Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
13 December 2023
Four Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sim-Swapping Scheme Based in OrlandoRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Coury Robert Badnell (38, Oakland, FL) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Dalton previously sentenced Anthony Roberto Hutchinson (26, Orlando), Deandre Devante Levy (26, Orlando), and Jordan Brian Burgos (26, Orlando) to terms of imprisonment of 24 months, 15 months, and 8 months respectively for their participation in the same conspiracy. Each had previously pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, the individuals engaged in a SIM-swapping scheme through which they stole more than $509,475 in cryptocurrency proceeds from unsuspecting victims. “SIM swapping” is a fraud scheme where an individual’s wireless service is taken over by a perpetrator, who has the end goal of gaining access to that individual’s email accounts and financial accounts. The objective for this conspiracy and fraud scheme was to target individuals who maintained cryptocurrency.
During the course of the conspiracy, Badnell was employed as a manager at the office of a major wireless communications provider in the Orlando. He used his insider access at this business to bypass the provider’s security protocols. This allowed the conspirators the ability to swap the SIM cards of cellphones that they controlled with the SIM cards assigned to victims’ cellphones. As a result, the conspirators were then able to access and drain the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey A. Bratt and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Former Sacramento Resident Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Terence Aubrey Larker, 37, of Las Vegas, previously of Sacramento, was sentenced Tuesday to four years and 10 months in prison for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme to defraud the Unemployment Insurance benefit program during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2020, and continuing through at least October 2020, Larker perpetrated a mail fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted the Unemployment Insurance benefit program that California administers through its Employment Development Department (EDD). Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, EDD was responsible for administering unemployment insurance benefits for qualifying residents who could no longer find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Larker obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of more than 80 individuals and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims under their identities. EDD approved many of these applications and mailed benefits in the form of prepaid debit cards to addresses under Larker’s control, including at least 24 to his home address in Sacramento. Once received in the mail, he activated the cards and spent the benefits on himself, often appearing in ATM surveillance footage taking out large amounts of cash from these cards. In total, Larker’s conduct resulted in EDD and the United States paying out over $1.1 million in fraudulent claims.
“Terence A. Larker used stolen identities to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to obtain over $1 million in benefits allocated for workers who lost their jobs as a result of the global pandemic. This sentence demonstrates the Office of Inspector General’s continued commitment to safeguard the Unemployment Insurance system,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Los Angeles Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, the California Employment Development Department, the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Former Public School Information Technology Manager Pleads Guilty to Damaging School's Computer NetworkRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ayer man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to committing a cyberattack against the computer network of his former employer, an Essex County public high school.
Conor LaHiff, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized damage to protected computers. U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. Among other conditions of release, Judge Saylor required that LaHiff notify prospective employers of his guilty plea, after learning that LaHiff had obtained a similar position at another public high school after being terminated for the charged conduct. LaHiff was charged on Nov. 29, 2023.
LaHiff was employed as a desktop and network manager at an Essex County public high school until he was terminated in June 2023. After he was fired, LaHiff used his administrative privileges to deactivate and delete thousands of Apple IDs from the school’s Apple School Manager account – software used to manage student, faculty and staff information technology resources. LaHiff also deactivated more than 1,400 other Apple accounts and other IT administrative accounts and disabled the school’s private branch phone system, which left the school’s phone service unavailable for approximately 24 hours.
The charge of unauthorized damage to protected computers provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Haverhill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Operator of Two Municipal Golf Courses Found Guilty of Tax Conspiracy and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former operator of two municipal golf courses in Western Massachusetts has been convicted by a federal jury in Springfield of conspiring to defraud the United States and making a false statement.
Kevin M. Kennedy, 45, of East Longmeadow was convicted on Dec. 11, 2023 of conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false Statement to a federally insured financial institution. The defendant was acquitted of embezzlement from a local government receiving federal benefits, wire fraud, money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2024.
“This guilty verdict underscores the serious consequences for those who conspire to defraud the United States. No one is above the law, and we will vigorously pursue those who engage in illicit schemes to line their own pockets,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“The jury found that Kevin Kennedy defrauded the United States for the sole purpose of enriching himself. This type of fraud has consequences for every American taxpayer,” said Harry Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “As a result of this verdict, Kennedy now stands as a convicted felon, and will be sentenced for his actions.”
Kennedy owned and operated Kennedy Golf Management Inc., through which he managed the City of Springfield’s two public golf courses, Franconia Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Golf Course. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kennedy conspired with two individuals to evade taxes he owed on money received from his company. Kennedy paid for, mostly in cash, the construction of two custom homes in East Longmeadow and on Cape Cod. To induce the bank to provide him a mortgage for part of the East Longmeadow home, Kennedy submitted a home purchase contract to the bank that falsely reflected a total purchase price reduced by the $160,000 cash downpayment he had made.
Just prior to trial, Kennedy pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false individual income tax return for 2011 through 2014, during which he also admitted to filing a false return in 2009 and 2010. For each of those years, Kennedy did not report to his return preparer all of the cash and checks his management company received from his operation of the golf courses.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The tax fraud charges each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and IRS SAC Chavis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow and Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Eric B. Powers of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Massachusetts State Police Troopers Convicted of Conspiring to Steal Overtime Funds and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin and former MSP Sergeant William W. Robertson were convicted by a federal jury in Worcester yesterday of conspiracy, federal programs fraud and wire fraud in connection with an overtime scheme dating back to 2015. Just prior to trial, on Nov. 27, 2023, Griffin pleaded guilty to four additional counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of filing false tax returns.
Griffin, 60, of Belmont and Robertson, 61, of Westborough, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program and four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020.
From 2015 through 2018, Griffin, Robertson and other troopers in the Traffic Programs Section at State Police Headquarters in Framingham, conspired to steal thousands of dollars in federally funded overtime by regularly arriving late to, and leaving early from, overtime shifts funded by grants intended to improve traffic safety. During the course of the conspiracy, Griffin made and approved false entries on forms and other documentation to conceal and perpetuate the fraud.
When the MSP overtime misconduct came to light in 2017 and 2018, Griffin, Robertson and their co-conspirators took steps to avoid detection by shredding and burning records and forms. After an internal inquiry regarding missing forms, Griffin submitted a memo to his superiors that was designed to mislead them by claiming that missing forms were “inadvertently discarded or misplaced” during office moves.
Additionally, Griffin spent significant time running his security business, Knight Protection Services, during hours that he was collecting regular MSP pay and overtime pay. From 2012 to 2019, Griffin collected almost $2 million in KnightPro revenue. Of that total, Griffin hid over $700,000 in revenue from the IRS and used hundreds of thousands of dollars in KnightPro income to fund personal expenses, such as golf club expenses, car payments, private school tuition and expenses related to his second home on Cape Cod.
Prior to yesterday's jury conviction, Griffin pleaded guilty on Nov. 27, 2023 to defrauding a private school attended by two of his children from at least 2016 to 2019 by concealing his KnightPro income and filing materially misleading financial aid applications, which understated his income and assets by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite Griffin’s lucrative MSP salary and KnightPro business, Griffin obtained over $175,000 in financial aid from the private school over the course of several years.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of federal program fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Ithaca Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing Money OrdersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephen Perrine, age 40, of King Ferry, New York, was sentenced today to 12 months of probation for stealing money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement.
Perrine previously pled guilty and admitted that while working for the USPS in Ithaca, New York, he stole 10 money orders totaling $2,480, by issuing them to himself and entering fraudulent justifications in a USPS accounting system. For example, Perrine admitted that he stole and cashed a $400 money order on or about September 13, 2022, and that he documented the money order as having been issued as payment for “local transport.” Similarly, Perrine admitted that on November 15, 2022, he stole and cashed a $200 money order, which he fraudulently documented as having been issued as payment for “office supplies.”
Perrine was ordered to pay full restitution of $2,480 to the USPS. Perrine no longer works for USPS, as he resigned his position after he was charged in this case.
USPS-OIG investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted this case.
Former Correctional Officer Receives 42 Months in Prison for Smuggling Drugs into Oahu Community Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Richard Ascencio, 52, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 42 months in prison and two years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Ascencio pled guilty to the charges on September 21, 2022.
According to information provided to the Court, Ascencio worked as a correctional officer at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) from 2000 until his arrest in 2020 for these charges. Ascencio agreed to smuggle methamphetamine into OCCC and provide it to an inmate in exchange for cash payments. Pursuant to this criminal agreement, Ascencio obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators outside OCCC, hid the methamphetamine in his backpack, and then used his position as a correctional officer to attempt to bypass security measures and smuggle the methamphetamine into OCCC.
An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department, revealed that Ascencio was attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into OCCC on February 12, 2020. When Ascencio reported for duty at OCCC that day, investigators located 11 packets of methamphetamine hidden in Ascencio’s backpack.
“Rather than protect the community from the scourge of methamphetamine, as Ascencio was charged with doing as a correctional officer, he instead perpetuated the devastating cycle of addiction among inmates and endangered the welfare of his co-workers,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Our office will continue to prosecute this kind of corruption, as it degrades trust in government and endangers our community.”
“The FBI will not tolerate those who are in a position of trust to violate that trust by bringing illegal drugs into our correctional facilities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “This act unfortunately undermines the efforts of other correctional officers who serve with the utmost integrity in their position. Yesterday’s sentence holds Ascencio accountable for the blatant disregard of the laws he swore to uphold.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hudspeth prosecuted the case.
Former Chicago-Area Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A former Illinois woman was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for willfully preparing false tax returns on behalf of her clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Erica Early, formerly of Robins and Richton Park, Illinois, operated a tax preparation business for clients located in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, and often charged $1,000 to prepare basic, uncomplicated tax returns. Early falsely inflated her clients’ income to maximize the Earned Income Tax Credit and falsely claimed education-related credits on their behalf. Early, who was a U.S. Postal Service employee during some of the time she was engaged in preparing the false returns, also falsified her own tax returns, claiming education credits she knew she was not eligible to receive.
Early concealed her scheme by preparing clients’ returns as a “ghost preparer,” marking them as self-prepared instead of identifying herself as the paid preparer. Initially, Early directed her fees and client refunds to her personal bank account that was then closed by the bank after detecting fraudulent activity. Early then began requiring her clients to obtain prepaid debit cards in their names that Early would use to deposit her clients’ refunds as well as receive her preparation fee, avoiding the use of traditional banks.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo for the Northern District of Illinois ordered Early to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $515,990 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Matthew J. Kluge and Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident with prior felony convictions pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawful possession of two stolen firearms after fleeing from law enforcement.
According to court documents, Domineaq Marchell Wilson, also known as “Tension,” 24, unlawfully possessed a loaded Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol and a loaded Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol. On August 2, 2023, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer approached Wilson and three others in a parking area behind an apartment building. The officer saw that the ignition of two motorcycles had been torn out, but at least one of the motorcycles was running without a key. The officer spotted the Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol protruding from Wilson’s waistband. Wilson admitted that he grabbed the grip of the gun and ran from the officer. During the pursuit, the loaded firearm fell to the ground and Wilson threw his backpack that contained the loaded Glock G42 firearm to the ground. He was taken into custody.
Wilson admitted that the Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Overton, Nev., on July 25, 2023; and the Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a private citizen in Henderson, Nev. At the time, Wilson was on state supervision in two separate felony convictions in Nevada.
Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Sentencing is set for March 6, 2024, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. Wilson faces the maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig 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.
Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.
###
Federal jury convicts Lockport man for his role in violent home invasion and robberyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has found Todd Laraba, 45, of Lockport, NY, guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy for his role in a home invasion in the Town of Tonawanda. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Rudroff, Paul E. Bonanno, and Nicholas T. Cooper, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on September 28, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Laraba and another individual entered a Town of Tonawanda residence, and went to the family room where an elderly couple (victims) were watching television. Wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black pants, black gloves, and masks, one of the men stated, “This isn't going to hurt, or take long. You won't get hurt, just relax.” The men zip tied the victims’ hands and ankles and placed duct tape across their mouths and eyes. One of the men stayed with the victims while the other went to the attic of the residence, and stole a lockbox containing $60,000 in cash. After the men left, the victims removed the duct tape and restraints and called 911. The Town of Tonawanda Police Department responded and recovered four black zip ties, four pieces of glossy duct tape, and other items. Subsequent testing established that Laraba’s DNA was on one set of zip ties and several pieces of duct tape.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.
# # # #
Federal jury convicts Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury on Dec. 12 convicted a Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial that began on Dec. 11, the jury found Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 59, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a child and abusive sexual contact of a minor. Don’tMix faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life 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 April 11, 2024. Don’tMix was detained pending further proceedings.
“For the second time in two days, our office has held accountable someone for sexually abusing young girls. Here, Don’tMix victimized these two girls over eight years ago and if not for their bravery in reporting what he did to them, Don’tMix would not have been prosecuted. These are tough cases to investigate and prosecute, and we are only successful when our office and our federal partners are relentless in getting to the truth, which is exactly what happened here. I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek, our office staff, the FBI, and Bureau of Indian Affairs for their dedication and hard work, without which we would not have gotten these verdicts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in January 2015, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to the FBI that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes while she was sledding. Jane Doe 2 was 13 years old at the time. Jane Doe 2 also disclosed in the same interview, that in 2012 or 2013, she was asleep and awoke to Don’tMix touching her vaginal area over her clothes. The touching occurred at a Crow Agency residence. In October 2021, another child, Jane Doe 1, disclosed to a school counselor that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes when she was either 6, 7 or 8 years old and that the touching happened three or four times at a Crow Agency residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
XXX
Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Indiana Man on Kidnapping and Interstate Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Indiana man has been convicted on federal charges for kidnapping and assaulting two former girlfriends.
ROBERT SPEED, 40, of Gary, Ind., held the victims against their will and repeatedly assaulted them with various dangerous weapons in May and July of 2019. During the assaults, which occurred at residences and hotels in Gary, Ind., Chicago, and the Chicago suburbs, Speed repeatedly punched, hit, and choked the victims. The victims, who had previous romantic relationships with Speed, testified at trial about their ordeals with Speed and the serious injuries he caused them.
The jury on Tuesday convicted Speed on all nine counts against him, including two counts of kidnapping and seven counts of interstate domestic violence. Each kidnapping count is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while each domestic violence count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for March 26, 2024.
Robert Speed’s niece, SHIRLEY SPEED, 27, of Chicago, pleaded guilty prior to trial to an interstate domestic violence charge. Shirley Speed admitted in a plea agreement that she and Robert Speed transported one of the victims from Gary, Ind., to Shirley Speed’s residence in Chicago, and then to a hotel room in South Holland, Ill. Shirley Speed further admitted that her uncle held the victim against her will and assaulted her at both locations. Shirley Speed was sentenced last month to two and a half years in federal prison.
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department and Gary, Ind. Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sivashree Sundaram and Prashant Kolluri.
Federal Jury Finds Muncie Man Guilty of Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Joseph Haskins, 38 of Muncie, guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on August 16, 2021, as part of a narcotics investigation into Haskins, detectives with the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at Haskins’ home, where he resided with his mother and two children.
During a search of Haskins’ bedroom, agents recovered a gallon Ziploc bag containing nearly a pound of methamphetamine, three additional bags of methamphetamine, two digital scales, and over $12,000 cash, a majority of which was found stuffed inside a teddy bear. In addition, prosecutors presented evidence from Haskins’ cell phone, including text messages between Haskins and buyers discussing drug deals, as well as recorded calls from jail in which Haskins admitted to his crimes.
Haskins has prior felony convictions for dealing cocaine or narcotic drug, possession of cocaine, battery, intimidation, and criminal recklessness and was on home detention for three pending state cases at the time of his arrest.
The FBI and the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force investigated this case. Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial and will sentence Haskins at a later date. Haskins faces 10 years to life in federal prison as well as a criminal fine up to $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
###
Federal Jury Convicts Syndicato De Nuevo Mexico Associate of Murdering Federal Witness, Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal jury returned eight guilty verdicts against Robert “Fat Head” Padilla after half a day of deliberation. The jury convicted Padilla on one count each of violent crimes in aid of racketeering (murder), retaliating against a witness, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearms and causing death, witness tampering, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute buprenorphine, and possession of contraband in prison. Judge James O. Browning presided.
A federal grand jury issued a Third Superseding Indictment accusing Padilla and his co-conspirator Gary Coca of eight felony offenses on April 19, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, from about Sept. 17, 2018, to Sept. 10, 2019, Padilla engaged in trafficking cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl. On July 22, 2019, Padilla killed L.L., a former federal witness in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in retaliation for the victim providing information to law enforcement. Then, on Nov. 25, 2020, Padilla allegedly used physical force against P.G. in an attempt to influence, delay and prevent P.G. from communicating to law enforcement information relating to drug trafficking and the murder of L.L. Finally, on Sept. 6, 2022, Padilla possessed with the intent to distribute more than 329 strips of suboxone while incarcerated at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe.
“Witnesses are the eyes and ears of the justice system. They are the embodiment of the fact that justice belongs to all of us, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe.,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “But some think that they can use violence to silence justice. Attacking a witness is more than an assault on a person, it is an assault on the values that hold our society together. But no one person is bigger than us together. Local, state, and federal law enforcement will find and convict those who threaten citizens who stood up for our community.”
“Mr. Padilla was under the mistaken impression he and his crew could run their criminal enterprise and flaunt their illegal activities in the face of the law without fear of consequence.,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “Today’s conviction is the 12th gang-related homicide charged under the federal RICO or VICAR statutes and sends a strong and clear message to others – illegal drug trafficking, witness intimidation and violence will not be tolerated anywhere in New Mexico. The FBI’s partnerships in this case were vital to a successful investigation, and the willingness of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively prosecute this group was important to putting others involved in similar criminal activities on notice that there is zero tolerance for their unlawful actions.”
“This case is yet another example of how drug trafficking and violent crime go hand in hand,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The men and women of the DEA will stop at nothing to relentlessly pursue these criminals. We will continue to work day and night with laser focus to bring them to justice.”
Padilla will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Padilla faces a mandatory term of life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA’s Albuquerque District Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Corrections Department, Las Vegas Police Department and Department of Public Safety’s State Laboratory.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
View Third Superseding Indictment here# # #
23-284
Federal Jury Convicts Charlotte Man of All Charges for Sex Trafficking A MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte convicted Tawaan Batten today of sex trafficking a minor, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Batten, 33, of Charlotte, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the three-day trial.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
"Batten took advantage of a vulnerable 15-year-old girl who turned to him out of desperation and exploited her in the worst way – for profit," said U.S. Attorney King. "My Office will not allow our children to be traded as commodities and sold for sex. With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes, hold offenders accountable, and more importantly identify, rescue, and support victims."
“It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten did and now he faces a possible life sentence for his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI works tirelessly to hold accountable those who carry out crimes against children, and we devote significant resources to help sex trafficking victims recover from the trauma they suffer.”
According to filed court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, from July 2021, through December 2021, Batten engaged in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina and South Carolina. Trial evidence established that Batten, who was at times assisted by Kristi Heather King, 33, of Locust, North Carolina, posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites, arranged the minor victim’s sexual encounters with customers, and booked hotel rooms where the encounters took place. Trial evidence further established that Batten kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters. Batten used various physical and psychological ways to control the minor victim, including branding the minor victim with tattoos.
Batten remains in federal custody. At sentencing, he faces a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
On November 9, 2023, King pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic the minor victim and is currently awaiting sentencing.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and thanked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Social Media Stock Promoter in a ‘Pump-and-Dump’ Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a San Pedro man in a “stock scalping” scheme in which he used his “TeamBillionaire” email list and his social-media accounts to deceive investors into buying penny stocks he recommended, while simultaneously selling off those same stocks for a profit.
Michael M. Beck, 48, was charged in an indictment returned Tuesday afternoon with three counts of securities fraud and three counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The indictment alleges that Beck purchased blocks of penny stocks and then promoted those stocks to his many followers on the social-media platform then-known as Twitter. Prior to promoting the stocks to the followers of the @BigMoneyMike6 handle on Twitter, Beck encouraged subscribers of his TeamBillionaire email group to buy the stock, thereby increasing the trading volume of the stock and making the stock look more attractive to potential investors. At the same time, Beck was secretly selling – or causing his associates to sell – shares of the very stock he was promoting into the artificially inflated market for a profit, often while falsely telling his Twitter followers that he was still buying shares.
Investigators believe that Beck’s fraudulent scheme resulted in profits of at least $500,000.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission previously filed a civil complaint alleging that Beck committed violations of federal securities law.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beck is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on the indictment on January 9.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn S. Small and Jenna Williams of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force are prosecuting this case.
Created in October, the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is focusing on complex corporate crimes, abuses by company insiders and offenses that impact the nation’s financial system.
Fall River Man Charged with Passport Fraud and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man has been arrested on charges related to passport fraud and other offenses.
Hector Eduardo Arias Mejia, 43, was charged with misuse of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. Arias Mejia will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 20, 2023.
According to court documents, Arias Mejia, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, applied for a United States passport and a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Real ID using the name and other biographical information of a resident of Puerto Rico. Arias Mejia allegedly used the stolen identity when he was previously arrested, charged and convicted on numerous state court cases.
The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years of in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Santo Domingo; Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fake doctor imprisoned for sexual exploitation of minorsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Houston man has been sentenced for producing child pornography of several minor female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Nam Vu Bui pleaded guilty Aug. 21.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now sentenced Bui to 330 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard from two of the victims, after which they were recognized for their bravery in recounting the events and the trauma it caused and continues to cause them. Bui was further ordered to pay $19,680 in restitution to the victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Bui will also be required to register as a sex offender. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Rosenthal stated that what he did was evil, further noting that child sexual assaults, like those he committed, should be called what they are, rape.
“The bravery shown by the victims in this case is to be commended,” said Hamdani. “They spoke up against evil, rose above the years of abuse perpetrated on them and have given true meaning to the word survivor. It is my hope that more victims, hearing about these brave young women, will speak out against their abusers. It is the first step in bringing these child sexual predators to justice.”
Bui first came to the attention of law enforcement in Vermont for pretending to be a medical student conducting cancer research. As part of that “research,” he convinced his girlfriend’s friends to allow him to perform gynecological exams on them in their dorm rooms. One of the victims got suspicious when he asked her to wear a blindfold. She peeked under it and realized he was trying to record what he was doing without her consent.
The ensuing investigation revealed Bui was from Houston and had infiltrated his girlfriend’s family and other Vietnamese immigrants as a tutor for their female minor children. During the tutoring sessions, he sexually molested the minor victims and recorded them doing acts such as performing oral sex on him. Bui also deceived the victims and caused them to create child pornography of themselves for him. He created email accounts pretending to be attorneys at fictitious law firms, friends of the victims and working as a vigilante combatting a child pornography ring supposedly made up of law enforcement officers.
Authorities later conducted a search at the residence he shared with his mother in Houston. Forensic analysis of the seized items in the home revealed Bui produced images of three minor victims and others.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Middlebury College Department of Public Safety and Vermont FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Evansville Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution Resulting in the Overdose of a 28-Year-Old Kentucky WomanRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Johntavis Matlock, 31, of Evansville, Indiana, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. In September of 2023, a federal jury found Matlock guilty of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents and evidence introduced during trial, on December 11, 2020, Kentucky law enforcement officers responded to the overdose of 28-year-old, Lindsey Wiley in her Kentucky residence. Knowing about this near-death overdose, Matlock continued to invite Lindsey to buy heroin laced with fentanyl.
On February 28, 2021, EMS and local law enforcement responded to another overdose at the same residence. This time, they found Wiley deceased. The cause of death was determined to be an overdose caused by fentanyl intoxication.
An examination of Wiley’s cell phone revealed that Wiley frequently purchased controlled substances from Matlock. From June of 2020 through February of 2021, Matlock coordinated with Wiley to sell her both heroin and fentanyl out of his home in Evansville, Indiana.
During the sentencing hearing, evidence was admitted showing that children lived in the residence from which Matlock sold heroin and fentanyl mixtures to Lindsey Wiley.
“The tragic death of Ms. Wiley highlights the tremendous danger posed by trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Substance use disorder is a devastating disease that international drug cartels and local dealers greedily exploit. Thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors, the DEA, EPD, ISP, and our partners in Kentucky law enforcement, no more families will lose a loved one because of this defendant while he is in federal prison.”
“The DEA would like to continue to extend their deepest condolences to the Wiley family for the tragic passing of Ms. Lindsey Wiley. Additionally, the DEA would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their diligent work in prosecuting this important case. The collaborative work of all agencies in this case has led to some solace for the Wiley family and the community that loved Lindsey so dearly. Individuals like Mr. Matlock who recklessly distribute deadly poisons, like fentanyl, in our communities must be held accountable and the sentence imposed today was righteous and justified,” said Special Agent in Charge, Mike Gannon.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Henderson County (Kentucky) Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennyrile (Kentucky) Narcotics Task Force investigated this case.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Matlock be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian Mukoski and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. Seven out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets seized by the DEA now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
###
Errant Bullets that Struck an Exeter Residence Lead to Guilty Plea for Illegal Possession for Millinocket ManRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Millinocket man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in November 2020, the Maine Warden Service (MWS) received a complaint about shots being fired at a residence in Exeter, Maine. A warden observed bullets lodged in the walls of the residence, and the homeowners reported hearing gunshots from across the pond and seeing two individuals wearing hunter’s orange. MWS located Scott Lynch Jr., 23, and a 14-year-old minor in a parked truck. Lynch admitted to the warden that he had been target shooting in the woods. He also told the warden that he was a convicted felon. MWS located .22 caliber and .308 caliber casings in the woods where Lynch stated they had been shooting.
While at the minor’s house to retrieve the .22 rifle, the warden overheard the minor tell his mother that there was another rifle hidden in the house, which was then retrieved by the mother. Lynch had the key to the gun case on a key ring on his belt. Two guns were retrieved from the case, a .308 caliber rifle and a 9mm pistol, with obliterated serial numbers. Further investigation showed both the guns and the case had been stolen from a vehicle in Millinocket, and Lynch told investigators that he had traded a dirt bike for the firearms.
Lynch faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Maine Warden Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
###
Eleven men sentenced to federal prison for role in drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Abdul Jamal Ali, Norian Anderson, Kasman Cox, Mark Antonio Goines, Alonzo Heard, Michael Mack, Tremaine Malcom, Hassan Pope, Roger Solario, Joseph Strickland, and Renardo Thomas have been sentenced for their roles as members of a drug trafficking organization in the metro-Atlanta area that was successfully disrupted following a federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation.
“The distribution of narcotics throughout our communities continues to pose a public safety and health threat that we must steadfastly confront,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Through our partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, we have successfully disrupted this organization’s supply chain, prosecuted the distributors and suppliers of these dangerous drugs, and sent a strong message to others involved in polluting our communities with these illegal substances.”
“Justice will always prevail as the most powerful force to remove these individuals off of the streets and out of our communities,” said Thomas E. Brown, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia.
“Through hard work, this criminal enterprise has been dismantled,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “These violent drug traffickers had no regard for the potential impact of their actions.”
"Drug trafficking organizations are an imminent threat to our communities,” said Dan R. Salter, Executive Director, Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AC HIDTA) Task Force. “Federal, state and local law enforcement officers that make up this task force are committed to ridding our communities of these drug trafficking organizations spreading poison and violence in our neighborhoods.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration special agents, and Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force officers, identified a prolific drug trafficker in Atlanta, Hassan Pope. Federal investigators learned that Pope was coordinating multiple narcotics transactions around his residence in College Park and maintaining a drug stash apartment in east Atlanta. Over the course of the investigation, agents identified many of Pope’s associates and obtained evidence of ongoing trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Agents also identified Alonzo Heard and Tremaine Malcom as assisting Pope in his distribution and Abdul Jamal Ali, Norian Anderson, Kasman Cox, Mark Antonio Goines, Michael Mack, Roger Solario, Joseph Strickland, and Renardo Thomas as drug distributors working with or connected to Pope. Federal, state, and local law enforcement investigators obtained and executed multiple search warrants at locations utilized by the group’s drug trafficking organization and seized distribution quantities of drugs, hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug proceeds, firearms, vehicles, and other property used in the commission, or purchased with the proceeds, of the offenses.
Each of the following defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and/or firearms offenses and received the following sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross:
- Abdul Jamal Ali, 41, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of nine years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Norian Anderson, a/k/a “Knot,” 50, of Jonesboro, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of four years, eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Kasman Cox, a/k/a “Cat” and “Tamario Davis,” 44, of Fayetteville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and received a sentence of 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Mark Antonio Goines, a/k/a “Luckie,” 43, of Hampton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of five years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release;
- Alonzo Heard, a/k/a “Pee-Wee,” 51, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of eight years, three months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release;
- Michael Mack, a/k/a “Stank,” 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release;
- Tremaine Malcom, a/k/a “Twin,” 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of four years, 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Hassan Pope, a/k/a “Ali,” “Hot,” and “Tyrone Dunn,” 46, of College Park, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and received a sentence of 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Roger Solario, 29, of Marietta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of five years, three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Joseph Strickland, a/k/a “Joe,” 45, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of eight years, four months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release; and
- Renardo Thomas, a/k/a “Donald Garwood,” 44, of Fairburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Corrections, Marietta Police Department, and South Fulton Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary S. Howard and Teresa M. Stolze prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
El Paso Man Sentenced to Five Years for Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to court documents, between November 6, 2022 and November 17, 2022, Jacob Isaiah Spencer, 25, had sexually explicit conversations on social media, to include sending lascivious photos of male genitalia, with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old child. On November 17, 2022, Spencer arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity by arranging transportation for the minor to Spencer’s home. Agents from the FBI El Paso’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Spencer while he waited for the minor to show up.
On August 30, 2023, Spencer pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on November 17, 2022.
“Protecting our children and our community is a top priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “We will continue to prosecute those who seek to harm our minors for their own sexual gratification.”
“The defendant in this case tried to share sexually explicit material to a minor in an attempt to progress the relationship to become sexually physical,” said John Morales, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “Parents can rest easy with this man in federal prison, but there are so many more predators like him. The FBI El Paso’s Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force remains committed to the fight against exploitation of our children.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
El Paso Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Possession of Meth and FentanylRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, during an El Paso Police Department traffic stop on September 6, 2022, Erich Calixtro, 45, was found in possession of approximately 138 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of fentanyl.
On September 14, 2023, Calixtro pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Due to his extensive criminal history, the Court found that Calixtro was a career criminal offender. Calixtro has remained in federal custody since his arrest on September 6, 2022.
“My office will continue to prosecute those who peddle illegal drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “I’m proud of the work accomplished by the El Paso Police Department and the FBI in taking another drug dealer off our streets.”
“Illicit synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to drive addiction and fatal poisonings in our communities,” said John Morales, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “People like Calixtro fuel these addictions by making these poisons accessible in our communities. His disregard for how he destroys families will no longer be a concern as he spends the next 20 years in federal prison.”
The FBI and EPPD investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Myers prosecuted the case.
###
Eight People Indicted in Connection with Nationwide Conspiracy Targeting Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Two leaders of a nationwide bank fraud conspiracy have been arrested in connection with a scheme that has targeted credit unions all over the country since at least December 2021.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
According to the indictment, court filings, and statements made by prosecutors in court, beginning in at least December 2021, Oluwaseun Adekoya, a/k/a “John Calling,” age 38, a Nigerian citizen residing in Newark, New Jersey, and David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Tajudeen Dosunmu,” a/k/a “David James,” a/k/a “Tony James,” a/k/a “James Bush,” age 59, a Nigerian citizen residing in Brooklyn, New York, obtained the personal identifying information of scores of individuals who banked at credit unions throughout the United States.
The credit unions were members of a shared branching network that allowed customers of member credit unions to withdraw funds from their accounts at other member credit unions by presenting an identification with their photograph, their account number, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. The network was designed to allow customers of localized credit unions easier access to their accounts when traveling throughout the country.
According to the indictment, the defendants exploited this network by creating fake identifications in the names of real credit union customers, but with photographs of other individuals, whom they employed to conduct fraudulent transactions at credit unions all over the country. In total, the indictment charges Adekoya and Daniyan with orchestrating over 200 fraudulent transactions, and fraudulently obtaining more than $900,000, which they allegedly used to purchase luxury items including watches, a vehicle, and high-end clothing and apparel. The fraud was perpetrated in Albany, Clinton, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties in the Northern District of New York, and all over the country.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Adekoya was arrested and appeared yesterday in federal court in the District of New Jersey. He was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 14, 2023. Daniyan was arrested and appeared yesterday in federal court in the Eastern District of New York, and was ordered detained pending transfer to the Northern District of New York.
Also arrested yesterday were Gaysha Kennedy, age 45, of Brooklyn, and Danielle Cappetti, 45, of the Bronx, New York. The arrests of four additional defendants are pending.
Law enforcement has seized over $45,000 in proceeds of the conspiracy, and an estimated tens of thousands of dollars in luxury jewelry and merchandise.
The following charges were unsealed yesterday:
- Adekoya is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Daniyan is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Kennedy is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; and
- Cappetti is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The bank fraud conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 30 years in prison and the aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed on the bank fraud charge. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
FBI is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota man convicted of Second Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on December 11, 2023.
Melvin Bagola III, age 23, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $5,760.67, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. The 12 month sentence of imprisonment runs consecutive to a seven month sentence imposed for Bagola’s violation of his federal supervised release in another case.
Bagola was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty to Second Degree Burglary on July 10, 2023.
On September 15, 2022, Deputy U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest Bagola in Eagle Butte for violating his supervised release. When Bagola saw the deputy marshals, he fled into an occupied home and slammed the front door. When a deputy marshal entered the home to arrest him, Bagola leapt out an open window and sprinted into another occupied home. The deputy marshals set up a perimeter around the second house. Bagola refused to leave until the officers broke the home’s windows and prepared to saturate it with OC gas. Bagola then surrendered peaceably.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 144 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Approximately 90,000 Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Pilar Angel Leon-Beltran, 44, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 144 months in prison. Leon-Beltran pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime on March 22, 2023. Leon-Beltran also admitted to being in violation of a condition of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
In April of 2022, Leon-Beltran traveled with three co-conspirators from Tucson to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Leon-Beltran and his co-conspirators were subsequently stopped by federal agents and Arizona DPS Troopers in Scottsdale during an undercover operation. Approximately 90,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl were discovered in their possession. Leon-Beltran had a loaded firearm in his possession while he was transporting the fentanyl-laced pills.
Co-conspirator Enrique Flores-Diaz pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and was sentenced to 78 months in prison on February 3, 2023. Co-conspirator Denisse Calderon-Razura pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and was sentenced to 15 months in prison on June 28, 2023. Co-conspirator Laura Elena Hambrick has pleaded guilty to Accessory After the Fact. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-1094-JGZ-JR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-197_Leon-Beltran# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.District Woman Indicted for Defrauding the D.C. Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Bridgette White-Chase, 61, of the District of Columbia, was arraigned today on a 20-count indictment with felony fraud and first-degree theft related to claims submitted to the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on December 6, 2023. According to court documents, White-Chase operated Chase Counseling and Consulting Services LLC, and was licensed by D.C. Department of Health to provide professional counseling services. Between September 2020 and continuing through January 2023, White-Chase submitted claims to the D.C. Medicaid program for psychiatric services allegedly provided to District Medicaid beneficiaries. The indictment alleges that through these schemes, White-Chase caused the D.C. Medicaid program to pay over $263,000 for services she did not render and overpayment for services she did allegedly provide.
White-Chase was arrested and arraigned today, and subsequently released pending trial. She is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Erik P. Christian on January 9, 2024.
In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Graves and Inspector General Lucas acknowledged the work of those who are investigating and prosecuting the case from the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). They commended the efforts of Special Assistant United States Attorney Emmanuela Charles, on detail from the D.C. OIG MFCU, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Derry Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Importing, Manufacturing, and Distributing SteroidsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Derry man pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute steroids and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Ralph Cardarelli, 44, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute steroids and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2024. Cardarelli was indicted on August 16, 2023.
During the execution of a search warrant at Cardarelli’s residence on March 23, 2023, federal investigations discovered over 4800 vials and bottles of suspected controlled substances and prescription drugs, including: Nandrolone Phenylpropionate; Trenbolone Acetate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Boldenone Undecylenate; Testosterone Propionate; Trenbolone Enanthate; Nandrolone Decanoate; Testosterone Enanthate; and Testosterone Cypionate. These drugs are commonly known as steroids. Evidence was also discovered through the search warrant that Cardarelli was importing these drugs, manufacturing, and packaging them in his residence, and dispensing the drugs without requiring a prescription.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Food & Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.
###
Court Sentences Mobile Man to 292 Months Imprisonment in Multi-Defendant Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On November 29, 2023, United States District Court Judge, Callie V. S. Grande sentenced David Erik Crumpton to 292 months imprisonment for his role in a multi-defendant interstate drug trafficking conspiracy.
Documents filed with the Court established that Christopher Perales, from the state of Texas, would regularly supply Crumpton in Mobile, Alabama, with pound quantities of methamphetamine starting in approximately 2019. During the conspiracy Perales and Crumpton opened a joint checking account at Woodforest National Bank in Texas in order for Crumpton to be able to pay Perales for the methamphetamine. From July 27, 2020, through December 7, 2020, Crumpton made deposits of $125,000 into the joint account for the methamphetamine he purchased from Perales.
Perales hired the co-defendant, Daniel Castillo-Garcia, to serve as a drug courier/driver who would transport the methamphetamine from Texas to Lafayette, Louisiana for Perales. Once in Lafayette, Castillo-Garcia would meet the co-defendant David Willis Hale, who had been hired by Crumpton and HJB, to transport the methamphetamine back to Mobile for them. On some occasions, Castillo-Garcia drove the methamphetamine from Texas all the way to Mobile, Alabama for Perales. Also, on some occasions Crumpton and another co-conspirator drove themselves to Texas to obtain the methamphetamine directly from Perales.
On August 3, 2020, Crumpton and another co-conspirator had directed Hale to drive to Lafayette, Louisiana to pick-up approximately 672 grams of methamphetamine from Castillo-Garcia, that had been sent by Perales. On this occasion another co-conspirator had provided HALE $8,000 in US currency to purchase the methamphetamine. During the trip, on the way to purchase the methamphetamine, Hale was stopped and arrested in Hancock County, Mississippi. Hale had approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine, also provided to him by the same co-conspirator who provided him the US currency, ten ecstasy pills, 1 gram of heroin and the $8,000 in U.S Currency.
On October 12, 2020, the Mobile Police Department (MPD) Narcotics Unit conducted a search warrant on the home of co-defendant Julie Alesia Roberts in Theodore, Alabama and recovered approximately 615 grams of methamphetamine from Roberts. Crumpton and Roberts had agreed and conspired for Roberts to store the methamphetamine at her home. Both Crumpton and Roberts had a separate customer base they distributed methamphetamine to.On December 7, 2020, the MPD Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Black Suburban bearing a Texas license plate and being driven by Castillo-Garcia. Following the stop, investigative team members conducted a search of the vehicle and seized approximately 491 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The seizure occurred after a recorded phone call was made from a confidential informant to Perales ordering a pound of methamphetamine and Perales stating he would send his courier to Mobile to deliver the methamphetamine.
On December 28, 2020, a Harrison County, Mississippi highway interdiction unit stopped Hale on Interstate 10 Eastbound. As a result of the stop law enforcement seized approximately 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine from Hale. Hale was in the process of delivering the crystal methamphetamine to Crumpton in Mobile Alabama.
Roberts was previously sentenced by the Court and Perales, Castillo-Garcia and Hale have all plead guilty and are pending sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mobile Police Department, Narcotics Unit, the Harrison and Hancock County, Mississippi, Sherriff’s Offices and the Galveston County Texas Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.Court Sentences Mobile Man to 20 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On December 13, 2023, United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Eugene Darnell Cornner to 240 months imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his methamphetamine trafficking.
Documents filed with the court in connection with his guilty plea established that on November 8, 2021, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at a motel room where Cornner was staying and discovered Cornner lying in a bed. Items found during the search included approximately $10,960.00 in cash on the bed where Cornner was laying; a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a brown Louis Vuitton bag with approximately 45 grams of fentanyl, 183 grams of methamphetamine and two nasal spray applicators containing 4mg of Narcan.
On January 20, 2023, Cornner was stopped by the Mobile Police Department on Tillman’s Corner Parkway for a window tint violation. The stop lead to the vehicle being impounded and found in the vehicle was approximately 176 grams of methamphetamine and $2,091 in cash.
In early February 2023 the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office made a controlled buy of drugs from Cornner and then executed a search at a trailer where Cornner was living in Theodore. Officers recovered approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine from Cornner’s bedroom, and a small amount of marijuana and fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III today sentenced Samuel Charles Hardeman, age 55, of Easton, Maryland, to 18 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity. Hardeman had a previous federal conviction in a 2002 case in the Northern District of Georgia for use of a computer to entice a child to engage in sexual activity, for which he was sentenced to 174 months in prison. Judge Russell ordered that, upon his release from prison, Hardeman must continue to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Talbot County Sheriff Joseph Gamble.
According to his guilty plea, from December 11, 2022 through December 26, 2022, Hardeman engaged in conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) who purported to have a 10-year-old daughter. During the conversations, Hardeman expressed how he wanted to have sex with the 10-year-old, sent a video containing child pornography to the UC, and made plans to drive to New York, where the UC purportedly lived, to have sex with the 10-year-old. Hardeman communicated with the UC by phone, including a video call, text, and using encrypted messaging platforms. All of this occurred while Hardeman was on the sex offender registration for a previous federal sex offense conviction. During a call on December 26, 2022, Hardeman expressed hesitation about traveling to New York to visit the UC and her daughter. The UC did not hear from Hardeman after that time.
On March 14, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Hardeman’s residence and several electronic devices were seized. A forensic examination of one of the phones revealed the encrypted messaging account which Hardeman used to communicate with the UC, a text message thread between Hardeman and the UC, photos sent to Hardeman by the UC at Hardeman’s request, the photos and videos that Hardeman sent to the UC, and dozens of images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Forensic examinations of several other devices and Hardeman’s Cloud storage account recovered additional images of child sex abuse material, including bestiality.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spencer Todd and Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing A Firearm Linked to Two Orlando ShootingsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Cristian Burgos (25, Kissimmee) to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Burgos to forfeit a Glock firearm, an Anderson Manufacturing firearm and associated ammunition, which are traceable to the offense. Burgos had pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2023, officers from the Orlando Police Department located a vehicle that had been carjacked. They conducted a stop of the vehicle and the driver, Burgos, began to flee on foot. Officers apprehended Burgos after a short chase. They recovered a Glock firearm, an Anderson Manufacturing rifle, and ammunition from inside the vehicle. Laboratory testing of the rifle identified it as having been used to commit two shootings in Orlando in October 2022.
At the time of this offense, Burgos had previously been convicted in state court in Florida of four counts of robbery with a firearm. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Burgos is facing six counts of attempted murder and two counts of shooting into a building in state court in Florida related to the two shootings that occurred in October 2022.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orlando Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
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.
Company President, Two Rhode Island Trucking Companies Sentenced in Federal Court for Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The owner and President of a North Kingstown-based trucking company and his two corporations were sentenced in federal court in Providence, RI, today for conspiring together with trucking and diesel vehicle sales and service companies throughout the United States and with a foreign national to violate the Clean Air Act by selling and providing a software program that tampered with on-board vehicle computers in order to alter or bypass key features in emission control systems.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that, having previously pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act, United States District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy today ordered Michael J. Collins to serve a term of three years of probation; to perform 100 hours of community service; pay a fine $50,000; and to create a compliance and ethics program and to notify his employees and stockholders of said program.
Additionally, District Court Judge McElroy placed each of Collins’ corporations on probation for three years and ordered each corporation provide a payment of $125,000 to the Rhode Island Environmental Recovery Fund.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards that limit the emission of air pollutants from various types of vehicle engines. To meet those standards, vehicle manufacturers design and install certain hardware components as part of the systems that manage and treat engine exhaust to reduce multiple types of pollution.
For nearly five years, beginning in September 2014, Michael J. Collins, his North Kingstown company M&D Transportation, Inc.; his now-defunct computer company Diesel Tune-Ups of RI, Inc.; various trucking and diesel vehicle sales and repair companies throughout the United States; and a foreign national all conspired to alter or disable certain functions of the Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and On Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring systems of heavy-duty diesel vehicles such as semi-trucks or “big rigs.” These alterations are referred to in the industry as “tunes.”
At the time of Collins’ guilty plea in April, United States Attorney Cunha commented, “Our environmental laws are here to protect the clean air that every Rhode Islander deserves to breathe. When companies choose to ignore those laws and put profit over their legal duties, and spew diesel soot and contaminants across Rhode Island and New England in the process, this Office will hold them to account.”
Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge for EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England added, “Tampering with diesel vehicles by installing defeat devices increases emissions of smog and soot, both of which contribute to serious health problems that often disproportionately affect families, especially children, living in underserved communities. Placing profit over public health in Rhode Island has clear accountability.”
Collins previously admitted to the court that for nearly five years, beginning in September 2014, he and his North Kingstown company M&D Transportation, Inc.; his now-defunct computer company Diesel Tune-Ups of RI, Inc.; various trucking and diesel vehicle sales and repair companies throughout the United States; and a foreign national all conspired to alter or disable certain functions of the Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and On Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring systems of heavy-duty diesel vehicles such as semi-trucks or “big rigs.” These alterations are referred to in the industry as “tunes.”
Collins admitted that in exchange for a fee, the foreign national would download tuning software through a laptop computer provided by Collins and his companies, that was then connected to each vehicle. Through a remote connection, the “tunes” were downloaded onto each vehicle’s Electronic Control Module or computer to reprogram the vehicle’s monitoring systems. The vehicle’s monitoring systems were manipulated so that they would not detect malfunctions in the emission control components, thereby allowing vehicles to operate without proper emission controls. As a result, “tuned” vehicles could run with increased horsepower and torque, which can reduce maintenance and repair costs, but which results in significant increases in pollutant emissions.
The tuning business was marketed on Facebook. Interested companies were directed to contact a Rhode Island telephone number associated with Collins, M & D, and Diesel Tune-Ups. Customers paid Collins’ companies between $1,700 and $3,650 for each vehicle “tuned.” Collins and his companies wired a portion of the funds to their foreign co-conspirator and retained a portion of the funds for themselves.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division - Boston Area Office.
###
Colorado Man Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Prison for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 7, Miles Steven McGough, 25, of Colorado, was sentenced to 235 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore, after previously pleading guilty to enticing a minor victim to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to the agreed upon factual proffer in support of McGough’s guilty plea, McGough engaged in conduct with a Southern District of Florida minor to include, he sent sexually explicit communications to the minor victim through the Snapchat messaging service, a search warrant of McGough’s cellular phone revealed images of McGough’s genitals that he shared with the minor victim, and McGough's cell phone revealed videos and images of the minor victim performing oral sex on McGough that were created during McGough’s visit to Florida.
Judge Moore ordered that McGough’s term of incarceration be followed by 15 years of supervised release. McGough was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami announced the sentence imposed.
HSI investigated the case with assistance from Castle Rock Police Department in Colorado. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ajay J. Alexander prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60061.
###
Colombian Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Carlos Alejandro Coneo-Contreras (51, Colombia) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Coneo-Contreras had pleaded guilty on September 25, 2023.
According to court documents, Coneo-Contreras was a logistical coordinator for a Colombian drug trafficking organization based in Cartagena, Colombia. In July 2017, Coneo-Contreras acquired a sailing vessel in Cartagena, which was to set sail with cocaine to San Andrés Island, Colombia, an island approximately 100 miles east of Nicaragua. Once the cocaine-laden vessel reached San Andrés Island, the cocaine was to be transported to Central America and then smuggled into the United States. In addition to obtaining the vessel, Coneo-Contreras purchased food, fuel, and navigation equipment for the mariners to use while on their journey to San Andrés Island. The Colombian Navy interdicted the sailing vessel, which had 164 kilograms of cocaine on board.
In June 2018, Coneo-Contreras again acquired a sailing vessel in Cartagena to transport cocaine to San Andrés Island. The Colombian Navy interdicted that vessel, this time with 452 kilograms of cocaine on board. Again, the ultimate destination for the cocaine was the United States.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The Colombian Navy and Colombian National Police also provided valuable assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.
Catholic Priest Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Father James W. Jackson, 68, a former Rhode Island priest assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Providence, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison, having previously admitted to a federal judge that that he downloaded and stored thousands of files of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
According to documents filed with the court, in September 2021, an East Providence Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an IP address assigned to the rectory at St. Mary’s Church that was being utilized to share files of child sexual abuse material.
A court-authorized search of a computer and digital device located in a church rectory bedroom utilized by Father Jackson was found to contain images and videos of child sexual abuse, including multiple images involving prepubescent females, and some of which involved acts of bestiality and sadomasochism. A forensic audit of the devices subsequently identified over 12,000 images and 1,300 videos of child pornography.
The defendant, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint and arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence on November 3, 2021, was later released while awaiting trial to the custody of his sister, who resides in Kansas. In June 2022, members of the Kansas ICAC identified an IP address at the residence in Kansas where Father Jackson was staying that was being utilized to download child pornography. Acting on a court-authorized search warrant, members of the Kansas ICAC seized a portable computer and an external hard drive from Jackson’s bedroom; an analysis of the storage device revealed evidence that numerous files with names indicative of child sexual abuse material had been deleted.
Father Jackson was returned to Rhode Island and ordered detained while awaiting trial on federal charges filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island. He pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, to a charge of receipt of child pornography.
Jackson was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to seventy-two months of incarceration to be followed by five years of federal supervised release. In addition, pursuant to federal law, the Court imposed special assessments of $17,000 (The Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018), and $5,000 (The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015). In addition, the Court indicated it will order restitution to specific victims in approximately thirty days.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC and Homeland Security Investigations.
U.S. Attorney Cunha expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Overland Park, Kansas Police Department and the Kansas ICAC.
###
Carrollton man convicted of federal child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Carrollton man has been convicted of federal child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Eric Victor Henry Blood, 43, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography following a trial before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 12, 2023.
According to information presented in court, Blood came to the attention of law enforcement when Google reported that his email address had been used to upload images and videos of child pornography onto a cloud storage account. Homeland Security Investigations special agents served a federal search warrant at Blood’s residence in Carrollton in May 2022, during which Blood admitted to using that Google account. He also ultimately admitted to accessing and possessing child pornography. Agents located child pornography files on multiple electronic devices he owned and possessed. Blood was charged with three counts of transporting child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
The case proceeded to trial on December 11, 2023 and, at the conclusion, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
Under federal statutes, Blood faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Lesley Brooks.
###
Brothers Sentenced to More Than 35 Years Combined for Manufacturing and Distributing Machineguns Intended for ISISRead the Press Release
Moyad Dannon, 26, of Fishers, Indiana, was sentenced today to 200 months, equivalent to 16 years and eight months, in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources, namely, firearms, to a designated foreign terrorist organization. His brother, Mahde Dannon, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in October 2021, after pleading guilty to the same charges.
“The defendants in this case fused together two grave threats to Americans’ security by attempting to support a brutal terrorist organization through the illicit manufacture of ghost guns,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Just as we’ve done in the fight against terrorism, the Justice Department is committed to prevention — stopping gun violence before it happens by cracking down on the illegal production and trafficking of ghost guns.”
“The defendant showed an absolute disregard for the rule of law and is being held accountable for his actions,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Working with his brother, the defendant produced large caches of privately made firearms and attempted to place them in the hands of ISIS members overseas to be used against U.S. service members and allies. The FBI and our partners worked tirelessly to prevent the weapons from reaching their intended destination, and ensured these defendants faced justice for their attempts to support a foreign terrorist organization. We will continue to aggressively investigate anyone who tries to help terrorists and endangers the lives of others.”
“Violent extremists inspired by events abroad continue to pose a threat to our local communities and to our national security. Indiana is not immune from the poison of radicalization, fueled by terrorist propaganda available online,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “For nearly a year, these defendants worked persistently to arm murderous terrorists with deadly, illegal weapons. Cases like this demonstrate the need for law enforcement agencies to use all available lawful means to identify, disrupt, and prosecute national security threats here at home. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Fishers Police Department, these dangerous men have been held accountable for their actions and our communities will be safe from them for many years.”
According to court documents, in June 2018, the Dannon brothers devised a scheme to deliver stolen firearms to a convicted felon who was cooperating with the FBI.
Between July 2018 and December 2018, the Dannon brothers sold a number of illegally obtained firearms to the cooperating individual. Around the same time period, the Dannon brothers also began to manufacture untraceable “ghost guns” by purchasing firearms parts online and assembling those parts into fully-functioning, .223 caliber semi-automatic rifles, which they sold to an FBI undercover agent.
In late 2018, the Dannon brothers began manufacturing untraceable, fully automatic, .223 caliber rifles, using much the same process they used to manufacture the semi-automatic rifles, and selling those to the undercover agent and confidential informant (CI).
Shortly thereafter, Moyad Dannon accompanied the undercover agent to a location near the U.S. southwest border in an effort to market that rifle, and additional fully-automatic rifles, to a potential buyer who was also cooperating with the FBI. During that trip, Moyad Dannon learned that the potential buyer sought to ship the weapons to a location in the Middle East, where they would be used by ISIS. ISIS is a designated foreign terrorist organization pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Despite learning of the ultimate destination of the weapons, the Dannon brothers agreed to manufacture and sell at least 55 additional fully automatic “ghost guns” to the buyer from the American southwest border, believing those weapons would be shipped to the Middle East, to ISIS and its members.
On May 15, 2019, the Dannon brothers manufactured five untraceable, fully automatic, .223 caliber rifles from parts they had purchased online. At that time, the Dannon brothers were fully aware that the plan was to send the five automatic rifles overseas to ISIS. After building the fully automatic rifles, the Dannon brothers sold all five weapons to undercover FBI agents posing as employees of the buyer from near the southwest border. The Dannon brothers were arrested immediately thereafter by the FBI.
Between February and May of 2019, Moyad Dannon had numerous and extensive conversations with an undercover agent who he believed was a member of ISIS then fighting in Syria. During those conversations, Moyad expressed his desire to travel from Indiana to ISIS-controlled areas of Syria, where he sought to utilize his knowledge of firearms and other skills to provide direct military assistance to ISIS in its fight against the United States and Syrian government.
In a search following his arrest, FBI agents located a flash drive on Moyad’s keychain containing approximately 16 gigabytes of ISIS propaganda, including graphically violent videos depicting ISIS fighters beheading civilians and hostages, and ISIS snipers killing U.S. military personnel. Identical ISIS propaganda videos were discovered on a laptop computer.
The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Fishers, Indiana, Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Rinka, Kate Olivier, and Kelly Rota for the Southern District of Indiana and Deputy Chief Paul Casey and Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case.
Billings man sentenced to prison for stealing firearms in pawn shop burglaryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to stealing six firearms after breaking into a pawn shop in Billings was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eric Frederick Welch, Jr, 22, pleaded guilty in August to an indictment charging him with theft from a federal firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $3,025 in restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of June 12, Welch broke into Yellowstone Pawn and stole six firearms. Welch had been released on conditions on state charges just over a month earlier, and he used a truck he had stolen two days before to conduct the pawn shop burglary. Welch fled from law enforcement and threw one of the stolen firearms before being arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department 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.
XXX
Bank Employee Charged with Stealing Federal Benefits Intended for Deceased CustomerRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An employee of an Essex County, New Jersey, bank was charged with fraudulently withdrawing federal retirement benefits from the account of a former customer who had died, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jorge Nova, 35, of Passaic, New Jersey, is charged by indictment with one count of wire fraud. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer and was on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2014, Nova was an employee at a commercial bank in Nutley, New Jersey, where a customer received Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits via direct deposit. The Social Security Administration was not notified of the beneficiary’s death and continued to deposit retirement benefits into the beneficiary’s bank account for more than four years, until October 2018. Nova fraudulently obtained funds from the beneficiary’s account by causing debit cards to be issued to himself in the beneficiary’s name, which he then used to drain the retirement benefits from the beneficiary’s bank account. Nova also registered new accounts with a money service provider in the name of the deceased beneficiary and withdrew money from a second bank account held in the beneficiary’s name. Nova fraudulently obtained more than $105,000 intended for the deceased beneficiary.
The count of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Organized Crimes and Gang Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
nova.indictment.pdfAssociate Attorney General Vanita Gupta Statement on Supreme Court’s Order Granting Certiorari to Review the Fifth Circuit Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic MedicineRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta following the Supreme Court’s order granting certiorari to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine:
“We are glad that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this important case. While the litigation continues, the stay the Court entered earlier this year means that mifepristone will remain available under the conditions approved by the FDA based on its expert scientific judgment. The Justice Department will not cease its efforts to defend the FDA’s authorities and expertise in this area.”
Alleged Member of ‘Memphis Mob’ Street Gang Sentenced to 18 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced a Memphis man to more than 18 years in federal prison for his involvement in an armed drug trafficking operation. Jacquez “Mob Kilo” Reverand, 25, of Memphis was sentenced to 217 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and discharging a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris also ordered Reverand to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to information presented at trial, while looking into drug trafficking activity by members of the Memphis Mob, investigators identified a North Memphis home from which narcotics were being sold. On March 4, 2019, someone allegedly stole narcotics from the house which led to shots being fired. A Memphis police officer responded and witnessed someone with a gunshot wound to the head running away from the house. Surveillance video from the house showed the defendant and another person firing into a vehicle occupied by five people including a minor child. One person was injured from the shooting but survived. Reverand fled prior to police arrival.
In addition, the surveillance video showed Memphis Mob members distributing narcotics from the North Memphis house daily until the shooting, after which the group relocated operations.
In July 2022, Reverand was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to use or carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and discharge of a firearm during an in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Memphis Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations and organized criminal enterprises, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Allen and Michelle Kimbril-Parks, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
Aliquippa Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Involvement in a Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 5 years of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release, in connection with his involvement in a drug trafficking organization from May 2021 to November 2021, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Anthony Tusweet Smith, Jr., age 24.
According to information presented to the court, Smith belonged to a multi-defendant conspiracy that dealt in large quantities of controlled substances. Within the conspiracy, Smith distributed fentanyl to end users in the vicinity of his residence in Aliquippa, PA. In conjunction with his federal arrest, law enforcement seized four firearms from that residence, to include a loaded semiautomatic rifle with an attached 30-round capacity magazine near packaged fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, Smith was responsible for the distribution and/or the possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stressed that mixing drugs and guns equates to death within the community.
The successful prosecution of Smith was the result of an extensive and collaborative investigation conducted by Federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
20-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Possessing 115 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Nathan Hernandez, 20, of Yuma, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl last week. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2024, before United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi.
Hernandez admitted that on November 3, 2023, he entered the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry in San Luis, Arizona, with 115.04 pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a non-factory compartment of his 2020 Dodge Ram. Hernandez further admitted that he possessed the fentanyl with the intent to deliver it to another person. In his plea agreement, Hernandez agreed to forfeit the 2020 Dodge Ram used to transport the fentanyl pills into the United States.
A conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Doyle, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01674-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-199_Hernandez# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
12 December 2023
법무부의 법률집행 언어접근 발의안 관련 가상회의 개요Read the Press Release
오늘 민권국은 법무부의 법률집행 언어 접근 발의안의 일환으로 법률집행 관계자들과 가상회의를 소집하여 치안 유지시 부딪히는 언어 장벽의 해소와 효과적인 언어 접근 프로그램을 구축하기 위한 그들의 노력에 대해 논의하였습니다.
2022년 12월에 출시된 이 발의안은 법률집행 기관이 영어 구사 능력에 한계(LEP)가 있는 개개인들에게 의미있는 언어 지원을 제공해야 할 의무를 충족시켜 지역 사회를 더욱더 봉사하고 보호할 수 있도록 지원하는 전국적인 노력의 결과입니다. 또한 이 발의안은 1964년 민권법 제6장 (Title VI)과 옴니버스 범죄 통제 및 거리 안전법에 따라 연방 재정 지원을 받는 법률집행 기관의 연방 차별금지 의무화를 준수토록 하기 위한 본 부서의 오래된 업무를 기반으로 합니다.
크리스틴 클라크(Kristen Clarke) 법무차관보는 개회사를 빌어 법률집행 기관이 LEP가 있는 사람들과 소통하는 방식을 개선하기 위한 본 부서의 일관된 노력을 개략적으로 설명하였습니다. 한 예로 법무차관보는 본 부서가 킹 카운티(워싱턴주) 보안관 사무실 (KCSO)과 원칙적으로 합의에 도달했으며 이 합의가 완료되면 LEP가 있는 개개인들을 KCSO가 차별했다는 주장을 해소할 수 있을 것이라고 발표했습니다. 이 합의에 따라 KCSO는 LEP가 있는 사람들의 용이한 언어 접근을 위한 언어 접근 정책 수립 및 절차 시행, 지역 사회 참여 및 봉사 활동 전략 개발, 강력한 교육 프로그램 창출 및 기타 많은 것을 포함하는 제도를 약속하였습니다. KCSO는 200만여명의 시민들을 보호하고 카운티 소재 약 12개 도시 내의 법률집행 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다.
법무차관보는 또한 오늘 본 부서가 법률집행 기관들에게 발행한 편지를 통해 LEP가 있는 사람들을 위한 언어 지원 서비스를 제공하고 청각 장애인과 청각 장애가 있는 사람들에게 효과적인 통신을 제공해야 하는 연방 민권에 대한 그들의 법적 의무를 반복 강조하였다고 발표하였습니다. 마지막으로 법무차관보는 경찰관들이 언어 장벽을 줄이고 지역 사회 신뢰를 구축하며 경찰관들의 안전을 유지하기 위해 마련된 교육 비디오와 40개 이상의 언어로 번역된 FBI의 권리 조언서를 포함한 여러 리소스가 있음을 부각하였습니다. 이러한 자원은 COPS 교육 포털(Training Portal)에 소장되어 있습니다. 지역사회 지향 치안 서비스 제공 사무실(COPS Office)이 자금을 지원하고 국립 치안 혁신 센터(National Center for Policing Innovation)가 운영하는 이 포털은 법률집행 실무자 및 지역 사회 파트너에게 새로운 공공 안전 사안 및 지역 사회 치안에 관한 인터렉티브 교육 및 리소스를 제공하는 무료 플랫폼입니다.
클라크 법무차관보의 발언에 이어 법무부 고위관리와 경찰 기관장들은 지역 사회와 경찰서에 맞춤화된 언어 접근 정책 개발을 포함하여 자격 미달 및 편향적일 수 있는 통역사 고용 방지, 정책과 절차 이행을 위한 언어 접근 조정자 선임, 중요 정보 번역, 언어 접근 절차에 관한 경찰관 교육, 의미 있는 고충 처리 절차 수립 등 언어 접근에 관련된 효과적인 전략에 대한 패널 토론에 참여했습니다. 패널들은 또한 이해 관계자들 및 LEP가 있는 지역 사회와 긍정적 관계 맺음의 중요성을 강조했습니다.
패널 토론에는 브리언 피스(Breon Peace) 뉴욕 동부 지검 검사, 매튜 커쉬(Matthew Kirsch) 콜로라도 지검 수석 검사, 로버트 채프만(Robert Chapman) COPS Office부실장, 트렌트 글로슨(Trent Glosson) FBI 언어업무부 과장, 론 토마스(Ron Thomas) 덴버 경찰서장 및 토드 들레인(Todd Delain) 위스콘신 주 브라운 카운티 보안관이 참여하였습니다.
오늘의 회의 및 발표는 언어 접근성 발전에 대한 법무부의 오랜 공약의 기반을 지속적으로 다져나가는데 기여합니다. 법무부는11월에 연방 정부 전반에 걸쳐 언어 접근을 조정할 새로운 관계 부처 간 노력의 결과인 연방 언어 접근 실무그룹의 출범을 발표하였습니다(announced the launch of the Federal Language Access Working Group). 이 실무그룹의 창설과 함께 법무부는 메릭 갈랜드(Merrick B. Garland) 법무장관이 연방 기관들에게 보낸 언어 접근 각서(memorandum)의 대한1주년이 되는 날을 맞아 법무부의 웹사이트 www.LEP.gov를 통해 업데이트된 연방 기관 언어 접근 계획을 발표하였습니다. 또한 민권국은 주 법원 웨비나(webinar for state courts)와 협력하여 법정 언어 접근에 대한 팩트 시트(fact sheet on courts language access)를 최근 발행하였습니다. 법률집행청으로 보낸 서신의 사본이나 법률집행 언어 접근 발의안에 대한 추가 정보를 찾으시려면 www.lep.gov를 방문하십시오.
在美國司法部《執法語言無障礙倡議》網上會議上的發言Read the Press Release
今天，作為美國司法部《執法語言無障礙倡議》的一部分，民權司主持了一個由執法界相關人士參加的網上會議，探討他們在處理警務中出現的語言障礙以及建立有效的語言無障礙專案上做出的努力。
《執法語言無障礙倡議》於2022年12月提出，旨在全國範圍內幫助執法部門履行為英語能力有限者 (LEP) 提供有意義的語言協助的職責，更好地服務和保護社區。此倡議還在本司長期工作的基礎上，確保接受聯邦財政資助的執法部門遵守其根據1964年《民權法》第六條和《打擊犯罪和安全街道綜合法》應承擔的聯邦反歧視的職責。
在助理檢察長克裡斯汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 的開場發言中，她介紹了民權司在改善執法部門與英語能力有限者之間的溝通所做出的堅持不懈的努力。例如，她宣佈，民權司和華盛頓州金郡警長辦公室(KCSO)達成了原則性協議。一旦最終確定，該協議將會化解針對該辦公室歧視英語能力有限者的指控。根據該協議，金郡警長辦公室承諾保證為英語能力有限者提供語言服務，包括設立語言服務政策和實施程式，制定社區參與和推廣的策略，創建強有力的培訓專案，等等。金郡警長辦公室為轄區內兩百多萬民眾提供服務，並為該郡其他十幾個城市提供執法服務。
助理檢察長克拉克還宣佈，民權司今天向各執法部門發出了一封信，重申了執法部門擔負的聯邦民權職責，即他們必須為英語能力有限者提供語言協助服務，以及為聾啞人和聽力障礙者提供有效的溝通方式。最後，她特別指出了幾項能幫助警員減少語言障礙、增進社區信任感和保障警員安全的資源，包括一個培訓視頻和被翻譯成40多個語言的《聯邦調查局權利通知書》。這些資源位於面向社區警務服務辦公室的培訓門戶網站上。該門戶站由社區警務服務辦公室提供經費，由全國警務創新中心運作，是一個執法從業者和社區合作夥伴們的免費平臺， 其特色是提供關於新興的公共安全專題及社區警務方面的互動式的培訓和資源。
助理檢察長克拉克發言後，司法部的官員和執法界的領導參加了一次制定語言服務有效策略的專題小組討論會。討論會議題包括制定專門面對社區和警察局的語言服務政策，避免使用不合格或可能帶有偏見的口譯員，指派語言服務協調員來落實政策和流程，翻譯關鍵的資訊，對警員進行語言服務流程的培訓，和設立有意義的投訴機制等。專題小組成員還強調了與英語能力有限者相關的各方和社區積極接觸的重要性。
專題小組討論會的與會者包括美國紐約東區檢察長布里昂·皮斯 (Breon Peace)、科羅拉多區首席助理檢察長馬修·柯什 (Matthew Kirch)、面向社區警務服務辦公室中負責社區警務發展工作的副主任羅伯特·查普曼(Robert Chapman)、聯邦調查局語言服務處科長川特·格朗森(Trent Glosson)、丹佛警察局局長朗·湯瑪斯(Ron Thomas)和威斯康辛州布朗郡警長陶德·德萊恩(Todd Delain)。
今天的集會和聲明是對司法部改善語言服務的長期承諾做出的繼續改進。11月時，該部宣佈成立了“聯邦語言無障礙工作組”。這是一個新的跨機構組織，將在整個聯邦政府裡協調語言的無障礙使用工作。在成立該工作組的同時，司法部還宣佈在總檢察長梅瑞克·賈蘭德 (Merrick B Gland) 向聯邦機構發表語言無障礙備忘錄一周年之際，在其網站 www.LEP.gov公佈了更新的聯邦機構語言無障礙計畫。民權司最近還與各州法院的線上研討會協調，合作發表了法院語言使用的實情表。如果您需要獲取給執法部門的相關信函副本或瞭解更多有關《執法語言無障礙倡議》的資訊，請登陸www.lep.gov。
在美国司法部《执法语言无障碍倡议》网上会议上的发言Read the Press Release
今天，作为美国司法部《执法语言无障碍倡议》的一部分，民权司主持了一个由执法界相关人士参加的网上会议，探讨他们在处理警务中出现的语言障碍以及建立有效的语言无障碍项目上做出的努力。
《执法语言无障碍倡议》于2022年12月提出，旨在全国范围内帮助执法部门履行为英语能力有限者 (LEP) 提供有意义的语言协助的职责，更好地服务和保护社区。此倡议还在本司长期工作的基础上，确保接受联邦财政资助的执法部门遵守其根据1964年《民权法》第六条和《综合打击犯罪和安全街道法》中相关的规定应承担的联邦反歧视职责。在助理检察长克里斯汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 的开场发言中，她介绍了民权司在改善执法部门与英语能力有限者之间的沟通所做出的坚持不懈的努力。例如，她宣布，民权司和华盛顿州金郡警长办公室 (KCSO) 达成了原则性协议。一旦最终确定，该协议将会化解针对该办公室歧视英语能力有限者的指控。根据该协议，金郡警长办公室承诺保证为英语能力有限者提供语言服务，包括设立语言服务政策和实施程序，建立与社区参与和推广的策略，创建强有力的培训项目，等等。金郡警长办公室为辖区内两百多万民众服务，并为郡里面其他十几个城市提供执法服务。
助理检察长克拉克还宣布，民权司今天向各执法部门发出了一封信，重申了执法部门担负的联邦民权职责，即他们必须为英语能力有限者提供语言协助服务，以及为聋哑人和听力障碍者提供有效的沟通方式。最后，她特别指出了几项能帮助警员减少语言障碍、增进社区信任感和保障警员安全的资源，包括一个培训视频和被翻译成40多个语言的《联邦调查局权利通知书》。这些资源位于面向社区警务服务办公室的培训门户网站上。该门户网站由社区警务服务办公室提供经费，由全国警务创新中心运作，是一个执法从业者和社区合作伙伴们的免费平台，其特色是提供关于新兴公共安全专题及社区警务方面的互动式培训和资源。
助理检察长克拉克发言后，司法部的官员和执法界的领导参加了一个制定语言服务有效策略的专题小组讨论会。讨论会议题包括制定专门面对社区和警察局的语言服务政策，避免使用不合格或可能带有偏见的口译员，指派语言服务协调员来落实政策和流程，翻译关键的信息，对警员进行语言服务流程的培训，和设立有意义的投诉机制等。专题小组成员还强调了与英语能力有限者相关的各方和社区积极接触的重要性。
专题小组讨论会的与会者包括美国纽约东区检察长布里昂·皮斯 (Breon Peace)、科罗拉多区首席助理检察长马修·柯什 (Matthew Kirch)、面向社区警务服务办公室中负责社区警务发展工作的副主任罗伯特·查普曼 (Robert Chapman)、联邦调查局语言服务处科长川特·格朗森 (Trent Glosson)、丹佛警察局局长朗·托马斯 (Ron Thomas) 和威斯康辛州布朗郡警长托德·德莱恩 (Todd Delain)。
今天的集会和声明是对司法部改善语言服务的长期承诺做出的继续改进。11月时，该部宣布成立了“联邦语言无障碍工作组”。 这是一个新的跨机构组织它将在整个联邦政府里协调语言的使用工作。在成立该工作组的同时，司法部还在在总检察长梅里克·B·加兰德 (Merrick B. Garland) 向联邦机构发表语言无障碍备忘录一周年之际,在其网站www.LEP.gov公布了更新的联邦机构语言无障碍计划。民权司最近还与各州法院的在线研讨会协调，合作发表了法院语言使用的实情表。如果您需要获取给执法部门的相关信件副本或了解更多有关《执法语言无障碍倡议》的信息，请登陆www.lep.gov。
Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Manitowoc, Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for producing images depicting his sexual abuse of a minor in Minnesota, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on or about June 7, 2019, Jason Lee, 28, used and coerced a prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
Lee pleaded guilty to one count of attempted production and production of child pornography on July 17, 2023. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Saint Paul Police Department, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin Police Department. It 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. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
Waterville Man Sentenced to 9 Months Time Served, $38,000 Restitution for Downloading Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man was sentenced on Monday in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Terrence Talbot, 57, to time served followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $38,000. Talbot was in custody for nine months.
According to court records, Talbot used a government computer to search for and obtain child sexual abuse material. He admitted to investigators that had used a government computer to seek out and download child pornography and provided the digital storage device to investigators from his car. Another device was found inside Talbot’s home during the execution of a search warrant.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General and the Waterville Police Department investigated this case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Washington woman admits meth trafficking role in large-scale investigation centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington woman on Dec. 8 admitted her role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Mariana Tyler Wallace, 23, of Okanogan, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Wallace 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. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Wallace was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. Wallace is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government alleged that individuals were living and storing meth at two residences on the Crow reservation. Co-conspirators from Washington were tasked with protecting the residence and distributing drugs. Wallace was one of those individuals who facilitated several drug transactions with another co-defendant.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is 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.
XXX