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Friday 27 October 2023
Justice Department and City of Albuquerque Seek Partial Termination of Consent Decree Covering the Albuquerque Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the city of Albuquerque filed a joint motion today seeking court approval to terminate certain portions of the consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).
The joint motion is based on APD’s consistent progress towards achieving the goals of the consent decree. The independent monitor’s most recent report, from May 2023, concluded that APD had reached full compliance with 92% of the consent decree’s terms. In addition, APD is now monitoring its own compliance with some provisions, consistent with an agreement between the department and APD, which the parties previously filed with the court.
In light of APD’s continued improvement, as well as its demonstrated record of sustaining compliance with some requirements, the parties ask the court to terminate certain provisions of the consent decree with which APD has been in full compliance for at least two years and that APD has been self-assessing. The provisions cover: a multi-agency task force; specialized tactical units; specialized investigative units; the Field Training Evaluation Program; public information on civilian complaints; recruiting, selection and promotion; and officer assistance and support.
“Our filing with the court demonstrates that the Justice Department’s consent decree has been critical to driving real reform and moving the Albuquerque Police Department toward the goal of ensuring effective and constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our filing makes clear the real progress that has been made in transforming aspects of the department’s policing over the last eight years. The Albuquerque Police Department has demonstrated its ability to independently sustain compliance with important requirements of the consent decree. The Justice Department will continue to support police and city leaders as they forge ahead with full compliance with the consent decree, and we will continue to stand with residents of the city. The residents of Albuquerque deserve fair and constitutional policing, and nothing less.”
“This move to partial termination is yet more evidence of the City of Albuquerque’s dogged pursuit of progress,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “Work remains to be done, and the challenges facing us as a community are ever evolving. While we continue to work together to confront those challenges, we applaud the steady and unrelenting drive towards the type of policing that the people of Albuquerque deserve.”
APD has made substantial change in reaching compliance with provisions of the consent decree, including:
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APD has a clear and reliable process for conducting criminal investigations of critical incidents through the multi-agency task force;
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APD significantly professionalized its SWAT team and brought its operations in line with national standards;
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APD’s investigative units operate with clarity about their scope and mission;
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Through APD’s Field Training Evaluation Program, new officers receive reinforcement about APD’s values and expectations, helping to ensure that officers provide constitutional and effective policing from their first days on patrol;
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APD and Albuquerque’s civilian oversight agency widely distributes information about filing complaints about police officers, ensuring that people across the city can easily access and submit complaint forms, and that APD and civilian oversight are aware of the issues that people are having with police officers;
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The independent monitor has found that APD has set new standards in police recruiting, increasing interest in joining APD at a time when police departments across the country face challenges in recruiting; and
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APD’s Behavioral Sciences Section provides industry-standard behavioral health and wellness services to APD personnel and their families, often exceeding the requirements of the consent decree.
The District Court for the District of New Mexico entered the consent decree in June 2015. The decree, as well as information about the Civil Rights Division, are available on the Special Litigation Section Cases and Matters website. Additional information about implementation of the consent decree is also available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
View the joint motion here.
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Joplin Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Following High-Speed Motorcycle Chase in Newton CountyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm after he led law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit on his motorcycle across state lines from Kansas to Newton County, Mo.
Douglas Eugene Alexius, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Thursday, Oct. 26, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On April 13, 2023, Alexius pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Alexius was arrested on Oct. 9, 2022, after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase. Alexius was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle on U.S. Highway 166 in Cherokee County, Kan., when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop him for failing to stop at a stop sign. Alexius accelerated his motorcycle and led law enforcement officers in pursuit into Newton County. Officers observed the motorcycle swerving into the oncoming lane of travel on multiple occasions. Alexius lost control of his motorcycle and crashed at the intersection of Greenwood Drive and Birch Drive.
Alexius was taken into custody after being tased three times because he refused to follow an officer’s order to lie on the ground and kept reaching into his jacket pocket. Officers searched Alexius and found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in his jacket pocket.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Alexius has four prior felony convictions for resisting arrest and two prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in relation to a drug offense, receiving stolen property, and unlawful use of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Cherokee County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Jamestown man arrested, charged by criminal complaint with drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Samuel L. Arrington, III, 41, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 12, 2023, New York State Parole Officers conducted a detail at Arrington’s King Street residence. Probation officers knocked on Arrington’s door, several minutes later he answered and exited onto the front porch, and probation officers conducted a “pat down” of Arrington but found no contraband. Probation officers then searched a bedroom in the residence and recovered quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, a large amount of cash, a shotgun, and ammunition. Subsequently, the Chautauqua County Narcotics Unit, Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, and probation officers executed a search warrant at the residence, recovering another firearm, a .38 caliber revolver.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamaican Citizen Sentenced to 21 Months for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Andre Bowyer, 32, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States. Bowyer pleaded guilty to this charge on August 16, 2023.
On June 9, 2023, Bowyer was arrested in Grant County, Wisconsin, during a mail fraud investigation where he was using a fake name. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement became aware of Bowyer’s presence following a fingerprint match during the booking process. Bowyer admitted to paying a smuggler to bring him across the Mexican border into the United States in April or May of 2022.
In 2017, Bowyer was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in the Eastern District of Louisiana. That case involved a scheme to defraud elderly and vulnerable victims of their money through a fake lottery scheme in which members of the conspiracy contacted victims by telephone through Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Following his prison sentence in that case, Bowyer was removed from the United States to Jamaica in March 2022. As a condition of his removal and his supervised release from his mail fraud case, Bowyer was ordered not to reenter the United States. Bowyer was still on supervised release in the fraud case at the time of his 2023 arrest and faces revocation in that case.
In sentencing Bowyer on the illegal reentry charge, Judge Conley noted that Bowyer came back to the United States in 2022 shortly after his removal. He also expressed concern that it appeared Bowyer had returned to engaging in fraud given the circumstances of his arrest in Grant County, where he was arrested using a false name and attempted to pick up a mail parcel containing $18,000 in cash.
The charge against Bowyer was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Escape from Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced today to five years in prison for escape from a Residential Reentry Center.
According to court documents, David Black, 33, was in federal custody at Dismas Charities, a contracted Residential Reentry Center of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, after having served time in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 16, 2022, the U.S. Marshals Service was alerted that Black had not reported to work at his designated place of employment during his Reentry term, and he did not return to Dismas after failing to report to work. On December 19, 2022, Black turned himself back into federal custody. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for this offense.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd made the announcement.
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Allen and Andrew Eichner prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pleaded guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Russell Emmett Gibbs, 46, carjacked a male victim at gunpoint on Edgewood Terrace in Jackson in November of 2020. Gibbs was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2023.
Gibbs is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2024. He faces a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie 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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 26 was:
John Edward Szydlowski IV, 21, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Szydlowski faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Szydlowski was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-124.
Steven Edward Schlosser, 53, of Ballantine, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schlosser faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Schlosser was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-123.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 26 was:
Juan Jose Romero, 39, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romero faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Romero was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-11.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices Celebrate Funding for Survivors Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- As part of a monthlong observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana are proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $790,618 to the state of Indiana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Domestic violence rates are even higher for people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The announced grants will reach historically marginalized and underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, Tribal nations, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.
Indiana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- OVW awarded $450,000 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
“No one should be subjected to abuse, especially by those closest to them. Whether or not we’re aware, everyone knows someone impacted by domestic and intimate partner abuse, said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This trauma leaves an indelible mark on survivors and their families, from physical harm and psychological distress to negative impacts on housing, employment, and education. U.S. Attorney Johnson and I celebrate the Office of Violence Against Women’s support programs serving survivors across the state of Indiana.”
“I am pleased to announce, along with U.S. Attorney Myers, that our State has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic Violence, in all forms, undermines the safety and security that one should have in their homes and intimate relationships. These grant funds will support the ongoing work being done to create communities free of domestic violence,” said Clifford D. Johnson, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a time to center the experiences of survivors; honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
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Illicit Money Transmitters Admit Criminal Scheme to Funnel Money to Nevada CasinoRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 27, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Two Mexican nationals and their unlicensed money transmitting business admitted in federal court today that they illegally helped foreign gamblers move money stealthily through the U.S. financial system to avoid scrutiny by U.S. and foreign law enforcement and regulators.
Defendants Francisco Alberto Garza-Vargas and Ricardo Najera-Almaguer, both of San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, and Carma de Monterrey SA de CV, a Mexican corporation headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, admitted they conspired to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business on behalf of foreign patrons of the casino industry.
Garza-Vargas was previously a registered agent with the Nevada Gaming Commission. Casinos typically contract with such agents to be a liaison between casinos and high-rolling guests. These agents bring players into a particular casino; and in return, they are compensated with commission by that casino.
According to court documents, the defendants’ unlicensed money transmitting enterprise conducted more than 115 illegal transfers with bank accounts controlled by the casino industry in the aggregate amount of approximately $8,129,664.
These cases bring to 15 the total number of defendants who have admitted wrongdoing in this investigation into money laundering, unlicensed money transmitting, and other crimes, with associated criminal penalties of over $7.5 million.
During today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw accepted Garza-Vargas’ and Najera-Almaguer’s deferred prosecution agreements and the corporation’s guilty plea and ordered the defendants to pay criminal fines and other financial penalties totaling $3,198,397.
According to court documents, the defendants conducted financial transactions for casino patrons located abroad who sought to gamble in the United States. To have funds available for that purpose in the United States, the defendants transferred the patron’s funds through a series of bank accounts controlled by the corporation defendant and others into casino-controlled bank accounts. The circuitous transfers helped patrons evade laws and regulations designed to prevent money laundering.
As a result of not registering their money transmitting business, not maintaining an anti-money laundering program, and not filing required suspicious activity reports or currency transaction reports, the defendants were able to conceal the sources of funds. This conduct obscured the nature of the transactions from other United States-based financial institutions and inhibited the ability of law enforcement and other authorities to investigate.
Today’s proceedings follow a similar resolution as that of defendant Juan Carlos Palermo on April 20, 2022, who in a related case admitted to money laundering in the promotion of his own unlicensed money transmitting business. Since October 2012, while acting as an agent for one casino, defendant Palermo operated multiple unlicensed businesses in the United States and abroad that conducted more than 200 transfers with bank accounts controlled by multiple casino entities, over $17.7 million, on behalf of at least 50 casino gambling patrons.
Between approximately 2012 and 2020, defendant Palermo and his unlicensed money transmitting business transacted with clients, and related financial accounts, in at least 15 countries, including countries that the United States Department of State has identified as “Major Money Laundering Countries” of “primary concern” like Mexico, Argentina, Cayman Islands, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong. The Palermo money transmitting business’s use of these bank accounts and other financial services allowed clients to conduct international monetary transfers through underground financial networks engaged in transferring funds, exchanging currency, and other money transmitting and remitting services, while circumventing laws and regulations regarding monetary transfer and reporting in the U.S. and elsewhere.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl F. Brooker IV, Christopher Beeler, and Mark W. Pletcher and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the IRS Las Vegas Financial Crimes Task Force.
DEFENDANTS
Francisco Alberto Garza-Vargas Age: 59 San Pedro Garza Garcia, MX
(Case Number 23-CR-0219-DMS)
Ricardo Najera-Almaguer Age: 68 San Pedro Garza Garcia, MX
(Case Number 23-CR-0219-DMS)
Carma de Monterrey S.A. de CV Monterrey, MX
(Case Number 22-CR-0219-DMS)
Juan Carlos Palermo Age: 64 Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Case Number 22-CR-0859-DMS)
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
IRS-Criminal Investigations, Las Vegas Financial Crimes Task Force
Honduran National Sentenced for Assault on Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Honduran national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 78 months in prison for assault on a federal agent/officer.
According to court documents, Kevin Roney Rodriguez-Sauceda, 29, was apprehended by a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Eagle Pass on Aug. 3, 2022. During the encounter, Rodriguez-Sauceda assaulted the agent with a knife while another undocumented noncitizen bit the agent. Both individuals were detained as additional agents responded.
Rodriguez-Sauceda pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.
“We are once again reminded that our partners in green place their lives on the line each and every day in defense of the United States and the integrity of our border,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thank you to our partners at the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol for their dedication to the mission and upholding the law.”
“This case is a reminder of the danger U.S. Border Patrol agents and law enforcement officers face while working to protect people every day,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. for the FBI San Antonio Division. “This sentencing is a reflection of the FBI's commitment in partnering with law enforcement at all levels to keep our communities safe.”
The FBI and USBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.
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Hawaii Woman Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Honolulu returned an indictment yesterday charging a Hawaii woman with filing false tax returns, wire fraud, money laundering and structuring related to her fraudulent application for unemployment assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the indictment, for 2016 through 2020, Heidi Cafirma, of Waipahu, filed with the IRS false joint personal tax returns for her and her spouse that underreported their total, business or other income and total taxes owed.
Cafirma allegedly also submitted a fraudulent application requesting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. From approximately June 2020 through September 2021, Cafirma allegedly filed weekly unemployment benefit certification forms in support of her application, falsely claiming she was not working or earning any income during the certification period. As a result, Cafirma allegedly received approximately $70,500 in fraudulent benefit payments. She also allegedly laundered money, and on three separate occasions in August 2018, allegedly made cash deposits each under $10,000 into two separate bank accounts in an effort to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements.
If convicted, Cafirma faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false return count, 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, 10 years in prison for money laundering and five years in prison for illegal structuring. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hacker Sentenced to 30 Months for SIM Swapping Conspiracy Resulting in Theft of Nearly $1 Million in CryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jordan Dave Persad, 20, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Persad was also ordered to pay $945,833 in restitution. Persad pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Computer Fraud.
Between March 2021 and September 2022, Persad and his co-conspirators hacked into victims’ email accounts, hijacked their cell phone numbers, and gained unauthorized access to their online cryptocurrency accounts. As a result of this scheme, often referred to as “SIM swapping,” Persad and his co-conspirators stole close to $1 million worth of cryptocurrency from dozens of victims, including approximately $30,000 from a victim in Arizona. Defendant and his co-conspirators then divided these stolen funds amongst themselves, with Persad keeping around $475,000. Investigators were able to recover some of these funds when they executed search warrants at Persad’s Orlando home.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Chang and Bridget Minder of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00680-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-163_Persad# # #
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.Ganado Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder of GrandmotherRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jedidiah Michael Noble, 35, of Ganado, Arizona, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 20 years in prison. Noble pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.
On January 13, 2021, Noble stabbed his grandmother approximately 50 times, killing her.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-21-08012-PCT-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-162_Noble# # #
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.Four Men Sentenced in Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Four men were sentenced this week in federal court for committing sex crimes against children, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Richard Alan Sisney, 70, of Tulsa, plead guilty on Aug. 8, 2022, to one count of receipt of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and one count of possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On Oct. 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Sisney to prison. The Government and Sisney jointly appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, requesting that Sisney be resentenced due to a procedural error.
On Oct. 24, 2024, Judge Arias-Marxuach resentenced Sisney to 121 months, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Following his release from prison, Sisney is required to register as a sex offender. The judge further ordered Sisney to pay $12,000 in restitution. In court documents, Sisney admitted to downloading images and videos of young children being sexually abused by adults. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Nassar and Ashley Robert prosecuted the case.
Kenneth James Loftin, 26, of Sapulpa, plead guilty on July 13, 2022, to one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography in Indian Country, and one count of abusive sexual contact of minor children in Indian Country. On Oct. 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Loftin to three 120 month sentences to run concurrent followed by lifetime supervision. Following his release from prison, Loftin is required to register as a sex offender. Judge Arias-Marxuach further ordered Loftin to pay $3,000 in restitution. In his plea agreement, Loftin admitted to downloading and viewing numerous images and videos of child pornography from the internet. He also admitted to sexually abusing a child who was under the age of 12. Loftin is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Jiang and Valeria Luster prosecuted the case.
Jeffery James Bucchino, 44, of Buford, Georgia, plead guilty on Aug. 10, 2022, to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor after previously being convicted for solicitation of a minor in Texas. On Oct. 27, 2023, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Bucchino to 300 months followed by lifetime supervision. Following his release from prison, Bucchino is required to register as a sex offender. In his plea agreement, Bucchino admitted that he knowingly persuaded a minor living in Tulsa to send him live or recorded videos of herself masturbating over the internet from November 2016 to March 2018. Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Jiang and Deputy Criminal Chief Christopher Nassar prosecuted the case.
Matthew Rame Griner Ramsey, 27, of Vinita, plead guilty on May 30, 2023, to abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12 years of age in Indian Country. On Oct. 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Ramsey to 120 months followed by lifetime supervision. Following his release from prison, Ramsey is required to register as a sex offender. In his plea agreement, Ramsey stated that he knowingly engaged in sexual activity with a four-year-old. He further admitted that the abuse was intended to “arouse and gratify” his sexual desires. Ramsey is a member of the Cherokee Nation. The FBI and Vinita Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle Dial prosecuted the case.
“The sentences handed down this week demonstrate that our justice system will not tolerate those who victimize children,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “These terrible crimes cause tremendous physical and psychological trauma on children, our most vulnerable victims. Federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners will do everything in their power to protect child victims and bring to justice those who exploit children in anyway.”
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood is a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat child exploitation. Initiated in May of 2006, Project Safe Childhood combines law enforcement efforts, community action, and public awareness. The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. There are five essential components to Project Safe Childhood: (1) building partnerships; (2) coordinating law enforcement; (3) training PSC partners; (4) public awareness; and (5) accountability. The Department of Justice is committed to the safety and well-being of our children and has placed a high priority on protecting and combating sexual exploitation of minors.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Four Florida Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Four men from Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Joshua Mallory, age 38; Tyrone Parker Jr., age 24; Gary Grier, age 37; and Robert Natson, age 37 – have been sentenced to federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and related charges. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; James Smith, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville made the announcement.
All four defendants pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and Mallory, Grier, and Parker Jr. also pled guilty to aggravated identity theft. In previously pleading guilty, the defendants admitted that they were involved in a fraud scheme known as “Felony Lane Gang” at various times between 2015 and 2020. These defendants and their co-conspirators traveled across the country breaking into cars, often targeting those parked by women at locations such as health and fitness centers, daycares, outdoor recreational parks and dog parks. They stole debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks and photo identifications in these “smash-and-grab” vehicle thefts, and they used these stolen items to commit bank fraud by recruiting women to impersonate the smash-and-grab victims and cash checks in drive-through bank lanes. The recruited check cashers were almost always suffering from an addiction to controlled substances and were provided payment at least partially in drugs. The total loss amount from the conspiracy was over $1 million, with individual co-conspirators held responsible for portions of that loss.
- Mallory was sentenced on October 27, 2023 to 80 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $364,989.56, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $17,183.90. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release after completing his term of imprisonment.
- Parker Jr. was sentenced on October 20, 2023 to 65 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $81,737.00, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $8,630. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release.
- Natson was sentenced on October 4, 2023 to 46 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $34,400, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $4,352. He was also ordered to serve a 4-year term of supervised release.
- Grier was sentenced on August 25, 2023 to 51 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $163,964, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $1,880. He was also ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
Five other defendants were charged in the indictment, all of whom have pled guilty and some of whom have previously been sentenced, as follows:
- Tyrone Parker (the father of Tyrone Parker, Jr.), age 41, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced on February 13, 2023 to 57 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $132,990, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $7,202. He was also ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Terrell McDonald, age 32, of Troy, New York, was sentenced on March 13, 2023 to 65 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $133,190, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $17,648.28. He was also ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Randall Taylor, age 37, of Fort Lauderdale, pled guilty on June 1, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, 2023 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, who presides over the case.
- Cedric Lynch, age 38, of Orlando, Florida, pled guilty on June 23, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2023.
- Keyshawn Arnold, age 27, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty on August 4, 2021 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2023.
This case was investigated by the FBI Westchester Resident Agency of the New York Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Albany, Miami, and Salt Lake City, and Resident Agencies in Savannah, Georgia, and Portland, Maine, and from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by numerous law enforcement agencies, including, within New York, the New York State Police; Columbia County Sheriff's Office; Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; Warren County Sheriff’s Office; and the police departments of the Town of Bethlehem; Glens Falls; Gloversville; Greenburgh; Greece; and Watervliet; and elsewhere, Connecticut State Police; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Georgia State Patrol; Illinois State Police; Massachusetts State Police; Broward County, FL Sheriff’s Office; Northern York County, PA Regional Police; Southern Chester County, PA Regional Police; Utah County, UT Sheriff's Office; and the police departments of Auburn, MA; Bath, ME; Biddeford, ME; Bozeman, MT; Brunswick, ME; Caernarvon Township, PA; Chester Township, PA; Cinnaminson, NJ; Darien, CT; East Norriton Township, PA; Easthampton, MA; Greenwich, CT; Lower Moreland Township, PA; Manheim Township, PA; Portland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Saco, ME; Salisbury, MA; Sanford, ME; Scarborough, ME; Somersworth, NH; South Portland, ME; St. George, UT; Syracuse, UT; Tinicum, PA; Towamencin, PA; Tewksbury, MA; Wakefield, MA; Yarmouth, ME; and York, ME.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie, Michael F. Perry and Paul Tuck are prosecuting the case.
Former Marketing Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former account manager at a Memphis marketing firm has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with a scheme to defraud her employer of more than $1,000,000. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
On October 18, 2023, United States District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Karen Winkles Crutchfield, 55, of Southaven, Miss. to 75 months incarceration followed by five years of supervised release. In addition, Fowlkes ordered Crutchfield to pay $1,058,266 in restitution to her former employer and other victims. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service.
"Financial fraud can happen anywhere, and can be devastating to local businesses,” said United States Attorney Ritz. “The defendant used her position of trust and authority to defraud a small business for her own personal benefit. Thanks to our investigative partners, her callous dishonesty has been exposed. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable.”
“Small business owners sacrifice every day to help build the United States economy,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Switzer, US Secret Service, Memphis Field Office. “When a trusted employee steals from their employer, it undermines all the work and opportunity those employers give to their community. The Secret Service appreciates the opportunity to work with our investigative partners to assist in bringing justice to this business in Western Tennessee.”
“Financial fraud undermines the integrity of the U.S. tax system and breaks down consumer confidence," said Donald "Trey" Eakins, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charlotte Field Office Special Agent in Charge. "We, along with our federal partners, will continue to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions."
According to the indictment and information presented in court, between 2013 and 2019, Crutchfield was employed as an account manager at Good Advertising in Memphis. In that capacity, she handled company payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Crutchfield used her access to create false invoices, duplicate or fictitious vendors, and more than 620 fraudulent checks, totaling approximately $662,000. In addition, she stole more than $168,740 from the owners’ profit-sharing account and used company credit cards to pay nearly $59,000 in personal expenses and withdraw $82,000 in cash advances. She inflated her wages, telling the company’s payroll processer that her annual salary was $95,000 – more than double the $45,000 she legitimately earned. Crutchfield used her access to the company owners’ personal identifying information to apply for a business loan without permission, in an apparent effort to cover the shortfall caused by her theft. Finally, Crutchfield filed false tax returns with the IRS, failing to declare the income she obtained from her fraud schemes.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Crutchfield in April 2022. Crutchfield appeared before Judge Fowlkes and entered a guilty plea to the charges of bank fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and filing a false tax return.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark Erskine prosecuted this case on behalf of the federal government.
Former CEO of Sunwest Management Ordered to Pay over $74 Million in Restitution to More than 1,400 VictimsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that the former CEO of Sunwest Management and associated companies, who previously admitted to orchestrating one of the largest financial fraud schemes in Oregon history, was ordered to pay over $74 million in restitution to more than 1,400 victims.
Jon Michael Harder, 58, a resident of Canyonville, Oregon, who pleaded guilty in 2015 to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, was ordered to pay $74,062,211 in restitution to his victims.
According to court documents, Harder formerly controlled a network of companies that bought, constructed, and managed assisted living facilities. At its height, the organization, Sunwest Management and its related companies, owned approximately 300 assisted living facilities that served more than 15,000 residents. As CEO of Sunwest, Harder knowingly and intentionally misled hundreds of investors about the nature and risks of their investment in Sunwest housing facilities and development projects. He further misled his investors about the financial health of Sunwest, failing to disclose that the company continuously operated at substantial monthly losses. In total, Harder misled more than 1,400 investors, causing losses exceeding $120 million.
On September 18, 2012, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 56-count indictment charging Harder with mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. On January 8, 2015, Harder pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering. On November 18, 2015, Harder was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
On January 13, 2021, after Harder had served just over five years of his 15-year prison sentence, President Donald J. Trump commuted his sentence to time-served.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program. Restitution was litigated by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Former Attorney Convicted of Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a former attorney today of engaging in a scheme to bribe the chief of police of Medford, Massachusetts, to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, Massachusetts, paid a bribe to influence the Medford police chief in connection with O’Donovan’s client’s recreational marijuana business. In February 2021, O’Donovan approached Individual 1, a close relative of the chief, and offered to pay Individual 1 $25,000 to speak with the chief about his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. At the time, the chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee to rank such applications on behalf of Medford’s mayor, who would ultimately select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. After Individual 1 informed the chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the chief immediately alerted federal authorities.
Over the course of the investigation, O’Donovan, believing he had an agreement with Individual 1 and the chief, offered to pay Individual 1 approximately $25,000 in exchange for the chief’s favorable action on his client’s application. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, advised and pressured the mayor to select the client to open a retail marijuana store in Medford. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application were successful. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme with Individual 1.
The jury convicted O’Donovan of two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each honest services wire fraud count and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the federal funds bribery count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Divion’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay for the District of Massachusetts are prosecuting the case.
Former Attorney Convicted for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal jury in Boston has convicted a former attorney today of engaging in a scheme to bribe the Chief of Police in Medford, Mass. to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana.
The jury convicted Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, Mass., of two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2024.“Sean O’Donovan’s greed led him to engage in this old school bribery scheme to line his own pocket,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “His plot failed because of the unquestioned integrity of Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley and his brother. Upholding the rule of law and holding lawyers who break the law accountable is an essential priority of this office.”
“Today’s verdict proves that Sean O’Donovan went from practicing law to breaking it by engaging in a pay-to-play scheme in which he tried to capitalize on his insider access, in attempting to bribe the Medford Police Chief for his own financial gain. His actions were not only an affront to all the hard-working businesses that play by the rules, but a betrayal of his client’s and the community’s trust,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Rooting out public corruption is a top priority for the FBI, and we are extremely grateful to the Medford Police Chief and his relative who did not hesitate to do what was right by working with us to thwart this nefarious scheme.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, O’Donovan paid a bribe to influence the Medford Police Chief in connection with O’Donovan’s client’s recreational marijuana business. In February 2021, O’Donovan approached Individual 1, a relative of the Chief, and offered to pay Individual 1 $25,000 to speak with the Chief about his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. At the time, the Chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee to rank such applications on behalf of Medford’s mayor, who would ultimately select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. After Individual 1 informed the Chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the Chief immediately alerted federal authorities.
Over the course of the investigation, O’Donovan, believing he had an agreement with Individual 1 and the Chief, offered to pay Individual 1 approximately $25,000 in exchange for the Chief’s favorable action on his client’s application. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the Chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, advised and pressured the mayor to select the client to open a retail marijuana store in Medford. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application were successful. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme with Individual 1.
O’Donovan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each honest services wire fraud count and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the federal funds bribery count. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; SAC Cohen; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement today.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay with the Public Corruption Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl Trafficking, International Money Laundering, and Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Luis Mojica Rojas (46, Zephyrhills) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The court also ordered Mojica Rojas to forfeit $90,000, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Mojica Rojas was arrested on May 9, 2022, detained, and pleaded guilty on July 19, 2023.
According to court records, on May 9, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Mojica Rojas’s residence. Inside the master bedroom, agents located an AR-15 assault pistol and a loaded drum magazine for an AR-15. DNA testing of the firearm confirmed that Mojica Rojas possessed it. Cocaine was also found in the master bathroom. Agents seized over 780 grams of suspected fentanyl in powdered form and another 102 grams of counterfeit prescription drugs containing suspected fentanyl from a shed and camper in the backyard. In total, law enforcement seized over two kilograms of fentanyl associated with the conspiracy. In August 2021, Mojica Rojas met with an undercover law enforcement officer to launder $90,000 in drug proceeds on behalf of a coconspirator.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Plant City Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Federal grand jury indicts 3 defendants for Trapper Creek murdersRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging three defendants with crimes connected to the murders of two women in Trapper Creek this May.
According to the indictment, Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez, 56, Tamara Denise Bren, 41, and Kevin Glenn Peterson II, 29, engaged in a drug conspiracy and conspired to kidnap and murder Sunday Powers and Kami Clark in furtherance of a drug trafficking enterprise on May 22. The drug conspiracy resulted in the distribution of over 33 kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of meth, four kilograms of heroin and 57 grams of cocaine. The indictment further explains that Sanchez-Rodriguez was an inmate in a California prison and used contraband phones to run his enterprise.
The indictment alleges the defendants communicated in person and through phone calls and text messages to coordinate the kidnapping of Powers and Clark. They used tracking applications on cell phones to confirm the location of Powers and Clark the day of the murders. They further organized multiple vehicles to meet the co-conspirators near Trapper Creek and have a conspirator carry a firearm to carry out the kidnapping.
According to the indictment, conspirators restrained Powers and Clark under the threat of force by carjacking the vehicle they occupied. During the kidnapping and carjacking, Powers called 911 but a conspirator ended her call. Powers and Clark were driven to a hidden location, where they were executed and buried in a shallow grave near Trapper Creek.
The indictment charges all three defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, killing in furtherance of continuing criminal enterprise, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death and use of a firearm to commit murder in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Bren and Sanchez-Rodriguez are also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. If convicted of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, Bren and Sanchez-Rodriguez face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the remaining charges is life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Division, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department and the Palmer Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Vandergaw and Christopher Schroeder are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal grand jury indicts 10 defendants in large drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment charging 10 defendants with running a large-scale drug trafficking ring in Alaska.
According to the indictment, Christina Reyna Quintana, 38, Angela Marie Jasper, 39, Amber Young, 28, Rochelle Monique Wood, 37, James Anthony Schwarz, 41, Elroy Daniel Bouchard, 58, Khamthene Thongdy, 45, Colleen McDaniel, 68, Tamberlyn Solomon, 25, and Lois Jean Frank, 63, engaged in a conspiracy to traffic at least 12 kilograms of fentanyl into Alaska. The indictment also charges Jasper, Wood, Schwarz, Bouchard, Thongdy, McDaniel and Solomon with laundering money to promote drug trafficking and concealing the source of the funds. Court documents identify 37 separate money laundering transactions, including some made internationally to Mexico, between August 2022 and July 2023.
During the entirety of the conspiracy, Quintana has been an inmate at Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility in Eagle River, Alaska. She is serving a 22-and-a-half-year prison sentence following a federal conviction for traveling from California to Sitka, Alaska, in 2018 and shooting a woman in both kneecaps over drug debt. The indictment charges Quintana with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, which carries a mandatory life sentence, alleging that Quintana was a principal administrator, organizer, supervisor and leader of a criminal enterprise. The other defendants also face a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Division made the announcement.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Division, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department and Palmer Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Schroeder, Alana Weber and Stephan Collins are prosecuting the case.
This investigation and prosecution were part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Update - This release has been updated to add an investigating agency.
Fayetteville Check Fraud Ringleader Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man, Alvester Aaron Williams, Jr., was sentenced today to 44 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On May 24, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the United States Postal Inspection Service initiated an investigation of Williams following a state probation search of Williams’s hotel room in Fayetteville. The search recovered approximately 500 stolen checks and other pieces of stolen mail, X-ACTO blades for altering the checks, over a dozen debit cards in the names of other people, and bank account usernames and passwords. At the time of the search, Williams was on state probation for obtaining property by false pretense related to the theft and alteration of checks, among other convictions. Analysis of the stolen checks, together with other evidence, indicated that Williams resumed his check fraud activities shortly after the imposition of his state sentence.
According to the subsequent federal investigation, between approximately July 2020 and August 2021, William conspired with others to steal checks from mailboxes in and around Fayetteville, alter the checks to reflect the names of co-conspirators (i.e., money mules), change the payment amounts, deposit the checks into co-conspirator accounts, and withdraw the proceeds at ATMs. When law enforcement authorities arrested Williams on the federal indictment, Williams was found in possession of 97 stolen checks, multiple debit cards in the names of other people, and X-ACTO blades.
Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The United States Postal Inspection Service, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-227-M
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El Paso Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 240 months in prison for distribution of a controlled substance causing serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, Patrick Harley Chaires, 28, sold a counterfeit M-30 pill containing fentanyl on Jan. 10. The purchaser consumed the pill and overdosed due to fentanyl poisoning. The victim was revived after receiving medical care and Naloxone. Chaires was arrested on Jan. 25 as the result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.
“The victim in this case is incredibly fortunate that they were able to receive the necessary medical care following their overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone must be aware of, and take seriously, the dangers of fentanyl and its abundant presence in counterfeit pills being sold on the streets and through social media. As long as fentanyl distribution persists, we will continue to heavily prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.”
“This 20-year sentence sends a clear message to everyone in our community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Castañeda for the DEA’s El Paso Division. “The DEA is laser-focused on one goal – saving American lives. Regardless of the quantity of illicit drugs you sell, if you hurt someone in the process, we will build a case against you, and bring this elevated charge to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s office for your prosecution.”
This case was investigated by the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) of the DEA’s El Paso Division, which is a West Texas HIDTA Initiative. FORT is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Army Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Army National Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, and El Paso Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Countryman prosecuted the case.
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Decatur Man Convicted of Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on October 26, 2023, against Kevin Dial, 52, of Decatur, Illinois, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Sentencing for Dial has been scheduled for February 26, 2024, in front of United States District Judge Colin S. Bruce at the federal courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over three days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Dial directed another individual to sexually abuse three minor victims, all of whom were under the age of 11 at the time, and to video record that abuse. Dial then ordered the individual to send the video recordings of the sexual abuse to him.
Dial remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, Dial faces statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the sexual exploitation counts and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. The district judge may order that the sentences on each count be served consecutively.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Philippine National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government at trial.
De Kalb Woman Pleads Guilty to Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A De Kalb woman pled guilty to misappropriation of postal funds while serving as Postmaster.
According to court documents, Stacey Eldridge Parker, 45, while serving as Postmaster of the Marion Post Office and Administrative Postmaster of the Bailey and Daleville Post Offices, took cash and other property of the United States Postal Service for personal use. A federal grand jury indicted Parker on August 8, 2023.
Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Inspector in Charge Dana Carter of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Houston Divison, made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen is prosecuting the matter.
DOJ awards more than $2.5 million to Western Washington non-profits who assist survivors of human traffickingRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice is awarding more than $2.5 million in grants to three non-profit organizations that work to combat human trafficking and support survivors, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The three non-profits focus their work on different geographic areas of Western Washington.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western District of Washington is a leader in prosecuting cases of human trafficking – whether it is sex trafficking of vulnerable victims or labor trafficking of immigrants who feel helpless to escape,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This grant funding will ensure the victims of modern-day slavery are rescued and supported as they put their lives back together.”
The largest grant, $950,000, is awarded to Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC) to provide support and resources to 300 survivors of sex and labor trafficking in the South Sound region. Specifically, the organization will focus on Thurston, Lewis, Pierce, and Mason counties and among ten tribes: Nisqually, Chehalis, Tulalip, Puyallup, Cowlitz, Quileute, Lower Elwha Klallam, Muckleshoot, and Hoh tribes. IHTC will provide training on best practices for local law enforcement, health, mental health, and social services providers while also mobilizing a network of non-profits, government agencies, the faith community, tribal elders, and businesses who can assist those seeking to escape human trafficking.
Seattle’s International Rescue Committee was awarded $800,000 to provide evidence-based and trauma informed Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services to survivors of human trafficking in King County. Primary activities include individual counseling, group support, and case management services to survivors and training and technical assistance to providers to increase their capacity to serve survivors.
Finally, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIP) was awarded $800,000 to provide legal services to human trafficking survivors in southwest Washington and on the Olympic Peninsula. Two other non-profits will have services funded through this grant award: Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia (CIELO) an organization dedicated to meeting the human service needs of Latino residents of three rural counties with high risk for labor trafficking, specifically in non-timber forest harvesting, fishing/shellfish, and agriculture; and Pueblo Unido PDX, an organization dedicated to more effectively serving the immigration legal needs of indigenous language speakers. NWIP will oversee these subgrants.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On Saturday, October 28th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Location information is available from the DEA, along with items that cannot be accepted. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This October’s event is DEA’s 24th nationwide event since its inception 11 years ago. Last spring, Americans turned in nearly 663,725 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 4,955 sites operated by the DEA and 4,497 from its state and local law enforcement partners.
The DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop-off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium-ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries. Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and deaths caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. To support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially among America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
The DEA’s “Take Back” day and “Get Smart About Drugs” initiatives address the vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs. Synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, are the primary driver of the increase in overdose deaths. For information on DEA’s “Take Back” in Spanish, click here, or for more information on the “Get Smart About Drugs” publication, click for English or Spanish.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. For more information, visit DEA’s year-round collection site locator. Participating in the next DEA Take Back Day on Saturday, October 8th, simply means cleaning out your medicine cabinet or anywhere you keep unused, unwanted, or expired medications and dropping them off at your nearest collection site. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 28th Take Back day event, go to DEA Drug Take Back event or by calling 800-882-9539.
The FDA also provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. More information is available here: English or Spanish.
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Convicted Felon Arrested for Shooting of a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jerardo Jay Rosales, 39, of Tucson, was arrested Wednesday and charged in a two-count complaint with Assault on Federal Officer Using a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon and Prohibited Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The complaint alleges that, on October 17, 2023, Rosales, a convicted felon, shot a federal officer in the left arm with a pistol, then fled in a vehicle. The officer suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
A conviction for Assault on Federal Officer Using a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a maximum term of three years supervised release. A conviction for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a maximum of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a maximum term of three years supervised release.
A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 23-02095MJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-165_Rosales# # #
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.Columbia Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Illegal Firearm Following Police ChaseRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing the stolen firearm that he threw out of his car during a police chase.
Cecil Jason Robinson, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 19 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Robinson was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Jan. 13, 2022, Robinson was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson was in possession of a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine when he was arrested on Jan. 26, 2021, following a high-speed police chase on Interstate 70.
ATF task force officers attempted a traffic stop of Robinson, who was driving a Chevrolet Silverado with a defective brake light on I-70 west between the St. Charles Road exit and the Highway 63 connector on Jan. 26, 2021. When the officers activated their emergency lights, Robinson’s vehicle exited I-70 onto the Highway 63 connector, where it immediately conducted an illegal U-turn, forcing oncoming traffic to stop. The vehicle entered the I-70 west entrance ramp, accelerating its speed, and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
Officers saw Robinson open the driver’s side door slightly and throw out the Sig Sauer handgun into the rocky area between the entrance ramp and I-70. Officers recovered the firearm, which had been reported stolen in Kansas City, Kan. Officers also saw Robinson throw out a baggie of marijuana near the 127.8 mile marker of I-70 west. The pursuit ended in the Columbia Mall parking lot and Robinson was taken into custody.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robinson has two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon, and a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
City of Albuquerque and APD Achieves Another Major Milestone in Policing Reform EffortsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced today that the Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque (City) filed a Joint Motion for Partial Termination, seeking court approval to terminate certain portions of the consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The motion was filed in recognition of APD’s sustained compliance with significant portions of the consent decree.
The motion represents a second major milestone APD has achieved this year following the joint motion filed in April to modify the requirements of the consent decree.
Over the last several years, APD has made consistent and sustained progress towards achieving constitutional policing and in reaching compliance with provisions of the consent decree, including:
- APD has a clear and reliable process for conducting criminal investigations of critical incidents through the Multi-Agency Task Force;
- APD significantly professionalized its SWAT team and brought its operations in line with national standards;
- APD’s investigative units operate with clarity about their scope and mission;
- through APD’s Field Training Evaluation Program, new officers receive reinforcement about APD’s values and expectations, helping to ensure that officers provide constitutional and effective policing from their first days on patrol;
- APD and Albuquerque’s civilian oversight agency widely distribute information about filing complaints about police officers, ensuring that people across the city can easily access and submit complaint forms, and that APD and civilian oversight are aware of the issues that people are having with police officers;
- the Monitor has found that APD has set new standards in police recruiting, increasing interest in joining APD at a time when police departments across the country face challenges in recruiting; and
- APD’s Behavioral Sciences Section provides industry-standard behavioral health and wellness services to APD personnel and their families, often exceeding the requirements of the consent decree.
For many of these provisions, APD achieved compliance two or more years ago, has sustained its compliance, and is monitoring its own compliance with these provisions. Now, the parties have agreed that it is appropriate to terminate sections and sub-sections of the consent decree which APD has been in full compliance for at least two years. The motion sets out the specific paragraphs of the consent decree that the parties have moved to terminate.
The partial termination allows the parties and the Monitor to focus their efforts on the remaining areas of the consent decree where APD is still working to attain or maintain full compliance.
“This move to partial termination is yet more evidence of the City of Albuquerque’s dogged pursuit of progress,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “Much remains to be done, and the challenges facing us as a community are ever evolving. While we continue to work together to confront those challenges, we applaud the steady and unrelenting drive towards the type of policing that the people of Albuquerque deserve.”
“This should put to rest concerns about APD’s ability to self-monitor and continue the reform process past federal oversight,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “APD is proving the department is ready to institutionalize constitutional policing and ongoing reform on its own. Going forward we need to push past the piecemeal approval process and focus on the future beyond the CASA.”
The Justice Department is committed to supporting city leaders, community stakeholders and APD as they work together to implement lasting institutional reform and make constitutional policing a reality for the community of Albuquerque.
The District Court for the District of New Mexico entered the consent decree in June 2015. The decree, as well as information about implementation of the consent decree, is available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at Investigation into Albuquerque Police Department.
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Cincinnati man pleads guilty to possessing Glock switchRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Elhanan Omar Pittman, 28, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possessing a Glock switch.
Possessing any weapon or machine gun that can readily shoot more than one shot without manual reloading is against federal law.
Parties involved in Pittman’s case have recommended a sentence of 78 months in prison.
According to his plea agreement, on June 8, a Wyoming, Ohio, police officer attempted to stop Pittman’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Pittman fled from the vehicle carrying a backpack.
After a foot pursuit, Pittman was captured when he was found hiding behind Wyoming Middle School.
Pittman had an automatic weapon in the backpack, namely, a handgun with a Glock switch.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Wyoming Police Chief Brooke Brady announced the guilty plea entered Oct. 25 before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley is representing the United States in this case.
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Cedar Rapids Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who distributed over ten pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced October 26, 2023, to 21 years in federal prison.
Anthony McNeese, age 39, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in November 2020, McNeese threw over 400 grams of ice methamphetamine out of the window of his vehicle as he fled from law enforcement. McNeese drove at a high rate of speed through residential neighborhoods and eventually escaped on foot. Later, McNeese directed his friend to go to the police station and attempt to claim ownership of the ice methamphetamine McNeese threw out of his window; however, McNeese’s scheme did not work. In late November and early December 2020, McNeese obtained at least 10 pounds of ice methamphetamine from his source of supply, which he then redistributed. At times, McNeese knowingly possessed a firearm when distributing ice methamphetamine. On December 7, 2020, law enforcement searched McNeese’s vehicle and recovered an additional 37 grams of ice methamphetamine.
McNeese was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McNeese was sentenced to 251 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
McNeese is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Sixth Judicial District of Correctional Services’ High-Risk Unit and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-00039-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Coordinating Role in International “Grandparents” Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Josiah DeJesus, age 22, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty on October 26, 2023, before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serving as a coordinating courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparents” fraud scheme that preyed upon elderly, American victims from states across the country.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately June 2020 to October 2020, along with four other Bronx men whom he recruited, DeJesus regularly traveled from New York City to various locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio to retrieve UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash. These packages were sent by elderly victims, who were induced to send the money based upon false claims that their grandchildren had been arrested and charged with serious vehicular crimes and, consequently, were in immediate need of money. These false claims were made to the elderly victims in phone calls that they received from DeJesus’ oversees co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as attorneys representing the victims’ grandchildren.
DeJesus acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to his conduct was between $250,000 and $550,000, that his conduct resulted in substantial financial hardship to five or more victims and involved the unlawful use of the means of identification of five or more victims. DeJesus agreed to make restitution to the victims in the amount of $328,780.00.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation –Philadelphia Division, and its state and local law enforcement partners in Berks County, PA. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Suspect in the Lewiston, Maine, Mass ShootingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the suspect in the Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting:
“This evening, law enforcement recovered the body of Robert Card, the suspect in the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston on Wednesday evening. I want to thank our state and local law enforcement partners, along with the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and other federal agencies who have been working day and night to locate the shooter and keep the affected communities safe.
Although we are grateful that the suspect in this case no longer poses a threat, we know that nothing can bring back the lives he stole or undo the terror he inflicted.
The FBI will continue to provide victim support resources to those who have been devastated by this attack, and the entire Justice Department will provide ongoing support to our state and local law enforcement partners.
As I said yesterday, no community should have to endure these mass shootings which have become routine in our country.”
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Child Pornography
Todd David Curington, age 57, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography, second or subsequent conviction, and ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution. According to court documents, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) received CyberTips indicating child pornography had been downloaded from devices inside Curington’s residence. On Feb. 28, ICAC served a search warrant on Curington’s residence, and found over 700 images of child pornography including infant/toddler, sadomasochism, and bestiality were found on devices belonging to Curington. Curington was indicted in May and pled guilty in August. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation ICAC Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 24.
False Statement
Christian Jesus Lopez Sanchez, age 40, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 days in prison for making false statements in an application and use of passport. According to court documents, the defendant was born in Las Vargas, Nayarit, Mexico, and is a citizen of the Republic of Mexico. On Aug. 08, 2022, Sanchez applied for a U.S. passport in Gillette. As proof of identity, the defendant submitted his Wyoming driver license and claimed he had been born in Phoenix, Arizona, using a counterfeit birth certificate. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Department of the State. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 23.
Escape From Custody
Michael Lee Sunrhodes, age 35, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to a prison term for escape from federal custody. According to court documents, on Mar. 16, Sunrhodes did not return to the GEO Services Casper Re-Entry Center (CRC) from an approved work pass. Sunrhodes was in the CRC serving part of a 46-month sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sunrhodes was indicted on the escape charge and arrested in May, and he pled guilty in August. Sunrhodes, who has been in jail since May, will remain in federal custody until Jan. 4, 2024. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Gist. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 26.
Thursday 26 October 2023
Youth Basketball Coach Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado, a youth basketball coach from Toa Baja to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. Díaz-Rosado was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in 2019 after being charged for attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of minors, and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to court documents, Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado plead guilty on June 20, 2023, for enticement and coercion of a 13-year-old male minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, knowing that such visual depiction would be transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce.
In March of 2019, the defendant was a youth basketball coach for minor males. During such period, Díaz Rosado used his cell phone via the WhatsApp messaging application to communicate and request sexually explicit images of a 13-year-old male minor he coached. Díaz Rosado communicated with the male minor in a sexually explicit manner, requested images of the minor’s penis, and videos of the minor masturbating. The minor complied with the requests and sent the sexually explicit images to Díaz Rosado.
“The actions of this individual in this case were nothing short of reprehensible,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “He shamefully targeted minors who were under his care. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting children from abuse and holding accountable those individuals who would victimize minors.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos said: “We must be vigilant and unwavering in our commitment to stop predators, especially the ones serving in public trust positions. This individual was a former basketball coach and a Physical Education teacher; we feel that justice was served with today’s sentence. HSI will continue its efforts to protect our children and will continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and apprehend those who attempt to abuse them.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Puerto Rico Department of Family.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians; and to report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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About Homeland Security Investigations
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
# HSI #
Woman Pleads Guilty for Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FraudRead the Press Release
A Dallas area woman who allegedly purloined more than $40,000 from pandemic-era financial programs pleaded guilty today to theft of government property, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Monica Moreno, 40, was indicted in November 2022. She plead guilty today to one count of theft to government property before U.S. Magistrate District Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.
According to plea papers, Ms. Moreno applied for – and received – funds from three different pandemic relief programs, The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, totaling approximately $44,757 in federal funds.
Ms. Moreno submitted an advance EIDL loan for her alleged business, JBP Financial. In application paperwork, she lied about her criminal history, indicating that she had never been convicted of a criminal offense despite her 2015 conviction for aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to defraud the united states, crimes for which she was sentenced to 48 months in prison. Ms. Moreno received $2,000 and used some of the funds for her personal benefit.
In addition, Ms. Moreno submitted applications for over a year that contained false information to each of the three disaster relief programs and received approximately $44,757 in federal funds.
Ms. Moreno now faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s Gulf States Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General’s Dallas Field Office, led by Special Agent in Charge Michael Martin, conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nashonme Johnson is prosecuting the case with the help of Financial Auditor Sheila Powell.
Both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program were authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll, rent, and other certain expenses; EIDL provided quickly-issued, partially-forgivable loans to small business to cover operational expenses, including accounts payable, as well as payroll, mortgages, and other bills. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, also authorized under the CARES Act, provided up to 39 weeks of expanded unemployment benefits for individuals impacted by COVID-19.
Western Washington tribes awarded more than $5.6 million for programs that support victims of domestic violenceRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women has awarded $5.6 million to six Western Washington tribes and a non-profit entity working to combat domestic and sexual violence in tribal communities, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The funding will be used for a range of services from emergency shelter to legal assistance to counseling for victims of domestic violence.
“We know that rates of domestic and sexual violence are disproportionately higher for Alaska Native and American Indian women. These grant funds are critical to providing safety in our tribal communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “We welcome the coordinated effort by the Women Spirit Coalition to bring this grant funding to Western Washington.”
The tribal grants include:
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe - $1 million for transitional housing and to strengthen tribal court system interventions.
Makah Tribe - $425,000 for education and intervention strategies on domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe - $998,595 for planning and implementing a supervised visitation program; providing no-cost civil legal services for survivors; and continuing their advocacy and support efforts.
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation - $650,000 – to enhance services such as crisis intervention, advocacy, emergency shelter, supportive counseling, information, and referral services.
Quileute Tribe - $650,000 - the New Beginnings Program will continue effective advocacy responses for victims of domestic violence including emergency transportation, housing assistance, and transitional housing assistance.
Tulalip Tribes -$1.5 million – as part of the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Program to enhance programs through the tribal prosecutor’s office that hold non-natives responsible for their crimes and provide support and safety for tribal victims.
Washington State Native American Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - $382,188 – for the Women Spirit Coalition that works with 22 tribes on anti-violence work and community awareness.
Additionally, DOJ announced $1.5 million in funding to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office to investigate Missing and Murdered Indigenous persons in “cold cases” – these are cases that occurred before 1980. The Attorney General’s Office will work with the tribes and their tribal archives to research and identify pre-1980 cold cases with civil rights violations involving Indigenous victims and create an inventory of these cases. The grant will produce a public report documenting what was found over the course of research.
Waterbury Man Caught Transporting Kilos of Drugs Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CYRELLE CONYERS, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department established surveillance at a Waterbury residence that was suspected of being used as a narcotics stash house. Officers observed several vehicles depart from the residence, including one driven by Conyers. Officers stopped and searched Conyers’ vehicle, which was unregistered, and seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, more than 1.5 kilograms of heroin, more than 500 grams of crack cocaine, and more than 350 grams of methamphetamine. A search of a second vehicle that was stopped after leaving the residence revealed two handguns, 18 boxes of ammunition, and more than $31,000 in cash. A search of Conyers’ nearby residence revealed distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $4,000 in cash.
Conyers’ criminal history includes eight previous convictions, three of which involve the sale or possession of controlled substances.
On June 27, 2023, Conyers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Conyers, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 24, 2024.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
Washington County Man Admits Stealing 31 Firearms from Hudson Falls Gun Store and Using the Firearms in Relation to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Martin Taft, age 48, of Salem, New York, pled guilty today to one count of theft of firearms from a licensed dealer and one count of using firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick Chiumento; and Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy made the announcement.
Taft admitted to stealing firearms from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in Hudson Falls, New York, on October 21, 2022. Taft and co-conspirator Jonathon Combs used a sledgehammer to break into the store when it was closed and steal 31 semi-automatic pistols. Taft and Combs then exchanged most of the stolen pistols to another individual in return for cocaine that they intended to distribute.
Taft faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 5 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on February 24, 2024. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
On April 27, 2023, Combs pled guilty to the same charges as Taft, as well as an additional count of theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer. Combs faces the same minimum and maximum penalties as Taft when he is sentenced on November 28, 2023.
The following defendant still faces charges in this case, which carry the following penalties:
Name
Age
Minimum
Maximum
Kwahpreme Mitchell
32
5 years
Life
The charges against Mitchell are merely accusations. Mitchell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
NYSP, ATF and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance provided by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmet O’Hanlon and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department Announce Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, October 28, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications – those that are old, unwanted, or expired – that too often become a gateway to addiction.
Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
When: Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department
Where: NorthTown Mall, 4750 North Division Spokane, WA 99207
(Northwest parking area)In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
“We have all witnessed the ravaging effects of the opioid epidemic in our region, and we are encouraged by the proactive efforts members of our communities are taking to prevent prescription drug misuse and addiction. This will make Eastern Washington safer and stronger,” U.S. Attorney Waldref stated. “We are honored to partner with the DEA, Spokane Police, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spokane Fire Department for this important event.”
“DEA is committed to protecting the communities we serve, and one way we do this is by collecting unused and unneeded prescription medications,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Too often, substance misuse starts when young people take drugs they do not need from their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinet. National Prescription Take Back Day is an easy way that you can help protect our communities and our families from substance misuse.”
“As overdose deaths and misuse of drugs continue to destroy lives, including families and loved ones, we as a community need to address this at every level. Drug Take Back Day is one of multiple efforts SPD collaborates with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Turning in unused, unwanted or dangerous drugs to be safely disposed of helps keep our family and loved ones safer. We hope the community takes advantage of this opportunity.”
For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
United States Attorney’s Office for Middle District of North Carolina Celebrates Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO - The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $2,133,002 to the MDNC to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.
Specifically, MDNC received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $108,034 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- OVW awarded $108,034 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- OVW awarded $575,000 under the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Program) to help community-based organizations develop culturally relevant programs specific to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Tribal communities to support survivors.
- OVW awarded $399,968 under the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) to support colleges and universities to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies for such crimes and to develop prevention education and awareness programs. In addition, OVW awarded $300,000 under the new Strengthening Culturally Specific Campus’ Approaches to Address Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Initiative to support new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
- OVW awarded $750,000 under the Emerging Issues and Training and Technical Assistance Initiative to organizations exploring new issues in technical assistance projects that address the needs of OVW grantees.
United States Attorney Sandra Hairston commented: “I am pleased to announce that the MDNC has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. We are looking forward to continuing our fight to protect victims of domestic violence with the help of these grants and in partnership with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana Celebrate Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors; honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
As part of its’ monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana are proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $790, 618 to the state of Indiana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.
Specifically, Indiana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- OVW awarded $450,000 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “I am pleased to announce, along with U.S. Attorney Myers, that our State has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic Violence, in all forms, undermines the safety and security that one should have in their homes and intimate relationships. These grant funds will support the ongoing work being done to create communities free of domestic violence.”
“No one should be subjected to abuse, especially by those closest to them. Whether or not we’re aware, everyone knows someone impacted by domestic and intimate partner abuse, said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “This trauma leaves an indelible mark on survivors and their families, from physical harm and psychological distress to negative impacts on housing, employment, and education. The grants provided by the Office of Violence Against Women this fiscal year will fund valuable resources bolstering the many dedicated organizations serving survivors across the state of Indiana.”
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
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OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana celebrates funding announced during Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded more than $4.7 million to Montana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.
Specifically, Montana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. The award will go to the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
- OVW awarded $2.93 million under the Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program (Rural Program) to support programs by local government, community-based organizations, and medical providers in rural areas to improve the safety of survivors. The awards will go to Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, $743,863; Friendship Center of Helena, $748,539; St. Peter’s Health Foundation, $700,000; and Hi-Line’s Help for Abused Spouses, $743,233.
- OVW awarded $1.5 million under the Training and Technical Assistance Initiative to support training and technical assistance programs to enhance the efforts of grant recipients to implement projects supported by OVW funds successfully. The award will go to Inspire Action for Social Change Inc.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana commented: “I am pleased to announce that Montana has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic violence in all its forms must stop. As we continue to prosecute and hold offenders accountable, we must also work to support and help survivors and victims of this violent abuse. These grants will fund services, organizations and agencies that are doing important work in communities across Montana to provide victim services and to raise awareness to end this violence.”
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida Celebrates Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $1,849,837 to the Middle District to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The announced grants will reach local communities and college and campuses in the Middle District. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Specifically, the Middle District received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:
- OVW awarded $1,050,000 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
- OVW awarded $799,837 under the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) to support colleges and universities to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies for such crimes and to develop prevention education and awareness programs.
“I am pleased to announce that the Middle District of Florida has been awarded more than $1.8 million in funding from the Office on Violence Against Women,” said United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “These funds will help our community service provides and college campuses continue to address the systemic problem that is domestic violence.”
“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Encourages West Virginians to Participate in DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. United States Attorney Will Thompson encourages West Virginians to take advantage of this latest opportunity to discreetly dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications.
Take Back Day is a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. More than 60 collection sites throughout West Virginia have already been announced. A location finder and other information is available at www.DEATakeBack.com.
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and death. The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second behind only marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in the U.S.
“Prescription drug abuse continues to exact a terrible toll on West Virginia,” Thompson said. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a simple, proven way to protect loved ones and our communities.”
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,650 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee Statement on Mass Casualty Shooting in LewistonRead the Press Release
The horrific violence perpetrated on our friends and neighbors in the Lewiston community last evening has been shocking and frightening for us all. The devastating impact on the families of the victims weighs heavily on everyone today.
We know the events of the past day have created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. Please know that the top priority of the entire Maine law enforcement community is to address any immediate danger. Everything possible is being done to locate the suspect and bring this situation to a safe end. The investigation is ongoing, and our local and state law enforcement partners are confidently leading the way, using every tool at their disposal. Maine enjoys uniquely strong partnerships among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies within and beyond its borders. I assure you that hundreds of dedicated law enforcement professionals at all levels from across the Northeast have responded to Lewiston, and will continue to respond, as needed, to assist and support the officers, detectives, deputies, troopers, and wardens who are conducting the manhunt and processing these tragic events, and to offer critical victim support and resources.
These experienced professionals will continue to work together around the clock to bring this incident to a close. They, too, are deeply affected by the senseless attack of this scale on the Lewiston community. Please show patience, have faith in them, and keep them in your thoughts as we witness their bravery and dedicated service.
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U.S. Attorney Boroughs Announces Nearly $500,000 in Justice Department Grants to Support Project Safe Neighborhoods in South CarolinaRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $482,804 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the District of South Carolina. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grants, to Anderson Police Department, the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, are part of several awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
“Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Boroughs. “The projects selected this year illustrate the value of combining community policing with the latest technology and investigative techniques to keep our neighborhoods safe. We are proud to work with these agencies.”
This year’s projects include funding a criminal operation research and evaluation unit, hiring a gang investigator, and purchasing a ballistics comparison microscope.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Two skilled nursing care centers resolve allegations of Americans with Disabilities Act violationsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two nursing home chains in Western Washington have resolved allegations they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying admission to prospective residents because of their Substance Use Disorder (SUD). One of the nursing home groups resolved a second ADA complaint that it failed to provide a sign-language interpreter for a patient who is deaf.
“It can be difficult to find appropriate nursing home care for our loved ones,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “It should not be made more difficult by care centers who discriminate against those with disabilities, violating the ADA. I am pleased that both skilled nursing groups identified in these cases are changing their policies and training to comply with the ADA.”
Avalon Health Care Management Inc. manages three care centers in Western Washington: Avalon Care Center Federal Way; Benson Heights Rehabilitation Center; and Grays Harbor Health and Rehabilitation. The company previously managed Willapa Harbor Health and Rehabilitation. An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office determined that Avalon facilities engaged in discrimination by denying admission to individuals with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The U.S. Attorney’s Office found that in some instances, patients were denied admission because they were prescribed FDA approved medication for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). As part of the settlement Avalon will submit a draft non-discrimination policy to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review. After approval, Avalon will post the policy at its facilities and will train its employees and contractors on the policy and on medications to treat SUD. Avalon will keep training and admission logs for review by the government and will alert government investigators to any ADA complaints. Avalon is to pay the government $12,000. However, $10,000 of the penalty is suspended pending successful compliance with the requirements of the settlement.
Arcadia Medical Resorts operates two skilled nursing care facilities in Renton as well as facilities in University Place and Union Gap, Washington. The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation determined that individuals were denied admission to the Arcadia facilities because of their Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Arcadia agrees to update its policies and not discriminate against persons who have been prescribed medication for their Opioid Use Disorder. The chain will undertake new training and keep logs of training and patient admissions. Any ADA complaints will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Like Avalon, Arcadia will pay the government $12,000. However, $10,000 of the penalty is suspended pending successful compliance with the requirements of the settlement.
Finally, in a different settlement, Avalon Health Care - Federal Way LLC, has agreed to pay a patient who is deaf $20,500, for violating the ADA by failing to provide the patient with a qualified sign-language interpreter while the patient was recovering from back surgery. The patient was in the facility from February 18, 2021, to March 11, 2021. Avalon did not act on the patient’s requests for a sign-language interpreter so the patient could not communicate with staff about her treatment plan or physical therapy.
Avalon disputes many of the government findings, but to avoid the cost and uncertainty of litigation, is choosing to resolve the matter. The settlement requires Avalon to put training, policies, and procedures in place to ensure staff do not violate the ADA and provide appropriate communication devices or services to the patients who need such assistance. The settlement lists a number of required improvements regarding evaluations, contracting, dissemination of policies and complaint tracking. The government will review the compliance for 18 months.
The patient who is deaf was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by the Northwest Justice Project.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington has investigated several similar complaints from patients who are deaf or hard of hearing regarding failures to provide communication assistance in the health care setting. Those settlements are detailed in the Disability Rights section of our website.