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9 January 2024
Moreno Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Running Ponzi Scheme That Took in More Than $24 Million from Hundreds of Victim InvestorsRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A Riverside County man has pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge for running a Ponzi scheme that lasted nearly 20 years and fraudulently obtained more than $24 million from at least 200 investors, the Justice Department announced today.
Paul Horton Smith Sr., 59, of Moreno Valley, pleaded guilty late Monday afternoon to one count of wire fraud.
According to his plea agreement, Smith operated Riverside-based companies named Northstar Communications LLC, Planning Services Inc., and eGate LLC. From July 2000 to May 2020, Smith obtained money from investors by soliciting individuals – who often were elderly or retired – to invest in something Smith called “Northstar.” Some of the investors previously were Planning Services clients.
Smith communicated with the victim investors regarding Northstar in person, over the telephone, and via email and text messages. He falsely told investors that Northstar was an annuity or an investment like an annuity He falsely told other investors that Northstar invested in real estate or followed the stock market. He typically told the investors that their investment would generate a fixed rate of return and was a “safe investment.”
While Smith led most Northstar investors to believe his company reinvested their initial investment, generating the percentage they were to earn, in fact, he never invested the money. Instead, Smith deposited all investor funds into a non-interest-bearing checking account.
Smith used some money from later Northstar investors to pay earlier Northstar investors’ monthly interest payments and to repay earlier investors who wanted to withdraw their investment.
For example, in April 2019, Smith caused one victim to invest with him $400,000 – life insurance proceeds after the victim’s spouse had died. The victim wrote a personal check for that amount and the check was deposited into a bank account in Riverside, which then was electronically transferred to the bank’s Alabama headquarters for processing.
Smith promised the victim he would invest the $400,000 in a safe investment with a 5% rate of return. But Smith never invested the money. Instead, he transferred the funds to pay other victims of his Ponzi scheme. In an attempt to conceal his criminal activity, Smith made 11 payments to the victim that totaled $163,324.
As a result of the scheme, Smith fraudulently obtained more than $24 million from at least 200 investors. Of these investors, 106 victims have not been fully repaid. The total loss for these victims is $13,331,505.
United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal scheduled an April 1 sentencing hearing, at which time Smith will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed a complaint and obtained a judgment against Smith and Northstar Communications LLC in 2020, provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Weir of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Money Launderer Sentenced to Prison for Role in Online ScamsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Whitney Adams, 27, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to 17 victims. Adams pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on May 16, 2023.
Between January 2021 and April 2022, Adams laundered money for scammers who lured victims into various online frauds. In some instances, the victims believed they were sending money to support an online romantic partner who falsely stated they needed to pay taxes and fees to release an inheritance or gold bars. The stories told to the victims by the scammers were fraudulent. The scammers directed the victims’ monies into accounts controlled by Adams and her co-conspirator. When Adams and her co-conspirator received the fraudulent monies, they kept a fee for themselves, and then transferred the funds, via trade-based money laundering or other means, to Ghana. Adams and her co-conspirator set up phony businesses and then opened business bank accounts to hide the transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. The FBI traced $4,437,604, sent by 106 victims, through Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s bank accounts. One Arizona victim lost nearly $5 million to the scams, sending over $1 million to Adams’ and her co-conspirator’s accounts and the remaining money to multiple other individuals. Adams’ co-conspirator pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024.
This case was prosecuted as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This DOJ hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step and can help authorities identify fraudsters and recoup losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00893-JCH-2
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-002_Adams# # #
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.Missouri man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew Neal, 22, of Columbia, Missouri, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018, and November 5, 2020, Neal received and attempted to receive sexually explicit images from three minor victims located in Lancaster, NY, San Francisco, California and Springfield, Missouri. Neal contacted the victims through Instagram and requested the sexually explicit images. If the victims did not comply, Neal threatened to share images previously sent by the victims with their Instagram followers. The victims initially complied but once they stopped, Neal did in fact share images with some of their Instagram followers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Missouri Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Accessory After the Fact in the Murder of Three Employees of Hinds County BusinessRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Missouri woman was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison for helping her co-defendant, who discharged a firearm during the commission of a robbery that killed three people.
According to court documents, Jamison Layne Townsend, 42, and her co-defendant, Joshua Michael Garcia, went to Bill’s Coin & Jewelry on December 17, 2016, to rob the business. During the robbery, Garcia shot and killed the owner and two co-workers. Townsend and Garcia emptied the display cases of watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, coins, and other items. Later that day, they entered a pawn shop in Mobile, Alabama, and pawned five items that were stolen from Bill’s earlier that day.
On December 19, 2016, a trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol attempted to stop Townsend and Garcia, who were traveling in a red Dodge Charger on Interstate 24. A chase ensued and Townsend and Garcia escaped at a high rate of speed. Two days later, Townsend and Garcia were arrested in Geary County, Kansas. Officers searched the Charger and found numerous items that were stolen from Bill’s, including coins, watches, trays of jewelry, and many items that still contained the sales tags from Bill’s. Additionally, officers recovered four firearms, including a Les Baer .45 caliber handgun that was determined to be the murder weapon by the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory. Ammunition, a cell phone, and numerous items of clothing were also recovered from the Dodge Charger.
Townsend pled guilty on September 18, 2023, to three counts of accessory after the fact.
Joshua Michael Garcia previously pled guilty to discharging a firearm that resulted in the murder of three persons during the commission of a robbery. He was sentenced to three life sentences.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Orench of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department with assistance from the Geary County, Kansas, Sherriff’s Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Biloxi Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Erin Chalk.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 43 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute approximately 43 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Willie Bernard Lewis, 37, sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on August 20, 2021, and August 31, 2021. On September 1, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence and located approximately 43 grams of methamphetamine and 10.9 grams of fentanyl. Lewis has prior convictions for sale of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The DEA reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. More facts on fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl.
Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case.
Mercer County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Austin Pannell, 26, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2022, Pannell sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant outside of a Princeton apartment. Pannell admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling additional quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant on three other occasions in Princeton and Bluefield between July 12, 2022, and August 18, 2022.
Pannell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-109.
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Member of notorious international hacking crew sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 22-year-old French citizen from Epinal, France, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and more than $5 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Criminal Chief Sarah Vogel for the Western District of Washington. Sebastien Raoult, aka ‘Sezyo Kaizen,’ was arrested in 2022 in Morocco and was extradited to the U.S. in January 2023. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “This is an extraordinarily serious offense. We’re talking about him robbing people of millions of dollars.”
“For over two years, Mr. Raoult participated in extensive computer hacking that caused millions of dollars in losses to victim companies and unmeasurable additional losses to hundreds of millions of individuals whose data was sold to other criminals,” said Criminal Chief Sarah Vogel of the Western District of Washington. “Mr. Raoult’s motive was pure greed. He sold hacked data. He stole people’s cryptocurrency. He even sold his hacking tools so that he could profit while other hackers attacked additional victims.”
According to records filed in the case, Raoult and his co-conspirators hacked into protected computers of corporate entities for the theft of confidential information and customer records, including personally identifiable information and financial information. They hacked numerous companies, including companies in Washington State, elsewhere in the United States, and around the world. After Raoult and his co-conspirators hacked companies, a user going by the name ShinyHunters posted hacked data from many of those companies for sale on dark web forums, including RaidForums, EmpireMarket, and Exploit. Between April 2020 and July 2021, ShinyHunters posted sales of hacked data from more than 60 companies. Sometimes ShinyHunters threatened to leak or sell stolen sensitive files if the victim did not pay a ransom.
Raoult helped create websites that pretended to be login pages belonging to legitimate businesses. The conspirators sent phishing emails to company employees that were designed to look like they came from legitimate businesses and contained links to those login pages. Victims provided their account sign-on credentials on those fake login pages, and the conspirators obtained the victims’ credentials. Raoult and his co-conspirators used the login information to breach victims’ accounts, steal the data stored there, and search the stolen data for credentials to access additional data on companies’ networks and third-party service providers, such as cloud storage services. In total, the conspirators stole hundreds of millions of customer records and caused loss to victim companies that is estimated to exceed $6 million.
In asking for a six-year prison term, Assistant United States Attorney Miriam Hinman wrote to the court, “Stealing and selling customer records put these hundreds of millions of individual customers at risk of identity theft and financial loss. As ShinyHunters demonstrated by listing the number of stolen customer records in its sale offerings, buyers would value the stolen data based on the number of customers whose data could be used. Raoult understood that buyers of the stolen data sought to misuse customers’ financial information, and yet he was eager to find those buyers.”
“The lengths to which Mr. Raoult and his co-conspirators went to steal personal and financial information are remarkably devious, and he played a substantial part in the scheme by creating code and phishing websites," said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle field office. "Thanks to the diligent work of federal and international law enforcement, Mr. Raoult will be held accountable for his cyber-crimes, which caused millions of dollars of harm to companies and customers.”
Speaking to the court, Sebastian Raoult said “I understand my mistakes and I want to put that part behind me. No more hacking. I don’t want to disappoint my family again.”
Judge Lasnik said he believed Raoult’s arrest and imprisonment “has gotten through to Sebastian.” Still, he urged Raoult’s family and friends in the courtroom to “keep an eye on him” when he returns to France to guard against a return to criminal conduct.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miriam R. Hinman. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Moroccan and French authorities.
Man admits making threat to blow up Dodson schoolRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man accused of making threats to blow up the Dodson school admitted to a hoax crime on Jan. 8, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jacob Edwin Wilson, a transient, pleaded guilty to false information and hoaxes as charged in an indictment. Wilson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 9. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 29, 2023, Wilson called both the 911 emergency number in Blaine County and the Dodson school, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and said he was “about to blow Dodson school up.” Law enforcement responded, and because school was in session that day, the superintendent and principle evacuated students and staff from the school on buses to a nearby church parking lot. First responders from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Malta Fire Department and U.S. Border Patrol responded, set up security around the school and searched the school for an explosive device. No explosive device was found in the school.
In the meantime, Wilson called 911 again and asked for someone to give him a ride off the reservation, said he was at an individual’s house and that he needed a ride from anyone except the Fort Belknap police. The 911 operators traced the call to the individual’s residence, which was located on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Officers located Wilson and arrested him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Tribal Police, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Malta Fire Department conducted the investigation.
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Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearm Offense After Elizabeth City Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Jonathan Jermaine Peek, of Elizabeth City, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. Peek, 33, pled guilty to the charge on May 2, 2023.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to multiple breaking and entering calls at residences in Elizabeth City between August and October of 2019. Checks from a stolen check book from the first burglary totaling more than $1,000 had been written to Peek’s girlfriend at the time. Following the second burglary, witnesses told PCSO that they observed a man, meeting the description of Peek near the home along with a dark SUV parked in front of the house at the time of the burglary. In the second burglary, six firearms, including at least three revolvers, and five brown holsters were taken from an unlocked gun safe in the home. The third burglary was interrupted when the home’s resident returned home to find an unfamiliar dark Honda CRV parked in the yard, and called his son, who arrived with two coworkers, to investigate. The son entered the home and saw a burglar, later identified as Peek, in the home. Following a scuffle, Peek fled in the Honda CRV. Peek was followed by the son and his two coworkers until members of PCSO intercepted and took over pursuit.
Peek did not stop for law enforcement and continued to flee through Elizabeth City at speeds exceeding 85 miles per hour. He eventually lost control and crashed through a brick wall at the edge of Elizabeth City State University campus, where he was taken into custody. A search of Peek recovered cash that was identified as the same amount missing from the third burglary. Investigators also determined that the Honda CRV, driven by Peek, was registered to his girlfriend at the time.
On October 15, 2019, investigators interviewed Peek’s girlfriend regarding charges relating to the robberies. She stated that Peek had brought her a checkbook and had taken the money from checks that she had cashed. She also indicated that Peek had shown up at her house with revolvers on the date of the second burglary. He handed her a case to take inside, and she saw four or five revolvers when she looked inside. She had also seen him put brown holsters into the garbage.
Peek’s federal conviction follows six prior felony convictions in state court. Notably, Peek committed the above offense while still on post-release supervision after having served a multi-year sentence for felony first degree burglary and robbery with a dangerous weapon. His earlier felonies include drug offenses, possession of a stolen firearm, and common law robbery.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-0001-FL.
Leader of Portland Area Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of a drug distribution organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs into the Portland Metropolitan Area for redistribution and sale was sentenced to federal prison today.
Luis Angel Rivera-Huezo, 31, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, after a monthslong investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), investigators identified Rivera-Huezo as the regional cell leader of an international and interstate drug trafficking organization based in Mexico responsible for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, into the Portland Metropolitan Area and elsewhere for redistribution and sale.
Over the course of the investigation, DEA agents and other assisting law enforcement officials documented numerous incidents wherein Rivera-Huezo, with assistance of multiple co-conspirators, arranged for drugs to be transported from various locations outside of Oregon, including Mexico, California, and Washington State, into the Portland area for further distribution. Investigators lawfully seized multiple loads of narcotics Rivera-Huezo had arranged for transport to Portland.
As of November 1, 2022, investigators had located and seized more than 125 pounds of methamphetamine, more than six pounds each of fentanyl and heroin, a smaller distribution quantity of cocaine, and nine firearms connected to the Rivera-Huezo network.
On June 7, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Rivera-Huezo and 10 other individuals with conspiring with one another to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substance and use a communication facility. On June 12, 2023, Rivera-Huezo pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging him with the same.
Two of Rivera-Huezo’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison, seven have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, and a tenth co-conspirator is scheduled to plead guilty later this month.
This case was investigated by the DEA Portland District Office in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tigard Police Department (TPD), and the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
WIN is a Washington County, Oregon-based interagency drug interdiction task force that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, DEA, FBI, and HSI.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Leader of Large Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Large Quantities of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in Wenatchee and Moses Lake areas of Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Edward James Salvador, age 41, of Wenatchee, Washington was sentenced after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 300 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Salvador, AKA Droopy, was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating between the Wenatchee and Moses Lake areas. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD) used a range of investigative techniques, including tracking warrants, controlled buys and cooperating defendant interviews to gather information about how the organization operated. Investigators learned Salvador was a Sureno gang member out of California who had relocated to the area after being released from California Department of Corrections custody.
The investigation revealed Salvador’s operation was distributing a very large amount of fentanyl-laced pills obtained from Bakersfield, California, into the Chelan and Douglas county areas with the help of multiple other individuals, most of whom were also Sureno gang members. Salvador would have individuals “audition” for the organization to see if they were cut out to work for him and make money. Salvador would pick up thousands of fentanyl pills as well as 15 to 20 pounds of methamphetamine from his supplier in California several times a month.
In early 2022, investigators learned that, in addition to trafficking large amounts of fentanyl-laced pills, Salvador was working with other high-level drug traffickers to set up a location in Moses Lake to cook methamphetamine.
In late March of 2022, Salvador met with other high-level drug traffickers in Moses Lake. The group discussed losing money because they were not moving enough drugs. The source of supply, who lived in California, committed to increasing the amount of methamphetamine being produced.
The next day information was received that Salvador had acquired 15 pounds of ephedrine, which is used in the production of methamphetamine, and the chemicals would be used to produce methamphetamine at a compound in Moses Lake. The drug trafficker who owned the compound would get to keep half of the drugs produced in exchange for letting the group cook methamphetamine on his property, as well as providing other materials for the drug production.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke noted that while Salvador had a troubled childhood and had a period of sobriety prior to his involvement in leading this organization, he returned to criminality in “epic fashion”. Judge Dimke stated Salvador exercised organization and control over an entire area and did so in a fashion and with such amount of violence that scares an entire community.
“Mr. Salvador spread a staggering amount of illegal narcotics into our communities, including by distributing as much as 20,000 fentanyl pills to his network of drug traffickers every couple weeks. Mr. Salvador also attempted to set up an operation to manufacture large quantities of methamphetamine in the Moses Lake area,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to shutting down dangerous drug trafficking organizations that pump poison into our communities and neighborhoods. I’m thankful for all our federal, state and local partners, as well as federal prosecutors, who worked together seamlessly to put a stop to Mr. Salvador’s operation.”
“The scourge of narcotics has touched every corner of this nation, and we are proud to have worked with our regional partners to put a halt to Mr. Salvador’s illicit ventures,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI will use every resource at its disposal to eliminate the economies of scale created by these operations and remove these deadly drugs from our communities.”
“Mr. Salvador did everything under his power to grow his drug trafficking network in central Washington,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “We will always work to investigate those who are causing grave harm to our communities. This sentence sends a strong message that these actions will not be tolerated by ATF and our law enforcement partners.”
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Columbia River Drug Task Force consisting of, the Chelan County Sheriff, Douglas County Sheriff, East Wenatchee Police Department, and the Wenatchee Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Moses Lake Police Department, and the Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team also assisted in the investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
23-CR-046-MKD
Leader of San Francisco MS-13 Clique Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Convictions for Murder and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO -- The leader of the San Francisco 20th Street clique of the MS-13 street gang was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. There is no parole in the federal system.
Elmer Rodriguez, a/k/a “Gordo,” of San Francisco, California, was convicted on June 1, 2023, following a three-week jury trial. The Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge, handed down today’s sentence.
“For years, the defendant led a violent street gang that committed several murders and attempted murders in the Bay Area, particularly in the Mission District of San Francisco,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins. “San Francisco residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that anyone who commits acts of violence and endangers public safety in the Northern District of California will face federal prosecution and a severe federal prison sentence as a consequence of their conduct.”
“This sentence today sends a loud and clear message that HSI, with law enforcement agencies in the region, will continue to work around the clock, always prioritizing the safety of our communities. It represents another important stride in our ongoing effort to combat crime in the Bay Area,” said San Francisco HSI Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “Working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, we’ve successfully brought to justice this dangerous gang leader who played a key role in ruthlessly murdering multiple victims. Of note, collective efforts in this overarching case began in July 2017, which underlies the complexities of investigations into transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, as well as the commitment of the agencies involved. HSI is deeply appreciative of the work of its agents and analysts, as well as SFPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
At trial, the government presented evidence that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Jorge Martinez near 19th and Mission Streets on March 17, 2017. Martinez had been celebrating his birthday after attending a Golden State Warriors game with his son. After the game, they went to a bar in the Mission District. Rodriguez and other MS-13 clique members were also present at the bar that night and identified Martinez as a possible rival Norteño gang member. Rodriguez ordered another clique associate to murder Martinez. The associate followed Martinez out of the bar and shot him to death.
Evidence at trial also showed that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, a/k/a “P Wee,” on May 25, 2017. Alvarez was a 20th Street clique member whom Rodriguez and others in the clique believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Rodriguez sanctioned Alvarez’s murder because of these suspicions. Rodriguez and his associates, including Edwin Alvarado Amaya, a/k/a “Muerte,” and Kenneth Campos, a/k/a “Nesio,” lured Alvarez into a car. Campos drove the group to Bernal Heights Park. At the park, Rodriguez gave a signal to Alvarado Amaya, who then hacked Alvarez to death by inflicting dozens of deep wounds to his face and torso with a machete. Alvarado Amaya and Campos have pled guilty and been sentenced for their roles in this murder.
Rodriguez was also sentenced for his role in an attempted murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from a shotgun shooting that followed an extortion attempt by Rodriguez and other MS-13 associates on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District on November 26, 2017.
Rodriguez’s trial also featured evidence of Rodriguez’s involvement in additional acts of violence including:
• Ordering that other members of the clique go on a “hunt” to shoot suspected Norteños, which culminated with the September 16, 2016 shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street; • Attending an October 27, 2016 gang assault in the Mission District; • Instigating a May 17, 2017 gang assault outside of a taqueria in the Mission District; • Serving as the driver in a November 30, 2017 attempted murder at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District during which members of the 20th Street clique repeatedly stabbed a victim whom they incorrectly identified as a Norteño.
In total, 17 defendants have been convicted as a part of this investigation, which has resulted in convictions relating to four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons.
This case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Strike Force of the Office of the United States Attorney. The prosecution is the result of investigations by HSI, SFPD Homicide Unit and Community Violence Reduction Team, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit and Investigations Bureau, Daly City Police Department, Pinole Police Department, Redwood City Police Department Street Crimes Reduction Team, and San Pablo Police Department.
Kansas City Men Accused of St. Louis County CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men from Kansas City, Missouri have been arrested after being indicted in connection with a 2022 St. Louis County carjacking.
Ki’Juan Calhoun, 26, and Reginald Hudson, 27, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were each indicted December 6 on one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Hudson was arrested December 20 in Texas and had his first appearance in St. Louis Monday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Calhoun was arrested December 19 and pleaded not guilty that same day.
The indictment accuses both men of stealing a 2019 Ford Fusion on Jan. 12, 2022. A motion seeking to have them held in jail until trial says two armed men stole the victim’s purse, phone and car keys as she was walking into her apartment complex on Marbella Drive. One of the men was holding a handgun equipped with a drum magazine. The victim’s car was found the next day by the Kansas City Police Department. Officers then found the victim’s purse, and Hudson in a nearby home, the motion says.
The carjacking charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. The brandishing a firearm charge is punishable by at least seven years in prison, consecutive to other charges.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Walker is prosecuting the case.
Kanawha County Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Imeesha Bradley, 28, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $18,703 in restitution for receipt of stolen money. Bradley admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $18,703 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 21, 2021, Bradley applied for a PPP loan for her purported business, “Imeesha Bradley.” Bradley admitted that “Imeesha Bradley” was never engaged in legitimate business activity and was not a registered business entity at the time she applied for the loan. Bradley further admitted that she falsely represented that her fictitious business received $89,772 in gross income during 2020.
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.
A California lender approved Bradley’s fraudulent PPP loan application for $18,703, and transferred the funds to Bradley’s personal bank account on May 10, 2021. Bradley admitted that she withdrew $5,000 of the stolen funds that day and an additional $7,000 on May 14, 2021, each time from a bank branch in Nitro, West Virginia.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Francesca C. Rollo and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-112.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cv-62277.
View the complaint.
View the Isle of Paradise B consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise C consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise E consent decree.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
complaint_isle_of_paradise_filed_2023-11-30.pdf isle_of_paradise_b_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_c_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_e_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdfJustice Department Releases Information on Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote, Prosecute Election Crimes, and Secure ElectionsRead the Press Release
In advance of this year’s federal election cycle, and consistent with longstanding Justice Department practices and procedures, the department today is providing information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, National Security Division (NSD), and U.S. Attorneys’ offices throughout the country, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or criminal activity in the election process, and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference.
Civil Rights Division
The department’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right. This work is often performed in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including: the Voting Rights Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the Help America Vote Act; and the Civil Rights Acts. Among other things, collectively, these laws:
- prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose or a discriminatory result on account of race, color, or language minority status;
- prohibit intimidation of voters;
- allow voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union);
- require minority language election materials and assistance in certain jurisdictions;
- require accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities;
- require that provisional ballots be offered to voters who assert they are registered and eligible to vote in the jurisdiction, but whose names do not appear on poll books;
- require states to provide for absentee voting for uniformed service members serving away from home, their family members also away from home due to that service, and U.S. citizens living abroad; and
- require covered states to offer the opportunity to register to vote through offices that provide driver licenses, public assistance, and disability services, as well as through the mail, and to take steps regarding maintaining voter registration lists.
The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, selection and accessibility of voting facilities, and the casting of ballots on Election Day or during early voting, whether in-person or absentee.
The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter interference based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
- Throughout the election cycle, Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations of any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. The Civil Rights Division will work closely with counterparts at U.S. Attorneys’ offices and other department components to review and take appropriate action concerning these complaints.
- Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at 800-253-3931, and can also submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
- Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at ada.gov.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911. They should also be reported to the department after local authorities are contacted.
Criminal Division and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
The department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize certain forms of election fraud and vindicate the integrity of the federal election process.
The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and U.S. Attorneys’ offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election crimes, such as destruction of ballots, vote-buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, alteration of votes, and malfeasance by postal or election officials and employees. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices are also responsible for enforcing federal criminal law prohibiting unlawful threats of violence against election workers, and prohibiting voter intimidation and voter suppression for reasons other than race, color, national origin, or religion (as noted above, voter intimidation and voter suppression that has a basis in race, color, national origin, or religion is addressed by the Civil Rights Division often in partnership with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices).
U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country designate Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in their respective districts. DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election-crime matters in their districts, and for coordinating with the department’s election-crime experts in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorneys’ offices work with specially trained FBI personnel in each district to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible election crimes are handled appropriately. Specifically:
- In consultation with federal prosecutors at the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C., the DEOs in U.S. Attorneys’ offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public.
- Election-crime complaints should be directed to the local U.S. Attorneys’ office or the local FBI field office. A list of U.S. Attorneys’ offices and their telephone numbers can be found at www.justice.gov/usao/districts/. A list of FBI field offices and accompanying telephone numbers can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us.
- Public Integrity Section prosecutors are available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the FBI regarding the handling of election-crime allegations.
All complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should be reported first to local police authorities by calling 911. After alerting local law enforcement to such emergencies by calling 911, the public should contact the Justice Department.
National Security Division
The department’s NSD supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting or relating to national security, including any cases involving foreign malign influence and interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections. In this context:
- NSD oversees matters involving a range of malign influence activities that foreign governments may attempt.
- NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section oversees matters involving covert information operations (e.g., to promulgate disinformation through social media); covert efforts to support or denigrate political candidates or organizations; and other covert influence operations that might violate various criminal statutes.
- NSD’s National Security Cyber Section oversees such matters when they are cyber-enabled (i.e., when online platforms, such as social media and other online services, are central to the commission of the offense), as well as those involving computer hacking of election or campaign infrastructure.
- NSD’s Counterterrorism Section oversees matters involving international and domestic terrorism and supports law enforcement in preventing any acts of terrorism that impact Americans, including any violent extremism that might threaten election security.
As in past elections, the National Security Division will work closely with counterparts at the FBI and our U.S. Attorneys’ offices to protect our nation’s elections from any national security threats. Attorneys from National Security Division sections will be partnered with FBI Headquarters components to provide support to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and FBI field offices to counter any such threats. The Department of Homeland Security also plays its own important role in safeguarding critical election infrastructure from cyber and other threats.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911 and, after local authorities are contacted, then should be reported also to the department.
Protecting the right to vote, prosecuting election crimes, and securing our elections are all essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government. The department encourages anyone with information regarding concerns in these subject areas to contact the appropriate authorities.
For more information about the department’s work to ensure compliance with federal civil and criminal laws related to voting, please visit Voting | Department of Justice and Election Crimes Branch | Department of Justice.
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today sent to the Federal Register for publication a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines and mammography equipment.
Accessible MDE is essential for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care. The rule proposes to adopt technical standards that clarify how public entities that use MDE, such as hospitals and health care clinics operated by state or local governments, can meet their existing obligations under the ADA. The department has received many complaints from individuals with disabilities that health care providers have not provided them with basic, vital health care — for example, not obtaining an accurate weight when administering anesthesia before surgery — because of the lack of accessible MDE.
“Individuals with disabilities often experience great difficulty obtaining routine or preventative medical care because of inaccessible medical diagnostic equipment. From examination tables to weight scales to mammography equipment, accessible MDE is critical to ensuring equal access to medical care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This groundbreaking rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice Department’s efforts to remove barriers that people with disabilities face when accessing medical care.”
The department is eager to hear from the public and get input from stakeholders on our proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet that provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on www.ada.gov. The department invites the public to submit their comments on the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for 30 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can be submitted on www.regulations.gov.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department’s website. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 833-610-1264) or visit the ADA website.
Jose Trujillo, Co-Defendant of Solomon Peña, Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Jose Louise Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Trujillo, 22, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Trujillo on May 24, 2023, along with his father, Demetrio Trujillo, and Solomon Peña. According to court records, Trujillo helped Peña with his political campaign for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. Specifically, Trujillo allowed Peña to use Trujillo’s bank account to channel approximately $5,155 to his political campaign. Following his electoral defeat in November 2022, Peña decided to pressure members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election and paid Trujillo to help him.
On Nov. 21, 2022, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners voted to certify the results of the election. On Dec. 11, 2023, Trujillo and Peña drove to the home of an election official, and Trujillo fired a gun which Peña provided to him at the residence. On Jan. 3, 2023, Trujillo and his father and Peña drove to the home of a former candidate whom Peña had chosen to target based on their position and carried out a second shooting.
Following that incident, Trujillo was stopped by a deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and arrested. At the time, Trujillo was driving Peña’s car. When the car was searched, deputies located the firearms and ammunition that Peña, Trujillo and Trujillo’s father had used to carry out the shooting earlier that day and 893 fentanyl pills.
At sentencing, Trujillo faces up to life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and may be ordered to pay fines not to exceed $1,750,000.
Solomon Peña and Demetrio Trujillo are currently scheduled to stand trial in June 2024.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment View the Plea Agreement# # #
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Jefferson County men sentenced in separate federal casesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas– Two Jefferson County men have been sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Mikale Rashad Bolton, 21, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to carjacking and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on Jan. 8, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on June 25, 2022, local law enforcement responded to the scene of a carjacking near French Road in Beaumont. The investigation revealed that Bolton approached a vehicle and asked the driver for a cigarette lighter. After the driver handed the lighter to Bolton, Bolton pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the driver’s head. Bolton ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver was told not to contact police or Bolton would return and kill him. Bolton fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Beaumont Police Department.
Jordan Malik Bronnon, 30, of Port Arthur pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on Jan. 8, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on May 23, 2022, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Bronnon was a passenger. The driver consented to a search of the vehicle, during which a backpack was located that contained various pieces of paperwork with Bronnon’s name and a rifle magazine containing ammunition. A rifle was also located on the rear passenger floorboard. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Port Arthur Police Department. Bronnon was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
These cases were prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Jacksonville Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Devan Franklin Hall (33, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Hall had pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023.
According to court documents, between 2022 and 2023, FBI and HSI special agents investigated a drug trafficking organization operating in the Jacksonville area. In 2022, the agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from an associate of Hall’s in Jacksonville. During these transactions, the agents identified Hall as the supplier of the methamphetamine and observed Hall traveling to Ocala before meeting with his associate in Jacksonville. Further investigation confirmed that Hall was supplying his associate in Jacksonville and sourcing the methamphetamine from Ocala. Between April and June 2023, agents observed Hall distributing between 150 and 500 grams of methamphetamine to his associate in Jacksonville. On July 26, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence and found multiple firearms and more than $2,000 in drug proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Frank Talbot.
Fridley Felon Charged in Federal Court After Shooting 11-Year-Old on New Year’s DayRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Fridley man has been charged federally with possession of ammunition as a felon after firing multiple shots from an AR-style rifle, one of which struck an 11-year-old girl in the face, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, just after midnight on January 1, 2024, officers of the Minneapolis Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in north Minneapolis. When officers arrived at the scene a woman told them that shots had been fired outside the residence and a round had struck the woman’s 11-year-old daughter in the face. The victim said she was sitting in her second-story bedroom when she heard gunshots outside the residence at approximately midnight. She went to her window to observe when a round came through the window and hit her in the face.
According to court documents, officers obtained a Snapchat video of James William Turner, 44, that was filmed just prior to the shooting. The two-minute video showed Turner outside, near the victim’s residence, arguing with an unknown individual before the camera turned to show an AR-style rifle lying across the driver’s seat of a vehicle. A neighbor provided officers with a doorbell surveillance video that showed Turner fire multiple rounds in the direction of the victim’s bedroom window. Officers found eight live cartridges and 24 discharged cartridge casings throughout the boulevard, sidewalk, and yard.
Because Turner has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
The complaint charges Turner with one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. Turner made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Franklin Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Franklin, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and the illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Roger Solomon of the Franklin Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 13, 2021, in Simpson County, KY, Corey Kaiser, 27, knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 193.2 grams of methamphetamine. On that same day Kaiser also knowingly possessed three handguns. Kaiser was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On January 23, 2020, in Sumner Circuit Court, Tennessee, Kaiser was convicted of possession of a schedule II-controlled substance to sell, methamphetamine, greater than .5 grams.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Franklin Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green 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.
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Four Indicted for Defrauding Dozens of Victims of More Than $7.5 MillionRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Daniel Vernon, Yveler Marcellus, Felix Marcial and Tatiana Williams with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Defendants Vernon and Marcial were arrested earlier today in the Eastern District of New York and their initial appearances were held this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.
Defendant Marcellus is scheduled to be arraigned on January 10, 2024 before Judge Marutollo. Defendant Williams was arrested earlier this morning in Florida, and her initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon in Miami before United States Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Daniel B. Brubaker, New York Division Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, while the defendants called unsuspecting individuals with promises of safeguarding their money and refinancing their mortgages, they lied and actually stole more than $7.5 million from over 50 victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who commit financial fraud and work to recover and return victims’ stolen money. We urge the public to be extremely wary of sending money to people they don’t know, as they may be trying to swindle you.”
“Postal Inspectors will relentlessly pursue anyone who misuses the U.S. mail to commit fraud and take advantage of the American public. The defendants, through their fraudulent tech and mortgage refinancing schemes, allegedly victimized over 50 individuals and stole well over $7 Million. Inspectors and our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, work diligently to ensure these individuals are brought to justice and held accountable. Today’s arrests are proof of that fact. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is continuously working to protect and educate consumers regarding various fraudulent schemes that in this case claimed millions of dollars from innocent victims,” said United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector-In-Charge Brubaker.
As alleged in the indictment, between January 2022 and May 2023, the defendants conducted fraudulent “tech” and “mortgage refinancing” schemes, through which they targeted victims by phone and convinced them to send cash, checks, or money orders to the defendants at various addresses in the Eastern District of New York.
Through the tech scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators falsely represented to individual victims that victim bank accounts were compromised, that individuals were attempting to access the victim’s computer to gain access to the victim’s funds, that individuals at the victim’s financial institution were involved in the scheme to steal the victim’s money and that the victim’s money would be kept safe if the victim sent the funds to the individual on the telephone. Each victim was then directed to send a check, money order or cash to an address provided by the conspirators, under the guise that the victim’s funds would be kept safe with that person.
Under the mortgage refinancing scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators falsely represented to victims that the victims could refinance their mortgages at a beneficial interest rate by diverting their mortgage payments to an address provided by the defendants and their co-conspirators. Each victim was then directed to send a check, money order or cash to an address provided by person on the phone, under the guise that the payment was being made toward the victim’s refinanced mortgage.
After the victims sent their checks, cash, or money order to the address provided to them by the individual they spoke with over the phone, the defendants and their co-conspirators retrieved the mailings from the address it was sent to and deposited it in their own bank accounts. In total, the defendants stole more than $7.5 million dollars from more than 50 victims.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts. The government’s investigation is ongoing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elias Laris.
The Defendants:
DANIEL G. VERNON (also known as “Daquan Mitchell,” “Daniel George,” and “Cory Fortune”)
Age: 28
Ozone Park, New YorkYVELER MARCELLUS
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkFELIX MARCIAL
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkTATIANA WILLIAMS
Age: 26
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-9 (CBA)
Former VFW Commander Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $40,000 From Oklahoma Veterans
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL BRUCE COLLEY, 65, of Marlow, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 19, 2023, Colley was charged by Information with wire fraud. According to the Information, Colley worked as commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1192 in Duncan, Oklahoma. The VFW is a nonprofit, dedicated to veterans’ service and military and community service programs. The Information alleges Colley controlled the finances for the post, and made over 30 unauthorized withdrawals from VFW accounts, which he used to pay his own personal expenses. The withdrawals totaled more than $40,000 and many of these fraudulent withdrawals occurred at Oklahoma casinos.
Yesterday, Colley pleaded guilty to wire fraud. As part of his plea, Colley admitted that between January of 2019 and June of 2021, he defrauded the VFW Post 1192 of over $40,000. At sentencing, Colley faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City field office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Former Texas Resident Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Rosharon, Texas, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Daniel Saucedo, 33, formerly of Rosharon, Texas, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about July 28, 2023, Saucedo attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 and up to 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Social Media Influencer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Scheming to Obtain More Than $1.2 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act LoansRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Denish Sahadevan, a/k/a “Danny Devan,” age 32, of Potomac, Maryland, today to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, relating to his scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $1.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Judge Boardman also ordered that Sahadevan will forfeit the cash and Bitcoin seized during a search of his residence on February 24, 2023 and will be required to pay restitution and a forfeiture money judgement of at least $429,906. Sahadevan provided a $100,000 check to the Court today as part of his restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP, as well as EIDLs to help small businesses meet their financial obligations, both administered through the SBA.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in about March 2020, Sahadevan submitted EIDL and PPP application on behalf of four Maryland entities that he controlled, often creating fraudulent and fabricated documents, such as tax forms and bank statements, to be used in the applications. In addition, Sahadevan used the identifying information belonging to a tax preparer that he knew, without that person’s knowledge or agreement, to legitimize the fabricated tax forms he created and submitted.
Specifically, Sahadevan admitted that he used his home in Rockville, Maryland to create the fabricated documents and electronically apply for EIDL and PPP loans. Sahadevan applied for approximately 71 PPP loans totaling approximately $941,794.75, and successfully obtained approximately $146,000 in PPP benefits. Sahadevan applied for and received eight EIDLs totaling $283,900. On the EIDL loans, Sahadevan induced his father into becoming a co-signer for the loan, then forged his father’s signature on the loan application. Sahadevan’s father would not have agreed to sponsor the loan had he known of its fraudulent nature and contents.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Sahadevan caused the fraud proceeds to be deposited into bank accounts he opened specifically for that purpose, then laundered the funds by engaging in several monetary transactions, including purchasing and trading securities and cryptocurrency, settling personal debts and making payments to his girlfriend.
In addition, between December 16, 2021 and January 10, 2022, Sahadevan applied to a financial institution for a $1,336,000 loan to purchase a property in Potomac, Maryland. In the loan application, Sahadevan failed to disclose the $283,900 he owed to the United States for the EIDL benefits he fraudulently received. Relying on Sahedevan’s representations, the financial institution approved the loan, which was used to purchase the Potomac property.
On February 24, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sahadevan’s Potomac residence and recovered multiple electronic devices, a can containing approximate 18 driver’s licenses belonging to other individuals, what appeared to be a gold physical Bitcoin in a black case, and approximately $17,043 in cash found in a suitcase in a bedroom closet. The cash and Bitcoin constitute proceeds of the fraud scheme.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bijon A. Mostoufi, who prosecuted the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Former Oregon State Employee Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Charges After Violating Civil Rights of a Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee, Zakary Glover, 30, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities who was in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.
“This defendant engaged in sexual misconduct with a woman entrusted to his care who was suffering from significant cognitive impairments,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute government officials who abuse their power by sexually exploiting people under their care and custody, and we will do our utmost to vindicate the rights of survivors of sexual violence.”
“Using a position of trust and authority to violate the civil rights of another person is a serious federal crime and will never be tolerated by the Justice Department,” said U.S Attorney Natalie Wight for the District of Oregon. “We thank our partners at the FBI, Oregon State Police and Civil Rights Division for their commitment to seeking justice in this case.”
“There is an expectation that public servants will act with care, compassion and respect, especially when responsible for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Schlegel of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue any individual who violates that trust and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.”
According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Glover worked as a direct support crisis specialist for the Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit. On Nov. 2, 2021, Glover transported an adult woman in his care to an outing in Salem, Oregon. The victim suffers from severe autism and epilepsy, cognitive delays and very limited verbal ability. Staff members responsible for her care communicate by showing her picture books, displaying YouTube videos or drawing pictures.
During the outing, Glover detoured down a dead-end road in Aumsville, Oregon. Glover parked the van and then, using force, attempted to and did cause the victim to engage in a sexual act without her consent. After doing so, Glover forcefully grabbed her and then positioned his body in a way that allowed him to attempt to force her into another non-consensual sexual act. Glover admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual activity. Among other offenses, his conduct constituted attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
A sentencing hearing is set for April 30. Glover faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Portland Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Former Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Pleads Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of a Developmentally Disabled Woman in His CareRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Oregon Department of Human Services employee pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the civil rights of a woman with developmental disabilities in his care by engaging in sexual misconduct with her.
Zakary Glover, 30, of Lebanon, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity under color of law involving attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
“Using a position of trust and authority to violate the civil rights of another person is a serious federal crime and will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice. We thank our partners at the FBI, Oregon State Police, and Civil Rights Division for their commitment to seeking justice in this case,” said Natalie Wight, U.S Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“This defendant engaged in sexual misconduct with a woman entrusted to his care who was suffering from significant cognitive impairments,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute government officials who abuse their power by sexually exploiting people under their care and custody, and we will do our utmost to vindicate the rights of survivors of sexual violence.”
“There is an expectation that public servants will act with care, compassion, and respect, especially when responsible for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Matt Schlegel, Acting Special Agent in Charge, of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI, its Law Enforcement Partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue any individual who violates that trust and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.”
According to the court documents, Glover served as a Direct Support Crisis Specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU). SACU operates several 24-hour crisis residential programs in Oregon that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a SACU employee, Glover was tasked with ensuring the health, safety and security of the individuals who lived at the residential facility where he worked.
The victim, who has severe autism and cognitive deficits, was one of the individuals under Glover’s care. As part of his duties, Glover took the victim on outings in a state-owned van. The van used for such outings was purposely secured with child locks and a heavy plastic partition between the front and rear seats so that individuals like Glover’s victim cannot get out.
On November 2, 2021, while on an outing with the victim, Glover drove down a dead-end road near a cemetery in Aumsville, Oregon. Upon reaching the dead-end, he parked the van near the cemetery’s gate and proceeded to engage in sexual acts with the victim without her consent.
On February 18, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Glover with depriving the victim of her constitutional right to bodily integrity under color of law involving attempted aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
Glover will be sentenced on April 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernández. He faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office with assistance from Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin Bruce of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Head of New Mission School Sentenced for Misusing Nearly $40,000 in School FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Head of School for New Mission School in Hyde Park, an autonomous pilot school within the Boston Public Schools system, was sentenced today for misusing approximately $38,806 in school funds for her own personal use.
Naia Wilson, 60, of Mattapan, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years of supervised release, with the first 90 days to be served in home incarceration, 160 hours of community service and a $25,000 fine. Wilson was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $38,806 to Boston Public Schools. In September 2023, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Wilson was employed as Head of School for New Mission School from 2006 until about June of 2019. Pilot schools like New Mission are granted maximum autonomy over their budget and spending. New Mission School receives a lump sum per pupil budget from Boston Public Schools and school administrators decide how to spend that money based on the needs of the school.
Pilot school budgets are managed by an external fiscal agent that contracts with Boston Public Schools. The school funds managed by the external fiscal agent were held in a bank account. In order to spend school funds managed by the external fiscal agent, Wilson, in her role as Head of School for New Mission School, would be required to make a formal check request to the external fiscal agent for a check to be issued from the bank account holding the school’s funds.
Beginning in or about September of 2016 and continuing until at least May of 2019, Wilson requested checks from the external fiscal agent school account to be issued to various individuals, purportedly as stipends for work those individuals did at the school. Once those checks were issued, Wilson fraudulently endorsed the checks to herself and deposited them into her own bank account without the nominee ever knowing or authorizing her to do so.
Additionally, Wilson requested checks from the external fiscal agent that were used to pay for two all-inclusive personal vacations to Barbados for herself and several of her friends in 2016 and 2018. For both the 2016 and 2018 Barbados trips, Wilson requested that the external fiscal agent issue checks payable to other people who went on the trips and then converted that money to pay for the all-inclusive hotel and airfare. Wilson also fraudulently endorsed the checks used to pay for the 2018 trip.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The Boston Public Schools were cooperative in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Father, Son, Admit Trafficking Cocaine to St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A father and son from St. Louis, Missouri have pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and admitted trafficking kilograms of cocaine to St. Louis for years.
Gregory Dixson Jr., 53, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to launder money.
Gregory Cornell Dixson III, 32, pleaded guilty January 4 to the same cocaine conspiracy charge as his father.
Both men admitted as part of their guilty pleas that beginning in 2015 or earlier, they conspired with others to bring cocaine to St. Louis. Dixson Jr. acknowledged in his plea that the amount of cocaine attributable to him based upon his conduct and the conduct of others reasonably foreseeable to him is more than 450 kilograms. Dixson III admitted that 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine could be attributed to him based on his conduct and the conduct of others.
They also admitted a series of drug and money transactions and seizures during the long-term investigation.
In September of 2015, a vehicle that was ultimately delivered to St. Louis was found to have 31 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside. The cocaine was supplied by Omar Pena Vargas, who supplied Dixson Jr. until the cocaine was seized. Both Dixsons drove by the vehicle several days before someone broke in and accessed a hidden area where five kilograms of cocaine had been stored, their pleas say.
In late 2016 or early 2017, Dixson Jr. and/or Dixson III would send couriers to Texas to buy kilograms of cocaine from Miguel Angel Gonzalez, who bought it from Carlos Gonzalez. Dixson Jr. initially bought three kilograms several times a month, but he later purchased as much as eight to 16 kilograms per week, the pleas say.
In August of 2018, Gonzalez was brokering the sale of 75 kilograms of cocaine to Dixson Jr. He was found in a hotel with two bags containing a total of $634,770 in cash, representing a partial payment for the cocaine, the Dixsons’ plea agreements say.
On Oct. 28, 2018, eight kilograms of cocaine bound for St. Louis were seized.
In March of 2020, 23.6 kilograms of a mix of heroin and fentanyl was seized from Ruben Sanchez Blanco. Some of the drugs were intended for St. Louis, Dixon III’s plea says.
In April of 2021, Miguel Gonzalez and Dixson III coordinated a pickup of two kilograms of cocaine. Later that month, Carlos Gonzalez traveled to St. Louis to pick up drug proceeds and coordinated the delivery of the money by Dixson III with father and son.
In July of 2021, Quintin Deforest Adkins drove to Texas with cash to buy six kilograms of cocaine. That vehicle was seized, and $161,845 was found hidden inside, the pleas say.
Dixson III is scheduled to be sentenced April 3. His father is scheduled to be sentenced April 11. Dixson III’s cocaine conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, as well as the possibility of a fine up to $10 million. Dixson Jr.’s cocaine conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years due to a prior drug trafficking conviction.
Vargas is in federal prison. Miguel Gonzalez, 59, pleaded guilty in November to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl. Adkins, 63, pleaded guilty in November to the cocaine and fentanyl conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be sentenced February 21. Blanco, 46, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced in June to five years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Carlos Gonzalez, 54, is deceased.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.EDVA Settles Lawsuit Against Property Management Company and Landlord for Violating Servicemembers’ RightsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A property management company operating throughout Hampton Roads has agreed to pay $13,225.65 to settle a complaint alleging that the company and one of its landlord-homeowners violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
According to court documents, McGowan Realty LLC, doing business as RedSail Property Management (RedSail), agreed to settle a complaint that it and one of its landlord-homeowners violated the SCRA by imposing early lease termination charges and additional rent on a servicemember. The United States alleged that the company had a policy of refusing to honor servicemembers’ lease terminations when the servicemember received permanent change of station (PCS) orders to a new duty station that was less than 35 miles (radius) from the dwelling unit.
“Our servicemembers sacrifice greatly, moving and deploying often in support of our nation’s defense. Such moves should never create financial hardship for our servicemembers,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“This case should put all housing providers on notice that if a servicemember meets the requirements of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, they are entitled to all its benefits, regardless of what any state law may provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of our servicemembers and their families to ensure they do not face any unlawful treatment by housing companies or any other entities.”
The SCRA allows a servicemember to terminate a residential lease early if the servicemember receives permanent change of station orders or enters military service during the term of the lease. If the tenant terminates a lease pursuant to the SCRA, the landlord may not impose any early termination fee or rent beyond the effective termination date. The SCRA places no mileage restrictions on a servicemember’s residential lease termination rights. State statutes cannot deprive servicemembers of the full scope of their rights under federal law.
EDVA launched its investigation after a Navy legal assistance attorney reported that RedSail and the landlord had refused to honor the SCRA residential lease termination of a U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class and were assessing early lease termination charges and additional rent against him. RedSail allegedly erroneously insisted that the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) placed a 35-mile limitation on a servicemember’s SCRA residential lease termination rights. The complaint alleges that the Petty Officer paid $3,408.55 in early termination charges and additional rent to RedSail, which placed a considerable financial burden on him.
Under the proposed consent order, RedSail will pay $10,225.65 to the Petty Officer referenced in the United States’ complaint and a $3,000 civil penalty. The consent order also requires that RedSail provide SCRA training to its employees and develop new policies and procedures consistent with the SCRA. In the proposed consent order, RedSail and the landlord have agreed to refrain from imposing or attempting to impose the VRLTA’s 35-mile limitation on servicemembers who lawfully terminate a lease under the SCRA, imposing or seeking to collect any early termination charges from servicemembers or their dependents who lawfully terminate a lease pursuant to the SCRA, and denying SCRA lease terminations from servicemembers who qualify for lease termination under the SCRA. The proposed consent order is subject to approval by the court.
This case was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deirdre G. Brou.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/. The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.
The civil claims settled by this Servicemembers Civil Relief Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
District Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shawn Wooden, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 92 months in prison in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy called the “MLK Crew” based in Southeast Washington, announced United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Geist, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wooden, aka “Black,” pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Wooden to serve three years of supervised release.
Wooden was indicted with 16 co-defendants (listed below) associated with the “MLK Crew.” All 17 defendants have pleaded guilty and only one defendant remains to be sentenced. All 16 defendants who have been sentenced received prison terms ranging from 24 months to 114 months based on their criminal conduct and criminal histories.
The case stems from an investigation by the MPD Narcotics and Special Investigations Division and the FBI into the group that operated an open-air drug market around the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington D.C.
The investigation began in response to numerous citizen complaints about rampant drug trafficking and accompanying incidents of violence in the area. In addition to numerous citizen complaints, MPD targeted this area as one of the most notorious in the city in terms of recent shootings and shots fired, as well as for the area’s high numbers of arrests—particularly offenses involving drugs and firearms.
As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI began conducting surveillance, obtaining search warrants, and making controlled buys of narcotics from suspected members of the conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that MLK Crew members openly engaged in the sale of various drugs (including PCP, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana) and took over the area and, effectively, some of the neighborhood’s businesses. MLK Crew members would often go into the neighborhood businesses to complete sales and constantly loitered outside of these businesses to engage in sales.
As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI obtained video of defendants openly conducting narcotics transactions in these businesses and even displaying firearms. Throughout the case, law enforcement seized at least 10 firearms (many of which were privately manufactured firearms or “ghost guns”) from MLK crew members and/or stash houses and a sizeable quantity of various narcotics.
As discussed at sentencing, Wooden maintained a stash house at an apartment within MLK Crew territory, leased under the name of a different individual, where Wooden stored both firearms and distribution quantities of narcotics. Photographic and video evidence showed Wooden in the apartment, along with several of his co-conspirators, both cooking crack cocaine and separately packaging narcotics for redistribution. Wooden’s stash house was searched on July 19, 2021, where two firearms were recovered, along with 19 grams of fentanyl and 6 grams of crack cocaine. A DNA analysis revealed “very strong support” for the conclusion that Wooden’s DNA was on one of the firearms seized from the crew’s stash-house apartment, specifically, a privately manufactured firearm (a ghost gun) containing a Glock 27 .40 caliber slide, and .40 caliber ammunition in an extended 22- round capacity magazine. Wooden, who has prior felony convictions and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest, is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
The MLK Crew’s trafficking contributed to numerous incidents of drug-related violence in and around the 2900 Block of MLK Avenue, including multiple assaults, shootings, robberies, and murders—most notably, the murder of a six-year-old girl who was the daughter of one of the co-defendants in this case.
In July of 2021, a few months after opening the investigation, MPD and FBI arrested 11 initial defendants and seized 10 firearms, along with PCP, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, pills, and more than $2,500 in cash. The additional six defendants, including Wooden, were charged in September 2021, and were arrested shortly thereafter.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force in partnership with MPD’s Narcotics and Special Investigations (NSID) Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). This partnership targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia.
Assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Park Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and David T. Henek of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy T. Wang also provided valuable assistance.
DEFENDANT
STATUS
Ricky Lyles, Accokeek, MD
Sentenced to 114 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm
Nico Griffin, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Dandre Shorter, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Wesley Leake, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 40 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Leon Lindsay, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 57 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Dezmond Cunningham, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 48 months conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Divine Chappell, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 76 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Shawn Wooden, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 92 months for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon
Barry Tyson, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 73 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Delonta Chappell, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Anthony GravesWashington, DC
Sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Deshawn Loggins, Temple Hills, MD
Sentenced to 42 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine
Kevonte Randall, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 46 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm
Corenzo Mobery, Washington, DC
Scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 26, 2024, for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
Rico Griffin, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Shahborne Scales, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Luther McDuffie, 35, Washington, DC
Sentenced to 24 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine
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District Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition by a FelonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jordan Johnson, 26, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for unlawfully possessing several hundred rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Graves, U.S. Marshal Ronald Carter of the U.S. Marshals Service, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered Johnson to serve two years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
Johnson pleaded guilty October 10, 2023, to unlawful possession of ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 20, 2023, U.S. Marshals attempted to serve an eviction notice at a Johnson’s I Street apartment in Southeast Washington D.C, where Johnson was the sole tenant. During an initial security sweep of the dwelling, Marshals observed a pistol, multiple “Polymer80” branded boxes, firearm ammunition boxes, loose ammunition, and a firearm slide scattered throughout Johnson’s home.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant. They found evidence of a small arsenal that included a privately made firearm (a “ghost gun”) with one round in the chamber and 14 rounds the magazine; four Polymer80 rifle lower receivers with jigs (the principal components for making multiple illegal ghost guns); one handgun slide; an empty handgun “jig;” a firearm flashlight attachment; six firearm magazines; two empty Glock boxes; two empty Polymer80 boxes; spent shell casings; one firearm sight; a speed loader; and 214 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Johnson was previously sentenced to a period of home confinement and probation for a prior firearm conviction only weeks before these items were recovered. He had been previously convicted of possessing a loaded Glock 27 pistol while attempting to pick up a UPS package containing suspected marijuana.
Johnson was indicted on July 6, 2023, and arrested on July 18, 2023, in Washington D.C.
In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves, U.S. Marshal Carter, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and MPD.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin F. Song and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Pattison.
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District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder and Assault with Intent to Kill in Shooting of Two at Northeast Labor AgencyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Matthew Walker, 25, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as several other related assault and gun possession charges, by Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on January 8, 2024, following trial for a February 2019 shooting of two men, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 14, 2019, at approximately 5:45 am, a masked gunman walked into Trojan Labor, a temporary labor agency in Northeast Washington D.C. Once inside, the gunman ran directly to the agency’s dispatch office, where he repeatedly shot Mike Hardy, the manager of the agency, and David Remen, one of the agency’s workers. The gunman then ran out of the building. Remen died on scene. Hardy died in 2022. The government presented DNA, ballistic, video, and other evidence that linked the Defendant to the shooting. A sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Seidel and Alec Levy.
Delaware Man Federally Indicted for Traveling to Sexually Abuse an 11-Year-Old VictimRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today the unsealing of a December 14, 2023, Indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging a Bear, Delaware man with traveling from Delaware to New Jersey to sexually abuse an 11-year-old victim after meeting and enticing the victim over the internet.
According to the indictment and publicly filed documents, on September 10, 2023, the Wayne Township New Jersey Police Department (“WTPD”) received a report of a missing 11-year-old victim. Through investigative measures, WTPD determined that Darius Matylewich, 27, of Bear, Delaware, took the 11-year-old victim from a New Jersey home to his home in Bear, Delaware. In assisting WTPD, the New Castle County Police Department safely recovered the 11-year-old victim and arrested Matylewich.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Matylewich met the 11-year-old victim on the internet and communicated with the victim via the online video game Roblox and social media platforms Discord, TikTok, and Snapchat. A forensic analysis of Matylewich’s cellphone and social media uncovered message threads in which Matylewich coerced the 11-year-old victim to perform sexual acts, and, in turn, produce child pornography, for him. Investigators also recovered messages in which Matylewich described covertly watching and following the victim near a New Jersey home.
Matylewich used an application on his iPhone to record conversations, videos, and images of the 11-year-old performing sexual acts that Matylewich solicited from the victim via Snapchat. Further, Matylewich stored hundreds of videos and images of the victim within the “hidden” folder of his Apple Photos application, which is only accessed via Apple’s facial recognition, FaceID.
Matylewich is charged with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years’ incarceration up to a maximum period of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss and Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, commended the work of those who investigated the case, including the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Wayne Township New Jersey Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill and Kevin P. Pierce are assigned to prosecute the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-102.
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.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 102 Months for Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – United States Federal District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby sentenced a Washington County man to over eight years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release, after he admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Cruzberto Alballar, 33, of Santa Clara, Utah, was confronted by officers at his residence during a search for a stolen truck in April 2023. Using GPS tracking, the truck was detected inside Alballar’s detached garage. Alballar told officers that someone he knew asked if he could keep the truck at his residence and Alballar gave him permission to do so but noticed it did not have any keys and the driver’s side window was smashed. While executing a search warrant inside Alballar’s residence officers found 160 grams of methamphetamine, a large jar of marijuana, ammunition and multiple firearms, one of which was reported stolen. The firearms and ammunition include a Smith and Wesson magazine with ammunition; a Smith & Wesson M&P firearm; a box of 9mm Fiocchi Luger ammunition with loose rounds of ammo inside; an Astra A 100 handgun, a Smith & Wesson M&P Compact 911 handgun; and a Diamond Back AR15 556 rifle. Officers also located multiple large capacity magazines for the guns, including a double-drum magazine. During a second search warrant of Alballar’s vehicle, officers also found a methamphetamine pipe and several bags of methamphetamine.
Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department“As the U.S. Attorney, community safety is my top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Mr. Alballar not only illegally possessed and intended to distribute narcotics in the community but unlawfully possessed firearms, as a previously convicted felon. We will work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who are a threat to our communities.”
The case is being investigated jointly by the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department and the Washington County Drug Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Burton, of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
cruzberto_alballar_sentencingmemo.pdfConvicted Felon Indicted for Attempting to Purchase A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the returned an indictment charging Roberto Roman Ramirez (50, Orange Park) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Ramirez faces up to five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Ramirez completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from Academy Sports, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Ramirez indicated on the required paperwork that he was not a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that this was a false statement, and that Ramirez was previously convicted in federal court of conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to purchase a gun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
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.
Citrus County Man Indicted for Forcibly Assaulting Federal Agents with KnivesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a two-count superseding indictment charging Phil Henry Taylor (66, Homosassa) with forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and receipt of stolen government property. If convicted, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the assault charge and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud charge. On December 12, 2023, Taylor and his stepdaughter, Patricia Clinard, were each charged with one count of receipt of stolen government property. Today, the grand jury superseded that indictment to add one count of forcibly assaulting a federal officer by Taylor.
According to court records, between February 26, 2016, and March 2, 2020, Taylor and Clinard fraudulently obtained Social Security benefits from Taylor’s late-wife’s account by forging her name on checks. After the return of the indictment for the receipt of stolen government property, federal warrants were issued for their arrests. On January 4, 2024, special agents with the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General attempted to arrest Taylor at his home. Taylor, however, refused to exit, telling the agents that he would stab them if they entered. After breaching the front door of the home, the agents immediately observed Taylor holding two large knives. Taylor eventually dropped the weapons and was taken into custody.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marcus Alexander Allen, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Allen will also be placed on federal supervised release upon completion of his active prison term.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on March 5, 2022, CMPD officers responded to a service call for a reported shooting at an apartment complex in Charlotte. Court documents show that law enforcement investigating the incident recovered 79 discharged cartridge cases from the parking lot of the apartment complex. In addition, one of the stray bullets fatally injured a resident while the victim was inside his apartment. According to court records, a Glock .40 caliber firearm with a 22 round magazine was recovered from the parking lot. A forensic analysis determined that Allen’s DNA was on the firearm’s grip and magazine. In addition, the firearm was a match to 19 discharged cartridge cases recovered from the scene of the shooting, however the firearm had not discharged the bullet that fatally injured the victim.
According to documents filed with the court, a search warrant was issued for Allen’s residence. Over the course of the search, law enforcement seized from the residence an SKS rifle, an American Tactical .300 caliber Omni Hybrid with a thirty-round magazine, fentanyl pills, and an ID card from the state of New Jersey bearing Allen’s image with another person’s name. Allen has a prior federal conviction for aggravated identity theft and he is not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
On August 16, 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The ATF and CMPD handled the investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeren Danielle Canterbury, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Canterbury twice sold quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, in Nitro on March 3, 2023 and in Charleston on March 15, 2023.
Canterbury is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-138.
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Canadian National Charged with Distribution and Importation of FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Canadian national was charged today with distribution and importation of fentanyl to the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Michael C. Wozney, 38, of Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada is charged by a 14-count indictment with seven counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and seven counts of importation of a controlled substance into the United States.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2019 through September 2020, Wozney was a vendor of fentanyl on the dark net – a part of the internet not accessible by most internet browsers and designed to allow users to conduct transactions anonymously. Wozney sold fentanyl on multiple dark net marketplaces, including Empire Market, where Wozney completed hundreds of transactions. Wozney shipped fentanyl to individuals in the United States, including individuals in New Jersey.
Wozney advertised the sale of numerous fentanyl products, including substances that he described as “close to pure” and “DANGEROUS LEVEL.” Wozney shipped his customers’ fentanyl orders in a manner that was designed to evade detection and seizure by border officials and other law enforcement authorities. In instances where law enforcement officials seized shipments, Wozney reshipped those orders and alerted customers that he was modifying his mailing practices to evade detection.
Each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielson, Philadelphia Division, and FBI- Pittsburgh Division, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Shanahan for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinay S. Limbachia of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
wozney.indictment.pdfBox Elder man admits to sexually abusing teen on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man today admitted to sexually abusing a teenage girl he had contacted through social media and convinced to come to his home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 39, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. Gonsalez faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 8. Gonsalez was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 3, 2023, Gonsalez initiated contact with the victim, a 16-year-old identified as Jane Doe, though Facebook Messenger. Gonsalez attempted to lure her to his home, and Jane Doe eventually arrived at Gonsalez’s residence around 10 p.m. A short time later while in Gonsalez’s residence, Jane Doe got scared and wanted to leave, but the residence was isolated, and the temperature was below freezing. Jane Doe asked Gonsalez to have someone pick her up. Jane Doe fell asleep while waiting for the ride. Jane Doe then awoke to Gonsalez sexually abusing her. After he was done, Jane Doe left the residence and called 911 for help. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer found Jane Doe and picked her up on the road near Gonsalez’s residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Anchorage man with history of violence sentenced for drug, firearm crimesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced to over six years in prison for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Jose Galvan Jr., 49, was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a traffic stop on Feb. 12, 2022. The driver of the vehicle told the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license and was recently released from jail. During the traffic stop, officers discovered Galvan had two concealed firearms on his person, and three additional firearms and drug paraphernalia in a backpack.
When officers discovered the concealed firearms, they detained Galvan in a patrol car. While in the patrol car, the defendant ripped open a Ziploc bag of fentanyl that he had concealed on his person, spreading the powder over the seats. Galvan was removed from the vehicle and transferred to a hospital after officers observed the defendant experiencing what they believed to be overdose symptoms from fentanyl exposure.
Further investigation revealed that Galvan intended to sell the fentanyl and carried the firearms for protection while he trafficked drugs.
Court documents also lay out the defendant’s history of violence starting 26 years ago when he used a shotgun to rob a victim. Galvan has committed multiple violent felonies, including robbery, a shooting connected to drug trafficking, possessing firearms as a felon and the assault of a woman that he strangled until she lost consciousness. The court cited these violent actions when the sentence was delivered, stating that the defendant was well attuned to the danger of possessing firearms during drugs crimes since the defendant’s previous conviction was a drug crime that resulted in a shooting, where the defendant himself was shot multiple times.
The defendant pled guilty on March 10, 2023. Galvan will also serve five years’ supervised release as part of his sentence.
“Mr. Galvan’s actions in 2022 continued his long history of violence and added to his time behind bars for this crime,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Violence has no place in our communities. My office will continue to remain vigilant and work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute habitual violent offenders who create problems in our cities and villages, and work to ensure they receive sentences commensurate with their history of violence.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case.
This case was 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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American Cruise Lines Agrees to Improve Fleet Accessibility in ADA SettlementRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with American Cruise Lines, Inc., headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that the company was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
This matter was initiated based on six complaints received by the U.S. Department of Justice that American Cruise Lines was not accessible to or usable by individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs. American Cruise Lines owns and operates 17 passenger vessels. The complaints alleged that American Cruise Lines failed to provide cruise ships that were fully accessible to passengers in wheelchairs, failed to provide for safe embarkation and disembarkation procedures for passengers in wheelchairs, and failed to provide wheelchair-accessible ground transportation for passengers during shore excursions. This settlement agreement addresses accessibility on all 17 vessels and implements accessibility standards and policies to provide greater access during cruises.
As a result of the settlement agreement, American Cruise Lines will submit a comprehensive remediation plan to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities aboard all ships within 18 months. The United States will have the opportunity to review and approve the plan before renovations begin. In addition, the agreement requires American Cruise Lines to adopt ADA-compliant policies, procedures, and training; assign an ADA compliance officer; and establish an accessible website. Finally, the agreement requires American Cruise Lines to provide safe and accessible boarding and disembarking procedures and staff training, publicly available “accessibility request” and reservation procedures, and portable communication devices to alert deaf passengers when there is an emergency aboard ship.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including cruise ships, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the Justice Department to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that American Cruise Lines has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to safeguarding civil rights, including those protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Businesses are required, under the ADA, to appropriately serve a diverse customer base, ensuring that individuals are able to access and enjoy restaurants, service establishments, retail stores and other places of public accommodation. That includes cruise ships. We appreciate American Cruise Lines’ commitment to increasing access to its ships for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility challenges.”
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Brown, Jr. and Stewart Dearing of the District of Connecticut, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
2 Cincinnati men plead guilty to illegally possessing machinegun conversion devicesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in separate cases to possessing Glock switches.
Glock switches are devices that convert firearms to machineguns: fully automatic weapons that fire more than one shot without reloading the trigger.
Ronnell Aaron Clay, 21, pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a machinegun. Taviyon Broussard, 20, pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to the same crime.
According to court documents, on Aug. 22, 2023, Clay drove over double yellow lines and was stopped by Cincinnati police officers. Officers located a Glock pistol with a missing backplate and crack cocaine in the vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, another officer located a gold Glock switch.
Clay had been using his Instagram account to advertise Glock switches for sale in the Cincinnati area.
Broussard’s court documents detail that he illegally possessed a modified firearm on Nov. 8, 2022. Broussard was using a 3D-printed Glock conversion device.
Illegally possessing a fully automatic weapon is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Congress sets maximum statutory sentences and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a later hearing.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the guilty pleas. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in these cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato represented the United States in the case against Broussard.
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8 January 2024
Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Murder U.S. Probation OfficerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tammy Morgan, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to time served in federal custody after pleading guilty to Transmitting a Threatening Interstate Communication. At the time of her sentencing, Morgan had been held in federal custody for approximately 14 months.
According to court documents, on multiple occasions spanning from October 2018 through August 2022, Ms. Morgan sent repeated voicemails, texts messages, and physical notes threatening Victim 1, a federal probation officer. In the course of her official duties, Victim 1 supervised the release of the defendant’s husband, who was placed under federal supervision following his release from federal prison following a conviction in the Southern District of Indiana.
Specifically, on March 16, 2021, Morgan called Victim 1 at her office and left a voicemail stating, “I have a driving while suspended on my record, and I’m going to have a murder charge on my record…” Three days later, Morgan left another voicemail stating, “I’m going to hurt somebody…And I’m going to blow your f*****g head off.”
On June 22, 2022, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt issued an Order prohibiting Morgan from entering the U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis. In the Order, Chief Judge Pratt referenced a January 13, 2022, incident wherein Morgan warned an employee, “You look scared, and you should be.” The Order also referenced a June 1, 2022, incident wherein Morgan informed another court employee that “somebody’s going to get hurt.”
According to the same Order, on four occasions, Morgan attempted to enter the U.S. Courthouse with a pocketknife. On July 14, 2022, Morgan approached a U.S. Probation Officer as she walked to her parked vehicle and asked if Victim 1 was at the office. One month later, Morgan left a note on the same Officer’s vehicle that read “I lost my everything because of [Victim 1.] She lied and stole my children and our money, I want justice.”
“Federal probation officers play a critical role in protecting the public by helping offenders successfully reenter society and ensuring they comply with the law following their return from prison—an inherently difficult and sometimes dangerous job,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No public servant should have to suffer death threats just for doing their job. Our office takes threats to all federal employees very seriously and is committed to supporting and protecting our counterparts in the court system.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Morgan be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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Whitingham Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 3, 2024, Carl Butterfield, 54, of Whitingham, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve 135 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM). Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Butterfield to serve a 15-year term of supervised release.
According to court records and proceedings, on September 30, 2021, knowing what it depicted, Butterfield possessed a video that showed an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female. Butterfield broke the video into four separate video files so he could send it to a person with whom he was chatting on the social media platform Kik, which he did. At the time, Butterfield was on furlough with the State of Vermont following his 2007 conviction for possession of CSAM.
In sentencing Butterfield, Judge Crawford noted that Butterfield’s prior conviction for possession of CSAM required the Court to sentence Butterfield to a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. Judge Crawford also enhanced Butterfield’s sentence for obstruction of justice because Butterfield intentionally destroyed an iPhone that he used to access CSAM before it could be reviewed by his state probation officer.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of Butterfield.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Butterfield. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls represented Butterfield.
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 Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Westwego Resident Sentenced to Probation for Theft of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYREN TYRONE SHENALL (“SHENALL”), age 19, was sentenced on January 5, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to serve five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, SHENALL, along with his co-conspirators Eric Williams and Kelan Gennings, stole U.S. Mail from post office mailboxes located at the Covington Post Office by using a postal arrow key to obtain access. SHENALL and his co-conspirators then used the checks and other financial documents stolen from the mailbox to commit check fraud.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Westport Resident Charged with Misappropriating $477K U.S. Treasury CheckRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, Acting Inspector General Heather M. Hill of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NEIL A. LOTT, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, LLC (“PAH”), a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, Lott opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization. On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit.
The indictment was returned on January 3, 2024, and Lott was arrested on January 4. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $350,000 bond.
If convicted of wire fraud, Lott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.