Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
22 January 2024
Houma Doctor Charged with Distributing Misbranded Injectable Contraceptives to PatientsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MICHELLE ANDRE, age 48, a physician residing in Houma, La. was charged on January 9, 2024 with distribution of misbranded drugs, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 331.
According to court documents, from April 2018 through March 2023, ANDRE introduced misbranded drugs, including medroxyprogesterone, into interstate commerce. The medroxyprogesterone lacked adequate directions for use in its labeling.
If convicted, ANDRE faces up to one year in prison and up to one year of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Food and Drug Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit and Paul Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
Helena man sentenced for defrauding Department of Veterans Affairs of healthcare benefitsRead the Press Release
HELENA — A Helena man who admitted to falsely claiming to have served in the U.S. Navy so he could receive healthcare benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was sentenced today to three years of probation, with 180 days of home confinement, and ordered to pay $46,075 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Patrick John McKenna, 66, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to healthcare fraud.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2021, McKenna applied for healthcare benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration and indicated on his application that he had served with the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1984. Based on his representation of military service, McKenna was approved for healthcare benefits and received VA-funded counseling services. McKenna then applied for additional benefits with the VA Veterans Benefits Administration based on claimed service-related disabilities. VBA representatives searched multiple record systems and were unable to find any record of McKenna’s service.
In an interview with agents from the VA Office of Inspector General, McKenna admitted that he did not serve in the U.S. Navy and that he had applied for healthcare benefits because of the high cost of private healthcare. Agents determined that McKenna’s scheme resulted in a loss of $39,200 to the VHA and $6,975 to the Helena Veteran Center, for a total loss of $46,075.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon L. Clarke and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. The VA Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
XXX
Former West Virginia Official Pleads Guilty to Making False StatementRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Priddy, 49, of Buffalo, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement. Priddy admitted that he lied to federal investigators about the verification of invoices for COVID-19 testing that he certified while an official with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2022, Priddy was director of WVDHHR’s Center for Threat Preparedness when he was interviewed by federal agents. Priddy had previously been deputy director, and his duties in that position had included reviewing and verifying the accuracy of certain invoices submitted to WVDHHR by vendors supplying COVID-19 testing and mitigation services prior to certifying the invoices for payment. The agents asked Priddy about invoices submitted by a particular vendor that had billed the State of West Virginia for tens of millions of dollars for COVID-19 testing and related services.
Priddy admitted that he knew the agents were investigating the vendor for suspected fraudulent billing, and that information relative to the invoices and subsequent payment was material to that investigation. One series of invoices of interest to the federal investigation related to a COVID-19 testing program for K-12 students, faculty and staff returning to school after the winter holiday break. Priddy certified the K-12 testing program invoices without making any effort to verify their accuracy. Priddy falsely told the agents that he certified the invoices only after two individuals working with the K-12 testing program verified the invoices involved. Priddy admitted that he knew that statement was false.
“After completely failing to verify invoices seeking tens of millions of public dollars, Mr. Priddy significantly affected an important investigation into that spending with his false statement,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson.
Priddy is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the West Virginia Legislature’s Commission on Special Investigations.
"No matter your job or status in the community, it is a federal crime to lie to the FBI," said acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. "Priddy lied to the FBI during a critical moment in the investigation. This conviction should serve as a reminder that those who lie to federal agents will face serious criminal consequences for their actions."
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks, Holly Wilson and Kathleen Robeson and former Assistant United States Attorney Philip Wright prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-162.
###
Former MercyOne Nurse Sentenced for Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Douglas Kelley, 67, from Sioux City, Iowa, and former MercyOne nurse was sentenced on January 18, 2024, to over 10 years in prison for Possession of Child Pornography and Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances by Fraud.
Kenneth Hurd, 32, from Harrisburg, South Dakota, was sentenced on January 3, 2024, to two years’ probation for Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances by Fraud.
Brian Gene Raff, 44, from Orchard, Nebraska pled guilty in federal court on November 29, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Raff remains free on bond pending sentencing.
Evidence at Hurd’s and Kelley’s sentencing hearing’s established that Kelley knowingly conspired with co-defendants to obtain and acquire fentanyl by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge. The trio used Kelley’s position as a nurse at MercyOne Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, to obtain fentanyl and other controlled substances for personal use and to illegally distribute to others. Raff further admitted that he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute his minor child’s prescription ADHD medication, Vyvanse (amphetamine), a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Kelley’s cell phone and recovered six videos and 20 images of child pornography. These videos and images included material that depicted prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age. The materials also portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct, as well as toddlers and bestiality. Kelley had previously been convicted of offenses relating to the possession of child pornography in Buena Vista County, Iowa in 1993.
“By using his position as a nurse, Kelley violated the public’s trust while stealing controlled substances for himself and others. He also possessed child pornography, allowing for the heartbreaking victimization of children and their sexual exploitation. The sentencing of Kelley in this matter sends a strong and powerful message that those who violate the law will be held accountable,” said Curt L. Muller, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working with our State, Federal, and Tribal law enforcement partners as we investigate and seek justice against those who would victimize our programs and their beneficiaries.”
Kelley was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 126 months’ imprisonment. He must pay $1,200 in fines and assessments and serve a 5-year term of supervised release upon release from custody. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hurd was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to two years’ probation. He was also ordered to obtain mental health and substance abuse evaluations and comply with any recommended treatment.
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.”
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Inspections & Appeals, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Sioux City Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-4022.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Marianna Borough Tax Collector Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Marianna Borough, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation, including 90 days of home detention, on her conviction for mail fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Erica Pinkney, 39. A hearing to determine the amount of restitution owed by Pinkney will be held in April.
According to information presented to the court, Pinkney previously served as the Secretary and Tax Collector for Marianna Borough. While employed in those roles, Pinkney used the Borough’s credit cards to pay for personal purchases. Then, to pay toward the balance of those credit cards, Pinkney used money that had been collected from Borough residents as payment for their tax, water, and garbage bills.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that Pinkney had committed a serious offense that had eroded public trust in the Borough.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pinkney.
Former Marfa Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Sonya Conchita Murillo, 32, who was a substitute teacher for the Marfa Independent School District, pleaded guilty last week to one count of production of child pornography.
According to court documents, during an investigation involving Murillo’s former boyfriend, Patricio Javier Serrano, 36, for possessing child sexual abuse materials, videos also were found of Murillo sexually abusing a minor.
Murillo pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. A sentencing date has not been set. Murillo faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Murillo has been in federal custody since her arrest on June 7, 2023.
Serrano, who was charged in a separate indictment, was arrested on May 11, 2023, and has remained in federal custody since his arrest. Serrano, a former Marfa youth softball coach, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2023, to one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting and one count of possession of child pornography. He faces no less than five and up to 20 years in prison for the transportation charge, and up to 20 years in prison for the possession charge. Serrano’s sentencing date is set for February 27, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas; FBI Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales, El Paso Field Office; and HSI Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
The FBI, HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Marfa Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton are 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Former Chief Operating Officer of Illinois Hospital Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The former Chief Operating Officer of an Illinois hospital pleaded guilty today to a federal fraud charge for illegally pocketing more than $620,000 in hospital funds.
ROBERT SPADONI was an attorney who worked as a Vice President and COO of the hospital. Spadoni admitted in a plea agreement that from 2013 to 2021, he orchestrated a scheme in which he approved the hospital’s payment of invoices to a vendor company that purportedly provided administrative support and compliance services. In reality, the vendor company – Medical Education Solutions, Inc. – had been established by Spadoni for the purpose of executing the scheme. Spadoni opened a bank account for the company in a relative's name and steered the hospital’s payments into it. Spadoni concealed the fraud scheme by paying $1,500 a month in cash to another hospital employee to actually provide the administrative and compliance services.
As a result of the fraud scheme, Spadoni obtained approximately $622,500 in payments from the hospital, the plea agreement states. Spadoni admitted in the plea agreement that he used the money for his own benefit, including restaurant meals and hotel stays, as well as transferring $225,805 into his 401(k) account.
Spadoni, 59, of Darien, Ill., pleaded guilty to a mail fraud charge. The conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for April 30, 2024.
The guilty plea was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chester Choi.
Spadoni plea agreementFormer CEO of Whittier Health Clinic Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Running Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Medi-CalRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The former president and CEO of a Whittier medical clinic was sentenced today to 124 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent billings to a Medi-Cal health care program that provides family planning services to low-income Californians who lack health insurance.
Vincenzo Rubino, 59, of Valencia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also ordered him to pay $3,815,478 in restitution and entered a money judgment of $2,308,028.
Rubino pleaded guilty in August 2023 to nine counts of health care fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Rubino pleaded guilty mid-trial when the prosecution had nearly finished presenting its case to the jury.
Rubino founded, owned and operated Santa Maria’s Children and Family Center, a Whittier-based medical clinic based registered as a non-profit public benefit corporation and enrolled as a Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (Family PACT) provider run through Medi-Cal.
From November 2014 to August 2017, the center submitted fraudulent claims totaling nearly $5 million to the Family PACT program for family planning services that were never provided, often using the information of patients who were recruited at off-site locations with offers of free diabetes testing.
To submit many of these claims, Rubino used the names of two medical providers who were not employed at Santa Maria’s. The patients did not see these providers – a physician’s assistant and an elderly doctor who was himself a patient in a skilled nursing facility during much of the scheme.
The Medi-Cal program paid more than $2.3 million dollars on the fraudulent claims, as well as an additional approximately $1.5 million to a pharmacy and laboratory for claims stemming from referrals from Santa Maria based on the same services that were never delivered.
“This defendant took advantage of health-care services intended for people in need,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Instead of allowing that money to go where it was intended, Rubino stole millions of dollars through sham claims to Medi-Cal for family planning services that either were unnecessary or unprovided. Today’s sentence highlights my office’s resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
“Vulnerable families across California trusted Santa Maria’s Children and Family Center to receive high quality care for their health,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Yet, the defendant knowingly exploited patients and healthcare benefit programs for their personal gain. At the California Department of Justice, we remain committed to holding bad actors, like Vincenzo Rubino accountable for defrauding Californians and stealing from taxpayer-funded programs. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for their partnership in this investigation.”
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section and David H. Chao of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the asset forfeiture portion of this case.
Former Bryant High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Transportation of A Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced today that a former Bryant High School teacher has pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of unlawful sexual activity. Heather Hare, 33, of Conway, entered this guilty plea earlier today before United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
Judge Rudofsky will sentence Hare at a later date. Transportation of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity is punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, and not less than five years of supervised release.
The investigation into Hare revealed that Hare taught Family Consumer Science classes at Bryant High School and met the minor victim on his first day of his senior year. Hare began one-on-one counseling sessions with the minor victim, eventually giving him her personal phone number and primarily communicating with him through Instagram and Snapchat.
Hare later told the minor victim that she had a dream of them having sex and gave him her home address in Conway. The minor victim and Hare had sex approximately 20 to 30 times throughout the 2021-2022 school term, including multiple times at her Conway residence, in her vehicle, and in her classroom and parking lots at Bryant High School.
Between April 21 and April 24, 2022, Hare was the sponsor and chaperone for a field trip to Washington, D.C., as part of an extracurricular activity related to the Family Consumer Science courses Hare taught. During the field trip, which included four students, of which the minor victim was the only male student, Hare and the minor victim engaged in the unlawful sexual activity to which she pleaded guilty.
“This former teacher took advantage of her position of trust and the vulnerability of a minor, using her role to entice and lure this minor into engaging in unlawful sexual activity,” Ross said. “Our office will continue to seek significant penalties against any educational professional who sexually abuse their students.”
Hare was indicted on August 1, 2023, and charged with one count of interstate/foreign travel for prostitution/sexual activity by coercion and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In exchange for her guilty plea, the remaining charge was dismissed.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Bryant Police Department, and Saline County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@EDARNEWS
Five Marylanders Facing Federal Charges for a Fraud Scheme Involving the Theft of Checks from the MailRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging five Marylanders with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud and related charges in connection with a fraud scheme involving more than 600 stolen checks with a face value of over $5 million. The indictment was returned on December 7, 2023, and unsealed late on January 19, 2024. Charged in the indictment are:
Tianna Cosby, a/k/a “Mendoza,” age 23, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Marche Sisco, age 26, of Suitland, Maryland; Tommi Cosby, age 21, of District Heights, Maryland; Biniah Carter, age 24, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and
Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon, age 22, of Bowie, Maryland.Tianna Cosby and Biniah Carter were arrested on January 19, 2024, and are expected to have initial appearances today at 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., respectively, in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms. Law enforcement has not yet located Marche Sisco, Tommi Cosby, and Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Executive Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Krafels of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General – Mid Atlantic Field Office; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the 18-count indictment, Tianna Cosby and Sisco stole and caused the theft of personal and business checks belonging to victims that had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Specifically, the indictment alleges that Sisco used her position as a USPS mail handler assistant at the Washington Network Distribution Center (NDC) to steal checks from the NDC, then communicated regarding the sale and distribution of over 600 stolen checks with Cosby. These checks had a face value of more than $5 million. In addition to stealing checks from the NDC, the indictment alleges that the conspiracy also obtained checks by stealing them from USPS collection boxes.
Further, the indictment alleges that Tianna Cosby, Tommi Cosby, Carter, and Adeduwon recruited “account mules” – individuals whose bank accounts are used to deposit illegally acquired checks and proceeds of the scheme. The conspirators then collected and shared account mule information, which included banking and identity information. The defendants allegedly also used and transferred the means of identification of at least five identity theft victims. As detailed in the indictment, the conspirators altered the stolen checks to reflect payment to account mules, deposited the fraudulent checks into the bank accounts belonging to the account mules, then engaged in financial transactions, including ATM withdrawals and account transfers, to obtain the proceeds.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud and for each count of bank fraud; and a mandatory two years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for each count of aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Prince George’s Police Department Strategic Investigations Division - Financial Crimes Unit for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi, Raganath Manthripragada, and Elizabeth Wright, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Federal Jury Convicts Arcadia Man of Conspiracy to Commit Numerous Armed Robberies, Home Invasions, Shootings, While Dressed as Police OfficerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Darius Hudson (44, Arcadia) guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three separate Hobbs Act robberies, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Because of the specific robberies that they each participated in, the defendants also face mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment. Hudson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 27 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, between December 2020 and April 2021, a group of individuals conspired with each other to commit armed robberies throughout Pasco, Polk, Lee, and Hillsborough Counties, as well as Georgia and Arizona. While committing these offenses, the conspirators, including Hudson, impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks, often with law enforcement insignia, or vests with “Sheriff” affixed. They drove a black Dodge Durango equipped with lights, and often handcuffed their victims. During these robberies, victims and their family members were awoken in the middle of the night at home, beat, pistol whipped, threatened, and, on several occasions, shot.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Farmington Man Accused of Attempted CarjackingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned an indictment charging a Utah man for attempted carjacking of a vehicle in Salt Lake City.
According to court documents, Kay Elder, 36, of Farmington, Utah, allegedly approached a 57- year-old victim parked at Home Depot at 328 West 2100 South in Salt Lake City on January 3, 2024. Elder allegedly opened the driver’s door and began yelling at the victim to get out of the car and give him the keys. The victim exited the car and Elder attempted to strike and kick the victim but missed. Elder then grabbed the victim and threw him into a tree. The victim fell to the ground and remained there while Elder got into the victim’s car and attempted to drive away. However, the victim had the car key FOB, and the defendant couldn’t start the car. Witnesses observed the incident and called police. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and observed Elder running from the car into oncoming traffic. Officers attempted to stop Elder, but he continued to flee and ignored multiple commands to stop. Elder grabbed a metal sign from a nearby gas station and threw it at the pursuing officers. The officers then tased Elder and he was taken into custody.
Elder is charged with attempted carjacking. His initial court appearance on the indictment was Jan. 22, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Elizabeth City Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Trafficking Heroin and Fentanyl Causing an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Tyrese Stokley, a/k/a “Ty,” age 39 of Elizabeth City, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Elizabeth City area. The distribution of fentanyl resulted in an overdose death on February 29, 2020.
“Fentanyl overdoses are ravaging our communities and driving down American life expectancy. Drug dealers lacing fentanyl into their products should take note. The party is over, we are coming for you,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The defendant’s actions, which directly resulted in the tragic overdose death, show a blatant disregard for human life. Individuals should be on notice that we will stop at nothing to bring those responsible for perpetuating this overdose crisis to justice.”
On March 1, 2020, the Currituck Sheriff’s Office began investigating the fentanyl overdose death of a young woman. Ultimately, the investigation revealed that Stokley was responsible for sourcing the drugs that were distributed to the young woman which caused her death on February 29, 2020, from fentanyl toxicity.
According to court documents and information presented in court, The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Stokley. Stokely was responsible for distributing 59.99 grams of cocaine, .2 gram of fentanyl, and 45.3 grams of heroin.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, Kitty Hawk Police Department, Southern Shores Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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.
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 number 2:21-CR-00016-D.
###
Eleven Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging eleven individuals in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, meth and cocaine in southern Illinois and across the country.
The indictment charges: Rogelio Martinez-Becerra, also known as “Rodrigo” or “Chaparro” (Shorty), 35, of St. Louis; Jose Manuel Garcia-Ramirez, also known as “Panzon” (Potbellied), 34, of Bakersfield, California; Ricardo Lopez, also known as “Ricardito”, 35, of St. Louis; Gustavo Torres-Yerena, also known as “Ojos verdes” (Green eyes), 60, of San Bernadino, California; Oscar Daniel Barajas-Lopez, also known as “Danny”, 21, of O’Fallon, Missouri; Jaime Barajas, 40, of O’Fallon, Missouri; Dary Axel Amaya-Gomez, also known as “Colombiano”, 31, of Bridgeton, Missouri; Deangelo Barnes, also known as “Lentes” (Glasses), 37, of Florissant, Missouri; David Howard, also known as “Siete” (Seven), 52, of Florissant, Missouri; Carolina Lopez-Hinojosa, also known as “La Morena”, 39, of Granite City, Illinois; and Monica Chavez, 26, of O’Fallon, Missouri.
“Law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to dismember organized crime rings responsible for distributing drugs and wreaking havoc in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, the drug conspiracy involved an organized effort to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of methamphetamine from at least August 2022 to December 2023 in Madison and St. Clair counties.
Martinez-Becerra, Barajas-Lopez and Chavez are also accused of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Madison County in April 2023.
“Let me be clear: when it comes to protecting our communities against poly-drug trafficking organizations, there are no boundaries, no safe havens and no stones left unturned when you supply deadly drugs,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing and relentlessly pursue those responsible who distribute the powerfully addictive combination of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. With this action, we intend to serve warning to other drug dealers to stay out of our communities or be prosecuted for their actions.”
The indictment also charged Martinez-Becerra, Garcia-Ramirez, Barajas-Lopez, Amaya-Gomez, Barnes and Lopez-Hinojosa with international money laundering conspiracy for allegedly transferring funds from Illinois to Mexico to promote the drug trafficking enterprise.
“Money laundering fuels drug trafficking as it enables criminals to manipulate our financial systems and hide the immense amount of harm their activities cause,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office.
In addition, Martinez-Becerra is facing three counts of international money laundering for allegedly wiring more than $7,000 from Collinsville, Illinois, to various locations in Mexico from May through July 2023. Hinojosa is also accused of conducting international money laundering by sending more than $2,000 from Collinsville, Illinois, to Sinaloa, Mexico, in July 2023.
Nine of the eleven indicted defendants have been arrested and are scheduled to stand trial at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Agents with DEA and IRS Criminal Investigation contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Quinley is prosecuting the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces 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.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on January 16, 2024, to 100 years in federal prison for Producing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Michael Woods, 51, sexually abused two children in his care, allowed other adult men to sexually abuse the children, produced recordings of the abuse and other sexual images of the children, and distributed the images he produced to others. Woods was convicted after a jury trial in September 2023.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
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 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. / For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Collinsville Man Convicted by Jury for Sexually Abusing Incapable VictimRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted Cody Paul Miller, 46, of Collinsville and a member of the Cherokee Nation, Friday for Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country.
“Cody Miller rationalized his actions knowing the victim was intoxicated. This is unacceptable and criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office and our law enforcement partners will bring to account those who commit acts of sexual violence.”
According to court documents, the 18-year-old victim was staying the night at Miller’s house with two of her friends, whom were both under 18 years of age. The victim brought alcohol to Miller’s home and began consuming it with Miller. Miller told the police that the victim was intoxicated, but he engaged in several sexual acts with her, none of which the victim remembered. Later, the victim woke up to Miller sexually assaulting her. She repeatedly asked the defendant to stop, and he did not. After leaving Miller’s home, the victim went to a friend’s home where she disclosed what Miller did. After receiving encouragement from her friend, the victim contacted police.
When the defendant was questioned by police, he told officers that the victim “got drunk really fast that night” and even “fell off the bed” because she was so drunk. Miller told law enforcement that the intimacy was mutual and that he stopped when the victim asked him to stop.
Miller will remain in custody until he is sentenced at a later date. He faces up to life imprisonment. The FBI and Collinsville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Matthew P. Cyran prosecuted the case.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Clinton man was sentenced on Thursday, January 11, 2024, to 210 months in federal prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
According to public court documents presented at the time of the plea hearing, Andrew Robert William Comstock, 36, was identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a member of a Kik chat group that was actively sharing child sexual abuse material. In November 2022, FBI agents interviewed Comstock, who admitted to receiving and viewing child sexual abuse material on Kik. Multiple items were seized from Comstock’s person and residence. Pursuant to a search warrant, a tablet was located at Comstock’s residence that contained numerous images of child sexual abuse material and multiple Kik messages regarding the trading of child sexual abuse material to other users.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Comstock is required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Comstock was also ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI.
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 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Charleston Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Weapon ViolationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Dontrell Lamar Watson, 34, of Charleston, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 5, 2022, officers with the Charleston Police Department stopped Watson for a traffic violation. Watson was the driver and only occupant. During the encounter, officers smelled marijuana and told Watson they were going to search his vehicle. Watson then claimed there was a gun in the trunk. During the search, officers located a fully loaded 9mm pistol with a 15-round magazine under the driver seat where Watson was located. After his arrest, Watson convinced a family member to attempt to accept responsibility for the firearm. However, investigators quickly realized that individual was not being truthful. Watson has multiple felony convictions on his record prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. This was his third conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Watson to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
###
California Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses for Forcing Victim to Engage in Commercial Sex Across the CountryRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Southern District of Mississippi convicted Michael Deon Fulcher, 54, with sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. The co-defendant, Jonzie Hamilton, 35, previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
“The defendant preyed upon this vulnerable victim and used sexual violence and threats of physical harm to coerce her into commercial sex for his own financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank this victim for bravely facing her trafficker. The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”
“This way this victim was trafficked across multiple states and then into Mississippi is an example of how human trafficking affects our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute human traffickers, like the defendant, as part of our efforts to bring an end to this horrible crime.”
“The FBI takes allegations of sex trafficking very seriously and we are determined to rigorously investigate human trafficking actors,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Jackson Field Office.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Fulcher used sexual assault, threats of violence, isolation, control, psychological manipulation and emotional abuse to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex between April and June 2020. Fulcher lured the physically injured victim into his car in Las Vegas by making false promises to help her, but then brought her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her.
Shortly afterwards, Fulcher brought the victim to California, where he acted in concert with Hamilton to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex acts over the course of several weeks. Fulcher required the victim to follow his strict rules, threatened the victim with physical harm, confiscated her money and Social Security debit card and even had an unlicensed dentist pull out her teeth. Fulcher also sent the victim and Hamilton across the country for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex, stopping in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and eventually Mississippi where the victim ran away.
While the victim was on the road, Fulcher required the victim to send him all of her earnings and continued his coercive scheme by threatening the victim with physical harm, controlling her access to her phone, isolating her from anyone she knew and refusing to allow her to receive much-needed medical treatment.
A sentencing hearing for Fulcher is scheduled for April 30. Fulcher faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and mandatory restitution for the sex trafficking charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Hamilton’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31.
The FBI Gulfport Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kate Alexander and Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
California Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses for Forcing Victim to Engage in Commercial Sex Across the CountryRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Southern District of Mississippi convicted Michael Deon Fulcher, 54, with sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. The co-defendant, Jonzie Hamilton, 35, previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
“The defendant preyed upon this vulnerable victim and used sexual violence and threats of physical harm to coerce her into commercial sex for his own financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank this victim for bravely facing her trafficker. The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”
“This way this victim was trafficked across multiple states and then into Mississippi is an example of how human trafficking affects our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute human traffickers, like the defendant, as part of our efforts to bring an end to this horrible crime.”
“The FBI takes allegations of sex trafficking very seriously and we are determined to rigorously investigate human trafficking actors,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Jackson Field Office.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Fulcher used sexual assault, threats of violence, isolation, control, psychological manipulation and emotional abuse to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex between April and June 2020. Fulcher lured the physically injured victim into his car in Las Vegas by making false promises to help her, but then brought her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her.
Shortly afterwards, Fulcher brought the victim to California, where he acted in concert with Hamilton to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex acts over the course of several weeks. Fulcher required the victim to follow his strict rules, threatened the victim with physical harm, confiscated her money and Social Security debit card and even had an unlicensed dentist pull out her teeth. Fulcher also sent the victim and Hamilton across the country for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex, stopping in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and eventually Mississippi where the victim ran away.
While the victim was on the road, Fulcher required the victim to send him all of her earnings and continued his coercive scheme by threatening the victim with physical harm, controlling her access to her phone, isolating her from anyone she knew and refusing to allow her to receive much-needed medical treatment.
A sentencing hearing for Fulcher is scheduled for April 30. Fulcher faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and mandatory restitution for the sex trafficking charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Hamilton’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31.
The FBI Gulfport Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kate Alexander and Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Bronx Attorney Charged with Large-Scale Immigration Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging Bronx-based immigration attorney KOFI AMANKWAA and his son, KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., with carrying out a large-scale immigration fraud scheme. The defendants will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kofi Amankwaa, an immigration attorney, and his son, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., sought to make a mockery of the U.S. immigration system by conspiring to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud. Amankwaa and his son allegedly exploited the Violence Against Women Act — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — for their own financial gain by falsely claiming that their clients were victims of domestic abuse. Thanks to the dedicated actions of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office, the defendants must now answer for these crimes.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said: “Kofi Amankwaa is charged with deceitful practices whereby he allegedly victimized clients who relied on his legal assistance with their immigration process. HSI is committed to protecting the applicants, petitioners, and requestors of U.S. citizenship who, unfortunately, are often at risk of falling for scams or fraud. HSI is thankful for the collaboration in this investigation with other Department of Homeland Security components, as well as other federal agencies, who continue to help us combat document and benefit fraud.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]
From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., met with clients and directed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children. AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer.
The defendants used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request advance parole travel documents for their clients — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the United States to travel abroad temporarily and return. The defendants then directed their clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the United States. Last, the defendants used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for their clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
The defendants carried out this illegal scheme knowing that their clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without ever asking whether any such abuse occurred. Moreover, the defendants were often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for their clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons. The defendants typically charged their clients $6,000 for their services, plus administrative fees.
In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended.
* * *
KOFI AMANKWAA, 69, and KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., 37, both of South River, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the HSI. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation. He also noted that the New York State Attorney General’s Office separately initiated a parallel civil proceeding against AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., today.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Alien Smuggling Coordinator Who Recruited on Snapchat Sentenced to 71 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Nathanael Alley Rivera, 23, of Eloy, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 71 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Rivera pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit for his supervisory role in a criminal conspiracy to transport hundreds of undocumented noncitizens for financial gain.
From May 2021 through November 2022, Rivera recruited drivers and mid-level coordinators for alien smuggling transportation by posting solicitations on Snapchat. The Snapchat posts often included photos of large sums of money, firearms, and requests for drivers to move undocumented noncitizens from locations near the United States/Mexico border further into the United States. While committing these crimes, Rivera used Snapchat to communicate directly with his mid-level coordinators who would then communicate with the transport drivers. The conspiracy involved the transportation of hundreds of undocumented noncitizens, and Rivera bragged to other co-conspirators about transporting people in overcrowded vehicles and in generally unsafe conditions. He also used minors to facilitate certain smuggling events.
During the first months of the conspiracy, Rivera was on probation for a previous alien smuggling conviction.
Homeland Security Investigations - Douglas office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-02699-TUC-JGZ-JR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-005_Rivera
# # #
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.
20 January 2024
Jury Convicts Dulce Man of Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Albuquerque Office, announced today that on Jan. 19, 2024, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Joel Ruiz, 65, of Dulce, after a day and a half of deliberation. The jury convicted Ruiz of aggravated sexual abuse. Judge David H. Urias presided.
A federal grand jury issued an indictment against Ruiz on March 8, 2022. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, between January 2016 and January 2020, Ruiz used candy to lure a child under the age of 12 into his trailer where he sexually assaulted her. The incident occurred on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, but neither Ruiz, nor the victim, are registered members of the tribe.
During her testimony, Jane Doe 1 testified that Ruiz abused her when she was six or seven years old. The jury also heard from Jane Doe 2, who testified that Ruiz abused her once when she was three or four years old. Jane Does 1 and 2 both stated that Ruiz lured them into his trailer by offering them candy and described the same form of abuse.
Ruiz will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Ruiz faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Matthew J. McGinley are prosecuting the case.
# # #
24-24
Canadian Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jonathan Woodworth, age 45, of Riverside-Albert, New Brunswick, Canada, was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for attempting to entice and coerce a 10-year-old child into sexual activity.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Woodworth admitted that between June 23 and September 28, 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages with someone he believed was the mother of a 10-year-old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. On September 28, 2022, Woodworth traveled by plane and train from New Brunswick to Rensselaer County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor. Woodworth was arrested after exiting the Rensselaer train station.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 15-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release. Woodworth will be required to register as a sex offender, and faces deportation/removal from the United States, upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
19 January 2024
Weslaco resident pleads guilty to attempting to transport weapons and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 36-year-old Weslaco man has pleaded guilty to straw purchasing and possessing child pornography on his cellphone, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
From June 5, 2016, through May 9, 2022, Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr. engaged in firearms dealing by straw purchasing firearms from an online gun broker. He then arranged for the weapons to be exported into Mexico. Law enforcement was able to locate several weapons tied to Hinojosa.
As part of his plea, he admitted to attempting to smuggle more than 40 firearms.
During the firearms investigation, authorities also learned of possible crimes involving child pornography. They executed search warrants and found several videos on his phone showing minors engaging in sexual conduct. Hinojosa admitted to receiving child pornography on his cellphone from various third parties.
“Hinojosa not only illegally possessed dozens of firearms, with plans to send them to Mexico, he also possessed videos of children engaged in sexual conduct,” said Hamdani. “This case is an example of the multitude of crimes the Southern District’s prosecutors fight on a daily basis, and whether its transporting firearms or possessing child pornography, this office will seek to hold those like Hinojosa accountable.”
U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 24. At that time, Hinojosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Hinojosa was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations - Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores is prosecuting the case.
Violent Muncie Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Counterfeit Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- William Henry Cook, 27, of Muncie, Indiana, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in February of 2023, law enforcement officials became aware of William Henry Cook selling fentanyl out of his residence in Muncie, Indiana.
On March 2, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Cook’s residence. Cook was present at the time the search warrant was executed. The search resulted in the discovery of 2,999 counterfeit pills, later analyzed and found to contain a total of 341.01 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the fentanyl, officers also found approximately $13,614 in U.S. currency and five firearms, including a loaded Sig Sauer 9 mm semiautomatic handgun that was previously stolen from an Indiana State Police trooper.
In an interview with law enforcement, Cook admitted that he sold counterfeit M-30 fentanyl pills to as many as ten people per day.
At the time of the search, Cook was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his 2018 felony conviction of Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury in Delaware County.
“Fentanyl dealers value their profits far more than the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must fight to save lives by investigating and prosecuting the armed drug traffickers who exploit the epidemic of substance use disorder. Our office, the DEA, and Indiana State Police are committed to holding fentanyl traffickers accountable for pushing deadly poison on our streets.”
“The DEA would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their diligent work in prosecuting this important case. DEA will continue to partner with local, state, and federal agencies to hold accountable drug dealers who recklessly distribute deadly poisons, like fentanyl,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Gannon.
“The Indiana State Police will continue to engage with, and provide the necessary resources to its federal, county, and local law enforcement partners in an effort to not only keep these dangerous and potentially deadly drugs out of our communities, but to also hold those responsible for transporting and trafficking them into those communities,” said Indiana State Police Captain Ron Galaviz.
The DEA and Indiana State Police investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Cook be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
###
Utah Nurse Accused of Distributing Morphine that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today, a United States Magistrate Judge ordered a Utah nurse remain in custody after she was arrested last week and indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly illegally distributing and dispensing morphine that resulted in the death of another person.
According to court documents, Catherine Worman, 33, of Sandy, allegedly distributed and dispensed morphine on June 5, 2023, resulting in the death of one person. Worman was employed as a nurse at a local hospital at the time of the offense. Court documents allege Worman also distributed and dispensed morphine to at least one other person. During the investigation into the death of victim one, Draper Police officers learned from another victim that Worman intravenously administered morphine to him without a prescription. According to the victim, he became extremely ill because of the morphine administered by Worman and feared for his life. Additional information extracted from Worman’s cell phone reveals she was unlawfully obtaining Adderall prescribed for others and trading it. Worman was also illegally obtaining prescription medications from another healthcare worker with whom she was romantically involved. At the time of her arrest, Worman was employed in healthcare and the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested she remain detained pending trial.
Worman is charged with distribution of morphine resulting in death. Her initial court appearance on the indictment was Jan. 19, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Draper Police Department.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Settles Suit Against Lead Generator for Assisting and Facilitating Illegal RobocallsRead the Press Release
Response Tree LLC and its president and managing member Derek Thomas Doherty have agreed to a court order resolving allegations that they violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) by assisting and facilitating illegal telemarketing campaigns by operating as an unlawful lead generator and consent farm. Lead generators collect, aggregate and sell consumer information — or “leads” — for profit. Consent farms sell those leads coupled with consumers’ purported consent to receive certain types of telephone calls.
The stipulated order, which was entered today by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, prohibits Response Tree and Doherty from violating the TSR and from collecting or selling covered information — including consumers’ names, addresses, contact information, gender and age — in connection with lead generation. The order also imposes a $7 million civil penalty judgment, which is suspended based on the defendants’ inability to pay.
According to the complaint filed on Jan. 2, Response Tree and Doherty obtained consumer information and purported consent to receive certain telephone calls, including telephone calls that deliver a prerecorded message (otherwise known as robocalls) and calls made to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. The defendants allegedly did so by operating over 50 websites that deceptively induced consumers to disclose personal information by, for example, purporting to provide mortgage refinancing services. According to the complaint, the defendants then sold the consumer data to sellers of goods and services who then inundated American consumers with illegal robocalls based on the consumers’ invalid consent. Those robocalls delivered prerecorded marketing messages, and many of them were delivered to numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry.
“Today’s order is a victory in the Justice Department's efforts to protect American consumers from illegal robocalls and to stop others, including those who operate unlawful consent farms, from enabling those calls,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the Telemarketing Sales Rule.”
“Response Tree fueled millions of illegal telemarketing calls by tricking consumers into turning over their personal information and selling that information to telemarketers,” said Director Samuel Levine of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to target every corner of the illegal telemarketing ecosystem to protect consumers and hold wrongdoers accountable.”
The case was handled by attorneys in the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, including Trial Attorney Rowan Reid and Assistant Director Rachael Doud, in conjunction with staff in the FTC’s Division of Marketing Practices.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the FTC, visit www.FTC.gov.
United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes Vanessa R. Waldref as a 2024 YWCA Woman of AchievementRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – YWCA Spokane announced that eight outstanding local women will be honored in the community throughout February and March, leading up to YWCA Spokane’s 42nd Annual Women of Achievement Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, held Friday, March 15th at the Spokane Convention Center from 11:00AM-1:00PM, where they will be officially recognized. U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref is being awarded for her work in Government and Public Service.
To be awarded a YWCA Women of Achievement Award, a woman must embody YWCA Spokane’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The selected honorees give generously of themselves to make Spokane a better place for all to live.
The winners of the 2024 Women of Achievement Awards are:
- Melody Chang Heaton – Arts and Culture Award
- Colene Rubertt – Business and Industry Award
- Kristine Hoover – Carl Maxey Racial and Social Justice Award
- Samantha Clark – Community Enhancement Award
- Stephaine Courtney – Education Award
- Vanessa Waldref – Government and Public Service Award
- Denise Smart – Science, Technology and Environment Award
- Sindhu Surapaneni – Young Woman of Achievement Award
In announcing the 2024 awards, YWCA Spokane highlighted that U.S. Attorney Waldref
“exemplifies the call to protect, improve, and maintain the public’s well-being, health, and safety through her service to our community. As the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington, Vanessa works tirelessly to protect the district from pressing issues of violent crime, child exploitation, fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental degradation. She has dedicated the majority of her legal career to public service, working as an attorney for the Department of Justice in various roles. She is a public servant, a leader, and a trailblazer.”
For 42 years, YWCA Spokane has celebrated successful women in the community for their achievements, along with their commitment to giving back to the Spokane community. Established with the goal of increasing community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women leaders in Spokane, YWCA Spokane has honored over 260 women in the region.
Additional information regarding the 2024 Women of Achievement and the event honoring these incredible women can be found here: https://ywcaspokane.org/2024-woa-honorees/
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont Collects $3,106,754.45 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest announced today that the District of Vermont collected $3,106,754.45 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $2,072,930.23 was collected in criminal actions and $1,033,824.22 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $76,859,362.34 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount $22,239.05 was collected in criminal actions and $76,837,123.29 was collected in civil actions.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s federal prosecutors and Civil Division attorneys work tirelessly to protect our citizens, to recover financial losses sustained as a result of criminal conduct, and to safeguard taxpayer resources,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest. “These efforts enabled this office to achieve justice for victims and recoup a significant amount of taxpayer dollars in Fiscal Year 2023.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $529,959.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins “SOAP up” in Hattiesburg to Raise Awareness for Human Trafficking PreventionRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and his staff continue to bring awareness to the fight against human trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff, Human Trafficking Coordinator for the office, will participate in “SOAP Up Hattiesburg: Outreach Event to End Human Trafficking” on Saturday, January 20. The event will be hosted by members of the Coalition Against Trafficking student group and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training (CHRT). The program will offer participants training on the signs of human trafficking and the opportunity to assist with a community impact project. Additional information about this event and The Soap Project can be found here: https://www.usm.edu/news/2024/release/soap-up-hattiesburg.php.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee’s announcement on Human Trafficking Prevention Month: https://youtu.be/fhk2DetoaGE?si=Qckg5CxYy_wBkFLy
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly Seven Million Dollars in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that the District of Rhode Island collected $6,952,328.06 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $3,275,794.48 was collected in criminal actions and $3,676,533.58 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $652,429. in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $2,429,19 was collected in criminal actions and $$650,000 was collected in civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Rhode Island, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,572,686 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
###
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $30.7 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 19, 2023
SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California collected $30,730,539.87 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $27,973,011.98 came from criminal actions and $2,757,527.89 from civil actions.
Additionally, the Southern District of California worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect $845,298.42 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“We pursue every possible means to compensate victims for loss and trauma suffered as a result of criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Over the past year we joined forces with investigators and victim rights advocates to maximize restitution and return assets as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
For example, in United States v. Glenn Arcaro, 21CR2542-TWR, the government recovered and subsequently sold bitcoin controlled by the defendant, resulting in $17,647,813 in restitution paid directly to the victims of his criminal activity. The U.S. Attorneys’ Office also secured an additional $1,003,900.17 in forfeited funds for victims. Please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/victims-bitconnect-scheme-receive-more-17-million-compensate-losses.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $9,072,677 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping 13-Year-Old Girl at GunpointRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Texas man pleaded guilty today to kidnapping a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint last year in San Antonio, admitting that he drove her to California, threatened her with a firearm, and sexually assaulted her multiple times before his arrest in Long Beach.
Steven Robert Sablan, 62, of Cleburne, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. Sablan has been in federal custody since July 2023.
According to his plea agreement, on July 6, 2023, in San Antonio, Sablan abducted the victim, held her, and transported her in his gray Nissan Sentra to Long Beach, California. The victim told Sablan she was 13 years old. During this ordeal, Sablan used a firearm to threaten and control the victim.
Sablan confined the victim until she was rescued on July 9, 2023, in Long Beach after a Good Samaritan called 911 after seeing her holding a “Help Me” sign in the window of Sablan’s car.
Sablan admitted in his plea agreement that during the Texas-to-California journey, he sexually assaulted the victim. At the time of the crime, Sablan had no legal custody or familial relationship to the victim.
United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha scheduled an October 25 sentencing hearing, at which time Sablan will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The FBI and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter. The Cleburne (Texas) Police Department provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
St. Louis County Man Who Admitted Elder Fraud Admits Disability FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis County, Missouri man who last year admitted financially exploiting two elderly women admitted on Thursday that he was committing disability fraud while doing so.
Gino Rives, 36, of Edmundson, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to five counts of theft of government funds. He admitted fraudulently applying for payments from the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income Program in 2010. He claimed to have a mental health disorder and pretended to be incapable of answering basic questions during an interview with a SSA representative on May 14, 2010, and during a psychological evaluation with a SSA psychologist on August 30, 2010. He falsely claimed to have difficulty concentrating, following instructions, completing tasks and with his memory. He claimed he had never been employed, could not drive, was unable to handle his financial affairs and had no assets.
Rives admitted concealing his employment in the construction and tree trimming industries, his participation in competitive mixed martial arts, his ownership of houses and vehicles, and his receipt of more than $721,692 since 2021. Rives fraudulently received more than $91,000 via his disability fraud.
In October, Rives pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and one count of fraudulently effecting transactions and admitted exploiting two elderly women for years. He obtained four vehicles and checks totaling at least $500,000 from one woman and moved the other woman out of her home and began renting it to his mother.
Rives is scheduled to be sentenced on the disability fraud case on April 17 and the elder fraud case on March 14.
The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about disability fraud is asked to contact the SSA Office of Inspector General fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov/report. Concerns about suspected abuse or neglect of the elderly or disabled should be directed to Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-0210 or online at health.mo.gov/safety/abuse/.
South Georgian Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. –A Coffee County, Georgia, resident with a violent criminal past was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing a firearm during a car chase that ended in a police department parking lot.
Bryan Everal Pittman, 33, of Fargo, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Jan. 18, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 3, 2023. Pittman is not eligible for parole.
“Convicted felons with violent criminal histories caught illegally possessing a firearm will face federal consequences for breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify cases involving repeat and violent offenders to help hold them accountable for their crimes and get them off the streets.”
“Pittman, with a lengthy criminal history, once again terrorized innocent victims during his most recent crime. It is past time that he be sent to federal prison with a lengthy sentence for his actions,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “The FBI and our state and local partners will continue to remove repeat violent offenders from our streets to keep our communities safe.”
According to court documents and other evidence, Hahira Police Department police officers observed a white van and another car quickly enter the police department’s parking lot on May 26, 2022. Officers approached the white van; there were several people inside the van. One of the occupants told officers that the other vehicle was chasing them and “driving crazy” including going through stop signs; the individual also stated that someone inside the vehicle pointed a gun at them, and they drove to the police department for help. A woman in the van told officers that Pittman—who was in the other vehicle—had threatened her with a gun, and she was trying to get away from him.
Pittman and two other people were in the second vehicle that entered the police department parking lot. An officer asked them if anyone had a gun. Pittman, who was seated in the back, said he did not. The officer noticed a bulge in the shape of a small handgun in the pocket of the back of the driver’s seat, along with a methamphetamine pipe. Pittman and the other two occupants got out of the car, and officers found a .380 semi-automatic pistol with a chambered round of ammunition and five rounds in the magazine. Another round was located on the floorboard next to the rear driver’s side door. The firearm belonged to Pittman. Pittman has a lengthy violent criminal history, including past state convictions for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, battery and simple assault. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Hahira Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch prosecuted the case for the Government.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 240 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Quintin Ferguson, 34 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to arson, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Ferguson was sentenced to 240 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in January of 2021, Ferguson intentionally set fire to an apartment unit in Granger, Indiana. The fire spread from that unit to the rest of the building, affecting over a dozen apartments. Due to the rescue efforts of citizens and police and fire personnel, apartment residents escaped uninjured. Ferguson was not only captured on video starting the fire, but the coordinates from the GPS monitor he was wearing at the time placed him at the scene of the fire.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire and Explosives with assistance from the Mishawaka Fire Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Jerome W. McKeever.
Silvis, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Distribution, Sale, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Silvis, Illinois, man, Aaron Ruthey, 43, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, to an aggregate 210 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography, sale of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Ruthey was further ordered to pay restitution totaling $67,500.00 to nine victims.
At the sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence establishing that Ruthey was engaged in the advertisement of and ultimate sale of an online collection of child pornography. Ruthey has remained in federal custody since his arrest on August 17, 2022.
Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that Ruthey not only sold child pornography but was an active participant in the child pornography market and capitalized on harm to the victims. Judge Darrow explained that Ruthey’s actions, including adding commentary to two of the images, increased the marketability and the demand for the content. Within the content Ruthey sold were videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
Ruthey pleaded guilty in June 2023 to all charges. The statutory penalties for the distribution of child pornography are five to twenty years of imprisonment; for the sale of child pornography, five to twenty years of imprisonment; and for possession of child pornography, up to twenty years of imprisonment. The penalties on each count include supervised release terms ranging from five years to life.
“This sentencing demonstrates the importance of collaboration between our state and federal partners in ensuring justice for and the safety of children in our community,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew.
“The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to investigating and arresting individuals who sexually exploit children and transmit child sexual abuse material,” said Stephen S. Webster, Resident Agent in Charge, Springfield Resident Office, United States Secret Service. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to investigate and prosecute crimes against minors. These predators cause significant and long-lasting damage, and we are dedicated to holding them accountable.”
“When law enforcement agencies work together, bringing multiple resources to the table, it is a force multiplier. Combatting crimes against children often takes this kind of collaboration,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “FBI Springfield values the relationships we have with our law enforcement partners, because those relationships result in safer communities.”
Saucier Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Saucier, Mississippi man was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Damion Xavier Giglio, 39, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2023, Giglio was encountered by Marine Resource Officers on a piece of property located in Saucier, Harrison County, MS. During the contact, Mr. Giglio was arrested for trespassing, not wearing hunter’s orange, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Giglio was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 21, 2023. He pled guilty on October 17, 2023, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
Sarasota Methamphetamine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alfred Clayton Rosier, Jr. (29, Sarasota) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rosier faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on September 22, 2022, a deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office retrieved a package from a FedEx facility after the deputy’s canine partner had alerted on the package for the presence of narcotics. After the deputy had procured and executed a search warrant on the package, law enforcement discovered approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine. The package was addressed to a residence in Sarasota.
Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with officers from the Sarasota Police Department and deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a controlled delivery of a portion of the methamphetamine to the residence. Rosier was found outside of the residence with a large box as law enforcement was executing a search warrant. When Rosier observed law enforcement approaching, he threw the box inside of a parked white van and jumped inside of a car parked next to the van. Upon a search of the van and the box that Rosier had thrown inside, agents discovered approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and 647 grams of methamphetamine. They also recovered a small backpack that contained a loaded pistol and documents addressed to Rosier.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. 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.
San Carlos Resident Charged with Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – David Scott Cacchione was arrested and has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with an investment fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley.
According to the complaint, Cacchione, 59, of San Carlos, worked with another person to solicit investors in what they called an “Accounts Receivable Factoring Program.” The complaint alleges Cacchione and an unnamed co-conspirator told victims that investment funds would be used to purchase investment grade accounts receivable, and that investors would be repaid once the receivables were paid. According to the complaint, investors were promised as much as 2 percent per month in interest on the investment and were told that Cacchione himself was a large investor in the program.
The complaint alleges these representations were false and the investment funds were not used to purchase accounts receivables. From at least November 2021 through September 2022, at least four victims were cheated out of a total of about $1.1 million, according to the allegations. The complaint also states that, instead of investing the money as promised, Cacchione and his co-conspirator spent the money on personal and living expenses. The criminal complaint charges Cacchione with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
Cacchione was arrested on January 16, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in San Francisco on January 17, 2024. Cacchione remains in custody pending further proceedings in the case. Cacchione’s next scheduled appearance is at 9:30 a.m. on January 19, 2024, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Lisa J. Cisneros.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate, for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Aarian Beiti. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by CI and the FBI.
complaint_filed-signed-copycacchione.pdfRichmond Heights Hotel Manager Stole $150,000, Indictment AllegesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A manager of a Richmond Heights, Missouri hotel has been indicted and accused of using her position to steal more than $150,000 from her employer.
Angelique Patterson, 39, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday with five counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Patterson defrauded a Richmond Heights, Missouri hotel where she was employed as assistant general manager.
From March through at least October of 2023, Patterson manipulated the hotel’s reservation system and altered the records of customers who had paid using cash or credit cards, the indictment says. Patterson changed those reservations to falsely show that the customers had used the hotel’s loyalty rewards system “points” to pay for their stay. Patterson then added her own credit or debit card information into the system and had the customers’ payments “refunded” to her.
Patterson fraudulently refunded to herself a total of about $ 153,518 during the course of her scheme, the indictment says. On Oct. 4, 2023, although not on duty, Patterson tried to use the hotel's desk computer and a coworker's credentials to fraudulently refund herself an additional $61,998, the indictment says.
Each wire fraud charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
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 FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cort VanOstran is prosecuting the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Arrested for Possessing Loaded Firearm with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haverhill man was arrested yesterday for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Rashad Diggs, a/k/a “Summers,” 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, Diggs was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024.
According to the indictment, in December 2022 in Revere, Diggs possessed a semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number loaded with over 40 rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction, Diggs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pottsville Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Hacking into the Snapchat Accounts of Dozens of Female Victims and Selling Their Private PhotographsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brandon B. Boyer, age 34, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 18, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 18 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release, for the computer hacking offense of obtaining information from protected computers.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, for a two-year period from approximately February 2020 to February 2022, Boyer unlawfully accessed the computers of dozens of adult female victims in order to search for and obtain nude photographs that he could then sell. Boyer accessed victims’ Snapchat accounts at the behest of “clients” who paid him to break into the accounts and obtain the images. Boyer admitted that he accomplished this, in part, through use of an app that allowed him to send text messages to victims posing as a Snapchat representative. Through a technique known as “phishing,” Boyer then coaxed the victims into changing their passwords and sending him the verification codes that were generated. This allowed him to then access the otherwise private sections of the accounts. Boyer acknowledged earning between $50,000 and $60,000 from this activity. Some of Boyer’s “clients” utilized the photographs that they obtained via Boyer to cyberstalk and to attempt to extort victims into providing additional photographs.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
# # #
Pembroke Pines man sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and carjackingRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 10, a Pembroke Pines man was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2023 to two counts of armed bank robbery, one count of carjacking, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On March 29, 2023, Edmanuel Victoria, 29, of Pembroke Pines, walked into a bank in Broward County and presented a note to one of the bank tellers that read: “Give money gun,” while he lifted his shirt to show he was carrying a black pistol in his waistband. The bank teller gave Victoria about $2,650 in cash. Victoria took the money and fled.
On June 5, 2023, Victoria stole—at gunpoint—a black Nissan Altima from a man who was sitting in the driver’s seat while the car was parked. Then, on June 7, 2023, Victoria attempted a second bank robbery, when he stole—again, at gunpoint—a currency bag from an employee of an armored truck company that was about to begin a cash pickup from a bank in Broward County. Victoria drove the stolen Nissan Altima away from the bank. Soon after, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and FBI agents located and arrested Victoria.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Chief of Police Kipp Shimeno of the Pembroke Pines Police Department announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith.
FBI Miami’s Violent Crimes and Fugitive Task Force and the Pembroke Pines Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado handled asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60125.
###
Owner of Kansas Business Charged in Employment Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
A Missouri man made his initial appearance yesterday on an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, in December 2023 charging him with willfully failing to pay over employment taxes owed to the IRS.
According to the indictment, from 2017 to 2018, Ephantus Mwangi, of Loch Lloyd, owned and operated True Payments Solutions Inc. (TPS), a corporation based in Kansas. Mwangi allegedly withheld federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes from the wages of TPS employees for six quarters in 2017 and 2018, but did not pay those withholdings to the IRS, as required by law. In total, Mwangi allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $337,350.
If convicted, Mwangi faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the six employment tax counts. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Overland Park man sentenced for tax evasionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced one year and one day in prison for lying on federal income tax returns.
According to court documents, Christopher S. Savell, 42, of Overland Park pleaded guilty to three counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return.
In his 2016 tax returns, Savell reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to have paid $458,711 in mortgage interest knowing he had actually paid $4,363 in mortgage interest. That same year he also reported to have paid $10,987 in real estate taxes when the actual amount was $5,663.
During 2017 tax returns, Savell declared $486,725 in mortgage interest payments when the actual amount was $24,108. He also claimed to have paid $68,980 in real estate taxes when he had paid $10,750.
Also in his 2017 tax returns, Savell indicated he paid $36,537 in state income taxes and $109,965 in federal income tax withholdings knowing he paid nothing in either.
In 2018 tax returns, Savell falsely stated he’d paid $71,400 in mortgage interest when the true amount was $20,605, and he said he paid $20,315 in real estate taxes after paying $10,315. He submitted documents claiming to have paid $34,033 in state income taxes and $81,252 in federal income tax withholdings. Savell didn’t pay state income taxes or federal income tax withholding in 2018.
“Taxpayers can’t make-up their own rules when it comes to paying their share of taxes, said Thomas F. Murdock, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), St. Louis Field Office. “Mr. Savell intentionally filed false and fraudulent tax returns which makes him a tax cheat. CI will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to steal from the American public by cheating the tax system.”
The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case.
###
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Attempting to Entice A 15-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Victor Aguilar (32, Orlando) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Aguilar had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2023.
According to court documents, in May 2023, Aguilar responded to a social media posting from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old child. Aguilar engaged in sexually oriented conversation, telling the undercover officer in detail what he planned to do with the minor. The two discussed meeting locations, including a mall in the Ocala area. A few hours later, Aguilar told the undercover officer he had arrived at the Ocala mall to meet with the minor. While Aguilar was waiting, deputies arrived and arrested Aguilar.
“This predator knowingly targeted a child to carry out his deviant behaviors, but our team of investigators were diligent in bringing him to justice,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI investigators, alongside our partners, the U.S. Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, have successfully removed another predator from the streets.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Belkis H. Crockett and Tyrie K. Boyer.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Lying to the FBI in Connection with an International Terrorism InvestigationRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Moad Mohamed Benkabbou (23, Kissimmee) to six years in federal prison for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an interview relating to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Benkabbou had pleaded guilty on May 5, 2023.
According to Benkabbou’s plea agreement and evidence previously admitted during a hearing, Benkabbou swore an oath to support ISIS in January 2020, made plans to travel to Turkey and Syria to fight for ISIS, sent money to support ISIS, purchased airplane tickets in August 2020 and January 2021 (later cancelled both tickets), and sent ISIS propaganda videos to others, including ISIS sponsored videos showing the executions (by gunshot and beheading) of American allies fighting against ISIS. Benkabbou also sent a photo of himself dressed as an ISIS fighter with the statement, “Hey Crusaders hey Jews die within your rage.” When interviewed on two occasions by FBI in relation to these activities, Benkabbou lied about his involvement with and support of ISIS.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn P. Napier and Kara M. Wick.
Orange County Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert Lee Pringle (35, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Pringle faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on May 3, 2022, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle Pringle was driving. Rather than stopping, Pringle fled at a high rate of speed and later crashed into another vehicle. During a search of the stolen vehicle, officers located two firearms on the front passenger floorboard as well as a pistol magazine on the driver’s side floorboard. Also on the front passenger floorboard was a backpack containing paperwork with Pringle’s name, prescription bottles with Pringle’s name, suspected narcotics, digital scales, baggies, and 9mm bullets.
At the time, Pringle had multiple prior felony convictions, including carrying a concealed firearm, robbery, burglary of a conveyance, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft third degree, and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed or with wanton disregard. As a multi-convicted felon, Pringle is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
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.