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Sunday 26 November 2023
Sisseton Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jay Adams, Jr., age 57, of Sisseton, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on November 20, 2023, and pleaded guilty to a Superseding Information that charged him with Voluntary Manslaughter.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $50 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In 1992, in Roberts County, Adams killed a minor victim, in the heat of passion, by inflicting fatal blunt force trauma to her head. Adams has signed documents admitting he used violent force to inflict the injury upon the victim in the early morning hours of September 4, 1992. Adams did not seek medical attention for the victim and later the same day discovered she had died. Adams feigned ignorance as to the cause of the victim’s injury. Earlier this year, new evidence came to light which implicated Adams in the death of the victim.
“Cold cases are not closed cases in the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “As this tragic case demonstrates, no matter how long it takes, we remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. It is our hope that this work offers some measure of closure to victims’ families and helps honor the sacred memory of missing and murdered Indigenous persons.”
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s newly created Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time.
The investigation was conducted by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police Department and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Great Plains Region Troy R.
Morley.A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for June 3, 2024, in Aberdeen
South Dakota. Adams was ordered to self-surrender to U.S. Marshals custody by 2:00 p.m. on
December 11, 2023.McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2023.
Martin Tre Black Cloud, age 20, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.
Black Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He was convicted of Simple Assault following a two-day jury trial on August 8, 2023.
The evidence at trial showed that Black Cloud was drinking alcohol with his stepfather on June 22, 2022, in McIntosh, South Dakota. Black Cloud quarreled with his stepfather and assaulted him, resulting in his stepfather’s hospitalization. Black Cloud then apologized to his stepfather, injured himself with a knife, and fled.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Aberdeen Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Obstructing a Federal Court ProceedingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man convicted of Tampering with a Witness. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Jordan Anthony Rondell, age 36, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondell was indicted for Tampering with a Witness by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty to on August 8, 2023.
According to court documents, between January 26, 2023, and continuing through February 6, 2023, Rondell intentionally harassed another person in an effort to prevent and dissuade that person from assisting in a federal court proceeding. During the relevant time period of this case, Rondell was on federal supervised release, following his federal conviction of conspiracy to steal from a tribally owned casino. In late January of 2023, Rondell filed a motion seeking release to the custody of his spouse to address a medical issue. At a hearing on February 1, 2023, the Court heard testimony from Rondell’s spouse. His spouse’s testimony was, in material part, false, and Rondell intentionally and corruptly harassed his spouse to offer that false testimony in an effort to get him released from federal custody.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Rondell was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Friday 24 November 2023
Rio Rico Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Transporting Illegal Aliens for ProfitRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jesus Moises Ruiz, Jr., 34, of Rio Rico, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 40 months in prison. Ruiz pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023, to one count of Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit.
On February 20, 2023, United States Border Patrol agents pursued Ruiz while he was traveling on State Route 90, driving a grey Chevrolet pickup truck. Ruiz accelerated to a high rate of speed and eventually merged onto Interstate-10 (I-10). Ruiz exited I-10 and was located by agents with the assistance of air support. After a lengthy pursuit, agents were able to apprehend him.
Five undocumented noncitizens exited Ruiz’s vehicle during the pursuit and were later found by agents.
Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol Agents-Sonoita Station and Homeland Security Investigations-Nogales conducted the investigation in this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Chamblee, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00385-SHR-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-186_Ruiz# # #
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.
Thursday 23 November 2023
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Arrest of Néstor Isidro Pérez SalasRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the arrest of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” by Mexican authorities:
“Yesterday, Mexican authorities arrested Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as ‘El Nini,’ who we allege is one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s lead sicarios, or assassins. Until his apprehension, El Nini led security operations for the Chapitos and we allege that he and his security forces murdered, tortured, and kidnapped rivals, witnesses, and others who opposed the Chapitos.
Shortly after the apprehension of El Nini, I spoke with Mexican Attorney General Gertz to thank him for the extraordinary efforts of the Mexican authorities who made the arrest, and to whom we are all grateful for their courage.
We are now seeking El Nini’s swift extradition from Mexico to face justice here in the United States.
Last month, in a meeting in Mexico City, I thanked our Mexican government and law enforcement counterparts for the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and one of more than a dozen cartel leaders we have indicted who have been extradited to the United States.
Earlier this year, I announced charges against 23 leaders, members, and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel. Those charges reflect the aggressive approach the Justice Department is taking to disrupting and dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization responsible for operating one of the deadliest and most prolific drug trafficking operations in the world. Among those we charged are the cartel’s drug traffickers, their money launderers, their manufacturers, their chemical suppliers, and their leaders — as well as their security forces, which engage in horrific and brutal violence.
The Justice Department is grateful to our Mexican counterparts for their work in that effort, and we remain committed to doing everything in our power to dismantle the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for death and devastation in both the United States and Mexico.”
Wednesday 22 November 2023
Worcester Man Sentenced for Drug Offense and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for possessing cocaine intended for distribution and wire fraud with respect to COVID-19 relief programs.
Augustus “Bobo” Kormah, 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 131 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Kormah was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $258,705. In June 2023, Kormah pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of wire fraud.
On Sept. 11, 2020, Kormah was arrested following a suspected drug transaction. Following his arrest, a search of Kormah’s apartment resulted in the seizure of approximately 26 grams of cocaine, an un-serialized Polymer 80 9mm firearm and a black magazine loaded with 30 9mm cartridges.
A subsequent investigation revealed that, between approximately May and October 2020, Kormah used the personal identifying information of over 50 individuals to submit approximately 125 fraudulent claims for COVID-19 unemployment benefits as well as 15 fraudulent claims for COVID-19 small business loans. As a result of the fraud scheme, Kormah obtained approximately $100,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits and approximately $170,000 in fraudulent small business loans.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucy Sun of the Criminal Division and Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.Wilkes-Barre Men Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Antoine Montgomery, 34, and Jamal Jenkins, 35, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on November 21, 2023, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and possession and distribution of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Montgomery and Jenkins conspired to distribute fentanyl since December of 2022, and possessed fentanyl on November 17, 2023, with the intent to distribute the narcotic in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the Wilkes-Barre City Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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United States Files Forfeiture Action to Recover Cryptocurrency Traceable to Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture action to recover cryptocurrency alleged to be proceeds of a “pig-butchering” fraud scheme targeting Massachusetts residents and involved in money laundering. Specifically, the government seeks to forfeit 204,315.87 Tether (USDT) and 18.9649 bitcoin (BTC) seized from two accounts located at Binance.com, a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian. Collectively, this cryptocurrency has a current estimated value of approximately $900,000.
In September 2022, an investigation began into a pig-butchering scheme targeting a Massachusetts resident. In a pig-butchering scheme, scammers obtain funds from victims using manipulative tactics. The scammer establishes a level of trust with a victim in online communications and then entices the victim into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. Often the victim is enticed to make additional payments before realizing they are a victim of fraud.
As alleged in court documents, after targeting a Massachusetts victim and fostering an online relationship, scammers claiming to have access to profitable investment opportunities, induced the victim to invest personal funds into a fake cryptocurrency investment platform. During the investigation additional victims of the pig-butchering scheme were identified. Law enforcement traced cryptocurrency involved in the fraud and money laundering schemes to two Binance accounts, where it was seized.
It is a violation of federal law to use wire communications as part of a scheme to defraud or to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. It is also a violation of federal law to conduct, or attempt to conduct, a financial transaction involving property which is known to represent the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity, knowing that such transaction is designed to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of those proceeds of unlawful activity. The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency is traceable to proceeds of wire fraud and was involved in money laundering. A civil forfeiture action allows third parties to assert claims to property, which must be resolved before the property can be forfeited to the United States and returned to victims.
This is one of several civil forfeiture actions the U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed seeking to forfeit cryptocurrency traced to fraud schemes targeting Massachusetts victims.
Members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams and pig-butchering fraud scams – should contact [email protected].
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The civil forfeiture action is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle L. Kaye of the Asset Recovery Unit.
The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations. The United States Attorney’s Office has not filed a corresponding criminal action on the matter.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Seeking to Identify Potential Victims in Connection with Online Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) are seeking to identify potential victims of an online child exploitation scheme which originated in Suffolk County, New York, and in Northwest Louisiana in 2022.
The defendant in this investigation, Stephen Andrew Cipkin, has been charged by federal indictment with traveling to engage in illicit sexual activity, under 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b); production and receipt of child pornography, under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2); possession of child pornography, under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B); and enticement of a minor, under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).
The defendant may also be known by the following online usernames: “sac8635,” “ArabellaC.,” “Human no-more,” “numb little bug,” “Swiffer1,” “@onlygoodguy,” and “Ur_Perfect_Daddy.” The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you, your family member, or anyone that you know has had contact with this individual or any of the above-listed usernames while being tutored in Suffolk County, New York, or while using the online applications Snapchat, Pinterest, YesIChat, Y99, or Instagram between 2020 and 2023, and would like to report a crime, please contact the FBI via email at: [email protected].
For additional resources and information, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion.
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Two men sentenced for their roles in Jamestown drug ringRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation. On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash.
Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Two men sentenced for their roles in Jamestown drug ringRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation. On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash.
Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Two Connecticut Men Arrested for Drug Offenses; Fentanyl and Cocaine SeizedRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Brendan Salmon, 30, also known as “Nice,” of Hartford, Connecticut, and Lincoln Anthony Robinson, Jr., 28, of Windsor, Connecticut, were arrested on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Hardwick, Vermont. Salmon was charged by criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl on five different occasions, as well as aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Robinson was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Both men appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on November 18. Salmon was detained pending further proceedings; his next court appearance is currently set for December 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Doyle. Robinson was released on conditions.
According to court records, Salmon is alleged to have distributed fentanyl at various locations in Lamoille and Caledonia counties on multiple occasions in 2022 and 2023. Salmon is also alleged to have directed a shipment of drugs into Vermont from Connecticut containing approximately 670 grams of fentanyl, 570 grams of powder cocaine, and 160 grams of crack cocaine, which police intercepted and seized on September 25, 2023.
Robinson is alleged to have been in possession of approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine in the residence where both men were arrested. While searching the residence on November 16, law enforcement also recovered approximately 350 grams of suspected powder cocaine, approximately 270 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 500 glassine bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 100 counterfeit Xanax, a Glock 9mm pistol with two magazines of ammunition, an armored vest, and approximately $11,875 in U.S. currency.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that criminal complaints contain only allegations and both Salmon and Robinson remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime. Each of the six counts Salmon faces carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. The single count Robinson faces carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Morristown Police Department, the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Office, the Stowe Police Department, and the Hardwick Police Department.
The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Ray Sun. Salmon is represented by Richard Goldsborough, Esq. Robinson is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.
Three Men Charged with String of Violent Armed Robberies in Passaic CountyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three New Jersey man were charged in connection with their respective roles in a series of armed robberies in Passaic County, New Jersey, in August 2022, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Kareem Powell, 30, of Willingboro, New Jersey, is charged by superseding indictment with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Following his arrest on Nov. 21, 2023, Powell made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was detained.
Powell’s co-defendants, Carlos Diaz, 30, and Edward Porter, 30, both of Paterson, New Jersey, previously were charged by indictment with three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The superseding indictment charges Diaz and Porter with an additional count of Hobbs Act robbery as well as an additional count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On the evening of Aug. 22, 2022, Powell, Diaz, and Porter robbed a Passaic bodega of several thousand dollars while pointing their guns at a victim and threatening to kill him. Later that same evening, Powell, Diaz, and Porter also robbed a Paterson business of several thousand dollars. During both robberies, Powell, Diaz, and Porter menaced customers with handguns and ordered them to lie on the ground.
On the evening of Aug. 23, 2022, Diaz and Porter robbed a Passaic liquor store of several thousand dollars at gunpoint. While inside the store, Porter used his gun to pistol-whip a victim on the face. Later that evening, Diaz and Porter committed an additional gunpoint robbery of a business in Paterson. While inside the store, Porter pushed one victim and wrestled with a different victim, dragging the victim to the floor while attempting to take the victim’s handbag.
Each count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Hobbs Act robbery carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Richard Berdnik, the Passaic Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Luis A. Guzman, and the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
powell.sindictment.pdfSpokane Valley Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Charges and Violation of Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Justin Richard Byers, 39, of Spokane Valley, Washington, to 130 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Rice also sentenced Byers to an additional 14 months for violating his term of supervised release.
According to court documents, in February of 2023, the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit developed information that Byers was selling fentanyl pills and had a federal warrant for his arrest stemming from multiple violations of his term of federal supervised release. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) tracked Byers to an RV at a campground in North Spokane. When Byers exited the RV, Agents approached Byers in an effort to arrest him. In response, Byers ran back inside the RV and, despite repeated commands, refused to come out. After approximately 30 minutes, Byers exited his trailer, and surrendered to agents without further incident. Byers was arrested on the federal warrant.
Agents obtained a search warrant for the RV and located 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills as well as a scale with drug residue.
In the sink, Agents located fentanyl pills as well as liquid, indicating Byers had attempted to flush the pills to avoid them being seized by Agents. Unfortunately for Byers, as there was no water in the RV. Byers attempted to pivot; however, unsuccessfully attempted to flush the pills down the sink with a carbonated soda. Agents ultimately removed the p-trap to the sink and located many additional fentanyl pills. Agents also located about 500 fentanyl pills strewn about the RV. Agents also located two handguns, one of which had been stolen.
Agents also learned Byers was connected to two storage units in Spokane. During a search, agents located a variety of ammunition, a loaded magazine, more suspected fentanyl-laced pills and a quantity of methamphetamine.
“Mr. Byers is a repeat offender, who, when released from prison, picked up right where he left off -- pedaling poison in our neighborhoods. Holding individuals accountable who are dealing drugs and removing these narcotics from our streets will make all our neighborhoods and communities safer and stronger,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I’m grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement partners, who worked to bring Mr. Byers to justice.”
“One would hope that prison would be a deterrent for a convicted felon from pursuing additional illegal actions on release,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “In this case, Mr. Byers was not deterred. ATF will always work tirelessly to investigate those whose actions are a continuing danger to our communities.”
“We are proud of the work done by our Street Crimes Detectives on this case, and grateful for the relationship we have with our ATF partners to bring this to a successful conclusion, ” stated Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Slidell Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Conspiracy to Commit $250,000 Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Connection with Postal “Blue Box” TheftsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RONALD S. RILEY, JR. (“RILEY”), age 28, of Slidell, Louisiana was sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Judge Wendy Vitter sentenced him to 54 months on Count 1 and 24 months on Count 2, that must be served consecutively to Count 1. RILEY was also ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessment fees. A hearing will be held on January 30, 2024 to determine specific restitution amounts due to the victims.
According to court documents, RILEY was involved in stealing mail from postal receptacles located in the Greater New Orleans area. Items stolen from the mail included monetary instruments and banking information that RILEY used to create fraudulent checks. These fraudulent checks were then used to defraud several federally insured financial institutions. RILEY also stole and used the identity of other persons to execute the scheme to defraud. Additionally, RILEY admitted to bank fraud of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the Louisiana State Police, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit and Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Rochester man pleads guilty to stealing checks from the mailRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shydequan C. Wynn, 40, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to financial institution fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated between October 2019, and March 2022, Wynn executed a scheme, with others, to defraud financial institutions. Wynn stole checks included in mail from unattended mailboxes. He then forged or altered the stolen checks, often changing the amounts and making them payable to himself or another co-conspirator. He or a co-conspirator then cashed the fraudulent checks for financial gain. The scheme involved approximately 112 victims and stolen and altered checks totaling approximately $179,447. Of this amount, approximately $74,911.50 involved checks that were successfully altered and negotiated.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2024, before Judge Siragusa.
Rochester man pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark Frey, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that on two separate dates in February 2020, a law enforcement officer connected with Frey on a peer-to-peer network where the law enforcement officer downloaded two images of child pornography from Frey’s electronic device. On March 14, 2022, an individual recovered a cellular phone from a vehicle that Frey had recently used for work purposes. The individual searched the phone and determined that it belonged to Frey and contained images of child pornography. The individual contacted law enforcement, who further searched the phone and located 15 images and 27 videos containing child pornography. On August 15, 2022, Frey was arrested, and a search of his cellular phone recovered approximately 140 images containing child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2024, before Judge Wolford.
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Registered sex offender going to prison for more than 19 years for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Juan Quinones-Rivera, 41, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in late 2020, Quinones-Rivera, a registered sex offender residing in the Western District of New York, began communicating with a 17-year-old female (Victim) on Snapchat. Quinones-Rivera told the Victim he was 19 years old. In late 2020 or early 2021, conversations between Quinones-Rivera and the Victim became sexual, with the two exchanging sexually explicit pictures and videos. Quinones-Rivera directed the Victim on what he wanted her to do in the videos and images. In all, the Victim sent Quinones-Rivera approximately 50 images and videos via Snapchat. In exchange, Quinones-Rivera sent money to the Victim via CashApp, in increments of approximately $20 and $50, for a total of approximately $700. In April 2021, a New York State Parole Officer located a cellular phone on Quinones-Rivera and found that he had been using Snapchat to communicate with the Victim. The phone also contained evidence of CashApp transactions to an account belonging to the Victim.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the Greene County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Steven Smith.
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Reading Man Sentenced to 14 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Fidanqui-Marten, age 21, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to serve 14 years’ imprisonment to be followed by five years’ supervised released based upon his previously entered guilty plea to distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In addition, he was ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution, as well as a $300 special assessment.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Fidanqui-Marten engaged in the large-scale distribution of methamphetamine in 2020. During the course of a drug sale for one pound of methamphetamine in September 2020, he and co-defendant Damar Coad pointed handguns at an undercover police officer and robbed him of $7,500. When the police attempted to apprehend Fidanqui-Marten and Coad, a high-speed car chase ensued and Fidanqui-Marten drove into a ditch and was apprehended in possession of a .9mm handgun and $4,000 of the buy money used to purchase the drugs. Coad was sentenced on July 18, 2023, to seven years’ imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police and was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler.
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Pulaski County Man Indicted for Cyber Intrusion, Identity Theft, and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. - A Somerset, Ky., man, Jesse Kipf, 38, has been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in London, on five counts of computer fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of making false statements on applications in connection with federally insured financial institutions.
The indictment alleges that Kipf intentionally accessed a computer without authorization and then obtained information from a protected computer for his own private gain and in furtherance of identity theft. According to the indictment, Kipf illegally accessed the following websites: State of Arizona, State of Hawaii, GuestTek Interactive Entertainment, Ltd., State of Vermont, and Milestone, Inc. GuestTek Interactive Entertainment and Milestone are vendors of large hotel chains; but at this time, investigators have no evidence that hotel customer personal identifying information was compromised.
The indictment also alleges that Kipf knowingly and unlawfully used the identification of three different persons to commit wire fraud and computer fraud. Kipf is also alleged to have made false statements to federally insured corporations, in order to open credit accounts.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Division; Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky; Anna E. Lopez, Attorney General for Hawaii; and Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by FBI Louisville, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Department of the Attorney General for Hawaii, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Dieruf.
Kipf appeared for his initial appearance on November 9, 2023, and a jury trial is currently set for January 17, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., in London. For each of the computer fraud charges, Kipf faces up to five years in prison; for each of the identity theft charges, he faces up to two years in prison; and for the bank fraud charges, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
Individuals believing they may be victims of the cyber intrusion scheme described herein are encouraged to visit the following website to obtain more information: https://justice.gov/usao-edky/information-victims-large-cases.
Tips on how to protect yourself and your personal information against cybercrime can be found by clicking here and on the FBI Cyber Division’s website.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of a Firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Raymond Young, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 12, 2022, Allegheny County detectives were working in the Homestead area on a violent crime suppression detail when they retrieved a loaded Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun with a round in the chamber from Young’s pants. The serial numbers on the slide and frame of the weapon had been removed, and the weapon had been reported stolen. It is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 18, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Young.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 16, 2023, REGINALD HUMBLES, age 34, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). HUMBLES faces a sentence of up to10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. His sentencing is set for March 14, 2024.
On December 28, 2020, HUMBLES, a convicted felon, used a firearm to threaten a victim into giving HUMBLES a waste removal truck. After using the vehicle’s onboard camera system and GPS, law enforcement located it driving west on Interstate 12. After pursuit by the Causeway Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was eventually stopped. Following HUMBLES’s arrest, investigators located a firearm on the driver seat of the vehicle.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit .
New Haven Man Admits Illegal Possession of 2 Handguns, Including One Converted to a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUAYNE NELSON, 31, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 14, 2022, Nelson was arrested in West Haven after he was found with a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun with 12-round magazine, and a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with a 13-round extended magazine and fitted with a “sear switch” that made the gun fully automatic.
Nelson’s criminal history included state convictions for criminal weapon possession and robbery in the second degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 20, 2024, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Nelson is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Muskegon Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison for Repeatedly Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Dareese Devon Hewlett, 41, of Muskegon, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Mr. Hewlett is a serial offender who had demonstrated blatant disrespect for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is committed to ridding our streets of guns in the hands of felons and illegal “switches” that pose grave danger to our communities by converting a firearm into a fully automatic machinegun.”
Police caught Hewlett, a felon, with guns on three occasions. During the first incident, he shot at a man at a Muskegon memorial celebration. Police subsequently recovered the gun from Hewlett’s hotel room. There was a conversion device, or switch, attached, making the gun a fully automatic machinegun. Police found a second gun at defendant’s house. Two months later, police found another gun and a bulletproof vest at Hewlett’s home.
Hewlett’s sentence was increased pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act because he is a repeat offender. The Act provides for enhanced penalties for those who possess a firearm after being convicted of three or more serious drug offenses. Hewlett had previously been convicted of offenses involving the trafficking of narcotics; those offenses occurred in September 2010, June 2016, and April 2017.
“Fostering cooperation by local, state, and federal agencies is paramount to develop and implement strategic approaches to reduce violent crime, particularly gun crimes,” said Muskegon Police Chief Timothy Kozal. “The City of Muskegon Police Department will continue to diligently investigate every violent crime, taking every opportunity to collaborate with our partner agencies to prosecute violent, serial offenders like Mr. Hewlett.”
This case was investigated by the Muskegon Police Department, the Muskegon Heights Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Multiple Project Safe Neighborhood Cases Prosecuted in Tallapoosa CountyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced developments in multiple Project Safe Neighborhood cases arising out of Tallapoosa County. The Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a pivotal role in the investigation of these cases.
Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
In the first highlighted case, Alan Lyrenski Sandlin, 23, of Alexander City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun in federal court. According to the plea agreement and other court records, in April 2023, law enforcement agents conducting a narcotics investigation arrested Sandlin at his residence. When searching the house, agents found a machine gun conversion device installed on a handgun. Machine gun conversion devices allow a firearm to operate as a fully automatic weapon, firing up to 20 rounds per second. These devices have grown in popularity over the past few years and pose a significant threat to communities. Sandlin entered his guilty plea on October 30, 2023. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 20, 2024. At that hearing, Sandlin will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Additionally, on November 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Jeremy Glenn Dye, from Alexander City, Alabama, to 130 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and for possessing a stolen firearm.
Lastly, three Tallapoosa County residents were recently charged with federal firearm offenses. On November 1, 2023, a grand jury indicted Vincent Darrell Bias, 54, of Alexander City, Alabama, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement arrested Bias on November 15, 2023. Previously, in June 2023, the same grand jury indicted 44-year-old Jeffery Monkentee Hill and 33-year-old Carstavious Shadon Stovall, both from Camp Hill, Alabama, on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a controlled substance crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF investigated these cases, with assistance from the Alexander City Police Department, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Eric M. Counts are prosecuting the cases.
Montgomery County Felon Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bernardo Tovar, age 34, of Amsterdam, New York, pled guilty today to a drug trafficking conspiracy, possessing and intending to distribute fentanyl pills, cocaine and methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Tovar admitted that from May 2022 to December 2022, he conspired to distribute counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as cocaine and methamphetamine. Tovar admitted that the combined amount of fentanyl that he distributed exceeded 160 grams. Tovar, who has a prior violent felony conviction for attempted robbery, also admitted to possessing fentanyl pills, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as a loaded handgun in his apartment to protect his drugs and drug proceeds, on December 7, 2022, when his apartment was searched.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2024, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, at which time Tovar faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 8 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The DEA and ATF investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Mescalero Man Charged with Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Theodore Ian Chavez, IV appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault of an intimate partner by strangling and assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. Chavez, 25, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain on conditions of release pending trial.
According to the indictment, on Aug. 6, 2023, Chavez assaulted Jane Doe, his intimate partner, by strangling her and the assault resulted in substantial bodily injury to Jane Doe.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez faces 10 years in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl is prosecuting the case.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeiting U.S. CurrencyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy in which he sold nearly $150,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency.
Maximo Morillo, 64, pleaded guilty to three counts of counterfeiting U.S. currency outside of the U.S. and one count of conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Feb. 13, 2024. Morillo was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019 along with co-conspirator Ruben Diario Diaz Sanchez.
According to the charging documents, in or about October 2014, Diaz Sanchez, who resided in the Dominican Republic, allegedly solicited an individual in the United States to purchase and smuggle counterfeit U.S. Currency into the United States. Morillo served as the point of contact with a printer manufacturing the counterfeit U.S. Currency in the Dominican Republic. Between May 2015 and January 2016, in the Dominican Republic, Morillo and, allegedly, Diaz Sanchez arranged three sales of counterfeit $100 bills for a total face value of $149,900.
The charges of counterfeiting U.S. currency outside of the U.S. each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison on each of the three counts of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, five 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 and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Damen Drakeford, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2023, before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to committing multiple bank robberies.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Drakeford admitted to committing four bank robberies, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in July 2023.
Specifically, Drakeford admitted to robbing the following institutions:
- Fulton Bank, Netcong, New Jersey, on July 7, 2023;
- Provident Bank, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, on July 11, 2023;
- Fidelity Bank, Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, on July 11, 2023; and
- M&T Bank, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 2023.
A total of $32,988 was taken in the robberies. After the M&T Bank robbery, Drakeford was apprehended by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, after he led the police on a high-speed vehicle chase, crashed his vehicle, and ran into the nearby woods where he was arrested by the police.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Members of the Fair Lawn and Netcong Police Departments in New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Police, also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is also 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.
Under federal law, for each of the robberies, Drakeford faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Long Island Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Minor GirlsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, the defendant Brandon Kern was arraigned on an indictment charging him with five counts of sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography. The defendant made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Lee Dunst in Central Islip where he was ordered detained.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the arrest and charges.
“Posing as a teen on Snapchat, the defendant allegedly contacted at least six girls, some as young as twelve years old, and coerced them into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, and when these girls attempted to block further contact with him, he threatened to expose and humiliate them to family and friends,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Minors should be free to use their phones without fear of victimization. Our Office will work tirelessly with our federal and local partners to find those who lurk in the shadows of cyberspace and prey on our children.”
Mr. Peace praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the North Olmstead, Ohio Police Department. Mr. Peace also expressed his thanks to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
“Kern thought he could use technology to outsmart and abuse young girls. His alleged crimes were horrific and the FBI's Long Island Child Exploitation Task Force used every tool available to track him down and arrest him putting a stop to his heinous behavior. There could be more victims and the FBI wants parents or victims to contact law enforcement if they think anyone may have had contact with Kern,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
As set forth in court filings, between December 2020 and October 2021, the defendant exploited numerous victims by forcing them to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos. Thus far, law enforcement has been able to identify six young girls. The defendant was caught when he traveled from Long Island to Ohio to have sex with one victim and threatened her when she got scared and refused to meet him. He was arrested leaving a hotel room with condoms, rope and lubricant. Subsequent searches of his social media accounts revealed contact with numerous other minor victims.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This prosecution is 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Alessi is in charge of the prosecution.
The FBI has identified several Snapchat accounts through which the defendant communicated with potential victims. If parents believe their children have communicated with any of the below, they should contact the FBI by at tips.fbi.gov or 212-384-1000.
Snapchat Accounts:
- bsublime10
- bsublime11
- bsublime12
- bsublime20
- bsublime28
- bsublime31
- bsublime33
- punkygreen472
The Defendant:
BRANDON THOMAS KERN
Age: 29
Bayport, New YorkLewistown Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Prostitution and Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gregory A. Wilson, age 50, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on an attempted enticement of a minor charge.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on November 8, 2023, in Centre County, Wilson attempted to persuade, entice, and coerce a minor child to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Patton Township Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, Williamsport Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Lebanon Man Sentenced to 300 Months in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement and Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mason Morey, age 27, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 20, 2023, to 300 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempted online enticement and sexual exploitation of children.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between November 28, 2022, and December 8, 2022, Morey used the online application “Wikr” to communicate with an individual who Morey believed was the father of a 13-year-old girl who was offering his daughter for sex. However, Morey was actually communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. On December 7, 2022, Morey travelled to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to meet and engage in sexual activity with the 13-year-old girl. Law enforcement placed Morey under arrested upon his arrival and seized multiple cell phones in his possession. Law enforcement conducted a digital extraction of the information on Morey’s cell phones and discovered that he was creating pornographic videos and images with two minors and transmitting these images to another individual.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Eddy Reyes Tejada, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2023, Tejada pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Tejada was indicted by a federal grand jury along with Francis Manuel Santos Arias in December 2022. On Oct. 27, 2023, Arias pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 31, 2024.
In January 2022, law enforcement received information that Tejada and Arias were looking for customers to whom they could distribute cocaine and fentanyl in the greater Boston and Lawrence areas. During the investigation, Tejada distributed a total of approximately 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl to a cooperating witness over the course of seven controlled purchases. Additionally, a search of Tejada’s Lawrence supermarket in December 2022 resulted in the recovery of over 1.572 kilograms of fentanyl, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia including multiple press components, a blender and a digital scale.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lansing Man Charged with Felon in PossessionRead the Press Release
Two-year-old child died after accidental discharge of gun
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Avis Damone Coward has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The complaint alleges that an accidental discharge of Coward’s gun led to a two-year-old child’s death.
“Death of child by gunfire is a story that should never be written,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Yet beginning in 2022, and for the first time ever, gun violence has become the number one cause of death for kids in America. As this swelling epidemic reaches our most innocent, my office will use every resource available to secure full accountability and prevent future harm.”
When Coward returned to the car, he picked up the gun and put it back in the car. A copy of the complaint is attached.
“This case is a parent’s worst nightmare. It’s heartbreaking and reinforces the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety storage,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. "A child should never be left alone with a gun. Leaving the gun at home in a secure gun safe or using a safety device, such as a gun lock, prevent tragedies like this. If you need a free gun lock or want additional information on secure firearm storage, contact the ATF Detroit Field Division.”
“I would like to thank U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his team for standing firm on gun crime by charging Avis Coward for his role in the shooting death of a two-year-old in Lansing at a gas station in October,” said Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane, and the Lansing Police Department stand united in the effort to hold accountable those who commit gun crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department, Michigan State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Keokuk Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Keokuk man was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to public court documents, Octavius Sergio Dion Whitaker, 28, stole two firearms from the Farm King in West Burlington on October 27, 2022. Both firearms were later recovered by law enforcement in possession of other individuals.
After completing his prison term, Whitaker will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), as well as the West Burlington Police.
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. In May 2021, the Department of Justice 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.
Iowa City Woman Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison International Parental KidnappingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City woman was sentenced on November 20, 2023, to three years in federal prison for International Parental Kidnapping.
According to public court documents, Kira K. Zielinski, 49, filed for divorce from her husband in 2020. During the divorce proceedings, the Iowa District Court of Johnson County issued orders granting joint legal custody of a shared child to Zielinski and her husband and establishing a joint custody schedule. In February 2022, Zielinski took the child and drove from Iowa to California and across the Mexican border. Zielinski remained in Mexico with the child until November 2022 when she was taken into custody while attempting to reenter the United States. In July 2023, Zielinski was found guilty by a United States District Judge following a stipulated trial.
After completing her term of imprisonment, Zielinski will be required to serve one year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Iowa City Police Department.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:
Sonja Mae Mercado, 32, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mercado faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Mercado was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106.
Leo Antonio Rodriguez, 43, unknown address, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodriguez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-139.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-504.
Appearing on Nov. 21 was:
Sonny Leroy Carsten, 42, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carsten faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Carsten was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Columbus Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-133.
Ali Sage Hausmann, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hausmann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-108.
Joshua Lee Jackson, 33, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-135.
Patrick Allen Justice, Jr., 25, of Billings, on charges of bank robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Justice faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Justice was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-136.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:
Haley Rushel Hickman, 23, of Libby, on charges of theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hickman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hickman was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indictments Charge 4 Waterbury Men with Firearm and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort to address an uptick in gun violence in Waterbury, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adopted for federal prosecution the state cases of four Waterbury men charged with gun crimes.
On October 24, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned the following indictments:
ANFERNEE D. DANCY, 27, of Waterbury, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As alleged in the indictment, on August 22, 2023, Dancy possessed a Jimenez Arms, Inc. 9mm handgun. It is further alleged that Dancy’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for burglary in the first degree, risk of injury to a child, and failure to appear in the first degree.
ALEXIS JOEL ANGUEIRA, 23, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. It is alleged that, on September 15, 2022, Angueira possessed fentanyl and cocaine that he intended to distribute, a loaded privately made firearm (ghost gun), and additional rounds of ammunition. It is further alleged that Angueira’s criminal history includes felony convictions for assault in the first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.
MELQUAWN JAMISON, 25, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As alleged in the indictment, on August 23, 2023, Jamison possessed cocaine and fentanyl that he intended to distribute, a Ruger SR .45 caliber handgun, and a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun. It is further alleged that Jamison’s criminal history includes felony convictions for sale of narcotics, escape in the first degree, burglary in the third degree, and larceny in the first degree.
GLENN JAMISON, 42, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As alleged in the indictment, on July 24, 2023, Jamison possessed cocaine and fentanyl that he intended to distribute, and a Taurus Arms G2C handgun. It is further alleged that Jamison’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug, assault, larceny, escape, and failure to appear offenses; a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and that he was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense.
Glenn Jamison appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Dancy, Angueira, and Melquawn Jamison were previously arraigned and also pleaded not guilty. All four defendants are currently detained pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mahard, Konstantin Lantsman, and Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Howard Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Crispen, age 32, of Howard, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 21, 2023, by a federal grand jury on attempted enticement of a minor and attempted receipt of child pornography offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that from November 8 to November 9, 2023, in Centre County, Crispen attempted to persuade, entice, and coerce a minor child to engage in prostitution and sexual activity. The indictment also alleges that Crispen attempted to receive child pornography on November 8, 2023.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Patton Township Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, Williamsport Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Harbor Area Man Arraigned on Federal Indictment Alleging He Knowingly Sold Fentanyl to Two Victims, One of Whom Later DiedRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles Harbor region man was arraigned today on criminal charges alleging he is a drug dealer who knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl to two victims – one of whom died, and the other was seriously injured by the powerful synthetic opioid.
Antjuan Stephone Doss, 33, a.k.a. “Giovani Dinero,” whose last known residence was Harbor City, charged by a federal grand jury in a six-count indictment returned on November 15 and unsealed today. Doss was arrested on Tuesday and a federal magistrate judge today ordered him jailed without bond.
At his arraignment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, Doss pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a January 2, 2024 trial date was scheduled in this case.
Doss is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, one count of distribution of fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the indictment, on August 13, 2022, Doss knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl. Two victims – identified in court documents as “M.N.” and “G.N.” – later ingested the fentanyl, the use of which resulted in serious bodily injury to M.N. and the death of G.N. On the same day, Doss also knowingly and intentionally distributed 45 pills containing this powerful drug, according to the indictment.
The indictment further alleges that, from August 9 to August 22, 2022, a co-conspirator, using couriers, supplied Doss with fentanyl powder, pills containing fentanyl, and cocaine. Doss, acting at the co-conspirator’s direction, then packaged and distributed to his own customers the fentanyl and cocaine that the co-conspirator provided him, according to the indictment. Doss allegedly then remitted drug proceeds to the co-conspirator.
On August 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Doss’s residence, including the bedroom that he shared with a woman and their infant child. During the search, law enforcement found in Doss’s bedroom fentanyl in various locations, including on the floor, that were easily accessible by the child, according to court documents.
Doss also allegedly possessed with intent to distribute approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl and illegally possessed a firearm, namely a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. He also allegedly illegally possessed seven rounds of ammunition. Doss is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his prior conviction of his January 2016 conviction of two felonies – identity theft and using an access device without consent – in Los Angeles Superior Court.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of all charges, Doss would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brittney M. Harris, of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section and J’me K. Forrest of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Federal Jury Trial Ends with Guilty Verdict Against Abbeville Man for Trafficking of FentanylRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury trial last week against Gabriel Hawthorne, 41, of Abbeville, Louisiana, ended with the jury finding Hawthorne guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the week-long trial.
According to information presented in court, Hawthorne conspired with two others who were also indicted, Frederick Malaki Thornton and Andrea Mitchell, to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Abbeville area. In March 2022, an individual exchanged a series of phone calls and text messages with Mitchell, and she agreed to sell heroin to that individual. She arranged the distribution of the heroin by communicating with Thornton, who was her boyfriend at the time, and Hawthorne, who was her supplier. Hawthorne owned a business, ZZ’s Kitchen, in Abbeville and would use that business to store the narcotics that he, Mitchell and Thornton made arrangements to sell. Mitchell also admitted that Hawthorne would mix the heroin before giving it to her to sell. The suspected heroin which was sold by Mitchell and Thornton were seized and sent to the DEA Laboratory for testing and resulted a positive test for fentanyl.
Hawthorne faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Frederick Thornton and Andrea Mitchell each previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and J. Luke Walker.
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Federal Jury Finds 2 Members of Violent Bridgeport Gang Guilty of Racketeering OffensesRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Bridgeport has found JOSHUA GILBERT, also known as “Lor Heavy,” 22, and LORENZO CARTER, also known as “Zo,” 29, guilty of racketeering offenses related to their involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang. The trial before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley began on October 18 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during the trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Gilbert and Carter were members of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes. They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.
On August 9, 2018, O.N.E. members stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, O.N.E. members conspired to use the car to kill rival gang members and their allies who they had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, Carter and other O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Stratford and Union Avenues in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival gang member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, Carter and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Well State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
In November 2019, O.N.E. members stole a Lexus Rx350 from Rye, New York. In early December 2019, O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport. In one incident, the mother of rival gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home. In another incident, on December 8, 2019, O.N.E. members used the stolen Lexus in a shooting incident at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, damaging several cars, and then drove it to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport where Gilbert and other O.N.E. members shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18.
Gilbert and Carter, along with other O.N.E. members, posted videos to social media in which they and others brandished firearms, celebrated violent gang culture, and referenced rivals who were killed.
The jury found Gilbert and Carter guilty of racketeering conspiracy. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, they each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Gilbert and Carter have been detained since July 2021.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the police departments from Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, Stratford, Ansonia, Monroe, Eastchester (N.Y.), Rye (N.Y.), and Newburgh (N.Y.). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Tara E. Levens, and Patrick J. Doherty.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is 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.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state, and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
FCI Schuylkill Inmate Indicted for Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyrell Lockhart, age 26, a federal inmate incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution at Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of possession of a weapon.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on July 11, 2023, inmate Lockhart was found in possession of a homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Dunklin County, Missouri Man Admits Recording Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Dunklin County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted recording his sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl and recording other children in the shower.
Matthew A. Prewett, 43, of Kennett, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor. He admitted engaging in sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl beginning in April of 2022. The Kennett Police Department received notification on May 3, 2002, that the victim was at a hospital in St. Louis for a sexual assault examination after the victim’s mother found sexually suggestive text messages from Prewett on her daughter’s phone. Prewett had recorded his crimes on video.
The next day, law enforcement arrested Prewett following a traffic stop in Dunklin County. An investigation revealed that Prewett had placed hidden cameras in his home, including one in the bathroom. Prewett recorded children between ages 12 and 17 in the bathroom, while they were nude and showering.
Prewett is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 21, 2024. The sexual exploitation of a minor charge is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from the mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend 20 years.
The case was investigated by the Kennett Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Dulce Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Alex Julian appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Julian, 27, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 25, 2022, Julian assaulted John Doe with a knife and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to John Doe.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Julian faces up to 20 years 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 U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.
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Drug Dealer Sentenced to Six Years After Fentanyl Pills Caused the Death of an Arizona TeenRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Michael Fox, 29, of Tucson, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 72 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Fox was indicted by a grand jury on September 28, 2021, and pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl on April 6, 2023.
On June 29, 2019, Fox sold three fentanyl pills to a 16-year-old female in Glendale. Within approximately one hour, the victim was found unconscious and not breathing. The victim was rushed to the hospital, but she never recovered and was pronounced dead on July 1, 2019. A Maricopa County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was cardiac arrest related to a fentanyl drug overdose.
The United States Attorney’s Office sought a sentencing enhancement in the case to account for the death of the victim. The District Court held a two-day evidentiary hearing on October 10, 2023, and November 14, 2023, to present testimony and argument on the enhancement. The Court took statements from the victim’s family, several supporters of Mr. Fox, and argument from the attorneys. The District Court ruled for the United States finding that the fentanyl pills that Fox sold to the victim caused her death.
“This is not the first time we’ve held a fentanyl dealer responsible for a poisoning death under our federal sentencing laws and the federal sentencing guidelines,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “But it’s the first time we’ve had a lengthy evidentiary hearing with scientific testimony on fentanyl as part of the sentencing. We appreciate our partnership with the DEA in helping provide a strong message of deterrence, and we particularly thank the victim’s family for their support of the prosecution and their patience waiting for its outcome.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan McCarthy, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-00784-GMS-PHX
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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.Dorchester Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was arrested yesterday for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) obtained via Zoom chat rooms.
Beau Christopher Benson, 35, was charged with possession and receipt of child pornography. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Benson was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. today.
According to the charging documents, in April 2023, law enforcement was notified that Benson allegedly participated in Zoom video chat rooms used to share and view CSAM. It is alleged that Benson recorded his participation in the chat rooms and saved the recordings – which featured videos of CSAM and conversations between Benson and others about the CSAM – to his social media account. It is alleged that approximately 15 video files depicting CSAM were found saved in his Dropbox. It is further alleged that a cybertip identified Benson as an online user who had uploaded two files containing CSAM to a Dropbox account. Specifically, the files allegedly depicted children who appear to be approximately two to four years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Office’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Doctor and Wife Admit Genetic Testing Kickback and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Pennsylvania doctor and his wife have admitted their roles in schemes to solicit and receive kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering genetic tests, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Yitzchok “Barry” Kurtzer, 63, and his wife, Robin Kurtzer, 62, both of Monsey, New York, pleaded guilty this week before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton to an indictment charging them with conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Two of Barry Kurtzer’s employees, Amber Harris and Shanelyn Kennedy, have each pleaded guilty for their roles in the kickback scheme, and Dr. Lee Besen and Kimberly Schmidt have also each pleaded guilty for a related cash-for-genetic tests scheme. Sentencings for each of those defendants is pending.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“The defendants admitted that they and others worked together to solicit and accept kickbacks in exchange for referring expensive tests to particular labs. Bribes and kickbacks have no place in a doctor’s office. Patients need to be sure that their doctor is acting in their interest, uncorrupted by the promise of lucrative bribes and kickbacks. This office is always ready to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate the Anti-Kickback Statute are held accountable.”
“Patients trust their doctors because those doctors swear to an oath to do no harm,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Ripping off the federal government may not have a direct impact on the patient. It does, however, erode the faith we all have in the healthcare industry, and causes costs to go up for us all. Criminals forget there is a paper trail, and our job in the FBI is to follow it until we catch the culprit.”
“When patients visit their doctor, they expect medical decisions to be made in the best interest of their health,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “These defendants allowed greed to become a part of their medical decision making which the IRS and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate.”
“Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the health care system and compromise medical decision-making,” Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, said. “We take allegations of kickbacks and bribery seriously, and today’s guilty pleas reflect our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of federal health care programs."
According to documents filed in this case and made in Court:
Barry Kurtzer was a primary care physician with offices in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, area. Robin Kurtzer helped manage those offices. Beginning in 2018, Barry Kurtzer and Robin Kurtzer solicited and received monthly cash kickbacks and bribes in exchange for collecting DNA samples from Medicare patients and sending them for genetic tests to clinical laboratories in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Kurtzers used their employees in the scheme, including Harris and Kennedy, who each helped collect the DNA swabs in exchange for payments to them. The cash kickbacks ranged up to $5,000, and the Kurtzers typically accepted the cash in one of Barry Kurtzer’s offices, at times behind locked doors. At one point, the Kurtzers complained that they were not getting paid enough and negotiated for higher kickbacks and bribes.
As a result of these schemes, Medicare was billed over $1.3 million for tests generated from Barry Kurtzer’s practice.
The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Regional Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the FBI Scranton Field Office, FBI Philadelphia Division, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George L. Brandley and Katherine Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit.
kurtzer.indictment.pdfDavenport Man Sentenced to 86 Months in Federal Prison for the Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on November 20, 2023, to 86 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, in 2022, law enforcement discovered Mario Dominick Clark, 44, would travel to the Chicago area to purchase cocaine and return to the Quad Cities to sell it. On several occasions, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase cocaine supplied by Clark. In 2014, Clark was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
After completing his prison term, Clark will be required to serve six years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Scott County Sherriff’s Department.
Cody man arraigned for unlawful possession of ammunitionRead the Press Release
Adam Shane Aviles, Jr., age 26, of Cody, Wyoming, was arraigned on Nov. 21 for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Aviles pleaded not guilty. A trial has been set for Jan. 22, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.
Aviles was detained at the request of the government and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, Aviles faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This crime is being investigated by the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.