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24 January 2024
Prior Convicted Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Andrez Galarza Miranda (51, Mexico) to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Galarza Miranda had pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2022, Miranda made arrangements to sell 15 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant outside a restaurant in Jacksonville. Upon arrival to the agreed upon location, a traffic stop was initiated and Miranda was found in possession of 15 pounds of methamphetamine. At the time, Miranda was on supervised release after having served 18 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute marijuana and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.
Pinehill Man Charged with Murder and Assault in Indian CountryRead 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Ellery Brent Yazzie appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Yazzie, 36, of Pinehill, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently not scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on the morning of Dec. 22, 2023, the Ramah Navajo Police Department received an emergency call from a witness who stated that Ellery Brent Yazzie shot his father, sister, and brother at a residence in Pinehill following a verbal argument. When officers arrived at the residence, they found the two males deceased and Yazzie alive with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The witness had attempted to drive the third victim to the hospital but linked up with an ambulance enroute which transported the victim to Zuni Hospital. Physicians advised a special agent from the FBI that the victim sustained life-threatening injuries and would have died without timely medical care. The victims were all enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Yazzie faces up to life in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint# # #
24-28
Peshtigo Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 23, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment alleging that Zachary A. Zastawniak (age: 23) of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, sexually exploited or attempted to sexually exploit two minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 2251(e).
According to the indictment, on or about July 7, 2023, and again on August 23, 2023, Zastawniak knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, and coerced two minors to “engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction … of [the victims] engaged in the lascivious exhibition of [the victims’] genitals.” Zastawniak faces a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment if convicted of either count. He may also be fined up to $250,000 on each count.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the North Fond du Lac Police Department, Oconto Falls Police Department, Oconto Police Department, Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kingsford, Michigan, Department of Public Safety. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Owner of Vashon Island landscaping company convicted of human trafficking, labor trafficking, and money laundering feloniesRead the Press Release
Seattle –A 45-year-old Vashon Island, Washington resident was convicted in U.S. District Court in Seattle of 21 federal felonies related to human trafficking and forced labor, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jesus Ruiz-Hernandez, aka Christo Jesus Escobar Solares, was found guilty following a 13-day jury trial. Jurors deliberated one and a half days before returning the guilty verdicts on multiple counts of forced labor, transporting and harboring people without status in the U.S., and money laundering. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart set sentencing for April 30, 2024 at 9:30am.
Records filed in the case and testimony at trial revealed that Ruiz-Hernandez lured victims from his hometown of Vista Hermosa, Michoacan, with the promise of a better life for their families. In exchange, Ruiz-Hernandez required victims to put up collateral, including the temporary relinquishment of parental rights and interest in family properties. Ruiz-Hernandez, using smugglers he hired, brought the undocumented victims to the U.S. and then forced them to work for his company, Brothers Landscaping, on Vashon Island. He then charged the victims exorbitant fees for rent, food, and other expenses, housed them both in his home and worker properties and held ever increasing debts over their heads.
In the spring of 2017, Ruiz-Hernandez used smugglers to bring an adult victim to the United States and then used force, threats of force, and physical violence to force the victim to work for him without pay. The jury found Ruiz-Hernandez committed aggravated sexual abuse against the victim. From 2018 until August 2021, Ruiz-Hernandez forced a second victim he had brought to the U.S. to work for him by threatening him with harm. The victim was also transported and harbored for financial gain. In all, Ruiz-Hernandez was convicted of exploiting the labor of seven people not legally in the U.S. As prosecutors said in closing arguments, “For years Ruiz-Hernandez ensured a steady pipeline of workers for his landscaping business… He used their undocumented status and inability to speak English to prey on them.”
Ruiz-Hernandez presented himself as an upstanding and hardworking businessman on Vashon Island. He conned many unsuspecting homeowners and businessowners into hiring his company, consisting of the victims and others, many who were thousands of miles from home, did not speak, read, or write the English language and were dependent on him. It was because of this ongoing work Ruiz-Hernandez was able to continue his exploitive scheme, fueling his lavish lifestyle that benefited himself and his family for years.
Ruiz-Hernandez was also convicted of six counts of money laundering. Testimony revealed that Ruiz-Hernandez and his brothers had deposited over $1.5 million in checks from customers to their bank account between 2017 and 2022. Much of those funds were payment for the work done by the victims and others the defendant illegally brought to the U.S., trafficked, harbored, and exploited. Ruiz-Hernandez took steps to keep his name off corporate documents, financial records, numerous transactions, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of international wires to Mexico. Ruiz-Hernandez and his co-conspirators used some of that laundered proceeds to purchase two pieces of property on the island. Some of the money laundering counts relate to Ruiz-Hernandez sending money, and directing employees to send money, to Mexico to pay fees to coyotes for transport of his victims across the border.
Following the trial on the human and labor trafficking counts, the jury determined that the properties on Vashon were purchased with laundered proceeds of his illegal scheme and ordered that the properties should be forfeited to the government.
Forced labor is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and up to life imprisonment if the jury determines that the offense involved aggravated sexual abuse. Transporting an undocumented person for financial gain and harboring an undocumented person for financial gain are each punishable by up to ten years in prison. Bringing an undocumented person to the United States for financial gain is punishable by a mandatory minimum three years in prison and up to ten years in prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer Megan Bruneau Zentner. Detective Zentner is with the Seattle Police Department, assigned to the HSI Task Force. Detective Zentner’s position is federally funded by the Department of Justice’s Enhanced Collaborative Model with a focus on investigating labor trafficking of foreign-born victims.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Crisham, Jocelyn Cooney, and Jehiel Baer. Ms. Crisham is the Western District of Washington coordinator of efforts to stop human trafficking.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison on Cocaine and Ecstasy ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Eric Joen Brenes-Colon (34, Orlando) to 9 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and MDMA (Ecstasy). Brenes-Colon had pleaded guilty on October 26, 2023.
According to court documents, Brenes-Colon was the source of supply of kilograms of cocaine for a drug-trafficking operation that operated in Central Florida and Tampa in 2020 and 2021. Brenes-Colon coordinated shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Florida and delivered cocaine to Georgi Milenov Solakov (31, Tampa) up until March 2021, when Solakov was arrested. Some of the cocaine was sent from Puerto Rico to Solakov’s residence near downtown Tampa in parcels with Styrofoam coolers of cocaine inside. Solakov was convicted of federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses on September 17, 2021, and he is currently serving time in federal prison. Brenes-Colon also distributed MDMA tablets and marijuana, and several firearms, including a shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol, and an assault rifle, were seized in connection with the investigation.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. Del Mastro and E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
Opa-locka man convicted of online solicitation of two young girlsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 23, an Opa-locka man pleaded guilty in federal district court to two counts of online solicitation of a minor to commit a sexual act.
As part of his guilty plea, Malik Hosea Atkinson, 25, also known online as “@jpmon8,” “@Mall9488673”and “unknown_value#5861” admitted that in 2022 and 2023 he met two teenage girls online in a social networking application. Atkinson convinced the two young girls to meet him in person. To meet the first victim, he drove from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County to have sex with her multiple times in his white van. To meet the second victim, he drove to Broward County to have sex with her. Atkinson’s online account and phone revealed the sexual context of Atkinson’s communications with the two minor victims and confirmed that he had video recorded himself sexually exploiting them.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 16 at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in West Palm Beach. Atkinson faces up to life in prison, lifetime supervised release, and payment of restitution to his victims.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
FBI Miami, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80205.
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Norwalk Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAKE SCOTT FLEWELLYN, 26, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for accessing and possessing images and videos depicting child sex abuse.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) received a report from the smartphone messenger application Kik about a Kik user who was distributing videos of child pornography through its service. Kik deactivated the user’s account. In early April 2022, while federal law enforcement was investigating this matter to determine the Kik user’s identity, Kik submitted to NCMEC another report of a user account that was being used to distribute videos of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Flewellyn created both Kik accounts and, between November 2021 and April 2022, used them to distribute approximately 107 images and videos depicting child sex abuse.
On July 31, 2023, Flewellyn pleaded guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography.
Flewellyn, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 15.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwalk Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Northern Minnesota Felon Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – An Onamia man has been sentenced to 292 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm following a domestic assault, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 19, 2020, Leech Lake Tribal Police were dispatched to a residence following a report that Justin Lyle Cutbank, 37, had physically assaulted a woman, held her at gunpoint, threatened to kill her, and then fled the residence into the woods. Shortly after officers arrived at the residence and took the victim’s statement, a neighbor reported that Cutbank was in their garage and refused to leave. Officers from multiple agencies responded to the location and found Cutbank barricaded in the garage. Several hours of negotiations followed with Cutbank retreating into the attic of the garage and refusing to surrender. Ultimately, officers were able to apprehend Cutbank, who continued to actively resist arrest. The following day, officers searched the wooded area where Cutbank had fled and found a Marlin Model 100 .22 caliber rifle with no serial number, a knife, and the victim’s cell phone.
Because Cutbank has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On March 17, 2023, Cutbank was convicted by a federal jury on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley M. Endicott and Ruth S. Shnider prosecuted the case.
New Hanover County Social Worker Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud MedicaidRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Felicia Moore Jones, 52, pled guilty to conspiring to defraud North Carolina Medicaid (“Medicaid”) in a scheme that resulted in more than $400,000 in fraudulent billing. Jones faces up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine.
“Ms. Jones’ was a social worker who was supposed to help poor Medicaid recipients get healthcare. Instead, she stole and sold their identifying information in a scheme to bill taxpayers for care that was never provided,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are fortunate to live in a generous country, where we are proud to help the less advantaged through programs like Medicaid. But we will find and prosecute anyone who abuses that generosity for their own profit.”
According to the filed charge and information summarized in court, Jones was a social worker in New Hanover County who conspired with a licensed mental health counselor, Lakia Washington, to defraud Medicaid. Jones used her government employment to obtain personally identifying information (PII) of New Hanover County residents enrolled in Medicaid, including their Medicaid ID numbers. In exchange for an agreed-upon fee per beneficiary, Jones then provided the PII to Washington, knowing it would be used to generate fraudulent claims for services never rendered. Investigators have attributed over $400,000 of Washington’s fraudulent Medicaid billing to the beneficiary PII Jones provided to Washington. Late last year, Washington pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Based upon the investigation, no out-of-pocket costs were borne by the individuals whose identities were used as a part of the scheme.
“Government employees are supposed to be responsible stewards of our personal and health data, not steal it for their own profit,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I’m grateful to my Medicaid Investigations Division and our federal partners for their work to protect taxpayer resources and patient information.”
The Center for Medicaid Services, within the federal Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for overseeing the Medicaid program in North Carolina, which has been administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services since 1978. Medicaid providers are assigned a National Provider Identifier, which they use to submit claims for reimbursement for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, is leading the investigation with the assistance North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00377-BO.
Nevada Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Reno, Nevada man, was sentenced to 96 months in prison and five years of supervised release for the receipt and possession of child pornography, known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On August 30, 2023, Sean Paul Holt, 28, pled guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. Holt will also have to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Holt was an active-duty member of the United States Army, who was stationed at Ft. Liberty (previously known as Ft. Bragg) at the time of the offense. In April 2020, Holt purchased CSAM from a Tor site dedicated to selling material depicting sadistic sexual abuse of young boys. Investigators traced the bitcoin transactions to accounts belonging to Holt and found evidence that Holt’s phone was one of several devices using the relevant IP address at the time of the transaction. Later, in Spring 2021, investigators received multiple Cybertips regarding suspected CSAM in a Tumblr account that was tied to an email address that investigators had previously identified as belonging to Holt.
On May 19, 2021, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Holt’s residence, and seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination revealed hundreds of CSAM files, including CSAM of prepubescent minors, on Holt’s phone. Investigators also found a Mega account used to store thousands of additional CSAM files. During the search warrant, Holt consented to a voluntary, non-custodial interview and made a number of admissions, including purchasing CSAM from a website, and accessing CSAM on and off for a number of years.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Army, Criminal Investigative Division investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00007-D.
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NE Georgia Resident Sentenced in Prison-Directed Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Commerce, Georgia, resident convicted for his role in a larger inmate-directed armed drug conspiracy operating in the Athens, Georgia, area was sentenced to serve 19 years in prison for his crimes today.
Brendan R. Gates, 37, of Commerce, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal to serve 228 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. This federal prison term will be served consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in a pending Gwinnett County, Georgia, Superior Court case. Gates was found guilty by a federal jury on Sept. 21, 2022, of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Gates’ co-defendant at trial, Cindy Stamey, 51, of Danielsville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison on Sept. 18, 2023, after she was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Armed criminal networks create chaos and sow destruction in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level is working together and tirelessly to dismantle these types of criminal networks in a collective effort to make our towns and cities safer.”
“Drug dealing breeds violence and traffickers who engage in this dangerous lifestyle often protect their drug stash with firearms,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Consequently, these defendants will spend well-deserved time in prison. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to making communities safer by removing such criminals from the streets.”
The following co-defendants have been sentenced:
Adonias Sales Temaj aka “Alacran,” 28, of Norcross, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 14, 2022, and was sentenced to 260 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Malcody Dinges aka Cody aka “Yes, Sir Cody,” 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 16, 2021, and was sentenced to 240 months in prison (to run consecutive to any state-imposed sentence) to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Ervin Sales Temaj aka “Milton Aguilar,” 34, of Norcross, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 13, 2022, and was sentenced to 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Carrie Kasper, 31, of Athens, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on July 15, 2021, and was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Christopher Wilson, 41, of Hull, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 13, 2022, and was sentenced to 55 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
Justin Maddox, 44, of Athens, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 3, 2021, and was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release; and
Katlyn Lackey, 21, of Commerce, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 12, 2022, and was sentenced to 20 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The defendants are not eligible for parole.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, federal agents learned in 2018 that co-defendant Dinges was conducting drug deals using contraband cell phones while in custody at the Wheeler Correctional Facility. During the course of the investigation, agents learned that Dinges was communicating with Gates and other co-defendants located in the Athens area about distributing controlled substances; these individuals would travel to locations in Atlanta as directed by Dinges to receive methamphetamine and return to Athens to distribute the drugs. Dinges received a fee for brokering the deals. When federal agents executed a search warrant at Gates’ residence, they seized a handgun and methamphetamine.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by DEA, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke Police Department, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Sheriff Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case.
Morrisdale Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Shane Hoover, 32, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, from about November 2019 to June 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hoover conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Hoover was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. The law provides for a sentence of at least 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hoover. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
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.
Money Launderer Sentenced to 48 Months and Ordered to Pay over $1 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Flavia Annang, 60, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to 19 victims. Annang pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on March 9, 2023.
Between May 2018 and April 2022, Annang laundered money for scammers who lured victims into various online frauds. In some instances, the victims believed they were sending money to support an online romantic partner who falsely stated they needed to pay taxes and fees to release an inheritance or gold bars. The stories told to the victims by the scammers were fraudulent. The scammers directed the victims’ monies into accounts controlled by Annang and her co-conspirator. When Annang and her co-conspirator received the fraudulent monies, they kept a fee for themselves, and then transferred the funds to Ghana. Annang and her co-conspirator set up phony businesses and then opened business bank accounts to hide the transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. The FBI traced over $4 million, sent by 106 victims, through Annang’s and her co-conspirator’s bank accounts. One Arizona victim lost nearly $5 million to the scams, sending over $1 million to Annang’s and her co-conspirator’s accounts and the remaining money to multiple other individuals. Annang’s co-conspirator pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and was sentenced to 48 months in prison on January 3, 2024.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00893-JCH-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-007_Annang# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Meth, fentanyl trafficking send Great Falls man to prison for 13 yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl after his drug distribution led to the near-death of a toddler who ingested a fentanyl pill was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Shacotta Keenan St. Onge, 31, pleaded guilty in June 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that the Russell Country Drug Task Force received information in the fall of 2022, that St. Onge was distributing drugs in the Great Falls area. Law Enforcement obtained meth and fentanyl pills from St. Onge in controlled buys and in February 2023, officers executed a search warrant on St. Onge’s residence and recovered fentanyl pills and meth. In April 2023, St. Onge sold fentanyl to the mother of a two-year-old girl. The pills were scattered about the mother’s residence, and the child ingested a pill, leading to her hospitalization and near death.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Meth Kingpin Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Stealing $2.1 Million from Pandemic Unemployment Insurance AgenciesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Detroit man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison today for leading a drug organization that trafficked methamphetamine across the country, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. United States District Judge David M. Lawson sentenced the leader of that organization for his role overseeing the drug conspiracy and in a separate $2.1 million pandemic unemployment insurance fraud conspiracy.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Robert Lampkin, 41, led a drug conspiracy that purchased over 9 kilograms of methamphetamine from a supplier in California that codefendants JoShawn Bennett, 37, Tiffany Stockman, 24 and Tammie Wade, 32, brought back to Michigan in airline luggage. Lampkin and codefendant Brenden Lockridge, 26, separately used stolen personal identifying information of other individuals to file fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment assistance in multiple states. Lampkin’s and Lockridge’s sentences also require them to pay back the $2.1 million stolen from multiple states as restitution.
“We will use every resource available to combat those who spread the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities,” stated United States Attorney Dawn Ison. “We also won’t cease our efforts to hold accountable those who used a global pandemic to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers.”
“The men and women of the DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to targeting interstate methamphetamine traffickers contributing to the nation’s drug crisis. This sentence reflects our continued resolve to partner with all our law-enforcement counterparts to fight greed, violence, and drug addiction,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene.
"Robert Lampkin conspired with Brenden Lockridge to file fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims in the names of identity theft victims, receiving benefits to which they were not entitled. They enriched themselves by defrauding a program that was intended to assist struggling American workers during an unprecedented global pandemic," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Irene Lindow, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "We and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and prosecuting the criminals who took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by using stolen identities to fraudulently obtain pandemic UI benefits."
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Kuebler prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ChargeRead the Press Release
JAEDYN RIVERA, also known as “Jae Honcho,” 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role in a violent New Haven street gang.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, including murders and attempted murders, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.
The investigation revealed that Rivera and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Rivera admitted today that he took part in four shootings of rival gang members in May 2021. Three individuals were injured during those shootings. On May 14, 2021, one victim was shot in the leg and torso, and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the leg and another victim was shot in the back.
Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Rivera has been detained since May 21, 2021.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Member of Navajo Nation Sentenced to 57 Months for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Alvin White was sentenced to 57 months in prison. White, 54, of Little Water, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and entered into an agreement with the government on February 1, 2023. In his plea agreement, White also agreed to cooperate and provided testimony in the now-concluded trial against his co-defendant, Raydell Billy.
According to court documents, on the evening of April 11, 2022, White and his co-defendants, Raydell Billy and Raynorma Billy, burst into John Doe’s home and attacked him. At Raydell’s trial, White testified that he and Raydell Billy attacked John Doe with the intent to commit bodily harm. He testified that they both hit John Doe and that Raydell Billy discharged a firearm in John Doe’s direction. After Raydell Billy discharged the round and rapped the pistol across John Doe’s skull, the three assailants left, and in anger one of them riddled John Doe’s car with bullet holes.
Raynorma Billy pleaded guilty on February 28, 2023, to being a conspirator, admitting that she, Raydell Billy, and Alvin White discussed and agreed to assault John Doe. Raynorma was sentenced to time served, followed by three years of supervised release. Raydell was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon on March 8, 2023, and sentenced to 120 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the Federal Bureau Investigation and by Navajo Nation Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Matthew J. McGinley.
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Marco Island Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nicholas Munson Troemner (41, Marco Island) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Troemner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on February 16, 2023, in North Fort Myers, Troemner was in possession of a loaded Taurus pistol. At the time, Troemner had multiple prior felony firearm and drug-related convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Troemner agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition as part of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Who Shared Child Pornography, Fled St. Louis Sentenced to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –A man who possessed and shared child pornography and then fled from St. Louis while on house arrest was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years and eight months in prison.
U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Tuesday also ordered Daniel Bert, 38, to be placed on supervised release for life after he gets out of prison.
Bert, of St. Louis, Missouri, possessed child sexual abuse material on multiple electronic devices, including laptops, phones and hard drives. After receiving two tips about Bert, the FBI discovered he was discussing his sexual interest in young children on Kik Messenger. An undercover FBI special agent began communicating with Bert on another app, Wickr. Bert sent a picture of his genitals to the agent, told the agent that he had a hard drive full of child pornography and asked the agent to join him in an online video chat during which Bert played videos containing child pornography.
After his indictment, Bert removed his GPS monitoring device while on house arrest and fled St. Louis. He was arrested in Florida on May 11.
Bert pleaded guilty in August to a felony charge of transportation of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Years of Stalking and Threatening Indiana CoupleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Patrick Kearney, 41, of Glenview, Illinois, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of stalking, one count of transmitting threats via interstate commerce, and two counts of making harassing telephone calls.
According to court documents, beginning in September of 2019, and continuing through October 4, 2022, Patrick Kearney engaged in a targeted campaign of stalking, intimidation, and harassment directed towards Victims 1 and 2.
Kearney met Victim 1 in the early 2000s, when they both attended the same university. Kearney pursued a relationship with Victim 1 by trying to walk with her after class, meeting her at her dorm, calling the dorm phone, and leaving mail at her dorm mailbox. Victim 1 did not reciprocate interest in a relationship with Kearney. Victim 1 graduated from college, married her husband, Victim 2, and had not seen Kearney since.
In September of 2019, Kearney began sending Victim 1 anonymous handwritten letters to her home in Indiana, mostly stating that Victim 1 should have died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The letters typically included pictures or drawings of the World Trade Center burning. Kearney sent approximately 23 handwritten letters to Victim 1 between September of 2019 and September of 2022, all including similar abusive language and most referencing September 11, 2001.
In addition to sending letters, Kearney also began repeatedly calling Victim 1’s cell phone at all hours, leaving threatening voicemails and using different phone numbers to avoid being blocked.
On February 22, 2022, Kearney mailed a package from Arizona to Victim 1’s home. The package contained Raid roach bait and a handwritten note stating, “Here is some poison for you and give the rest to your idiot boyfriend!”
On May 16, 2022, Kearney mailed Victims 1 and 2 a package from Arizona that contained Combat cockroach poison. The package included a note stating that the couple should eat the poison.
On July 11, 2022, at approximately 5:04 am, Kearney called Victim 2 and left a voicemail threatening that “you and her (Victim 1) should be shot in the f****** head.”
As the victims were planning their wedding in 2022, they created a website that included wedding registry information. Kearney began leaving voicemails for Victims 1 and 2 impersonating customer service representatives from Crate & Barrel and Target and threatened to show up at the wedding and ruin it.
Between October of 2019 and September of 2022, Kearney placed approximately 357 phone calls to Victim 1’s cell phone and left over 120 voicemails. Between May of 2022 and August of 2022, Kearney placed approximately 47 phone calls to Victim 2’s cell phone and left at least 35 voicemails.
“This serious federal prison sentence is an appropriate consequence for the defendant’s years’ long campaign of cruel threats and harassment. He chose to terrorize an innocent couple and rob them of safety and peace—driven by his toxic mix of entitlement and resentment,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “As we near the end of Stalking Awareness Month, we must raise awareness that stalking crimes can manifest in many forms as our digital world evolves. Even without physical violence, the threat of escalation and fear of the unknown can be deeply traumatizing for victims. These actions are simply unacceptable, and federal law enforcement agencies will work together to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.”
“United States Postal Inspectors work diligently to keep U.S. Postal Service customers, and all Americans, safe from criminals who use the U.S. Mail system to further their illegal actions,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge for the Detroit Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “I commend the collective efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana and Postal Inspectors in Illinois, Arizona, and Indiana in bringing this individual to justice. His victims can rest assured that the constant threat of harassment and stalking has come to an end.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Kearney be supervised for three years following his release from federal prison and pay a $500 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
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Man Sentenced for Strangling Former PartnerRead the Press Release
A Bartlesville man was sentenced yesterday for Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian County, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Andrew John Brown, 50, to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, Brown began arguing with the victim. He admitted and plead guilty to placing the victim in a “chokehold” and strangled her with his hands.
Brown was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and Osage Nation Tribal Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter and Leaving the Scene of an AccidentRead the Press Release
A Sperry man was sentenced yesterday for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Roger Allen Stevens, 32, a member of Cherokee Nation, to 30 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release.
According to the guilty plea, on October 28, 2018, Stevens failed to yield to the right of way to Timothy Hayhurst, while he was riding a motorcycle. This resulted in the death of Mr. Hayhurst. After the accident, Stevens did not contact 911 or stay at the scene of the accident.
Stevens was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuted the case.
Louisiana Bounty Hunter Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Missouri KidnappingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Wednesday sentenced a bounty hunter from Louisiana to 10 years in prison for removing a woman from a St. Peters, Missouri home and taking her across state lines against her will.
Wayne D. Lozier Jr., 45, of the New Orleans area, was convicted by a jury in September in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
“This sentence should reinforce that those who work in the fugitive recovery industry must comply with state and local laws and regulations and treat those they take into custody with decency,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “They work in a dangerous industry, but that is not a license to go rogue.”
"Wayne Lozier claimed he was just doing his job as a bounty hunter, but a jury convicted him of kidnapping. The evidence presented in trial proved he flagrantly ignored police warnings that he was violating the law and police commands to release his victim," said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis Division. "We commend St. Peters Police for its thorough investigation and collaboration with us in pursuing federal prosecution.”
Testimony and evidence presented at trial showed that Lozier first called and impersonated a deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to trick the victim, who had an arrest warrant there for two misdemeanor offenses, into revealing her address. Lozier and his partner, Jody L. Sullivan, then drove to where the victim was staying in St. Peters, Missouri.
They had been hired by a Louisiana bail bond company to locate and apprehend the victim. They were not licensed by Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance to operate as surety recovery agents within Missouri. They also did not notify local law enforcement before entering the home.
On May 9, 2019, Lozier told the homeowner he didn’t need her permission to enter the house, according to evidence and testimony, including video from Lozier’s body camera. Lozier went into the basement and handcuffed the victim, who was barefoot and clad only in pajamas. He and Sullivan then took her away in their SUV without her consent, the trial showed.
The homeowner contacted police. St. Peters Police Officer Jeffrey Atkins told Lozier on the phone that he was breaking the law and needed to return the victim, but Lozier refused to do so.
The victim, concerned for her safety after learning that Lozier and Sullivan were not police officers, tried to get help from clerks working at a gas station in Sullivan, Missouri. Inside the store, Lozier shocked the victim multiple times with a Taser and pulled her hair. He and Sullivan then dragged the victim out of the store by the chain that connected her handcuffs and leg shackles. That incident was partially captured in a bystander’s cell phone video. When police arrived, Lozier told them that he was a surety recovery agent and was licensed by the state of Louisiana. The officers were unaware that Lozier and Sullivan had unlawfully taken the victim from the St. Peters residence earlier that day.
Once back in the SUV, Lozier repeatedly threatened the victim, both physically and by telling her that he would arrange for her to be charged with a felony offense. He told her that she would never see her children again and that she was his property, testimony and evidence at trial showed.
Worried about the legality of his actions, Lozier did not take the victim to Louisiana, where her misdemeanor charges were pending. He instead dropped her at a detention facility in Mississippi. She remained there for about a week before she was released.
After Lozier’s indictment and arrest, he violated his pre-trial release conditions by both possessing a firearm and continuing to apprehend fugitives in Louisiana. He also violated his travel restrictions by leaving the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Sullivan, 56, of the New Orleans area, pleaded guilty Sept. 18, 2023, to the conspiracy and kidnapping charges and admitted unlawfully seizing the woman and transporting her across state lines. She was sentenced December 20 to five years of probation.
The FBI and the St. Peters Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Martin and Donald Boyce prosecuted the case.Lincoln County Man Admits Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Lincoln County, Missouri man on Wednesday admitted producing images of the sexual abuse of two victims who were preschool age or younger.
Christopher C. Parker, 32, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography.
The investigation into Parker began on March 21, 2023, when the FBI’s St. Louis office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about Parker’s uploading of child pornography via his Quora account. They obtained a court-approved search warrant and served it the next day, finding electronic devices with image and video files containing child sexual abuse material and an image that Parker produced and sent via Wickr. Parker also admitted sexually abusing two toddler and preschool-aged children and recording that abuse.
Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1. The U.S. Attorney’s office will recommend a sentence of 27 years in prison.
The FBI and the St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Level 3 Sex Offender Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Soliciting Minors on Social MediaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for coercing a minor he found on TikTok to send him child sexual abuse material.
Hector Acevedo, 33, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to 22 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Acevedo pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography by a recidivist.
Acevedo, a Level 3 registered sex offender, was previously convicted in Suffolk County Superior Court on multiple child and sexual exploitation offenses including trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, extortion by threat of injury, posing or exhibiting a child in state of nudity or sexual conduct, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, dissemination of child pornography and purchase or possession of child pornography. On Feb. 13, 2018, Acevedo was sentenced to five-to-seven years in state prison and three years of probation.
Just months after his release from prison, while on state probation, Acevedo contacted a 13-year-old girl via TikTok, claiming to be a 17-year-old boy, and asked for her phone number. He then began texting the victim, asking her to send nude pictures of herself to him, and eventually coerced the victim to engage in sexual conduct over video chat. Acevedo also asked for her address, although she did not give it to him. He later solicited other children online on other platforms, pretending to be a pre-teen or teenage girl, and asked them to provide him with nude pictures.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Law Enforcement Arrests Four on Indictment Alleging San Fernando Valley Crew Trafficked Cocaine, Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Four alleged members of a San Fernando Valley-based drug trafficking crew were arrested today on a 15-count federal grand jury indictment charging them with running an operation that sold cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
The following four defendants were arrested this morning are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles:
- Giselle Buraye, 23, a.k.a. “Giselle Haidy Dykhouse,” “Bandida,” “bandida.loka,” of Van Nuys;
- Efren Meraz, Jr., 35, a.k.a. “Jr.,” “Junior,” of Sylmar;
- Max Roman-Betancourt, 41, of Sunland; and
- Esteban Armas, 36, of Panorama City.
Of the remaining three defendants, Oscar Alejandro Melendez, 50, a.k.a. “Ozzy,” “Oz,” of Van Nuys, and Robert Carlton Lavilette, 68, of Ventura, are expected to be arraigned in the coming days. Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, a.k.a. “Z,” aka “Sam,” of North Hollywood, is a fugitive and being sought by law enforcement.
All seven defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Buraye is also charged with possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession and intent to distribute fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl.
As part of this investigation, law enforcement seized 19 kilograms (42 pounds) of methamphetamine, 58 kilograms (128 pounds) of cocaine, 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder, and two firearms. Law enforcement estimates that the value of the drugs seized exceeds $1 million. Throughout this case, more than $150,000 in U.S. currency has been seized.
During search warrants executed today at five locations in the San Fernando Valley, law enforcement seized more than 14 firearms, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, $153,000 in U.S. currency and various narcotics.
“Powerfully addictive drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine devastate families and communities,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “With these charges we have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that put profits over people’s lives. We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure every resident has an opportunity to live in safety.”
“Reducing violent crime in our community and throughout our country is the priority of ATF,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “This case illustrates the importance of genuine relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. Stopping the illegal and highly dangerous flow of narcotics by this ring will make the Valley safer tonight.”
“The culmination of this investigation is an example of the strong partnerships built between federal and local law enforcement agencies focused on combatting drug and gun trafficking,” said DEA Ventura Resident Office, Resident Agent in Charge Ryan Olson. “Members of this criminal organization were involved in the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are poisoning our communities. DEA is committed to making our communities safer by removing violent offenders and dangerous drugs from the streets. We will continue to push forward and utilize all necessary resources to dismantle the largest criminal organizations negatively impacting our communities.”
According to the indictment returned on Tuesday, Buraye, Melendez, and Meraz spearheaded the operation by obtaining the fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The trio, along with Kyurkchian, allegedly provided the drugs to Lavilette and Bentancourt, who then sold the drugs in the streets. Armas allegedly stored the narcotics and Buraye and Melendez allegedly sold the drugs to customers.
On April 14, 2021, Buraye and Mendez allegedly sold approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, and were charged with aiding and abetting, and distribution of fentanyl.
In March 2022, Buraye allegedly sold more than 700 fentanyl pills.
A search warrant executed in May 2022 at Armas’s residence resulted in the seizure of 2,504 grams (approximately 5.5 pounds) of fentanyl powder, 57 kilograms (approximately 125 pounds) of cocaine, 10.92 kilograms (approximately 24 pounds) of methamphetamine and $152,602 in drug proceeds, according to court documents.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter. The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (L.A. IMPACT), IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation.
This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, ATF, DEA, and IRS. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant United States Attorney MiRi Song of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Thousands of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for distributing large quantities of fentanyl pills in Las Vegas.
According to court documents, Alphaeus Johnson (38) conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in Las Vegas. On March 21, 2022, he sold approximately 500 fentanyl pills in exchange for money. Then, in April on two separate occasions, he sold a combined total of approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills in exchange for money. Between April 29, 2022 and May 2, 2022, Johnson traveled to Arizona to be resupplied with fentanyl pills and on May 2, 2022, was stopped by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detectives while he was traveling to Las Vegas from Arizona. During the traffic stop, law enforcement discovered approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills in Johnson’s possession.
In October 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for 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 Attorneys Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations 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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Las Cruces Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office announced today that Myles Delando Luciano was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Luciano, 27, of Las Cruces, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by threats or violence on May 1, 2023.
In his plea agreement, Luciano admitted that on July 27, 2022, he and Joshua Lopez wrongfully obtained property from Lowe's Home Improvement by taking the property without paying for it using the threat of force, violence, and fear. Luciano admitted that the items of property they stole had moved in interstate commerce and that, as a result, interstate commerce was further delayed, obstructed, and impacted by our actions because the store was forced to expend time and resources for law enforcement to investigate the robbery.
Upon his release from prison, Luciano will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
Joshua Lopez, 26, of Las Cruces, pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by threats or violence on Aug. 8, 2023. Lopez remains in custody pending sentencing, which is currently not scheduled.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
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January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate this month, United States Attorney Jason R. Coody renews his Office’s commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, empowering survivors, and preventing the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes.
In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms that vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among its highest priorities.
“Human trafficking is an abomination,” said United States Attorney Jason R. Coody. “With no regard for human dignity, traffickers inflict indescribable physical harm to their victims and often leave emotional scars that cannot be healed. With our law enforcement partners, our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those who must be held accountable for their despicable crimes.”
Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Investigators dismantle fentanyl drug trafficking network in Eastern Panhandle - 82 people chargedRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eighty-two people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Eastern Panhandle.
The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that an indictment was unsealed, charging individuals from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia with drug trafficking. According to court documents, Gary Bernard Brown, Jr., also known as “Gee,” age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, supplied others with large quantities of fentanyl capsules and powder for redistribution in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. The investigation yielded 10 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets.
“In a coordinated effort across three states, the FBI and our partners worked seamlessly to degrade the capabilities of a criminal enterprise that endangered the lives of our children and neighbors by pedaling illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan of the FBI-Pittsburgh Division. “Today, their illicit activities came to an end.”
After a large-scale arrest operation in the region, 11 of the 82 defendants are still at-large. Investigators are searching for:
- Charles Delroy Singletary, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland
- Jeffrey Lee Pullen, age 52, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Benjamin Paul Knotts, age 48, of Charles Town, West Virginia
- Haile Madalynn Speaks, age 21, of Charles Town, West Virginia
- James Sanford, age 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- John Ernest LeCluse, age 39, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Shelby Elizabeth Thompson, age 29, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- April Dawn Wentzell, age 36, of Ranson, West Virginia
- Daniel Lee Corbin, Jr., age 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Kendall Axavier Baker, age 31, of Winchester Virginia
- David Lewis Pennington, Jr., age 20, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
If you have any information, call 1-877-926-8332 or go to https://www.usmarshals.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was a collaborative investigative effort that includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division, Baltimore Field Division, and Richmond Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia).
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
List of defendants: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/us-v-gary-brown-jr-et-al-defendant-list
View the indictment here:
U.S. v. Brown et al indictmentIndian National Sentenced to 57 Months for Defrauding Scam VictimsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rishi Budhadev, age 38, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Budhadev is a citizen of India and has resided in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia during visits to the United States.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Budhadev was found to be responsible at sentencing for over half a million dollars in fraudulent money transfers made to him between October and December 2015. Fraud victims transferred these funds to him through MoneyGram and Western Union wire transfers and through cash deposits to bank accounts that Budhadev opened and controlled.
The government’s investigation determined that Budhadev, working with other unnamed co-conspirators, defrauded victims using common advance-fee mass marketing scams. The government found that Budhadev received nearly 500 MoneyGram money transfers worth over $500,000, including about 300 transfers that he picked up from seven different Walmart stores around the Richmond area. Budhadev also received around 20 Western Union money transfers and over $40,000 in deposits to his bank accounts. The government’s investigation also determined that around 50 people who sent funds to Budhadev subsequently identified themselves to MoneyGram and Western Union as victims of various scams, including investment scams, romance scams, person-in-need scams, internet purchase scams, IRS tax scams, and loan scams. At sentencing, dozens more individuals who sent funds to Budhadev identified themselves as fraud victims.
At the time of his guilty plea, Budhadev admitted to receiving a series of fraudulent MoneyGram money transfers from several individuals he did not know in October 2015. He also admitted to receiving a fraudulent deposit for $9,000 in his checking account from a person he did not know. He admitted to receiving each of these transfers at the request of a coconspirator located in India. In each of these transactions, Budhadev admitted believing that the funds being transmitted to him had very likely been obtained through fraud. He admitted consciously using deliberate efforts to avoid confirming the fraudulent nature of these transactions, despite his concerns that they were fraudulent.
Budhadev admitted to using the proceeds of the fraudulent MoneyGram money transfers to purchase iPhones, which he delivered to the same coconspirator located in India in February 2016. He also admitted to personally withdrawing the $9,000 in cash from his bank account the same day that it was deposited and later delivering the cash to the same coconspirator in India around February 2016.
Budhadev maintained that he was responsible only for the fraudulent activity that he admitted to during his guilty plea. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson determined that the evidence showed Budhadev to be responsible for the entire amount of fraudulent activity alleged by the United States, in the amount of $584,276.84.
In addition to the sentence of 57 months, Budhadev was also ordered to pay $62,672.29 in restitution to fraud victims and to serve a period of supervised release of three years following his imprisonment. Budhadev faces potential deportation following his term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Independence Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing eight firearms.
Nicholas G. Gutierrez, 43, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, Jan. 23, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 29, 2023, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
The U.S. Postal Service interdicted a package destined for Gutierrez’s residence on April 14, 2023. Investigators opened the package and found three bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of approximately four kilograms. Investigators made a controlled delivery of the empty box to Gutierrez’s residence.
Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Gutierrez’s residence on April 19, 2023. Agents found a bag that contained more than a kilogram of methamphetamine on top of a dresser in the master bedroom. A Glock 19 pistol, which had been reported stolen, and additional illegal narcotics were found on the bed in the master bedroom, including several clear plastic bags that contained a total of approximately 440.67 grams of methamphetamine.
Agents forced open a black safe that was in the master bedroom and found an Iver Johnson revolver, a Glock 29, a Glock 17, a Rock Island 1911, a Canik SPX Rival 9mm, a Remington .22-caliber rifle, and a Remington .270-caliber rifle.
Agents also found 9.6 grams of heroin and 46.95 grams of fentanyl at Gutierrez’s residence.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Gutierrez has prior felony convictions for being a drug user in possession of a firearm and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Independence Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Following Police ChaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a stolen pick-up truck.
Duke A. Yates, 35, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The federal indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Yates on Dec. 26, 2023.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Yates was driving a stolen 2007 Ford F350 pick-up truck that had been used in the armed robberies of a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. A police officer spotted the vehicle traveling north on E. Pitcher Road near Blue Ridge Cutoff in Independence.
Yates immediately initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour. During the pursuit, the affidavit says, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.
Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went offroad, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot, the affidavit says, and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.
Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s floorboard.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Yates has two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and prior felony convictions for robbery, tampering with a motor vehicle, theft, resisting arrest, property damage, and distributing drugs.
The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Illegal Possession of Firearms Sends Converse Man to PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Joseph Chad Castillo, 36, of Converse, Louisiana, was sentenced today announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced Castillo to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms.
Information introduced in court revealed that on December 26, 2022, a deputy with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Converse. While the deputy was at the residence, a vehicle drove down the driveway and stopped and the rear seat passenger, later determined to be Castillo, fled into the woods. After a brief pursuit, law enforcement officers stopped and searched the vehicle and found a Remington Model 1100 shotgun and a Remington Model 7600 rifle, as well as Castillo’s cell phone in the backseat. The rifle had an obliterated serial number and Castillo had previously stolen it from a private residence.
Castillo has two prior felony convictions, one for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2018 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, and another for possession of Schedule II CDS in Desoto Parish in 2017. He knew of his felony convictions and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Castillo pleaded guilty to the charge on August 16, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Houston trio arraigned on bank theft chargesRead the Press Release
Christopher Parish, age 41, London B. Beaudoin, age 19, and Leo Smith, age 20, from Houston, Texas, were arraigned on Jan. 18. The defendants are charged with bank theft. Their trial has been set for Mar. 11 before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson in Cheyenne.
All three defendants were detained at the request of the government and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This crime is being investigated by the FBI and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case No. 24-CR-06
Houston Woman Sentenced to 30 Months After Pleading Guilty to Conspiring to Traffic 13-Year-Old Female into the New Orleans Area to Perform Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHELSE GEE, age 20, from Houston, Texas, was sentenced on January 23, 2024 by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 30 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging her with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child under the age of 14, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and 1591(a). The charges stem from GEE’S role in recruiting and bringing a thirteen-year-old female from Houston to New Orleans in June 2021 for the purpose of her engaging in commercial sex acts. Upon her release GEE will be placed on supervised release for 3 years, and she must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, GEE met her co-conspirator, Randi Lewis (a/k/a “Teddy,” a/k/a “Teddy P.”), when she was about sixteen years old. Lewis recruited GEE to engage in commercial sex acts under his direction, and she complied. Lewis also instituted a series of rules GEE was to follow, including how to behave, what to wear, with whom she was allowed to interact (i.e., look at and speak to), and how much she was expected to earn from engaging in daily commercial sex acts. Lewis routinely tracked GEE’S location using a location sharing cellular phone application. Lewis also regularly engaged in sexual acts with GEE and used violence and threats of violence against her.
Together, Lewis and GEE met the victim, who was thirteen years old, in the Houston, Texas area not later than June 21, 2021. GEE recruited the victim to perform commercial sex acts under Lewis’ s direction and introduced the victim to Lewis. Lewis and GEE gave the victim instruction and guidance on the successful performance of commercial sex activities, including ways to behave, what to wear, how to identify and avoid law enforcement, and how to best solicit commercial sex customers. The victim agreed, and Lewis arranged for he, GEE, and the victim to travel to New Orleans on a Greyhound bus for the purpose of his co-conspirator and the victim to engage in commercial sex acts. Between June 22, 2021, and June 24, 2021, GEE and the victim performed multiple commercial sex acts in the New Orleans area. Lewis required the victim to turn over to him most if not all, of the money she earned from commercial sex acts.
Acting at Lewis’s direction, GEE and the victim solicited commercial sex “dates” in several ways. First, they walked along streets soliciting customers. Additionally, Lewis created and caused to be created, an online classified advertisement service, commonly used to market sexual services in exchange for money. Through this online advertising service, Lewis received telephone calls, text messages, and messages via social media applications inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution dates with his co-conspirator and the victim. Lewis arranged for sexually explicit pictures of the victim to be used in the advertisements. GEE and Lewis also gave the victim illicit and mood-altering drugs, including marijuana, to numb her senses, control her behavior, and/or to encourage her to engage in commercial sex acts. Law enforcement authorities recovered the victim from a hotel in Terrytown, Louisiana, on June 24, 2021.
Lewis was charged for his role in trafficking the victim in November 2022, and he was sentenced in September 2023 to 360 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg , Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
Henderson Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Two Overdose Deaths and Faces a Minimum of 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – Today, a Henderson, Kentucky man pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Chief Sean L. McKinney of the Henderson Police Department, and Sheriff David Crafton of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Elijah Lovell, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Between December 27, 2021, and January 31, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “J.H.” Additionally, on or about May 5, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “C.G.”
Lovell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2024. He faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The Henderson Police Department and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.
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Hardin felon sentenced to three years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin felon who illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Harvey Alvin Hugs, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of firearms.
Hugs’ sentence is to run concurrently to a three-year prison sentence he received in U.S. District Court in South Dakota for conviction of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act because his crimes there were deemed as relevant conduct to his firearms offense.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Hugs was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was convicted in 2002 of felony involuntary manslaughter in U.S. District Court in Montana and was sentenced in 2014 for two separate state felony convictions in Big Horn County. Hugs illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit. Hugs engaged in this conduct for more than a year and sold multiple eagle parts to the same informant. When law enforcement executed a search warrant of Hugs’ property in March 2021, officers recovered ammunition in his home; a loaded rifle, spent shells, ammunition and eagle parts in his white Chevrolet Silverado; and another rifle, two boxes of ammunition, spent shells and eagle feathers in his red Chevrolet Silverado. The investigation recovered body parts from 21 different eagles.
Hugs was charged and convicted in a jury trial in U.S. District Court in South Dakota on three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for the sale and shipment of eagle parts to the informant. Hugs was sentenced to one year in prison on each count, to run consecutively, and ordered to pay $70,000 restitution. Hugs has appealed the restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Halifax County Man Sentenced to More than Eight Years on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Halifax County man was sentenced to 100 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine. On October 16, 2023, Taj’ma De’yong Ussery, also known as “Pop Off,” was convicted by a federal jury.
“Drug traffickers are pushing dangerous and illegal drugs in vulnerable communities, driving up rates of addiction and overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are partnering with law enforcement to stop this cycle by investigating and prosecuting those supplying the narcotics. This conviction is a result of our strong partnership with local law enforcement, who are working tirelessly to keep their communities safe.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ussery, age 26, distributed five grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance on December 21, 2022. The sale was a hand-to-hand transaction with a confidential informant. Ussery was identified as a regular dealer of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the community who worked within a network of others to distribute drugs throughout Halifax County. This indictment resulted as part of a larger effort to combat drug and gang-related violence in Halifax County North Carolina and was the result of coordination between the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
“I want to thank our dedicated drug agents along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their hard work on this case,” said Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis. “A sentence like this sends a strong message to those in our community who would engage in dealing dangerous drugs. We will hold you accountable and seek justice.”
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.4:23-cr-00034-BO-RJ-1.
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Gun Possession and High-Speed Chase Results in Decade Long Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who had domestic abuse convictions and was found on three occasions with different firearms in Cedar Rapids was sentenced January 23, 2024, to ten years in federal prison.
Colby Lakeith Shannon, Jr., age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 10, 2023, guilty plea to three counts of possession a firearm by a person with a prior domestic abuse conviction.
In a plea agreement, Shannon admitted that, on July 15, 2022, he was at a gathering where firearms were discharged. When Cedar Rapids police officers responded, they recovered a stolen .45 caliber handgun from a vehicle that was linked to Shannon by DNA testing. This firearm had previously been reported stolen. The next day, July 16, 2022, Shannon fled from the police in a high-speed chase through a Cedar Rapids residential neighborhood. When officers found Shannon’s abandoned vehicle, they found a firearm with an obliterated serial number and marijuana. On October 30, 2022, Cedar Rapids police officers responded to an alarm at a business in downtown Cedar Rapids. They found Shannon passed out in a running vehicle behind the business. When they removed him from the vehicle, they found another stolen firearm in the vehicle.
Shannon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Shannon was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Shannon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department’s Police Community Action Team.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-00012.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Marcelino De Leon Yoc, a/k/a “Eric Pineda Hernandez,” 32, was sentenced by U. S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (approximately five months) and one year of supervised release. In October 2023, Yoc pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the charging documents, De Leon Yoc was removed from the United States on May 12, 2018. De Leon Yoc unlawfully reentered the United States sometime after his May 2018 removal. On Aug. 24, 2023, De Leon Yoc was arrested by immigration authorities in Lynn, Mass.
According to court filings, De Leon Yoc is also facing charges in Suffolk County Superior Court for aggravated rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Georgia Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Era Paycheck Protection Program Loan FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of a LaGrange, Georgia woman following her conviction on bank fraud charges related to loans she received through the Paycheck Protection Program. On January 18, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 53-year-old Pamela Denise Williams to 33 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Williams serve five years of supervised release following her prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to her plea agreement and other court records, on May 26, 2021, Williams applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from a credit union located in Chambers County, Alabama. When she did so, she put false information on the application making herself eligible to receive a larger loan amount. The Paycheck Protection Program was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her plea agreement, Williams specifically admitted that she “knowingly and fraudulently” overstated her business’s income. Additionally, in her application Williams falsely represented that the loan proceeds would be used for approved purposes, such as payroll. However, Williams admitted to diverting the funds for unallowed purposes. In addition to her prison sentence, the judge also ordered Williams to forfeit $121,000 and pay a $15,000 fine. The total intended loss amount from Williams’ fraud exceeded $1,500,000. A hearing will be set in the coming months to determine the amount of restitution owed by Williams based on actual losses to the financial institutions.
On May 17, 2021, the United States Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Secret Service investigated this case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Counts, Joel Feil, and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonnetric Devonte Ivey (30, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Ivey faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on March 22, 2023, Ivey was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic stop. Ivey made a throwing motion prior to complying with the deputy’s demands. In the same area of the throwing motion, deputies located a loaded Taurus pistol. DNA evidence later linked Ivey to the loaded pistol. At the time, Ivey was a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Ivey agreed to forfeit the loaded pistol as a part of the plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
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.
Former Professional Basketball Player Accused of Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former professional basketball player has been arrested in Missouri after an indictment accused him of fraudulently obtaining pandemic relief funds.
Lorenzo Gordon, 40, of Chesterfield, Missouri, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis January 17 on three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday.
The indictment alleges that Gordon fraudulently applied for loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, which were intended to help businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The indictment says Gordon applied for an EIDL loan for Logo Fitness LLC on June 19, 2020, falsely claiming the company had gross revenues of $96,475 in the 12 months prior to the COVID pandemic. He received a $9,000 advance and a loan of $39,200, the indictment says. On June 22, 2020, Gordon applied for an EIDL loan for Elite 50 Basketball Training LLC, falsely claiming gross revenues of $234,656 in the 12 months prior to the pandemic, the indictment says, and resulting in a $10,000 advance and a $107,300 loan. Both companies were only formed in 2020, the indictment says.
The indictment also says that Gordon applied for a PPP loan on April 16, 2021, falsely stating he was sole proprietor of Lorenzo Gordon, janitorial services. Gordon received a $20,832 loan.
Each wire fraud charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The theft charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.
Former Physician is Sentenced to 30 Months after Conviction for Diverting Prescription OpioidsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A former San Antonio doctor was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 30 months in prison for conspiring with others to dispense controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.
According to court documents, Paul Silva, 48, admitted that he unlawfully and fraudulently issued more than 500 prescriptions for more than 40,000 dosage units of controlled substances, primarily opioids, in the names of living and deceased family members, former patients and others, after his medical license expired and then was suspended. Co-conspirators picked up the prescription medications and distributed them to unknown individuals and not to legitimate patients of the doctor.
Silva’s co-defendants Denton Thomas, 38, and Nicholas Klumpp, 32, both of San Antonio, pleaded guilty earlier. Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of dispensing and possession with intent to dispense a controlled substance without lawful medical purpose and aiding and abetting. He is scheduled for sentencing in April 2024. Klumpp pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to dispense and to possess with intent to dispense and distribute controlled substances without lawful medical purpose and one count of dispensing and possession with intent to dispense a controlled substance without lawful medical purpose and aiding and abetting. On September 25, 2023, Klumpp was sentenced to 27 months on both counts to run concurrently.
“The nonmedical use of opioids and opioid addiction has become a nationwide epidemic. Overdose deaths in this country have eclipsed automobile deaths as the leading cause of death. By dispensing opioids and other controlled substances that were meant for legitimate medical treatment and working to have them distributed on the streets for profit, Silva has contributed to this epidemic and endangered many lives,” said. United States Attorney Jaime Esparza. “My office will continue to work closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies to attempt to slow this epidemic by going after physicians and others who divert prescription drugs from their legitimate medical purpose to the streets.”
“Despite losing his medical privileges in the State of Texas, Silva continued to prescribe hundreds of highly addictive prescription pills to himself and fictitious patients, further fueling the opioid problem facing our country," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division. “Our collaborative efforts will continue to hold those who hurt our communities by defrauding the system accountable.”
DEA investigated the case.
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Former Pharmaceutical Executive Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Financial DocumentationRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Northville man pleaded guilty today to providing a financial institution with false documentation in connection with a bank loan, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division
Theodore Toloff, 65, entered his guilty plea today before United States District Judge David M. Lawson.
According to court records, Toloff served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Frank W. Kerr Company (“Kerr”), a now-defunct pharmaceutical wholesaler that had been based in Novi, Michigan. Kerr had a revolving credit agreement with two large financial institutions under which the company borrowed funds up to $60 million pursuant to a calculation dependent on the company’s eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Toloff admitted that he submitted false documentation to the financial institutions that included $18 million in ineligible accounts receivable and that Kerr borrowed additional funds after this false documentation was submitted.
“Today’s guilty plea reflects my office’s continued commitment to ensuring that our banking and lending systems are not distorted through false financial information,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
“The defendant admitted to providing false documents to a financial institution, undermining the law and integrity of our financial systems, said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI in Michigan. "The FBI works tirelessly with our partner law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate those who commit financial crimes. We urge the public to submit tips on alleged crimes such as those detailed in this case to 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at www.tips.fbi.gov."
Toloff faces a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of investigation.
Former Munhall Resident Indicted on Narcotics and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – On January 23, 2024, a former resident of Munhall, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Benjamin Sabo, 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 4, 2023, Sabo possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Additionally, Sabo possessed a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Monroeville Resident Indicted on Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on January 23, 2024, on a charge of violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named John I. Park, 67, who formerly resided and practiced medicine in the Western District of Pennsylvania and currently resides in San Gabriel, California, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from an unknown date until July 10, 2019, Park—who was a licensed and practicing physician in the Western District of Pennsylvania at that time—sold and administered nerve block injections to patients at his medical practice in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, which he had mixed and placed into syringes under unsanitary conditions at his Monroeville residence.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of not more than $100,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Employee of Medical Device Manufacturer Sentenced for Forging Two FDA Letters that Led to Illegal Sale of Medical DevicesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a federal judge sentenced a Philadelphia-area man to prison yesterday for his role in distributing medical devices without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.
Peter Stoll III, 35, pleaded guilty last year to one felony count of violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated medical devices into interstate commerce. U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson sentenced Stoll to 12 months in prison and one year of supervised release.
According to court documents, Stoll was a regulatory affairs specialist at a medical device manufacturer located in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and was responsible for making submissions to the FDA that were required before the company could sell its medical devices. In pleading guilty, Stoll admitted that in 2017, he created two false letters that purported to show that FDA had granted clearance to sell two different medical devices. As a result, the company illegally sold tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical devices throughout the United States.
According to court documents, Stoll was responsible for shepherding two of the company’s devices through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process: the ELAN-4 Air Drill, a high-speed surgical drill used for bone cutting, sawing and drilling, and the JS Series SterilContainer S2, a reusable sterilization container for medical instruments. Stoll admitted that he never submitted any 510(k) documents to FDA regarding either device. Instead, Stoll created a fraudulent letter using FDA letterhead and bearing the forged digital signature of an FDA official that falsely stated that FDA had cleared the ELAN-4 Air to be marketed. Stoll later created another, similarly fraudulent letter on FDA letterhead for the SterilContainer JS Series medical device.
“Individuals who subvert the FDA clearance process for medical devices put patients’ lives at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who falsify documents and violate the law.”
“The FDA’s checks and balances exist for one reason: to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “One of the medical devices illegally sold in this case is meant to be used in invasive surgeries; the other, to sterilize instruments, preventing infection or contamination. Evading the prescribed FDA clearance process can literally be a matter of life and death, which is why we take these cases so seriously and work to hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.”
“The FDA must be notified and given the opportunity to clear certain medical devices before they are distributed into interstate commerce,” said Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Justin D. Green of the FDA. “A medical device distributed without FDA clearance can put patients at risk. Our office will aggressively pursue those who place patients at risk by failing to follow the law. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) protects the American public by rigorously investigating allegations involving FDA-regulated products and violations of the FDCA. In this case, OCI worked with the Justice Department to ensure a just resolution, and we applaud the exceptional work done by the team.”
FDA’s OCI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Max Goldman and Assistant Director Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney and Health Care and Government Fraud Chief Mary Mary Beth Leahy for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Fentanyl dealer operating in Medina and Rochester going to prison for 10 yearsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ebony Shine, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that Shine was arrested on November 15, 2022, after investigators executed federal search warrants at her residence on Post Avenue in Rochester and several other locations. During the search of Shine’s residence, approximately $4,506.00 in U.S. currency, drug paraphernalia, three firearms, and over 100 rounds of ammunition, were recovered. On 12 occasions between October 2021, and November 15, 2022, at locations in Medina and Rochester, Shine sold over 440 grams of fentanyl, 119 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm pistol to an individual working with law enforcement. Shine supervised the distribution of quantities of fentanyl by her sons and co-conspirators, Emmanual Taylor, and Nasir Shine. Taylor and Nasir Shine were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Joseph Cardone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke, the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Todd Draper, the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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