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Friday 3 November 2023
Jury Convicts East St. Louis Man on Federal Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict for an East St. Louis man accused of distributing ounce quantities of meth in St. Clair County.
Aaron Wallace, 42, was charged with one count of meth distribution in November 2021.
“DEA works aggressively to remove meth dealers from southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to their diligent efforts, we’re working to eradicate drug trafficking from our communities.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Drug Enforcement Administration agents opened an investigation into Wallace in September 2020, after learning he was dealing large quantities of crystal meth in St. Clair County.
During DEA’s investigation, a confidential source purchased four ounces of crystal meth from Wallace in East St. Louis.
Wallace’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024, at the U.S. District courthouse in East St. Louis.
DEA led the investigation with support from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Kapsak and Daniel Carraway are prosecuting the case.
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Dana Stewart, 30, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2022, Stewart struck another inmate with a handcrafted weapon, a lock attached to a sock. FCI Beckley staff witnessed the incident and recovered the weapon afterward. Stewart admitted to possessing a prohibited item that was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
Stewart is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 5:23-cr-55.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 2 was:
Nicholas David Decker, 33, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Decker faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Decker was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-114.
Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ronquillo faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ronquillo was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-64.
Appearing on Nov. 1 was:
Billy Joe Chavez, 40, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Chavez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chavez was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-19.
Appearing on Oct. 26 was:
Joshua David Heafner, 39, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hafner faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Heafner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-109.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 31 was:
Nicholas Geoffrey Combs, 28, of Portland, Oregon, on charges of distribution child pornography, receipt of child pornography and transportation of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Combs faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Combs was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-44.
Appearing on Oct. 30 was:
Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 35, of Oaxaca, Mexico, on charges of production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zuniga was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-46.
Caleb Gerard Diamond, 24, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Diamond faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Diamond was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-41.
Appearing on Oct. 27 was:
Bryan Michael Balog, 30, of Missoula, on receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Balog faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Balog was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-45.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Oct. 31 was:
Frank Espinoza, 32, of Venezuela, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Espinoza faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Espinoza was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-102.
Fatima Brito, 29, of Venezuela, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brito faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Brito was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-103.
Diana Ruiz-Gomez, 26, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ruiz-Gomez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Ruiz-Gomez was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-104.
Emilio Fernando Dominguez-Martinez, 24, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dominguez-Martinez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Dominguez-Martinez was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-105.
Fredy Hernandez-Morales, 28, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hernandez-Morales faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Hernandez-Morales was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106.
Viridiana Macias-Espinosa, 38, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Macias-Espinosa faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Macias-Espinosa was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-107.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Individual Convicted of Firearms Trafficking with Los 27 Prison GangRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN – A federal jury convicted Héctor Kalie Figueroa-Marbelt for helping a member of Los 27 prison gang with engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Los 27 gang was a criminal organization which operated from within the prisons of Puerto Rico using illegally introduced cellphones. To make money from prison, Los 27 members engaged in murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and firearms trafficking. Los 27 members also engaged in firearms trafficking to supply firearms to the members of the criminal organization who would leave prison. Figueroa-Marbelt helped Los 27 with this crime.
The evidence at trial showed that Figueroa-Marbelt was the “outside person” for a Los 27 member considered to be the point of contact for firearms within Los 27—Victor Elias-Boza, aka “Grilla.” From prison, Elias-Boza brokered the sale of a firearm, and Figueroa-Marbelt delivered the firearm. In December 2019, Figueroa-Marbelt delivered a firearm, which Elias-Boza agreed to sell to another member of Los 27. That day, Figueroa-Marbelt showed that he was ready and able to engage in firearms trafficking, offering to sell more firearms. Figueroa-Marbelt had numerous firearms for sale at his disposal.
In September 2021, the FBI arrested Figueroa-Marbelt and seized eight firearms, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and money in Figueroa-Marbelt’s possession. The FBI also found that Figueroa-Marbelt had sufficient firearm parts that arrived in the mail, accessories, and tools to manufacture additional firearms. In sum, the evidenced showed that Figueroa-Marbelt was ready and able to sell firearms for profit with Elias-Boza.
Figueroa-Marbelt is now facing a sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to three years.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández was in charge of prosecuting the case.
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Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices Announce $6 Million in Department of Justice Funding for Hoosier Public Safety ProgramsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state and local law enforcement.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders nationwide, awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
The COPS grants announced today include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide.
Through this funding, U.S. Attorney’s Offices for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana are pleased to announce that the Department’s COPS Office awarded a total of $6,689,417.00 to combat violent crime and maintain public safety in the state. Specific recipients and amounts are as follow:
Award
Recipient
Amount
COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program
Indiana State Police
$2,000,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
City of Hobart
$500,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Lake Station Community Schools
$375,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Logansport Community Schools
$478,843
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
New Castle Community Schools
$358,132
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Valparaiso Community Schools
$390,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Vincennes Police Department
$337,422
COPS Hiring Program
City of Frankfort
$250,000
COPS Hiring Program
Porter County
$125,000
COPS Hiring Program
Town of Roseland
$125,000
COPS Hiring Program
Tippecanoe County
$1,250,000
COPS Hiring Program
Vincennes Police Department
$500,0000
Lastly, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General announced that the Justice Department will host a Violent Crime Reduction Summit December 11-13, in Indianapolis. The summit, organized by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance will bring together 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including community and law enforcement representatives from Project Safe Neighborhoods and the more than 50 jurisdictions that have participated in the National Public Safety Partnership.
“We are excited to announce this important Justice Department funding to help make our communities safer, and to host the Department’s 2023 Violent Crime Reduction Summit right here in Indianapolis,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I welcome the many dedicated community and law enforcement leaders from across the country to our wonderful city as we work together to reduce violent crime. The work done at this summit will help make our communities safer by sharing interventions and strategies to prevent violence and hold violent criminals accountable.”
“These grants will help departments, in my District and throughout the State, address a myriad of issues that undermine public safety, such as violence in schools, illicit methamphetamine activities, and a shortage of law enforcement officers.” Said Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. “These grants also exhibit yet another way the Department of Justice provides support to our public safety partners.”
“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1,700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”
Complete lists of all program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found at cops.doj.gov/grants.
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Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices Announce $6 Million in Department of Justice Funding for Hoosier Public Safety ProgramsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state and local law enforcement.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders nationwide, awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
The COPS grants announced today include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide.
Through this funding, U.S. Attorney’s Offices for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana are pleased to announce that the Department’s COPS Office awarded a total of $6,689,417.00 to combat violent crime and maintain public safety in the state. Specific recipients and amounts are as follow:
Award
Recipient
Amount
COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program
Indiana State Police
$2,000,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
City of Hobart
$500,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Lake Station Community Schools
$375,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Logansport Community Schools
$478,843
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
New Castle Community Schools
$358,132
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Valparaiso Community Schools
$390,000
COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program
Vincennes Police Department
$337,422
COPS Hiring Program
City of Frankfort
$250,000
COPS Hiring Program
Porter County
$125,000
COPS Hiring Program
Town of Roseland
$125,000
COPS Hiring Program
Tippecanoe County
$1,250,000
COPS Hiring Program
Vincennes Police Department
$500,0000
Lastly, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General announced that the Justice Department will host a Violent Crime Reduction Summit December 11-13, in Indianapolis. The summit, organized by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance will bring together 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including community and law enforcement representatives from Project Safe Neighborhoods and the more than 50 jurisdictions that have participated in the National Public Safety Partnership.
“We are excited to announce this important Justice Department funding to help make our communities safer, and to host the Department’s 2023 Violent Crime Reduction Summit right here in Indianapolis,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I welcome the many dedicated community and law enforcement leaders from across the country to our wonderful city as we work together to reduce violent crime. The work done at this summit will help make our communities safer by sharing interventions and strategies to prevent violence and hold violent criminals accountable.”
“These grants will help departments, in my District and throughout the State, address a myriad of issues that undermine public safety, such as violence in schools, illicit methamphetamine activities, and a shortage of law enforcement officers.” Said Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. “These grants also exhibit yet another way the Department of Justice provides support to our public safety partners.”
“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1,700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”
Complete lists of all program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found at cops.doj.gov/grants.
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Indiana Man Sentenced to 25-Months Imprisonment on Federal Identity Theft, Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a man from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to 25 months imprisonment after he admitted to participating in an identity theft and fraudulent check scheme.
Jamaine D. Brooks, 46, pled guilty to possession of five or more identification documents, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft in a U.S. District courtroom in July. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.
“Financial exploitation and identity theft crimes are serious offenses with lasting effects on victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thankfully, our law enforcement partners worked swiftly to apprehend this offender, and I commend this collaborative effort to pursue justice.”
According to court documents, Brooks stole identities to commit financial fraud and buy merchandise using his victims’ means from various Walmart locations and other retail stores.
He was arrested by police after he traveled to southern Illinois with 23 Indiana identification cards and driver’s licenses, 39 stolen credit and debit cards, nine Social Security cards, four checkbooks in one individual’s name and equipment to alter checks in March 2021.
“The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means,” said Stephen Webster, the Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”
At the time of his arrest, Brooks had already used his victim’s identity and financial means to purchase more than $5,000 in retail goods, most recently at a Walmart in Collinsville, Illinois. In addition to the federal prison sentence, Brooks was ordered to pay $5,154.75 in restitution back to this specific victim.
The identification cards, credit and debit cards, and social security cards belonged to at least 40 separate victims.
“We are very proud of the great work done by our officers that led to this arrest,” said Chief Steve Evans of the Collinsville Police Department. “More importantly, these kind of results are only possible due to the strong relationship and collaboration between local law enforcement and federal law enforcement.”
Chelci Johnson, 33, also of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was a named co-defendant also charged in the indictment. An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The Collinsville Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuted the case.
Honduran Nationals Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Wire and Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Omar Wilkin Santos-Calix and Oscar Rene Santos-Santos, both Honduran nationals and both illegally present in United States, to 24 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. The court also ordered Santos-Calix to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $3,245,161 and entered a money judgment against Santos-Calix in the amount of $897,870, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. The court ordered Santos-Santos to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,773,429 and entered a money judgement against Santos-Santos in the amount of $490,634, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud.
According to court documents, Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. They obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees, then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties as well as contractors in other states. Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos sent the contractors a certificate as “proof” that the work crews had workers’ compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate, the defendants falsely represented that the work crews worked for the two companies. Over the course of the scheme, the defendants “rented” the certificates to dozens of work crews, defrauding the worker’s compensation insurance carrier.
As part of the scheme, the contractors issued payroll checks for the workers’ wages to the shell companies and Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos cashed these checks, then distributed the cash to the work crews after deducting their fee, which was typically about 6% of the payroll. During the scheme, both defendants cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $19 million, with their fees totaling over $1 million. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay either the employees’ or the employer’s portion of payroll taxes – including Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax. According to the IRS, the amount of payroll taxes due on wages collected by Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos totaled $5,018,590.
The scheme also facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance. The two policies that the defendants purchased and then “rented” out was for an estimated payroll of $175,000, and the insurance company issued policies for a premium of approximately $21,000. Had a workers’ compensation insurance policy been purchased for the actual payroll totaling approximately $19,000,000, the policy premium would have totaled about $2.5 million.
“Through their illegal workers compensation payroll and insurance fraud scheme, these individuals sought to defraud the U.S. government and undercut legitimate private businesses, while taking advantage of noncitizen workers, for their own personal profit,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips, HSI Jacksonville. “Rest assured that HSI special agents, IRS Criminal Investigation, and our law enforcement partners will vigilantly pursue those who think they can operate without regard to U.S. laws.”
“Through their actions, these defendants attempted to create an environment that favored cheaters,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Tara K. Reed. IRS-CI prioritizes cases involving individuals who seek to hurt tax-compliant individuals and businesses. Through our partnership with HSI and the United States Attorney’s Office, we will continue to identify bad actors and work together to vigorously investigate and prosecute these payroll tax and worker’s compensation insurance schemes.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Harrison County man sentenced 15 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse James Wilson, age 40, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for methamphetamine and firearms charges.
Wilson pled guilty in March 2023 to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearm during in furtherance of drug trafficking. This week, he was ordered to serve a 188-month sentence. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson was selling methamphetamine in Harrison County and a search of his home yielded drugs, firearms, and $9,000 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives; the West Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department; and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hampton Man Sentenced for Multi-State Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for making false statements during the purchase of firearms so that he could deal firearms, some with obliterated serial numbers, without a license to others.
According to court documents, in June 2022, John Magobet, 58, came to the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as an individual who was purchasing firearms from a local Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to resell to individuals in different states with restricted gun laws, including the southern New Jersey area and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Magobet indicated on multiple ATF forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms, when, in fact, the actual buyer of the firearms was an individual he knew as “E”, from New Jersey. For a $500 fee per firearm, Magobet purchased and delivered to “E” two AR-15-type rifles, and four Glock pistols, which were desired so that “E” could install Glock switch-style machinegun conversion devices and re-sell them as machineguns. Magobet showed one potential buyer how to deface the firearms by removing the serial numbers saying “erase, erase, erase.” Magobet also stated to a potential buyer that he wanted to be advised if someone did something "stupid" with the firearm he sold so that Magobet could report the firearm stolen to “cover” himself.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located 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 by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-20.
Félix Verdejo-Sánchez Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping Resulting in Death, and Intentionally Killing an Unborn ChildRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –Félix Verdejo-Sánchez was sentenced today to life in prison for federal crimes that arise from the murder of Keishla Rodríguez Ortiz on April 29, 2021.
On July 28, 2023, a jury determined, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, that Félix Verdejo-Sánchez, along with his co-defendant Luis Antonio Cádiz-Martínez, aiding and abetting each other, committed a kidnapping that resulted in the death of Keishla M. Rodríguez Ortiz and her unborn child.
On the morning of April 29, 2021, Félix Verdejo-Sánchez executed a premeditated plan to murder Keishla Rodríguez Ortiz and her unborn child by luring Ms. Rodríguez Ortiz into his Dodge Durango where, with the assistance of Luis Cádiz Martínez, Verdejo punched Ms. Rodríguez Ortiz, injected her with drugs and then tied her with metal wire to a cement block. Mr. Verdejo Sánchez then drove the victim to the Teodoro Moscoso bridge, and, with Cadiz’s assistance, threw Ms. Rodríguez Ortiz into the San José Lagoon. He later jumped into the lagoon in order to finish murdering both victims.
“Today’s life sentence rightly holds Verdejo-Sánchez responsible for the pain and suffering he inflicted on his victims,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “To this day, the defendant maintains his unrepentant attitude. Like Verdejo-Sánchez now knows, anyone who commits cold-blooded crimes of violence in violation of federal law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by the Justice Department and this office.”
“In cases such as this one, regardless of the outcome, there is no way to restore what has been lost,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “The only salve we can offer victim’s families is to do our work zealously and without rest, until justice is served. I believe we have done that here and I pray that this will give Keishla’s family some peace. Special recognitions to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, the Police of Puerto Rico and to our Violent Crimes Squad for a detailed and arduous job well done.”
The FBI was in charge of the investigation with the close collaboration and support of the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Gottfried, Chief of the Violent Crimes and National Security Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanette Collazo prosecuted the case.
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Fort Towson Resident Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Shonda Lynette Johnson, age 52, of Fort Towson, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.
The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office.
On September 29, 2022, a federal jury convicted Johnson at trial of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. At trial, the United States presented evidence that on November 17, 2019, Johnson confronted the victim, struck him in the head with a blunt instrument, fatally stabbed him in the abdomen, and waited over 45 minutes to call for medical assistance. The crime occurred in Choctaw County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Johnson will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Killing an FBI InformantRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. has sentenced James Franklin Broomfield, Jr. (37, Fort Myers) to 24 years in federal prison for tampering with an informant by killing. The court ordered the sentence to run consecutive to a sentence Broomfield is currently serving for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Broomfield had pleaded guilty on January 9, 2019.
According to court documents and evidence presented in the related trial of United States v. Robert Lee Ward, Robert Ward was the leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Fort Myers that distributed cocaine in Fort Myers and other locations for over a decade until Ward’s arrest in 2018. In 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were investigating Ward and his DTO when the FBI obtained the assistance of Kristopher Smith, a member of Ward’s DTO, who agreed to cooperate in the investigation. Ward learned about Smith’s cooperation with investigators and solicited Broomfield to kill Smith. Broomfield agreed to kill Smith for $30,000. Ward provided Broomfield with a loaded firearm and told him where to locate Smith.
On January 7, 2013, Broomfield and another individual followed Smith and his girlfriend as they drove to their son’s school in Fort Myers. Smith remained in the car while his girlfriend entered the school to deliver lunch to their son, who was a first-grade student at the school. Broomfield and his accomplice parked their vehicle behind the informant’s car. Broomfield ran up to the car and shot Smith several times, killing him.
A jury has found Ward guilty of conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, and tampering with an informant by killing, and he is pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This investigation is the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Former school employee pleads guilty to child porn chargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.
According to court documents, Eric Caleb Carlson, 43, of Wichita admits to downloading and receiving videos and images depicting prepubescent children subjected to sex acts.
In June 2023, Synchronoss Technologies submitted two reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding files uploaded to its cloud-based backup service containing child sexual abuse/exploitation material. Law enforcement investigators linked the account to Eric Carlson based on evidence including a photograph of Carlson’s driver’s license, a selfie of Carlson, and photographs taken at Wichita Unified School District 259, where Carlson formerly worked in the IT division.
Carlson was arrested at the USD 259 office (his now former place of employment), and his phone was seized. A search of his phone revealed numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material located in a password protected private folder.
Carlson also had the Onion Router (“Tor”) on his device, which is a free and open source software for enabling anonymous communications and access to the dark web. Investigators reviewed Carlson’s Tor browser history and found cached darknet webpages he had visited that offered access to child exploitation materials. In July 2023, Carlson downloaded and received a zip file from the dark web containing child sex abuse material.
Carlson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.###
Former school board member convictedRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A former member of the Corpus Christi Independent School District Board has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation into John Longoria began in December 2018 following an approximately two-year extensive and suspicious remodeling project that occurred at his home. Authorities ultimately executed several search warrants at his residence and elsewhere in November 2020.
As a result of the financial investigation, law enforcement determined Longoria had underreported his income to the IRS for tax years 2014 through 2016. As part of his plea, he admitted he had failed to truthfully disclose to the IRS all income he received in the form of goods, property or services during that time.
Longoria has agreed to pay restitution to the Department of the Treasury in the amount of $187,315.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 24, 2024. At that time, Longoria faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.
Longoria was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Embezzling the MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – COI MORRIS, age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty on November 1, 2023 to embezzling the mail, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, COI MORRIS was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler at the processing center in New Orleans when he was apprehended stealing items from the mail he was entrusted to handle. The defendant pled guilty before United States District Sarah S. Vance and sentencing is set for February 21, 2024.
The maximum penalty for the offense is five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Norman Car Dealership Owner Chris Mayes to Serve Nearly 11 Years in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Forgery, Identity Theft, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Defendant Has Paid More Than $1,100,000 in Restitution, and Has Also Been Ordered to Forfeit more than $1,000,000
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, BOBBY CHRIS MAYES, 51 of Norman, was sentenced to serve 130 months in federal prison for wire fraud, conspiracy, issuing forged securities, aggravated identity theft, and obstruction of justice, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Mayes’ co-defendants CHARLES GOOCH, 65 of Moore, and COURTNEY WELLS, 38 of Norman, will be sentenced in the coming weeks.
“The extensive deception and manipulation employed by Mr. Mayes in this fraud scheme continued after his conviction in seeking to deceive and manipulate his co-defendants and even the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that schemes to defraud will eventually be revealed and severe consequences will be imposed. I commend the outstanding work done by both investigators and prosecutors in this case.”
“Mayes and his co-defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud car buyers and lenders out of millions of dollars by misrepresenting the type, source, and amount of borrower’s down payments and vehicle trade-ins. This long-running conspiracy resulted in significant losses to over 20 financial institutions, while hundreds of borrowers were saddled with debt they simply could not afford,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a stark reminder that this level of greed comes with an even bigger price to pay. The FBI recognizes the impact of fraudulent business practices on American consumers, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators like Mayes are brought to justice.”
Original Charges and Trial
On September 16, 2020, Mayes, Gooch, and Wells were indicted on 25 counts for using their positions as co-owners of the Big Red Dealerships (Big Red Sports/Imports, Big Red Kia, Norman Yamaha, Norman Mitsubishi, and Mayes Kia) to engage in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud in which they sought to obtain millions of dollars of loan proceeds.
Mayes was the owner of the Big Red Dealerships, Gooch was the compliance officer, and Wells was the financial controller. The government alleged each defendant made materially false statements and omissions to lenders about the type, source, and amount of borrowers’ down payments or vehicle trade-ins, and bribed at least one loan officer.
From November 2, 2021, through November 19, 2021, a jury trial was held in Oklahoma City. At trial, the jury heard testimony that the Big Red Dealerships used advertisements to target potential customers with poor credit and that Mayes, Gooch, and Wells then fraudulently induced lenders to approve loans for such customers by documenting that the customers provided cash down payments and/or trade-in vehicles when that was untrue. Twelve different Big Red Dealership customers testified about their experiences buying cars at the Big Red Dealerships, along with several former employees and representatives of several lenders. In some circumstances, the purported cash down payment was simply fictitious, and the Big Red Dealerships referred to those cash down payments as “King Cash” on internal documents. The jury also heard testimony that in late 2014, one lender discovered these fake cash down payments, and Mayes emailed threats to the CEO of that lender in an effort to stop the lender from further investigating the Big Red Dealerships.
Evidence at trial also showed that from February 2015 until late 2017, the Big Red Dealerships continued to document fictitious cash down payments for lenders. During that time period, for hundreds of customers, the down payment was based on items that were allegedly sold to Norman Pawn & Gun, a pawn shop owned by Gooch and located in a building owned by Mayes, although it was never open for business and never had any employees. After loan proceeds were received from lenders, Big Red Dealership employees generated checks to the customers for the pawned items, forged the customers’ signatures on the checks, deposited the checks in Big Red Dealership accounts, and later fully reimbursed Norman Pawn & Gun for the purported down payments.
The jury also heard that the Big Red Dealerships falsely documented vehicle trade-ins for lenders to approve loans. On hundreds of other occasions, the trade-in vehicle was never provided to the Big Red Dealerships and a separate transaction was documented—unbeknownst to the lender—in which the trade-in vehicle was resold to the customer for a dollar. Finally, the jury heard testimony that at least one lender approved questionable loans—for up to two to three times’ the value of vehicles being purchased—after a Big Red Dealership manager gave cash bribes to a loan officer and the Big Red Dealerships provided fake invoices to justify the inflated prices.
On November 19, 2021, the jury convicted all three defendants of conspiring to commit wire fraud, convicted Mayes and Gooch with 12 counts of wire fraud based on false information sent to lenders for 12 specific customers, and convicted Wells of six of those counts of wire fraud.
Post-Trial Flight to Mexico by Wells, Obstruction of Justice by Mayes, and New Charges
Following the trial and while awaiting sentencing in May of 2022, Wells and her boyfriend, Brandon Landers, fled to Mexico to avoid incarceration. Following a manhunt for the two fugitives they were captured in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico in October of 2022 and were returned to the United States.
On February 17, 2023, Mayes was indicted and charged with three counts of tampering with official proceedings. The government alleged Mayes orchestrated and helped to secure the unavailability of Wells in the proceeding, fabricated e-mails and other evidence in an effort to secure a new trial in that prior case, and sent an anonymous e-mail to the Court as part of his effort to obtain a new trial.
On June 23, 2023, Mayes pled guilty to two counts of tampering with official proceedings. At the plea hearing, Mayes admitted he had helped to convince co-defendant Wells to flee to Mexico while they were awaiting sentencing and that he provided financial support for her flight.
Based on these new allegations, Mayes was ordered to be detained pending sentencing.
Landers pled guilty on December 6, 2022, to conspiring to tamper with official proceedings based on his involvement in helping Wells flee to Mexico. He is awaiting sentencing.
Sentencing Hearing Today
At sentencing hearings today, testimony and evidence were presented regarding Mayes’ efforts to assist Wells’ flight to Mexico, falsified evidence presented to the court, and threats to kill a witness who testified at his trial. Defendants Wells and Gooch cooperated with the government and testified against Mayes and will be sentenced in the coming weeks.
At the sentencing hearing today, U. S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Mayes to serve 130 months in federal prison on his fraud-related counts and 65 months in federal prison for his obstruction-related counts, to run concurrently. Mayes had already paid $1,160,825.72 in restitution. Mayes was also ordered to forfeit profits from the scheme in the amount of $1,018,322.17.
In announcing the sentence, Judge Friot noted the aggravating factors surrounding the lengthy underlying fraud scheme, but particularly emphasized the schemes to defraud the Court and the Government as part of his obstruction of justice following the trial.
Investigation and Prosecution Team
This case is the result of an investigation by FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Snyder and Jacqueline Hutzell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public record for more information.
Former Medical Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A former medical doctor has been sentenced to four months in federal prison, a six-month term of home confinement, two years supervised release, and a requirement to pay full restitution following an extensive tax-evasion scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, from at least 2000 until 2018, Joseph David Meyer, 62, of Roseau, Minnesota, earned significant taxable income as a licensed medical doctor as well as income and interest from his ownership of rental properties. Meyer repeatedly challenged his tax obligations in court, concealed his taxable income, and even sued his rental tenants for complying with legitimate IRS levies. Meyer’s evasion resulted in a total tax loss of $484,164.
Meyer pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022, to one count of tax evasion. Meyer was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Donovan W. Frank.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by IRS – Criminal Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Sing prosecuted the case.
Former Gadsden Pharmacist and City School Board Member Sentenced for Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Gadsden-area pharmacist and city school board member was sentenced yesterday for drug distribution conspiracy and tax crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius D. Hardeman of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Nathan Thomas Carter, 41, of Gadsden, to 54 months in prison. In July, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and three counts of filing false tax returns. Carter was also ordered to forfeit $110,620 in illicit drug proceeds and pay restitution to the IRS of $124,547 in unpaid taxes.
According to the plea agreement, between 2015 and late 2021, Carter conspired with others to distribute controlled substances including oxycodone and hydrocodone. Between February 2018 and 2023, Carter worked as the pharmacist in charge at Midtown Pharmacy in Gadsden. Records reflect that Midtown Pharmacy ordered at least 80,000 more oxycodone pills than the pharmacy dispensed to patients. Carter diverted opioid pills from the pharmacy and sold those pills to other drug distributors. He regularly took distributor bottles from his pharmacy to his house, where he repackaged the pills in plastic bags for resale. Carter admitted to earning about $450,000 in illicit income, which he failed to report on his income tax returns. According to the plea agreement, during the execution of a search warrant at Carter’ house, authorities found more than $110,000 in cash.
The FBI, DEA, and IRS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.
Former Edmond Resident Sentenced to Serve 20 Months in Federal Prison for Fraud on Main Street Lending Program Created in Response to the PandemicRead the Press Release
Defendant Also Ordered To Pay More Than $250,000 In Restitution
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JILL NICOLE FORD, 32, formerly of Edmond, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 20 months in federal prison and pay $252,143.35 in restitution for bank fraud and money laundering related to a loan obtained through the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP), a lending facility established by the Federal Reserve Board and supported with funding authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The CARES Act provided more than $2 trillion in relief for individuals and businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act also authorized the Secretary of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board to create the MSLP to promote lending to small-and medium-sized businesses affected by the pandemic.
On January 7, 2022, Ford was charged by information with fraudulently obtaining a Main Street Lending Program Loan for her business, Oliver & Olivia Apparel, Inc. According to public documents, Ford obtained the loan from Citizens Bank of Edmond on September 11, 2020, and executed a loan agreement falsely representing she would use MSLP funds for working capital and payroll only. She also falsely represented she would not make financial distributions to herself as the owner of Oliver & Olivia Apparel, Inc. The information further alleged that Ford laundered the loan proceeds by using them to pay for construction of her personal home. Other loan funds were used to purchase a luxury SUV for Ford’s personal use. Ford pleaded guilty to both charges in the information on January 20, 2022.
“Despite her promise to use these taxpayer funds to pay for necessary business payroll expenses and working capital during the pandemic, Ms. Ford instead chose to fund her own personal lavish lifestyle, “said U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I applaud the teamwork of our prosecutors and federal law enforcement partners, who continue to aggressively pursue those who take advantage of taxpayer funds.”
“Jill Ford defrauded the Main Street Lending Program and has now been brought to justice for her actions,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Let this serve as a warning that while the pandemic may be over, we remain committed to vigorously pursuing those who defraud pandemic relief programs. I commend our agents and our federal law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence and thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
“Ms. Ford engaged in a scheme to defraud the Main Street Lending Program that was designed to help small/medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations,” said Brian D. Miller, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR). “SIGPR is glad to have played a significant role teaming with its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to hold this individual accountable for her actions.”
At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Jodi D. Dishman sentenced Ford to serve 20 months in federal prison, and to pay restitution in the amount of $252,143.35. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Ford’s lack of previous criminal conduct, but also noted the seriousness of the offenses, describing Ford’s actions as “crimes of greed and selfishness.” Judge Dishman ordered Ford to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 2, 2024, to begin serving her sentence.
This case is the result of an investigation by SIGPR, Oklahoma City FBI Field Office, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, the United States Secret Service, Federal Reserve Board Office of Inspector General, and Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Perry 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.
In March of 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SIGPR entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen and enhance the already existing cooperative efforts to investigate and prosecute fraud involving loans, loan guarantees and other relief made by the Secretary of the Treasury under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, which included over $2 trillion in emergency financial assistance designed to provide immediate help for American businesses and individuals. More information on this partnership can be found here.
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.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On October 31, 2023, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment charging a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy with depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law. The indictment was unsealed following Hick’s initial appearance in federal court, which occurred on November 3, 2023.
The indictment charges former Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and lying on the ground, resulting in bodily injury.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, unsealed an indictment today charging a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy with depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
The indictment charges former Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee, who is identified in the indictment as T.Q. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked T.Q. in or around the head while T.Q. was handcuffed and lying on the ground, resulting in bodily injury to T.Q.
If convicted, Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
View the indictment here.
Foreign national charged with firearms violationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 20-year-old Palestinian citizen for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The charges allege Sohaib Abuayyash was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. He knowingly possessed a firearm, namely a Canik, model TP9 Elite SC, 9 mm pistol, according to the indictment.
The FBI arrested Abuayyash Oct. 19 who remains detained pending further criminal proceedings. He is set to appear for his arraignment Nov. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho in Houston at 2 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint filed upon his arrest, Abuayyash entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, which expired in 2019, and has allegedly been in direct contact with others who share a radical mindset. The charges further allege he has been conducting physical training and has trained with weapons to possibly commit an attack.
If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI is conducting the investigation.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Making Violent Online ThreatsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Parrish, Florida, man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening messages online.
According to court documents, in April and May 2023, John Muccio, 39, sent numerous online threats to a debt collection company located in Norfolk. The company had sent letters and attempted to call Muccio about money he owed. In response, Muccio sent several different threatening messages via the company’s Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. In the messages, Muccio used racial slurs and threatened to kill the employees of the company and sexually assault the co-founders’ family members.
The FBI was able to trace the threats to Muccio at his residence in Florida. A review of Muccio’s cell phone showed he had the company’s website bookmarked on his internet browser.
Muccio pleaded guilty to making threatening interstate communications and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Yusi is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located 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 by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-87.
Federal Jury Convicts West Palm Beach Felon of Distributing Dangerous Drugs and Illegally Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Nov. 1, a federal jury in West Palm Beach convicted Willie Boone, 24, on multiple drug trafficking and firearms charges related to his participation in a conspiracy to sell a synthetic opioid, commonly sold as fentanyl, cocaine, and Eutylone (a synthetic cathinone with effects akin to Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and his possession of a machinegun in furtherance of those crimes.
According to court documents, on or about March 3, 2022, the West Palm Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at a West Palm Beach residence. Boone was detained on scene. During the search, officers recovered multiple controlled substances, including N-Pyrrolidino Etonitazene, Eutylone, and cocaine. Other recovered evidence included two of Boone’s cellphones and two firearms, one of which was a Glock Model 17 pistol with a machinegun conversion device. That conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock Switch” rendered the pistol fully automatic. Boone, who previously had been convicted of three felony drug-trafficking offenses was prohibited from possessing a firearm, including the unregistered machinegun. Forensic evidence recovered from the cellular telephones and Boone’s DNA on the Glock Model 17 pistol confirmed his possession of the firearm and possession in the charged drug conspiracy.
The jury convicted Boone of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and failing to register a machinegun.
Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 24, 2024. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and West Palm Beach Police Department Chief Frank Adderley announced the conviction.
ATF and the West Palm Beach Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon O’Shea Darsch and Alexandra Chase are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Charest-Turken for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.
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.
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 22-CR-80175.
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Federal Jury Convicts Lexington Man of Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Lexington man was convicted on Thursday, by a federal jury in Lexington, of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
After 3 hours of deliberations, following a 3-day trial, the jury convicted 36-year-old Chase Russell Downey of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to testimony at trial, Downey was selling kilogram quantities of cocaine in Lexington. Downey had a residence in Mexico, that he used as a base of operation in Mexico; he had a residence in Houston, Texas; and he had a residence where he stayed in Lexington. Evidence presented at trial established that on several occasions law enforcement conducted surveillance and encountered Downey. On December 12, 2022, law enforcement observed Downey leaving a residence in Lexington carrying two large plastic bags and going to potential meet locations, where he would distribute cocaine. Subsequently, Downey was arrested and a search warrant was conducted on the local residence, where a large amount of cocaine, other drugs, numerous loaded firearms, and $70,000 in drug trafficking proceeds were seized.
Additional investigation determined that Downey made at least fourteen trips to Mexico during the relevant period. Downey has prior felony convictions and was on supervised release for at least one prior federal felony conviction at the time of the commission of these offenses.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), jointly announced the jury verdict.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, DEA, and the KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Downey is scheduled for sentencing on February 23, 2024. He faces a minimum of 30 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
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Federal Jury Convicts Georgia Man of Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Georgia man was convicted today by a federal petit jury in Concord for bank fraud conspiracy and identity theft after a five-day trial, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Lestor Aceituno, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for February 12, 2024.
“Today’s swift verdict by the jury sends a clear message to fraudsters like the defendant that these crimes will be prosecuted and will result in convictions,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. "This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those that brazenly steal and use other identities for their personal gain.”
Between June of 2016 and October of 2017, Aceituno and others used stolen identities to open accounts at banks in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Aceituno opened or accessed post office boxes in Massachusetts and Georgia to receive debit cards and pin numbers to access these accounts. Aceituno’s co-conspirators then deposited fraudulent checks totaling more than $119,000. After the money was credited to the accounts, but before the bank determined the checks were false, one of Aceituno’s co-conspirators withdrew the money and gave it to another co-conspirator, the leader of the scheme.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brockton, Massachusetts Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Geoffrey W.R. Ward are prosecuting the case.
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Ecuadorian Man Sentenced to 70 Months on Cocaine Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Nestor Vera Escalante of Ecuador was sentenced to 70 months incarceration before Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States after pleading guilty on February 28, 2023.
According to court documents, on July 12, 2021, while on routine patrol, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk intercepted a low-profile vessel located 125 nautical miles south, southwest of Isla De Molpelo, Colombia. The vessel was in international waters and displayed no signs of nationality. The vessel also exhibited suspicious factors including the low-profile construction, no navigation lights, and operation in a known drug vector. The vessel was later determined to be without nationality, thus subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Upon inspection of the low-profile vessel, Escalante, Jairo Riascos Preciado and Inocencio Espana Castillo, both of Columbia, were found onboard. Also found onboard were 793 kilograms of cocaine inside the hull of the vessel. Preciado and Castillo pleaded guilty on February 13, 2023, and Preciado was sentenced on July 7, 2023, to 100 months incarceration. Castillo awaits sentencing.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by United States Attorney Delia L. Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal
organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.District Man and Maryland Man Sentenced for a Series of Armed Robberies Targeting Area BusinessesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Quaysa Flumo, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 234 months in prison and Emmanuel Sumo, 29, of Takoma Park, Md., was sentenced to 214 months for a string of armed robberies that struck a series of gas stations, liquor stores, convenience stores, and restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, all within a four-week period in 2018.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Chief Marcus G. Jones, of the Montgomery County, Md., Police Department, and Chief Antonio DeVaul, of the Takoma Park, Md., Police Department.
According to the government’s evidence, Flumo and Sumo were members of a trio - which included Enyinna “Reggie” Onyewu, 31, of Silver Spring, Md. – and were found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court on March 28, 2022, of federal conspiracy, robbery, and (for Flumo and Sumo) related weapons charges. The government’s evidence showed that Onyewu took part in five of the robberies; Sumo in seven of the robberies; and Flumo in all 10 of the robberies.
Throughout January 2018, the defendants, working together, robbed a series of gas stations, liquor stores, convenience stores, and restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In each of the robberies, the defendants were armed with a .45 caliber handgun. They wore masks and gloves to avoid being identified. During several robberies, they physically assaulted store employees and put the gun directly to the heads of their victims. The robberies took place at various hours, including some in broad daylight. The victims were left shaken and shocked by the incidents. Fortunately, none of them sustained serious physical injuries.
At trial, the government presented testimony from nearly 30 witnesses. The first robbery took place on Jan. 2, 2018, at a gas station in Silver Spring. Other targets were in Takoma Park, Md., Silver Spring, Md., Northwest Washington, and Arlington, Va. On Jan. 10, 2018, two robberies took place within a 45-minute period. The final robbery in the series took place on Jan. 29, 2018, at another gas station in Silver Spring.
Onyewu was arrested on Oct. 22, 2020; Sumo on Nov. 23, 2020, and Flumo on Apr. 27, 2021. Onyewu was sentenced Aug. 18, 2023, to 166 months in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg.
Flumo and Sumo were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta who also ordered three years of supervised release for each defendant.
In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Chief Jones, and Chief DeVaul commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force, the Montgomery Co. Police Department, the Takoma Park Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George’s Co. Police Department, and the Arlington County Police Department.
They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz, Paralegal Specialists Candace Battle, Mary Downing, and Kim Hall, Legal Assistant Latoya Wade, Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Litigation Technology Specialist William Henderson.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Candice Wong of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section (VRTO), who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Assault While Armed Following Near Fatal Car CrashRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shaquille Taylor, 27, of Washington D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of the May 2022 aggravated assault of a man at the intersection of 12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Michael Buck of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. The verdict was returned late today. The Honorable Jason Park scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2024.
Taylor was found guilty at trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and malicious destruction of property. The defendant was acquitted of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and lesser firearms offenses.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 2:00 AM on May 6, 2022, a United States Secret Service police officer attempted a traffic stop on a black Nissan Altima driven by the defendant in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and 17th Street NW. After partially exiting the vehicle, the defendant got back in the car and fled at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of 12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, the defendant ran the red light and crashed the Altima into a green Jaguar being operated by another motorist, causing near fatal injuries. An analysis of computer equipment from the Altima showed that the vehicle was traveling just under 100 MPH in the seconds before the crash. A firearm was recovered from the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle driven by the defendant.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by AUSAs Kathryn Bartz and Benjamin Helfand of the Major Crimes Unit of the USAO.
Department of Justice Awards More Than $1.7 Million to Support Public Safety in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced multiple Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) grant awards, totaling more than $1.7 million for the counties in Eastern Washington.
In total, COPS awarded more than $334 million to support state, local, and Tribal public safety and community justice activities. The grants announced today include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide.
The grants awarded in the Eastern District of Washington are as follows:
Recipient
Grant Title
Award Amount
Washington State University
Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation
$133,178
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Equipment and Training Award
$827,661
Eastern Washington University
2023 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Awards
2 Officers – $250,000
Soap Lake
2023 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Awards
1 Officer – $125,000
City of Kennewick
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Projects
$129,173
Republic School District
School Violence Prevention Program
$244,026
“Local law enforcement is a crucial component of our mission to make and keep the communities of Eastern Washington safe and strong,” said United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. I am pleased these funds will be used give critical support to the work law enforcement is doing on our streets and schools. These awards will support communities, schools, and universities in both urban and rural areas in our district. I am grateful that funding also is being devoted to improving public safety in our Native American communities and elsewhere.”
“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”
Complete lists of all program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
Delaware County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Murray, age 71, of Sidney, New York, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Murray admitted that in October 2021, he possessed images and videos of child pornography on two cell phones and possessed images and videos of child pornography within two email accounts he owned and controlled. At the time of these offenses, Murray had a previous conviction in New York related to the possession of child pornography.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also sentenced Murray to 10 years of supervised release, to follow his term of imprisonment. Murray was also ordered to forfeit two electronic devices that he used to commit his crimes. Murray will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by HSI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Defendant Sentenced to Prison as Leader of Schemes to Defraud Internet Consumers and Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Larby Amirouche was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 20 months in prison for his role in fraudulent internet marketing schemes utilizing e-commerce websites that purported to sell various dietary supplements, hair care products, skin care products, testosterone, and web-based business tutorials. As part of the sentence, the Court also ordered the defendant to pay $1.8 million in forfeiture and over $110,000 in criminal restitution. Amirouche pleaded guilty in May 2022 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the sentence.
“The prison term handed down today is appropriate and necessary for Amirouche who orchestrated internet marketing schemes that charged consumer credit cards for products that were ordered but never delivered or never ordered at all, and overbilled other consumers for products they had ordered from the defendant’s websites,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect consumers and financial institutions from fraudsters, and ensure integrity in the e-commerce marketplace.”
“Amirouche victimized unsuspecting consumers by creating a literal world wide web of lies, building an online platform to defraud his victims for his own personal gain. With this sentencing, he now is facing the full consequences of his actions,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso.
Amirouche was the managing member of Angry Elephant Marketing LLC and Purple Whale Management LLC. Between January 2012 and April 2016, Amirouche and his co-conspirators earned illegal profits by (1) charging consumer credit cards for products that were ordered but never delivered to the consumer; (2) charging consumer credit cards for products that were not purchased by the consumers and (3) repeatedly charging consumers for products that they had ordered from Amirouche’s websites.
Amirouche and his co-conspirators set up dozens of shell companies fronted by nominees they recruited to distance themselves from the fraudulent schemes and maximize the ill-gotten profits. Nominees were utilized in part because Amirouche and the corporate entities he controlled had been barred from opening new merchant accounts due to previous fraudulent activity. The profits were funneled to a bank account that was in the name of a nominee, but was actually controlled by Amirouche. From that account, Amirouche sent over $1.3 million to bank accounts in the names of other companies he controlled.
Amirouche and his co-conspirators also fraudulently established bank and merchant accounts for the shell companies so they could process credit card transactions and collect and transfer the proceeds of their crimes. The bank and merchant account applications the defendant submitted contained material falsehoods, including that the defendant was controlling the company, the nature of the business and forged signatures of the applicants.
In addition, Amirouche and his co-conspirators concealed material information from the financial institutions that supported the merchant card accounts. The misrepresentations were designed to prevent the financial institutions from discovering the frauds, which would have led to the financial institutions shutting off the accounts for the websites and stopping payment of funds to Amirouche.
In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace will play a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes including mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and identity theft.
The government’s case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Pitluck is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jake Menz.
The Defendant:
LARBY AMIROUCHE (also known as “Luke Williams”)
Age: 33
Highland Park, IllinoisE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-64 (KAM)
Crownpoint Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary ManslaughterRead 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 Ryntana Yazzie pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Yazzie, 34, of Crownpoint, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was placed on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, on August 4, 2020, Yazzie had been drinking alcohol and was driving south on Highway 371 outside Farmington when her vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and struck a truck driven by John Doe, who was driving northbound. John Doe died as a result of the crash.
At sentencing, Yazzie may face up to 8 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Connecticut Man Convicted of Corporate Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 from his former employer, New England Sports Network (NESN).
Ariel Legassa, 51, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, 2023. In February 2022, Legassa was arrested and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury.
According to evidence presented at trial, from approximately December 2020 to January 2022, Legassa orchestrated a scheme to defraud NESN. In early 2021, Legassa negotiated a contract with a New York company to provide web development services for NESN. At the same time, Legassa created a fake business under the same name as the new vendor. He then used this company to receive fraudulent payments from NESN. During the life of the contract between the New York company and NESN, in addition to approving legitimate invoices from the New York company, Legassa created and approved eleven fake invoices from his fake business. In all, NESN paid Legassa’s fake company $575,500. Legassa then spent the funds on personal expenses, including a private plane, a Tesla, a BMW, a Land Rover and credit card bills. He also transferred the funds into other accounts under his control.
“Mr. Legassa thought he could outsmart NESN and the law. Clearly, he was wrong,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Today’s jury verdict emphasizes that fraudsters who abuse the trust of their employers like Mr. Legassa will be found and held accountable, no matter how deceptive and sly their schemes may be.”
“Everyone would love more take-home pay, but defrauding your employer clearly isn’t the answer,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Ariel Legassa must have launched this scheme because he thought he’d get away with it. Fortunately, our investigative team —and this jury — didn’t let him and he’ll now be held accountable for his actions.”
The charge of mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Saltzman and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition in Connection with a Near Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Bernard Breeland, 37, of Columbia, was sentenced to 1o years in federal prison after being found guilty at trial to possession of ammunition by a felon.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Feb. 4, 2020, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) responded to a shooting incident at a local apartment complex. At the complex, CPD officers discovered a living male victim with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the parking lot near 9 fired .45 auto shell casings.
Further investigation by CPD led to the recovery of surveillance cameras which captured the incident. The surveillance footage revealed Bernard Breeland walking across a parking lot, grabbing a male by the collar, brandishing a firearm, and shooting the male at close range multiple times before running away from the crime scene. The shooting victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds as a result of the injury. Surveillance footage further revealed the shooting took place in a portion of the parking lot where CPD later recovered the .45 auto shell casings.
The shell casings were all the same brand, and a Nexus expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) testified at trial that the shells casings affected interstate commerce because they were manufactured outside of the state of South Carolina.
Breeland was a known gang member and an officer with the Midlands Gang Task Force identified Breeland from the surveillance footage. Breeland has a prior federal conviction for a racketeering conspiracy involving a national street gang which prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Breeland to a maximum term of 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Benjamin Garner prosecuted the case.
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Cleveland Man Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
AKRON – Ramel Drew, age 45, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 327 months (more than 27 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams. In March 2023, a jury convicted Drew of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of use of a communications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Adams also ordered Drew to pay a $400 special assessment and to serve a term of supervised release to follow his term of incarceration.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the FBI and other law enforcement partners conducted a long- term investigation and determined that members of the conspiracy were selling fentanyl to customers at multiple locations in Cleveland, and that Ramel Drew was involved in the drug trafficking conspiracy.
On August 31, 2021, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at seven houses connected to the drug organization, and seized over a kilogram of fentanyl, numerous firearms, ammunition, high-speed money counters, drug presses, a vacuum-sealer used to package drugs and money, over $68,000 in cash, jewelry, and multiple high-end vehicles, including two Range Rovers and a Jaguar.
One of the houses searched was on East 89th Street in Cleveland, which the FBI had identified as a location where customers came from as far away as Lorain County and Ashland County to buy fentanyl. Video evidence revealed Ramel Drew and other conspirators were selling drugs to customers in the driveway of a residence. Testimony at trial also established that Drew and his coconspirators shared a cell phone that drug customers would call to arrange the drug purchases.
Drew was one of 24 defendants indicted in the case, which was the result of a coordinated effort by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). All 24 defendants, including Drew, were convicted.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force (CGNL) and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force (SEALE), the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, the DEA, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Lewis, Joseph Dangelo, and James Morford.
Cherokee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Eugene Shepard, Jr., age 31, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea of one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 12, 2023, Shepard knowingly possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Judge D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Shepard was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending a sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.
Chattanooga Man Sentenced to 110 Months for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm in Connection with June 5, 2022, McCallie Avenue ShootingsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. On November 3, 2023, Garrian King, 29, of Chattanooga, TN, was sentenced to 110 months in prison by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. King was also sentenced to a consecutive two years for violating a federal term of supervised release on an unrelated case.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, King pled guilty on April 12, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1). Following his imprisonment, Harris will be on supervised release for 3 years.
According to court records, King, who had previously been convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm, took an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 AR-pistol with an arm brace from his co-defendant Rodney Harris who had been shot in front of Mary’s Bar and Grill on McCallie Avenue. King left the scene with the firearm, which law enforcement later recovered.
United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Special Agent Charge, Joseph E. Carrico, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department, ATF, and FBI. Several other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Poole represented the United States.
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California Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nestor Vanegas Rosales, age 36, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and 168 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The sentences will run concurrently.
The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On June 22, 2022, Rosales pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. According to investigators, on May 6, 2022, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 40 discovered Rosales in possession of nearly 4 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and over 4 kilograms of cocaine.
The Honorable John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Rosales will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.
California Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Eric Lamont Williams, age 52, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On September 26, 2022, Eric Lamont Williams pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. According to investigators, on April 5, 2022, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40. During a search of the vehicle, a backpack with four vacuum-sealed bundles containing over 4 kilograms of pure methamphetamine was found concealed under the hood.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Williams will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.
California Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Bringing over 65,000 Fentanyl Pills to Syracuse for DistributionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jose Orozco Acosta, age 22, of Bakersfield, California, was sentenced to serve 132 months in federal prison for possessing over 65,000 fentanyl pills with the intent to distribute them.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division Frank A. Tarentino III, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. DEA California Division Bob Beris, and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Acosta admitted that on April 4, 2022, he travelled from Bakersfield, California to a storage unit in Syracuse, NY. Acosta transferred the contents of his storage unit, which included a black plastic tote, to a different storage unit in the city of Syracuse. The black plastic tote that Acosta transported contained over 65,000 fentanyl pills, weighing approximately 7.2 kilograms. The investigation revealed that Acosta was transporting fentanyl and other narcotics from his home in Bakersfield to drug dealers in the Central New York area for further distribution. As part of the investigation, many of the local dealers that Acosta was supplying were arrested in August 2022.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse, New York also ordered that Acosta serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
NYSP Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (NYSP-VGNET) and DEA Resident Offices in Syracuse, New York and Bakersfield, California investigated the case with assistance from the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force, Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshal Service, United States Army National Guard Counterdrug Program, Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office, Cortland City Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Kern County Probation Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.
Burleson Would-Be Bomber Sentenced to 14 Years for Firearms, Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
A Burleson man who apparently idolized the Columbine High School shooters and possessed a homemade bomb was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Noah Robert Calderon, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in April and indicted in May. He pleaded guilty in July to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of receipt of child pornography and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who also ordered him to 30 years of supervised release.
“There is no greater example of the Justice Department’s, and our U.S. Attorney’s Office’s, commitment to protecting the public—including protecting the children in our community—than our efforts in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “We thank our law enforcement partners for working incredibly hard to take this potential bomber and child predator off the streets. We stand committed to continuing to root out and prosecute such dangerous individuals in north Texas.”
“Today’s sentence is a shared success with the community who heeded the call to action to report suspicious activity when they saw suspicious activity. The information shared with law enforcement exhibited a distinctive pathway to further violence, that was ultimately thwarted by law enforcement and led to multiple federal charges,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue individuals that move beyond rhetoric into action as they threaten the safety of our communities. We continue to ask for the public’s assistance in reporting threatening behaviors, and will work closely with our partners for swift adjudication.”
The investigation began in October 2022, when the FBI received a tip about Mr. Calderon’s social media activity.
Court documents indicate that online, Mr. Calderon professed a fascination with high-profile mass shootings, particularly the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. He posted numerous images of himself in tactical-style vests posing with AR-15-style rifles and shared Columbine-themed memes along with images of homemade explosives.
In March 2023, the FBI received another tip that Mr. Calderon had detonated a homemade bomb in his residential neighborhood.
In plea papers, he admitted that he had purchased explosive precursors online. He also admitted that he stored 659.2 grams of explosive powder, along with a lighter, cannon fuse, cardboard tubing, a glass jar marked “frag” that contained metal ball bearings, lead, a funnel, and measuring spoons, in his garage.
A subsequent search of his Google account revealed queries related to the Columbine killers, the Charleston church shooter, “pipe bomb how to make,” “how to make propane bombs,” and “wear [sic] were the propane bombs in Columbine,” as well as searches of the names of several local public schools.
In plea papers, Mr. Caldron specifically admitted to searching for bomb-making information.
A search of his phone revealed sexually explicit videos taken from a video chat between Mr. Calderon and a 13-year-old girl.
Also in plea papers, he admitted he was aware of the child’s age when he saved the videos.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Burleson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer prosecuted the case with National Security Division Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jacob Warren.
Bradenton Woman Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Prison for Investment Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Lori Ann Nademus (46, Bradenton) to nine years and two months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. The court also ordered Nademus to forfeit a 10-carat white gold and diamond wedding ring and a stainless-steel TAG Heuer watch, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $9.75 million, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme. Nademus had pleaded guilty on March 17, 2023.
According to court documents, between February 2017 and September 2020, Nademus solicited individuals to invest in false and fraudulent high-yield investment programs and used the fraud proceeds to perpetuate the scheme and for her own personal enrichment. Using her purported foundations, Nademus falsely and fraudulently represented that the victim-investors’ funds would be used for various projects, such as providing clean water to a third world country, purchasing a trust in Liechtenstein at a cost exceeding $1 million, leveraging a gold mine for investment, and liquidating a multi-million dollar investment, and that the victim-investors would realize nearly immediate, significant, and ongoing gains by providing bridge financing. Nademus communicated that the investments were safe for various reasons, including that the investments were secured by millions of dollars of assets held by her “Teras Foundation Investments.” Nademus memorialized the phony investment opportunities presented to victim-investors in so-called promissory notes, balloon promissory notes, and/or memos of understanding. She caused the victim-investors to transmit their funds, often via interstate wires, to accounts in the names of Dunamis Foundation, Teras Foundation, or an attorney’s IOTA account.
Nademus used nearly all of the funds for international travel, luxury residences, high-end retail purchases of clothing, jewelry, and other items, and for her own personal enrichment. When she failed to pay the victim-investors their supposed gains in a timely manner, Nademus endeavored to assuage their concerns by promising a higher return at a later time to lull them into a false sense of security.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiffany E. Fields and Rachelle DesVaux Bedke. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
Billings woman admits meth trafficking charge in multi-state drug ring centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings woman on Nov. 2 admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large, multiple-state narcotics organization that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Melanie Rose Bloodman, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Bloodman faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Feb. 28, 2024 and continued Bloodman’s release pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, multiple-state investigation into narcotics trafficking centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply for meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Bloodman is one of the individuals associated with the investigation.
Investigators learned that Bloodman’s residence, located near the Spear Siding property, was being used to store and sell meth. In a search of Bloodman’s residence in April, law enforcement found more than one pound of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Billings felon sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman who had absconded state parole and was arrested selling fentanyl from a Billings motel, was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Deana Louann Thomas, 42, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2022, law enforcement received information that Thomas was selling fentanyl with a man from a motel room in Billings. Thomas had absconded parole from the Montana Department of Corrections. Officers knocked on Thomas’ motel room door and arrested her on a warrant. During a search of the room, law enforcement located a .38-caliber revolver under one of the beds and two rounds of .38-caliber ammunition on a nightstand. Thomas admitted that the firearm was given to her for protection. Thomas was convicted in 2019 of felony escape in Yellowstone County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Probation and Parole and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Bennington Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel A. Christianson, 39, formerly of Bennington, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Christianson to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Christianson will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Christianson was ordered to pay a special assessment totaling $1,100.
In 2021, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover investigation regarding the use of peer-to-peer file sharing of child pornography on the internet. During the investigation, investigators identified an IP address associated with Christianson that had shared video files of child pornography using peer-to-peer computer software between June 20 and June 21, 2021. Investigators determined the IP address associated with Christianson had shared child pornography videos on at least two occasions. On October 28, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Christianson’s Bennington residence, during which he admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Quantel O. Saunders, 29, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 19, 2022, law enforcement officers observed Saunders with a firearm tucked in the front of his waistband outside a service station on the 200 block of North Eisenhower Drive in Beckley. Officers stopped Saunders as he was entering his vehicle and recovered a Ruger-57 5.7x28mm handgun from the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle. Saunders admitted to the officers that he possessed the firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Saunders knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm by a prohibited carrier and three counts of wanton endangerment with a firearm in Raleigh County Circuit Court on August 3, 2015.
Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley Police Department.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Parsons 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.
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. 5:23-cr-108.
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BOP Inmate Admits to Sending Death Threats to Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An inmate already serving a federal sentence pled guilty to new charges Thursday, admitting he threatened to murder a federal judge and former federal probation officer and blow up a U.S. District courthouse.
Richard L. Russell, 57, pled guilty to two counts of retaliating against a federal official, two counts of mailing threatening communications and one count of threatening to destroy a building by fire or explosion, namely the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis.
“Threats against the lives of federal judges and probation officers will be met with equally severe punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The defendant intended to disrupt operations and endanger workers at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, and I commend the U.S. Marshals Service for their work investigating and thwarting the threats.”
According to court documents, Russell was serving a 112-month sentence in the Bureau of Prisons after being charged by the Eastern District of Missouri in January 2014 for mailing threatening communications and threatening to murder a U.S. magistrate judge.
On June 1, 2022, officials at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse received two similarly handwritten letters containing death threats addressed to a sitting federal judge and retired probation officer that were each signed by Russell. A deputy U.S. marshal recovered the letters and envelopes.
Russell sent the letters to retaliate against the individuals who has previously worked on his court cases. He threatened the judge who sentenced him to 112 months’ imprisonment and the former probation officer who supervised him. Russell mailed the letters from the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority, a BOP transfer facility located in Chickasaw, Oklahoma.
Russell’s charges are each punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count.
Federal judges, probation officers and prosecutors with the Eastern District of Missouri are recused from this case. The U.S. Marshals Service led the investigation, and Steve Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois is serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and prosecuting the case.
Atlanta penitentiary guard pleads guilty to theft from an inmate and PPP fraudRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Andy Steven Johnson, a correctional officer and member of the Special Investigative Services team at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta, pleaded guilty to stealing money from an inmate’s CashApp account and also using a business that did not exist to fraudulently apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
“Johnson exploited his position at the prison to victimize inmates and steal from them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He also tried to steal pandemic disaster relief funds by defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program, all while being responsible for seizing contraband and investigating misconduct at the prison. The Department of Justice will prosecute corrupt insiders and seek to hold them accountable for their misconduct.”
“Johnson committed brazen acts of theft and fraud. Rather than conducting himself with integrity, he sought to personally gain, stealing from an inmate and attempting to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds meant to help those with legitimate hardships. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will aggressively pursue justice for victims of these kinds of shameless acts,” said Sandra D. Barnes, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for the Investigations Division at the DOJ OIG.”
“Lying to gain access to economic stimulus funds will be met with justice,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “SBA OIG will aggressively pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Since January 2015, Johnson worked as a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta. Starting in December 2018, he was assigned to the Special Investigative Services (“SIS”) team, where he was responsible for conducting investigations into inmate misconduct, including smuggling and possession of contraband. As part of his SIS duties, he searched inmates and seized various types of contraband, including drugs, tobacco, and cell phones. In that role, on January 13, 2021, Johnson seized a contraband mobile phone from an inmate. Instead of processing the phone pursuant to policy, he opened CashApp on the phone and transferred $300 to his own CashApp account. He later transferred those funds into his personal checking account.
Johnson also defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act – a federal law enacted in March 2020 that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized an initial $349 billion in loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent/lease, and utilities through the PPP program. Congress subsequently increased the amount of funding. PPP loans did not have to be paid back if certain conditions were met.
On March 4, 2021, Johnson submitted an online application for a PPP loan for a business named Performance Customs. Johnson claimed on the application that the business had operated since January 1, 2020; produced an annual revenue of $76,000 and paid an average monthly payroll of $6,333; and would use the PPP loan proceeds to pay wages, rent or mortgage interest, and utilities for the business. Based on that application, Johnson was approved for a forgivable loan of $15,832. In reality, Performance Customs did not exist and Johnson had completely fabricated the information on the application.
Andy Steven Johnson, 42, of Peachtree City, Georgia, pleaded guilty to theft by an employee of the United States and wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of the Public Integrity and Civil Rights Section, is prosecuting 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.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.