the Unemployment Insurance benefit program during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2020, and continuing through at least October 2020, Larker perpetrated a mail fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted the Unemployment Insurance benefit program that California administers through its Employment Development Department (EDD). Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, EDD was responsible for administering unemployment insurance benefits for qualifying residents who could no longer find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Larker obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of more than 80 individuals and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims under their identities. EDD approved many of these applications and mailed benefits in the form of prepaid debit cards to addresses under Larker’s control, including at least 24 to his home address in Sacramento. Once received in the mail, he activated the cards and spent the benefits on himself, often appearing in ATM surveillance footage taking out large amounts of cash from these cards. In total, Larker’s conduct resulted in EDD and the United States paying out over $1.1 million in fraudulent claims.
“Terence A. Larker used stolen identities to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to obtain over $1 million in benefits allocated for workers who lost their jobs as a result of the global pandemic. This sentence demonstrates the Office of Inspector General’s continued commitment to safeguard the Unemployment Insurance system,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Los Angeles Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, the California Employment Development Department, the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Former Public School Information Technology Manager Pleads Guilty to Damaging School's Computer NetworkRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ayer man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to committing a cyberattack against the computer network of his former employer, an Essex County public high school.
Conor LaHiff, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized damage to protected computers. U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. Among other conditions of release, Judge Saylor required that LaHiff notify prospective employers of his guilty plea, after learning that LaHiff had obtained a similar position at another public high school after being terminated for the charged conduct. LaHiff was charged on Nov. 29, 2023.
LaHiff was employed as a desktop and network manager at an Essex County public high school until he was terminated in June 2023. After he was fired, LaHiff used his administrative privileges to deactivate and delete thousands of Apple IDs from the school’s Apple School Manager account – software used to manage student, faculty and staff information technology resources. LaHiff also deactivated more than 1,400 other Apple accounts and other IT administrative accounts and disabled the school’s private branch phone system, which left the school’s phone service unavailable for approximately 24 hours.
The charge of unauthorized damage to protected computers provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. 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 Division made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Haverhill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Operator of Two Municipal Golf Courses Found Guilty of Tax Conspiracy and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former operator of two municipal golf courses in Western Massachusetts has been convicted by a federal jury in Springfield of conspiring to defraud the United States and making a false statement.
Kevin M. Kennedy, 45, of East Longmeadow was convicted on Dec. 11, 2023 of conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false Statement to a federally insured financial institution. The defendant was acquitted of embezzlement from a local government receiving federal benefits, wire fraud, money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2024.
“This guilty verdict underscores the serious consequences for those who conspire to defraud the United States. No one is above the law, and we will vigorously pursue those who engage in illicit schemes to line their own pockets,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“The jury found that Kevin Kennedy defrauded the United States for the sole purpose of enriching himself. This type of fraud has consequences for every American taxpayer,” said Harry Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “As a result of this verdict, Kennedy now stands as a convicted felon, and will be sentenced for his actions.”
Kennedy owned and operated Kennedy Golf Management Inc., through which he managed the City of Springfield’s two public golf courses, Franconia Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Golf Course. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kennedy conspired with two individuals to evade taxes he owed on money received from his company. Kennedy paid for, mostly in cash, the construction of two custom homes in East Longmeadow and on Cape Cod. To induce the bank to provide him a mortgage for part of the East Longmeadow home, Kennedy submitted a home purchase contract to the bank that falsely reflected a total purchase price reduced by the $160,000 cash downpayment he had made.
Just prior to trial, Kennedy pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false individual income tax return for 2011 through 2014, during which he also admitted to filing a false return in 2009 and 2010. For each of those years, Kennedy did not report to his return preparer all of the cash and checks his management company received from his operation of the golf courses.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The tax fraud charges each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and IRS SAC Chavis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow and Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Eric B. Powers of the Justice Department’s Tax 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.
Former Massachusetts State Police Troopers Convicted of Conspiring to Steal Overtime Funds and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin and former MSP Sergeant William W. Robertson were convicted by a federal jury in Worcester yesterday of conspiracy, federal programs fraud and wire fraud in connection with an overtime scheme dating back to 2015. Just prior to trial, on Nov. 27, 2023, Griffin pleaded guilty to four additional counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of filing false tax returns.
Griffin, 60, of Belmont and Robertson, 61, of Westborough, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program and four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020.
From 2015 through 2018, Griffin, Robertson and other troopers in the Traffic Programs Section at State Police Headquarters in Framingham, conspired to steal thousands of dollars in federally funded overtime by regularly arriving late to, and leaving early from, overtime shifts funded by grants intended to improve traffic safety. During the course of the conspiracy, Griffin made and approved false entries on forms and other documentation to conceal and perpetuate the fraud.
When the MSP overtime misconduct came to light in 2017 and 2018, Griffin, Robertson and their co-conspirators took steps to avoid detection by shredding and burning records and forms. After an internal inquiry regarding missing forms, Griffin submitted a memo to his superiors that was designed to mislead them by claiming that missing forms were “inadvertently discarded or misplaced” during office moves.
Additionally, Griffin spent significant time running his security business, Knight Protection Services, during hours that he was collecting regular MSP pay and overtime pay. From 2012 to 2019, Griffin collected almost $2 million in KnightPro revenue. Of that total, Griffin hid over $700,000 in revenue from the IRS and used hundreds of thousands of dollars in KnightPro income to fund personal expenses, such as golf club expenses, car payments, private school tuition and expenses related to his second home on Cape Cod.
Prior to yesterday's jury conviction, Griffin pleaded guilty on Nov. 27, 2023 to defrauding a private school attended by two of his children from at least 2016 to 2019 by concealing his KnightPro income and filing materially misleading financial aid applications, which understated his income and assets by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite Griffin’s lucrative MSP salary and KnightPro business, Griffin obtained over $175,000 in financial aid from the private school over the course of several years.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of federal program fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. 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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Ithaca Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing Money OrdersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephen Perrine, age 40, of King Ferry, New York, was sentenced today to 12 months of probation for stealing money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement.
Perrine previously pled guilty and admitted that while working for the USPS in Ithaca, New York, he stole 10 money orders totaling $2,480, by issuing them to himself and entering fraudulent justifications in a USPS accounting system. For example, Perrine admitted that he stole and cashed a $400 money order on or about September 13, 2022, and that he documented the money order as having been issued as payment for “local transport.” Similarly, Perrine admitted that on November 15, 2022, he stole and cashed a $200 money order, which he fraudulently documented as having been issued as payment for “office supplies.”
Perrine was ordered to pay full restitution of $2,480 to the USPS. Perrine no longer works for USPS, as he resigned his position after he was charged in this case.
USPS-OIG investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted this case.
Former Correctional Officer Receives 42 Months in Prison for Smuggling Drugs into Oahu Community Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Richard Ascencio, 52, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 42 months in prison and two years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Ascencio pled guilty to the charges on September 21, 2022.
According to information provided to the Court, Ascencio worked as a correctional officer at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) from 2000 until his arrest in 2020 for these charges. Ascencio agreed to smuggle methamphetamine into OCCC and provide it to an inmate in exchange for cash payments. Pursuant to this criminal agreement, Ascencio obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators outside OCCC, hid the methamphetamine in his backpack, and then used his position as a correctional officer to attempt to bypass security measures and smuggle the methamphetamine into OCCC.
An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department, revealed that Ascencio was attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into OCCC on February 12, 2020. When Ascencio reported for duty at OCCC that day, investigators located 11 packets of methamphetamine hidden in Ascencio’s backpack.
“Rather than protect the community from the scourge of methamphetamine, as Ascencio was charged with doing as a correctional officer, he instead perpetuated the devastating cycle of addiction among inmates and endangered the welfare of his co-workers,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Our office will continue to prosecute this kind of corruption, as it degrades trust in government and endangers our community.”
“The FBI will not tolerate those who are in a position of trust to violate that trust by bringing illegal drugs into our correctional facilities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “This act unfortunately undermines the efforts of other correctional officers who serve with the utmost integrity in their position. Yesterday’s sentence holds Ascencio accountable for the blatant disregard of the laws he swore to uphold.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hudspeth prosecuted the case.
Former Chicago-Area Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A former Illinois woman was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for willfully preparing false tax returns on behalf of her clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Erica Early, formerly of Robins and Richton Park, Illinois, operated a tax preparation business for clients located in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, and often charged $1,000 to prepare basic, uncomplicated tax returns. Early falsely inflated her clients’ income to maximize the Earned Income Tax Credit and falsely claimed education-related credits on their behalf. Early, who was a U.S. Postal Service employee during some of the time she was engaged in preparing the false returns, also falsified her own tax returns, claiming education credits she knew she was not eligible to receive.
Early concealed her scheme by preparing clients’ returns as a “ghost preparer,” marking them as self-prepared instead of identifying herself as the paid preparer. Initially, Early directed her fees and client refunds to her personal bank account that was then closed by the bank after detecting fraudulent activity. Early then began requiring her clients to obtain prepaid debit cards in their names that Early would use to deposit her clients’ refunds as well as receive her preparation fee, avoiding the use of traditional banks.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo for the Northern District of Illinois ordered Early to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $515,990 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Matthew J. Kluge and Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident with prior felony convictions pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawful possession of two stolen firearms after fleeing from law enforcement.
According to court documents, Domineaq Marchell Wilson, also known as “Tension,” 24, unlawfully possessed a loaded Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol and a loaded Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol. On August 2, 2023, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer approached Wilson and three others in a parking area behind an apartment building. The officer saw that the ignition of two motorcycles had been torn out, but at least one of the motorcycles was running without a key. The officer spotted the Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol protruding from Wilson’s waistband. Wilson admitted that he grabbed the grip of the gun and ran from the officer. During the pursuit, the loaded firearm fell to the ground and Wilson threw his backpack that contained the loaded Glock G42 firearm to the ground. He was taken into custody.
Wilson admitted that the Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Overton, Nev., on July 25, 2023; and the Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a private citizen in Henderson, Nev. At the time, Wilson was on state supervision in two separate felony convictions in Nevada.
Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Sentencing is set for March 6, 2024, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. Wilson faces the maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig 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.
Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.
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Federal jury convicts Lockport man for his role in violent home invasion and robberyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has found Todd Laraba, 45, of Lockport, NY, guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy for his role in a home invasion in the Town of Tonawanda. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Rudroff, Paul E. Bonanno, and Nicholas T. Cooper, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on September 28, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Laraba and another individual entered a Town of Tonawanda residence, and went to the family room where an elderly couple (victims) were watching television. Wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black pants, black gloves, and masks, one of the men stated, “This isn't going to hurt, or take long. You won't get hurt, just relax.” The men zip tied the victims’ hands and ankles and placed duct tape across their mouths and eyes. One of the men stayed with the victims while the other went to the attic of the residence, and stole a lockbox containing $60,000 in cash. After the men left, the victims removed the duct tape and restraints and called 911. The Town of Tonawanda Police Department responded and recovered four black zip ties, four pieces of glossy duct tape, and other items. Subsequent testing established that Laraba’s DNA was on one set of zip ties and several pieces of duct tape.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.
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Federal jury convicts Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury on Dec. 12 convicted a Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial that began on Dec. 11, the jury found Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 59, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a child and abusive sexual contact of a minor. Don’tMix faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for April 11, 2024. Don’tMix was detained pending further proceedings.
“For the second time in two days, our office has held accountable someone for sexually abusing young girls. Here, Don’tMix victimized these two girls over eight years ago and if not for their bravery in reporting what he did to them, Don’tMix would not have been prosecuted. These are tough cases to investigate and prosecute, and we are only successful when our office and our federal partners are relentless in getting to the truth, which is exactly what happened here. I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek, our office staff, the FBI, and Bureau of Indian Affairs for their dedication and hard work, without which we would not have gotten these verdicts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in January 2015, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to the FBI that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes while she was sledding. Jane Doe 2 was 13 years old at the time. Jane Doe 2 also disclosed in the same interview, that in 2012 or 2013, she was asleep and awoke to Don’tMix touching her vaginal area over her clothes. The touching occurred at a Crow Agency residence. In October 2021, another child, Jane Doe 1, disclosed to a school counselor that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes when she was either 6, 7 or 8 years old and that the touching happened three or four times at a Crow Agency residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Indiana Man on Kidnapping and Interstate Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Indiana man has been convicted on federal charges for kidnapping and assaulting two former girlfriends.
ROBERT SPEED, 40, of Gary, Ind., held the victims against their will and repeatedly assaulted them with various dangerous weapons in May and July of 2019. During the assaults, which occurred at residences and hotels in Gary, Ind., Chicago, and the Chicago suburbs, Speed repeatedly punched, hit, and choked the victims. The victims, who had previous romantic relationships with Speed, testified at trial about their ordeals with Speed and the serious injuries he caused them.
The jury on Tuesday convicted Speed on all nine counts against him, including two counts of kidnapping and seven counts of interstate domestic violence. Each kidnapping count is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while each domestic violence count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for March 26, 2024.
Robert Speed’s niece, SHIRLEY SPEED, 27, of Chicago, pleaded guilty prior to trial to an interstate domestic violence charge. Shirley Speed admitted in a plea agreement that she and Robert Speed transported one of the victims from Gary, Ind., to Shirley Speed’s residence in Chicago, and then to a hotel room in South Holland, Ill. Shirley Speed further admitted that her uncle held the victim against her will and assaulted her at both locations. Shirley Speed was sentenced last month to two and a half years in federal prison.
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department and Gary, Ind. Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sivashree Sundaram and Prashant Kolluri.
Federal Jury Finds Muncie Man Guilty of Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Joseph Haskins, 38 of Muncie, guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on August 16, 2021, as part of a narcotics investigation into Haskins, detectives with the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at Haskins’ home, where he resided with his mother and two children.
During a search of Haskins’ bedroom, agents recovered a gallon Ziploc bag containing nearly a pound of methamphetamine, three additional bags of methamphetamine, two digital scales, and over $12,000 cash, a majority of which was found stuffed inside a teddy bear. In addition, prosecutors presented evidence from Haskins’ cell phone, including text messages between Haskins and buyers discussing drug deals, as well as recorded calls from jail in which Haskins admitted to his crimes.
Haskins has prior felony convictions for dealing cocaine or narcotic drug, possession of cocaine, battery, intimidation, and criminal recklessness and was on home detention for three pending state cases at the time of his arrest.
The FBI and the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force investigated this case. Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial and will sentence Haskins at a later date. Haskins faces 10 years to life in federal prison as well as a criminal fine up to $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Syndicato De Nuevo Mexico Associate of Murdering Federal Witness, Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal jury returned eight guilty verdicts against Robert “Fat Head” Padilla after half a day of deliberation. The jury convicted Padilla on one count each of violent crimes in aid of racketeering (murder), retaliating against a witness, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearms and causing death, witness tampering, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute buprenorphine, and possession of contraband in prison. Judge James O. Browning presided.
A federal grand jury issued a Third Superseding Indictment accusing Padilla and his co-conspirator Gary Coca of eight felony offenses on April 19, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, from about Sept. 17, 2018, to Sept. 10, 2019, Padilla engaged in trafficking cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl. On July 22, 2019, Padilla killed L.L., a former federal witness in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in retaliation for the victim providing information to law enforcement. Then, on Nov. 25, 2020, Padilla allegedly used physical force against P.G. in an attempt to influence, delay and prevent P.G. from communicating to law enforcement information relating to drug trafficking and the murder of L.L. Finally, on Sept. 6, 2022, Padilla possessed with the intent to distribute more than 329 strips of suboxone while incarcerated at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe.
“Witnesses are the eyes and ears of the justice system. They are the embodiment of the fact that justice belongs to all of us, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe.,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “But some think that they can use violence to silence justice. Attacking a witness is more than an assault on a person, it is an assault on the values that hold our society together. But no one person is bigger than us together. Local, state, and federal law enforcement will find and convict those who threaten citizens who stood up for our community.”
“Mr. Padilla was under the mistaken impression he and his crew could run their criminal enterprise and flaunt their illegal activities in the face of the law without fear of consequence.,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “Today’s conviction is the 12th gang-related homicide charged under the federal RICO or VICAR statutes and sends a strong and clear message to others – illegal drug trafficking, witness intimidation and violence will not be tolerated anywhere in New Mexico. The FBI’s partnerships in this case were vital to a successful investigation, and the willingness of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively prosecute this group was important to putting others involved in similar criminal activities on notice that there is zero tolerance for their unlawful actions.”
“This case is yet another example of how drug trafficking and violent crime go hand in hand,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The men and women of the DEA will stop at nothing to relentlessly pursue these criminals. We will continue to work day and night with laser focus to bring them to justice.”
Padilla will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Padilla faces a mandatory term of life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA’s Albuquerque District Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Corrections Department, Las Vegas Police Department and Department of Public Safety’s State Laboratory.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
View Third Superseding Indictment here# # #
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Federal Jury Convicts Charlotte Man of All Charges for Sex Trafficking A MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte convicted Tawaan Batten today of sex trafficking a minor, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Batten, 33, of Charlotte, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the three-day trial.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
"Batten took advantage of a vulnerable 15-year-old girl who turned to him out of desperation and exploited her in the worst way – for profit," said U.S. Attorney King. "My Office will not allow our children to be traded as commodities and sold for sex. With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes, hold offenders accountable, and more importantly identify, rescue, and support victims."
“It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten did and now he faces a possible life sentence for his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI works tirelessly to hold accountable those who carry out crimes against children, and we devote significant resources to help sex trafficking victims recover from the trauma they suffer.”
According to filed court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, from July 2021, through December 2021, Batten engaged in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina and South Carolina. Trial evidence established that Batten, who was at times assisted by Kristi Heather King, 33, of Locust, North Carolina, posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites, arranged the minor victim’s sexual encounters with customers, and booked hotel rooms where the encounters took place. Trial evidence further established that Batten kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters. Batten used various physical and psychological ways to control the minor victim, including branding the minor victim with tattoos.
Batten remains in federal custody. At sentencing, he faces a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
On November 9, 2023, King pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic the minor victim and is currently awaiting sentencing.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and thanked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Social Media Stock Promoter in a ‘Pump-and-Dump’ Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a San Pedro man in a “stock scalping” scheme in which he used his “TeamBillionaire” email list and his social-media accounts to deceive investors into buying penny stocks he recommended, while simultaneously selling off those same stocks for a profit.
Michael M. Beck, 48, was charged in an indictment returned Tuesday afternoon with three counts of securities fraud and three counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The indictment alleges that Beck purchased blocks of penny stocks and then promoted those stocks to his many followers on the social-media platform then-known as Twitter. Prior to promoting the stocks to the followers of the @BigMoneyMike6 handle on Twitter, Beck encouraged subscribers of his TeamBillionaire email group to buy the stock, thereby increasing the trading volume of the stock and making the stock look more attractive to potential investors. At the same time, Beck was secretly selling – or causing his associates to sell – shares of the very stock he was promoting into the artificially inflated market for a profit, often while falsely telling his Twitter followers that he was still buying shares.
Investigators believe that Beck’s fraudulent scheme resulted in profits of at least $500,000.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission previously filed a civil complaint alleging that Beck committed violations of federal securities law.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beck is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on the indictment on January 9.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn S. Small and Jenna Williams of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force are prosecuting this case.
Created in October, the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is focusing on complex corporate crimes, abuses by company insiders and offenses that impact the nation’s financial system.
Fall River Man Charged with Passport Fraud and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man has been arrested on charges related to passport fraud and other offenses.
Hector Eduardo Arias Mejia, 43, was charged with misuse of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. Arias Mejia will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 20, 2023.
According to court documents, Arias Mejia, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, applied for a United States passport and a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Real ID using the name and other biographical information of a resident of Puerto Rico. Arias Mejia allegedly used the stolen identity when he was previously arrested, charged and convicted on numerous state court cases.
The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years of in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of $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.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
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. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Santo Domingo; Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fake doctor imprisoned for sexual exploitation of minorsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Houston man has been sentenced for producing child pornography of several minor female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Nam Vu Bui pleaded guilty Aug. 21.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now sentenced Bui to 330 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard from two of the victims, after which they were recognized for their bravery in recounting the events and the trauma it caused and continues to cause them. Bui was further ordered to pay $19,680 in restitution to the victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Bui will also be required to register as a sex offender. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Rosenthal stated that what he did was evil, further noting that child sexual assaults, like those he committed, should be called what they are, rape.
“The bravery shown by the victims in this case is to be commended,” said Hamdani. “They spoke up against evil, rose above the years of abuse perpetrated on them and have given true meaning to the word survivor. It is my hope that more victims, hearing about these brave young women, will speak out against their abusers. It is the first step in bringing these child sexual predators to justice.”
Bui first came to the attention of law enforcement in Vermont for pretending to be a medical student conducting cancer research. As part of that “research,” he convinced his girlfriend’s friends to allow him to perform gynecological exams on them in their dorm rooms. One of the victims got suspicious when he asked her to wear a blindfold. She peeked under it and realized he was trying to record what he was doing without her consent.
The ensuing investigation revealed Bui was from Houston and had infiltrated his girlfriend’s family and other Vietnamese immigrants as a tutor for their female minor children. During the tutoring sessions, he sexually molested the minor victims and recorded them doing acts such as performing oral sex on him. Bui also deceived the victims and caused them to create child pornography of themselves for him. He created email accounts pretending to be attorneys at fictitious law firms, friends of the victims and working as a vigilante combatting a child pornography ring supposedly made up of law enforcement officers.
Authorities later conducted a search at the residence he shared with his mother in Houston. Forensic analysis of the seized items in the home revealed Bui produced images of three minor victims and others.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Middlebury College Department of Public Safety and Vermont FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.