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Friday 20 October 2023
Mexican city council woman admits to trafficking nearly a million dollars in cocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old Reynosa, Tamaulipas, city council woman has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On June 10, Denisse Ahumada-Martinez drove a vehicle from Reynosa, Mexico, into the United States to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint. An X-ray search of the vehicle revealed multiple anomalies believed to be narcotics concealed within the vehicle.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement conducted a search of her vehicle and found approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $900,000.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 31, 2024. At that time, Ahumada-Martinez faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the case.
Methamphetamine, fentanyl trafficking send Missoula man to prison for more than six yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community after a traffic stop in which officers found drugs, a firearm and some cash was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eric Anthony Navarro, 33, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Navarro was involved in importing meth and fentanyl into Montana to be sold in the Missoula area using short term property rentals. On Feb. 4, law enforcement pulled over a vehicle, in which Navarro was a passenger, for a traffic stop. Navarro was taken into custody. In a later search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered meth, fentanyl pills, heroin, a firearm and $279 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Member of Catalytic Converter Theft Crew Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from over 490 vehicles. It is alleged that the crew stole from ATMs and jewelry stores.
Santo Feliberty, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy to commit bank theft; bank theft; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm charge arises from a pistol and ammunition found during the search of Feliberty’s residence as part of the catalytic converter theft investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 31, 2024
Feliberty and six other men were arrested on April 12, 2023, and charged with offenses related to the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from over 490 vehicles during 2022 and 2023.
Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem across a multitude of state, local, and federal jurisdictions due to the high-valued precious metals they contain – some of which are more valuable than gold, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each in recent years. The theft of a vehicle’s catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced.
Feliberty was a member of an organized crew that stole catalytic converters from at least 492 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement, however. According to court documents, the crew was skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances – often utilizing battery operated power-tools, car jacks. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, the defendants targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles.
It is alleged that the crew was led by Rafael Davila, who engaged in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis – committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Rafael Davila was allegedly responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. It is further alleged that he maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off.
During the plea hearing, Feliberty admitted to participating in thefts of catalytic converters from 52 vehicles across eight cities and towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then sell them to Jose Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers in the Northeast – transacting approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week. Torres then sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma.
In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, Feliberty pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal from ATMs of federally insured banks in Massachusetts on three separate occasions in December 2022. It is alleged that this conspiracy involved the use of stolen trucks to rip the ATMs from the ground and gain access to the vault.
Feliberty also admitted to committing burglaries of two New Hampshire jewelry stores on Jan. 12, 2023, and the theft of a trailer on Dec. 14, 2022. The combined total value of the jewelry stolen during the burglaries was determined to be over $137,000, with each store facing approximately $10,000 in costs to repair the resulting damage.
Additionally, a firearm and ammunition were found at Feliberty’s residence. Feliberty is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
On May 17, 2023, Torres pleaded guilty to his role in the catalytic converter theft conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023. On May 24, 2023, Oyola pleaded guilty to the ATM and jewelry store burglaries and will be sentenced at a later date. On March 13, 2023, Nicolas Davila pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on January 9, 2024. Charges against Rafael Davila, Carlos Fonseca and Zachary Marshall are pending and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of interstate transportation of stolen property each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of bank theft provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN). Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Over 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts police departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Mansfield, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham New Hampshire police departments also contributed. The South Windsor and Windsor Connecticut Police Departments also contributed to the investigation.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man sentenced to 18 months in prison for making racially-motivated harassing calls to African American woman employed at Billings churchRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man who admitted making numerous racially-motivated harassing calls to an African American woman employed at a Billings church was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, formerly of Dillon, pleaded guilty in June to harassing phone calls.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $617 restitution.
“When Hiestand, a white man, went to a Billings church looking for help, an elderly African American woman who worked there responded with kindness and assistance. In return and for nearly two years, Hiestand launched a barrage of harassing hateful and racist calls and voicemails at her and the church. His racist conduct isn’t just abhorrent, it is illegal. We are better than this,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In a statement to the court, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, said Hiestand’s messages contained racist rants and obscenities. “The first message made me sick. I literally started shaking. What he said really frightened me. I get high anxiety when I listen to those messages,” Jane Doe said.
In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that in November 2020, Hiestand, a white man, went to a church in Billings looking for a job and money. Jane Doe, an elderly African American who works at the church, gave him a gift card. Several days later, Hiestand left a voicemail for Jane Doe and, using a racial epithet, said he would give more money to the church if it did not employ an African American. The next month, Hiestand reached Jane Doe on the phone and referenced his “white friends” and, again, how he would contribute to the church if it did not employ African Americans. Hiestand’s behavior escalated. In another voicemail from Hiestand, he stated, “Nobody wants you here.” Jane Doe contacted the Billings Police Department, and officers identified Hiestand as the caller. In a telephone interview with law enforcement, Hiestand apologized for his conduct. But his behavior continued. In August 2021, Hiestand left another voicemail and, using a racial epithet, told Jane Doe that the “world is going to end because of your black ass race.” Hiestand’s conduct continued for approximately the next 19 months. Hiestand also made similar threatening and racially motivated calls to Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the southern United States. The investigation determined that Hiestand placed the calls from outside of Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl Linked to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ron Montgomery, age 43, of Richland has been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Senior United States District Court Judge Edward F. Shea imposed a sentence of 51 months in federal custody followed by five years of supervised release.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, investigators were led to Montgomery, following the death of a man in July of 2018 from a fentanyl overdose. Montgomery, along with Christopher West, who was sentenced in March, were identified as being responsible for selling the pills to the man that died. During the next several months, investigators conducted surveillance on Montgomery and witnessed hundreds of quick visits to his residences, indicative of ongoing drug distribution. A search warrant was ultimately executed at Montgomery’s residence where fentanyl laced pills, firearms and other evidence of distribution were located.
Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington stated, “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing our great nation. The sentence imposed sends a stern warning to those who may seek to distribute this poison in our community that they will face significant consequences. The Eastern District of Washington is safer and stronger today as a result of the incredible partnership of our law enforcement agencies, who came together to investigate and successfully prosecute this important and tragic case.”
"Mr. Montgomery distributed dangerous drugs into his own community for years." said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. "While we have taken one drug dealer off the streets, the FBI and our partners will continue working to provide safer neighborhoods for the citizens we've sworn to protect."
This case was investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force which includes additional officers and detectives from the Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, Richland Police Department, Border Patrol and Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
4:20-CR-06003-SMJ
Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine disguised as Adderall, Xanax or oxycodone in and around the Malden area.
Matthew Ramos, 26, pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2023 to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Jan. 18, 2024. Under the terms of Ramos’ plea agreement, he faces a sentence of 90 months in prison.
Ramos was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021 along with co-defendant Igor Desouza. A search of the defendants’ residence on May 25, 2021 resulted in the recovery of a firearm, over 200 rounds of ammunition, black tar heroin, MDMA crystals, cocaine, doses of LSD and nearly 10,000 pills that include thousands of methamphetamine pills pressed to resemble Adderall or Xanax; thousands of fentanyl pills (some mixed with xylazine) pressed to resemble oxycodone; thousands of MDMA tablets; amphetamines; and oxycodone.
Desouza pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1, 2023.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Malden Police Department; and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Offenses and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced yesterday to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the U.S. Marshals Service, Western District of Kentucky, made the announcement.
According to court documents, Brandon Keeling, 39, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Keeling was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On February 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of complicity to trafficking methamphetamine, fleeing or evading police in the first degree, wanton endangerment in first degree, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On January 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of complicity to trafficking cocaine.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert B. Bonar prosecuted the case.
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Loan Brokers and Bank Loan Officer Sentenced for Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two operators of a loan brokerage business and a loan officer at a Massachusetts-based bank were sentenced today for conspiring to defraud a bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Ted Capodilupo, 58, of South Easton; Joseph Masci, 72, of Boston; and Brian Ferris, 45, of Braintree, were each sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Additionally, Capodilupo and Masci were each ordered to pay restitution of $1,424,087 and Ferris was ordered to pay restitution of $1,236,251. The defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Between 2015 and 2018, Capodilupo, Masci and Ferris agreed to defraud a bank and the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the bank, which administered the SBA’s small business express loan program, to secure bank loans guaranteed by the SBA. Specifically, Capodilupo and Masci submitted dozens of fraudulent loan applications on behalf of borrowers who were ineligible for traditional business loans. These loan applications misrepresented, among other things, the identity of the real loan recipients and the businesses for which the loans were sought.
Capodilupo and Masci also falsified applicant signatures and falsely indicated that no broker had assisted in preparing or referring the loan applications, when they in fact charged borrowers excessive fees for obtaining these fraudulent loans. Ferris, who worked as a loan officer at the bank, processed the fraudulent loan applications and in some cases fabricated federal tax forms in support of the applications. Ferris caused the bank to issue loans for which Capodilupo and Masci submitted applications and received a kickback from Capodilupo and Masci of approximately $500 per loan. The scheme generated approximately $270,000 in fees for Capodilupo and Masci. Many of the loans that the bank issued as a result of the fraudulent applications ultimately defaulted, resulting in substantial losses to the bank.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), New York Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Laredo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for False Statement During Firearm PurchaseRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A U.S. District Judge in San Antonio sentenced a Laredo man yesterday to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for providing a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer. FBI agents arrested him in April 2023; he pleaded guilty to an indictment on June 22, 2023.
According to court documents, Brandon Ray Speed, 20, provided an incorrect home address when he attempted to purchase a 12-gauge shotgun at a sporting goods store in San Antonio on December 11, 2022. Speed’s attempted purchase was delayed due to expanded background checks for purchasers under age 21 required under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and he never completed the purchase.
At sentencing, the prosecution explained that the Laredo Police Department arrested Speed in December 2022 for making terroristic threats related to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Speed had a history of using firearms to promote and amplify his social media posts glorifying the Uvalde gunman, which included a video clip of Speed driving past the memorial at Robb Elementary school, with the caption “Long Live Salvador.” The prosecution argued that Speed’s history of alien smuggling activities warranted an increased sentence and that a substantial sentence was needed because of the dangers Speed posed to the community, which included his admission that he fantasized about committing a school shooting.
The FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center, in conjunction with local law enforcement’s San Antonio Behavioral Threat Assessment Group, provided key information and analysis to assist prosecutors and investigators in this case, including an assessment that Speed posed a high risk of committing acts of violence, which helped authorities to allocate resources appropriately.
“This is a great example of coordinated efforts by local and federal law enforcement to intervene early and keep our community safe using the full panoply of prosecutorial options at our disposal,” said Jaime Esparza, United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. “I thank our partners at the FBI for their commitment to the investigation in this case, which led to our prosecution and prevented the defendant from inflicting any danger in our communities.”
“Brandon Speed provided false statements on an official form while trying to purchase a gun after demonstrating concerning behavior in several other areas of his life,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich, Jr. for the FBI San Antonio Division. “I would like to thank the San Antonio Behavioral Threat Assessment Group, the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, and our local law enforcement partners for their exceptional work on this case.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department to Award More Than $96.7 Million in Grants to American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today, through its Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), announced that it has awarded 182 grants to 111 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, totaling more than $96.7 million.
“This grant program was created in recognition of the fact that Tribes are in the best position to determine how to meet the most urgent public safety challenges facing their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These resources will go directly to supporting Tribes’ efforts to bolster their law enforcement capabilities, combat gender-based and domestic violence, and provide support to victims. The Justice Department will continue to serve as partners to Tribes as they work to ensure the safety of their communities.”
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that our resources support Tribal sovereignty and address acute public safety challenges in Indian Country and in rural Alaska,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who announced the awards today in remarks to the Alaska Federation of Natives in Anchorage. “We are committed to working with our Tribal partners to make our resources more accessible to Tribal communities.”
The tribal grant awards are designed to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses, improve the handling of child abuse cases, combat domestic and sexual violence, support tribal youth programs, and fund an array of services for American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims. The awards are administered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).
In addition to the CTAS awards, several other Justice Department components announced grant awards to Tribes. For example, OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime has awarded almost $70 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to provide services for crime victims in tribal communities and to increase the quantity and quality of victim-centered services available to assist tribal victims of human trafficking in urban areas.
The Justice Department also awarded more than $8.5 million through OJP's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking to 24 tribes to assist in their compliance with federal law on sex offender registration and notification.
“Through partnership and collaboration with tribal leaders, we are identifying the specific assistance that tribal communities need to ensure safety and justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP. “These awards support innovative programs that address challenges faced by law enforcement, improve crime prevention and intervention, strengthen victim services, and protect American Indian and Alaska Native people from violence.”
Of the more than $96.7 million in grants awarded under CTAS, a streamlined application that helps Tribes apply for tribal-specific grant programs, OJP made more than $66 million in awards, and the COPS Office made nearly $30 million.
The COPS Office used these funds to assist 49 Tribes in hiring personnel, equipment, and training grants to expand the implementation of community policing. Specifically, this funding can be used to hire or re-hire full-time career law enforcement officers, Village Public Safety Officers and school resource officers and to procure essential equipment, technology, and training to assist in initiating or enhancing tribal policing efforts.
“The COPS Office is honored to be able to continue our support to our Tribal partners and provide funding for vital resources to help agencies enhance their law enforcement responses to the communities they serve,” said Director Hugh T. Clements of the COPS Office. “We know that this support is integral to enhancing public safety and continuing to build trust and sustain relationships.”
About the Office of Justice Programs
OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice, assist victims, and uphold the rule of law.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime-fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Since 1994, the COPS Office has appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to over 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Architects and Builders of Hawaii Apartment Complexes to Resolve Allegations of Disability-Based DiscriminationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Hawaii-based developer, Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., and other defendants have agreed to pay $120,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The department’s lawsuit, filed in 2019 and amended in 2022, alleges that the defendants failed to design and build five multifamily housing complexes in Hawaii with required accessible features for persons with disabilities.
Under the agreement, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, the defendants are required to make extensive retrofits at the properties, including replacing or modifying steps and overly steep slopes on sidewalks and walkways, lowering mailboxes so that people with disabilities can reach them and modifying doorways, kitchens and bathrooms so that persons in wheelchairs can use them. The defendants will also pay $200,000 for additional accessibility-related improvements at one of the properties.
“People with disabilities have the right to safe and accessible housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under this agreement, hundreds of apartment units in Hawaii will be significantly improved so that people with disabilities are able to easily navigate the property. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce our federal civil rights laws to address discrimination faced by people with disabilities across our country.”
“These Hawaii developers were required by law to provide accessibility features for persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii. “Enforcement of these federal rights is a priority, and this settlement marks significant progress towards achieving it.”
The five properties in this case are Napilihau Villages, in Lahaina; Napili Villas, in Lahaina; Wailea Fairway Villas, in Kihei; Kahului Town Terrace, in Kahului; and Palehua Terrace Phase I, in Kapolei. Two of these properties — Kahului Town Terrace and Palehua Terrace Phase I — were designed as affordable housing under the federal government’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The other defendants are Martin V. Cooper, Design Partners Inc., Michael N. Goshi, Fritz Johnson Inc., Frederick M. Johnson, Stanford Carr Development LLC, SCD Wailea Fairways LLC, Sato & Associates Inc., Fukumoto Engineering Inc., Rojac Construction Inc., Delta Construction Corp., Warren S. Unemori Engineering Inc., GYA Architects Inc. and Goodfellow Bros. LLC.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. The FHA requires that residential buildings with four or more units constructed after March 13, 1991, have basic accessible features. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report disability discrimination or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
View the proposed consent order here.
Justice Department Secures Agreement Requiring New York Village to End Discrimination Against Orthodox Jewish ResidentsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has obtained a consent decree with the village of Airmont, New York (Airmont), resolving the United States’ lawsuit under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
The lawsuit alleged that Airmont had revised its zoning code in 2018 to discriminate against Orthodox Jewish residents and make it more difficult for them to worship in their own homes. The consent decree increases the amount of space in private homes that can be used for worship, removes restrictions that limited who residents are allowed to invite into their own homes to pray and eliminates the use of an arbitrary, drawn-out application process designed to delay and effectively deny permits for even minor alterations to private houses. Since 1991, this is the third lawsuit brought by the United States against Airmont for discriminating against the Orthodox Jewish community.
“Zoning laws that intentionally make it more difficult to engage in religious worship and that are designed to impair the rights of obstruct religious communities violate federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a message to officials across the country that we will hold them accountable when they abuse zoning restrictions to stop religious communities from freely exercising their faith. The Justice Department will tirelessly defend the right of all faiths and religions to worship in the manner consistent with their religious beliefs and traditions.”
“When religious intolerance poses a threat to the unity of this nation of many faiths and traditions, it is vital to stand up for the First Amendment right to freedom of worship,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “While we are pleased that Airmont has agreed to settle this matter, the fact that this is the third time we have sued the Village over similar concerns demonstrates that this office will be ever vigilant in protecting the rights of religious minorities.”
This consent decree follows the department’s announcement commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the signing of RLUIPA. The department will host a series of outreach events and has released updated informational materials about RLUIPA to provide an overview of the law and the department’s enforcement efforts, as well as information about how to identify and report violations. The department’s first RLUIPA outreach event will take place at Seton Hall Law School in Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 30. For more information about these events, please see the department’s RLUIPA website. All events will be open to the public.
In June 2018, the Justice Department announced its Place to Worship Initiative, which focuses on RLUIPA’s provisions that protect the rights of houses of worship and other religious institutions to worship on their land. RLUIPA authorizes the department to commence an action against any local government that implements a land use regulation that places a substantial burden on religious exercise, discriminates on the basis of religion, treats religious land uses worse than nonreligious assemblies or totally or unreasonable excludes religious land use. More information is available at www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to religious discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the complaint portal on the Place to Worship Initiative website. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.
View the consent decree here.
Justice Department Participates in the 22nd Annual International Competition Network Conference in Barcelona, SpainRead the Press Release
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Manish Kumar of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division led the delegation at the International Competition Network’s (ICN) 22nd annual conference, hosted by the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 18-20. The division received an ICN Advocacy Working Group – World Bank Competition Advocacy Contest award for its work in effectuating the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kumar spoke on the Cartel Working Group plenary on “Transforming Cartel Enforcement in ICN’s Third Decade: Current Trends and the Challenges Ahead,” where he discussed the use of international cooperation to generate cases, the department’s recent resolutions in the generic drugs industry and lessons learned from recent trials.
“Now in its third decade, ICN has cemented itself as a key forum for international collaboration,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kumar. “The United States and competition authorities around the world share the important mission to find antitrust crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, and we benefit when we share perspectives and expertise.”
In awarding the World Bank Competition Advocacy Contest Award to the division, the ICN recognized the division's work in effectuating the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy. The award recognizes the division’s work developing relationships with agencies across the U.S. government through memoranda of understanding, case coordination and cooperation, training and education exchanges, case referrals, technical assistance and formal comments to advocate for competition. This initiative was a remarkable leap forward for a whole-of-government approach to competition enforcement and policy and it has already yielded tangible results, including more effective merger enforcement, investigation and case referrals and competition-focused rulemaking.
Delegates from the ICN’s member jurisdictions included agency leadership and staff, competition experts from international organizations and the legal, business, academic and consumer communities. Nearly 100 jurisdictions participated in the conference, which showcased the achievements of the ICN’s Advocacy, Agency Effectiveness, Cartel, Merger and Unilateral Conduct Working Groups and examined a range of competition enforcement and policy issues.
The division currently co-chairs the Cartel Working Group with Italy and Chile. The Cartel Working Group’s breakout sessions focused on topics such as labor market enforcement, detecting cases beyond leniency and the tools needed for cartel investigations in the digital area.
The Merger Working Group’s plenary focused on digital mergers. Merger Working Group breakout sessions focused on topics such as non-horizontal mergers and investigative techniques in merger control.
The Agency Effectiveness Working Group’s plenary focused on how competition agencies set priorities. Agency Effectiveness Working Group breakout sessions focused on topics such as technologies and techniques for collecting and processing information in antitrust cases and effectively using innovative detection tools.
The Unilateral Conduct Working Group’s plenary focused on challenges in unilateral conduct cases. Unilateral Conduct Working Group breakout sessions focused on topics such as effective remedies in unilateral conduct cases and the interaction between antitrust and regulation in digital markets.
The ICN was created in October 2001 to increase understanding of competition policy and promote convergence toward sound antitrust enforcement around the world. It was founded by 15 agencies, including the division, and now boasts a diverse membership of competition agencies from over 140 jurisdictions, supported by a wide network of non-governmental advisors from around the world.
Justice Department Announces Violence Against Women Act Alaska Pilot ProgramRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the launch of a pilot program under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that will allow Alaska Native Tribes to seek to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction (STCJ) over non-Indian offenders for certain crimes, including crimes of sexual and domestic violence. The Department’s implementation plan for the Alaska Pilot Program provides opportunities for Alaska Native communities to access technical assistance and other resources to help build the capacity of their criminal justice systems and strengthen public safety.
“The launch of this pilot program marks an important step forward in the Justice Department’s public safety partnership with Alaska Native communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The program was developed in close consultation with Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations and represents our continued commitment to helping Tribal communities meet the most urgent public safety challenges they are facing. I discussed the implementation plan with Tribal representatives when I visited Alaska in August, and I look forward to continuing to work with Tribal partners to help the Alaska Pilot Program succeed.”
“Last year, at the first Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation in Alaska, the Department of Justice heard from Alaska Native leaders about how to best make their communities safer,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “We listened. The launch of this pilot program honors the Department’s commitment to working with Alaska Native communities to extend the benefits and promise of VAWA throughout the entire state of Alaska.”
“This week, I met with advocates, law enforcement, and care providers in Anchorage and Nome to discuss the acute crisis of sexual and domestic violence in rural Alaskan communities,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who announced the Pilot Program’s launch in remarks to the Alaska Federation of Natives today in Anchorage. “VAWA 2022 is an important step forward in ensuring Tribes can keep their communities safe from those offenses. As I said today at the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention, we hope that all Tribes will consider participating in this important program.”
The Violence Against Women reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) included a historic provision – originally proposed by the Justice Department – that recognized the inherent authority of Tribes to exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders who commit domestic-violence-related crimes in Indian country. Tribes in Alaska, however, were generally unable to exercise special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction because there is so little Indian country in Alaska.
In the VAWA 2022 Reauthorization, Congress expanded this criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders to extend to crimes of sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, child violence, obstruction of justice, and assault of Tribal justice personnel in Indian country.
VAWA 2022 also includes provisions specific to Tribes in Alaska. The first recognizes the inherent authority of Tribes in Alaska Native villages to exercise criminal and civil jurisdiction over all Indians present in the Village. And the second establishes a pilot program to enable Alaska Tribes designated by the Attorney General as “participating Tribes” to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders who commit covered crimes in their Villages. The statute gives preference to Tribes occupying villages with predominantly Indian populations and that do not have a permanent state law enforcement physical presence.
VAWA 2022 mandated that the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and affected Tribes, establish a process to designate Tribes to participate in the pilot program. The process must include a determination by the Attorney General that the criminal justice system of the requesting Tribe has adequate safeguards in place to protect defendants’ rights.
In June 2022, the Justice Department convened an intradepartmental Alaska Pilot Program Working Group. Tribal consultations, which included representatives from the Department of Interior, began in July 2022. Based on feedback received during those consultations, the working group formulated a three-track process for the Pilot Program that meets the requirements set forth in VAWA 2022 and provides Tribes with requested support.
Under Track One, all Alaska Tribes are invited to join an Alaska-specific Inter-Tribal Technical Assistance Working Group (ITWG) on special Tribal criminal jurisdiction to receive technical assistance and peer-to-peer support. This Alaska-specific ITWG will be supported by an Office on Violence Against Women technical assistance award to the Alaska Native Justice Center and its partners.
Under Track Two, any Alaska Tribe may opt to become a Preliminary Pilot Program Tribe by completing a questionnaire to assess their readiness to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction and identify any gaps in meeting the statutory requirements for exercising special Tribal criminal jurisdiction. Each Tribe that completes a questionnaire will be assigned a federal liaison, who will work alongside the Alaska Technical Assistance Provider to assist the Tribe in addressing unmet requirements and further building their criminal justice system capacity.
Under Track Three, an Alaska Tribe may seek Attorney General designation as a Participating Pilot Program Tribe by completing the same questionnaire used for Track Two. Department staff who review the questionnaire will either recommend Attorney General designation or invite the Tribe to participate (or continue to participate) in readiness activities under Track Two.
This framework will permit any Tribe in Alaska to take part in the Pilot Program, without requiring any commitment to ultimately seek Attorney General designation. Importantly, it provides a mechanism for Alaska Tribes to receive federal guidance and technical assistance to develop their criminal justice capacity.
Alaska Tribes interested in participating in the pilot program may contact the Department by email at [email protected].
More information about the Justice Department’s work in American Indian and Alaska Native communities is available at www.justice.gov/tribal.
Jefferson County Chiropractor Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison, Ordered to Repay $16 MillionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a chiropractor from Jefferson County, Missouri to four years in prison and ordered her to repay $16.4 million lost to disability fraud, U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming announced Friday.
Vivian Carbone-Hobbs, now 61, of Fenton, was convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in February of conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration, 10 counts of health care fraud and two counts of theft of money from the United States.
Carbone-Hobbs and her husband, Thomas G. Hobbs, are co-owners of Power-Med Inc., a chiropractic clinic in Arnold, Missouri. The couple, some of their employees and others conspired with each other and others to fraudulently obtain disability payments for patients. In exchange for upfront fees of thousands of dollars, Carbone-Hobbs, Hobbs and others would coach patients on how to pretend to be unable to work and unable to lift objects, sit, stand and walk. Patients had to pay hundreds of dollars for annual appointments to keep qualifying for disability payments.
Carbone-Hobbs was also billing insurance companies for services that were not provided.
Hobbs, 65, pleaded guilty in January to a conspiracy charge and admitted conspiring to commit the crimes of health care fraud, making false statements, theft of government funds and Social Security fraud. He was sentenced in September to four years in prison and ordered to repay $4.3 million.
The cases were investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Berry, Dorothy McMurtry, Diane Klocke and Gwendolyn Carroll are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who suspects fraud involving the Disability Insurance Benefit Program is asked to contact the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
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. 19 was:
Jacci Christen Heinemann, 32, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Heinemann faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Heinemann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-115.
Edward Anthony Torres, 27, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Torres faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Torres was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-52.
Appearing on Oct. 17 was:
Sayra Longfox, 25, of Lodge Grass, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Longfox faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Longfox was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-102.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Oct. 16 was:
Eric Stephen Hadnott, 44, of Billings, on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hadnott faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hadnott was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-146.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 18 was:
David Scott Retzer, 41, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Retzer faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Retzer was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-115.
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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Imperial Valley Doctor Sentenced for Years-Long Use of Unapproved Cosmetic DrugsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 20, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Tien Tan Vo, a doctor practicing in Imperial Valley, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for crimes related to his years-long use of foreign unapproved and misbranded cosmetic drugs. According to his plea and court records, Vo injected as many as 178 patients with unapproved drugs that had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico.
Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard sentenced Vo to three years of probation and ordered him to pay a $201,534 fine and forfeit the $100,767 in proceeds he made from his use of unlawful cosmetic drugs. A restitution hearing is set for December 7, 2023, to finalize an order for restitution to potential victims.
In August, Vo pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts: receipt of misbranded drugs in interstate commerce and being an accessory after the fact to Flor Cham, who smuggled the unapproved drugs into the United States from Mexico. Cham is charged in case number 23-cr-01926-JLS.
In his plea agreement, Vo admitted that none of the injectable botulinum toxin or lip fillers used by his clinics between November 2016 and October 2020 were approved for use in the United States. This specifically included a botulinum toxin product called “Xeomeen” and an injectable lip filler called Probcel—both products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
According to court papers, Vo used these unapproved drugs on approximately 178 patients over about four years. Many were never told that they received unapproved drugs as part of their treatment.
“The public faith in the FDA approval process relies on medical providers adhering to those rules,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “By side-stepping the safety and approval protocols of the FDA, Dr. Vo compromised care and put profits before patients. But thanks to the hard work of the agencies and our federal restitution process, those ill-gained profits will be recovered in this case.”
“Today’s sentencing serves as our promise to use every tool to investigate and hold accountable those who deliberately smuggle and administer products that pose a significant public health threat,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to prosecute those individuals who deceive and threaten our communities.”
“The FDA’s requirements help ensure that patients receive safe and effective medical treatments. Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved drugs to U.S. consumers will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic in unapproved drugs.”
A restitution hearing is set for December 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Allison H. Goddard.
Potential victims related to this case may provide or request information by emailing [email protected]. Individuals may submit written statements including information about potential losses or requests for refunds that may be included as part of the restitution ordered on December 7, 2023.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr1700-AHG
Tien Tan Vo Age: 47 El Centro, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Accessory After the Fact to Entry of Goods by Means of False Statement – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 542 and 3
Maximum penalty: one year in prison, fine of $100,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss
Receipt in Interstate Commerce of Misbranded Drugs and Delivery for Pay or Otherwise – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 331(c) and 333(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: one year in prison, fine of $1,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
Houston man sentenced for manipulating and trafficking 13-year-oldRead the Press Release
HOUSTON –A 28-year-old Houston resident will now spend more than two decades in prison following his conviction for sex trafficking a 7th grader, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juwan James Davis pleaded guilty March 2.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Davis to serve 25 years in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including how Davis tried to manipulate and control the minor victim four years later by contacting her from jail and attempting to get her to drop the charges. Davis was further ordered to serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. Davis will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Tragically, the young victim in this case died just a few months ago at the tender age of 18. Five years ago, when she was only 13, she should have been participating in what normal middle schoolers do - soccer games, school plays and pep rallies,” said Hamdani. “Instead, Juwan James Davis sold her body for sex; something a 7th grader should never have to endure. This sentence not only sends a message to others who prey on young children, but also gives this young victim’s family a sense of justice. It is just a shame she was not able to be in court to see it for herself.”
The investigation began in February 2018 after authorities suspected Davis had trafficked a minor for sex. The victim was a 13-year-old girl.
She told authorities she met Davis on Snapchat and that he wanted her to have sex for money. Davis posted ads of her wearing lingerie on Backpage to advertise her for commercial sex.
The victim told investigators Davis drove her to the hotels and would wait down the street until she finished engaging in commercial sex with the customers. Once finished, the victim would contact Davis who would pick her up and take the money.
The victim also reported Davis supplied her with drugs and had her branded by taking her to get a tattoo with his initials.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Davis’ phone and found communications between him and the victim in which they discuss her engaging in commercial sex and the amounts to charge for these acts. The phone contained several pictures of the victim, some of which were used in the Backpage ads. There were also pictures of the 7th grader with a tattoo of Davis’ initials on her buttocks.
Tragically, the minor victim passed away earlier this year at the age of 18.
Davis will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Kim Leo prosecuted the case.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, HSI, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Honduran National Living in Bridgeport Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Robers Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NELSON ROMERO-MARTINEZ, 45, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Bridgeport, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
The indictment was returned on October 18, 2023, and Romero-Martinez was arrested today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2007, Romero-Martinez was convicted in Connecticut state court of second-degree assault. He received a five-year prison sentence and was removed to Honduras in approximately January 2010. Romero-Martinez subsequently tried to reenter the U.S. at least three more times and was deported to Honduras each time. He successfully and unlawfully reentered the U.S. and, on August 5, 2023, was arrested by Bridgeport Police in connection with an alleged stabbing incident.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Romero-Martinez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to over 33 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced to serve a total of 400 months in federal prison and pay a $10,000 fine for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Jarvin Maurice Summerall, 38, was sentenced on October 19, 2023, in U.S. District Court.
According to court documents, from October 2021 through December 2021, Summerall conspired with others, including his sister, Tara Shametrice Summerall, to distribute methamphetamine. The investigation involved multiple controlled purchases and seizures that revealed the scope of the operation, which not only involved over four kilograms of methamphetamine, but seven pounds of marijuana, Lortabs, Percocets, heroin and cocaine being distributed in the Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi area.
Co-defendant Tara Summerall entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced on August 2, 2023, to 39 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and acting Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, Hattiesburg Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal drug trafficking in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, and surrounding areas. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Harrisburg Man Convicted for Role in Straw Purchasing Firearms for FelonsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Johnny Quinones, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted on October 18, 2023, of straw purchasing a gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and conspiracy, after a bench trial before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Quinones conspired with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Quinones was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions.
On August 11, 2020, Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the City of Harrisburg where a victim was shot in the head. They eventually focused on Johnny Quinones, a felon. The investigation ultimately revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was buying guns for felons. Mansfield bought seven guns in a two-month period, and each time he lied on the forms about who was going to receive the guns. All of guns ended up in the possession of people prohibited by law from possessing the guns.
The following coconspirators pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and were sentenced:
- Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison;
- Michael Windham was sentenced to 46 months in prison; and
- Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Richard Euliss are 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.
All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Harris County man sentenced for trafficking meth in Jefferson CountyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Seabrook man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Justin Hall McSpadden, 45, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 20, 2023.
According to information presented in court, on October 1, 2021, McSpadden sold four ounces of methamphetamine for $1,200.00 to an individual at the Petro Truck Stop located at 5405 Walden Road in Beaumont. Later that same day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on McSpadden on Cardinal Drive in Beaumont. During the traffic stop, law enforcement located an additional two ounces of methamphetamine inside a toolbox in the vehicle and a handgun on the driver’s side floorboard. McSpadden was indicted and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson.
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Grand Jury - October 2023Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 4 unsealed Indictments charging 4 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Paul J. Gray, age 48, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender beginning on or about July 20, 2023, and continuing to on or about September 14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Raul Enrique Imperial Ochoa, age 24, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 27, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jason M. Viera Penalbert, age 37, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Viera Penalbert with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl beginning on or about May 16, 2023 and continuing to on or about May 18, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life , and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Viera Penalbert with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on or about May 18, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 20 year’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than three years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Spenser Ware, age 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on or about October 11, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
Four Gang Members Sentenced in the Murder of 10-year old Makiyah WilsonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Four members of the Wellington Park Crew were sentenced today for the murder of 10-year old Makiyah Wilson, an innocent bystander gunned down on July 16, 2018, in the courtyard of a Washington, D.C. apartment complex. The shooting also left multiple people wounded.
The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Qujuan Thomas, 24, was sentenced to 68 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
Darrise Jeffers, 23, was sentenced to 35 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. Mr. Jeffers was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case.
Quentin Michals, 25, was sentenced to 40 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, and multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Mr. Michals was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case.
Gregory Taylor, 27, was sentenced to 65 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
Two other defendants - Isaiah Murchison and Marquell Cobbs - were sentenced on October 6, 2023 to 60 years and 72 month in prison, respectively.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 16, 2018, defendants Isaiah Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Qujuan Thomas, and two other individuals drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood armed with guns. They opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, firing more than 50 shots, indiscriminately. Makiyah Wilson, who was sitting on the front stoop of her home, was killed. Several other people were wounded. Defendants Quentin Michals and Darrise Jeffers assisted the shooters by obtaining the weapons and vehicle used in the shooting. Despite having witnessed the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the identity of the shooters. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch, especially Detective Konstantinos (Gus) Giannakoulias, who investigated the case, and members of the prosecution team, including Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, IT Specialist Charlie Bruce, IT Project Manager Deon Williams, Supervisory Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Clark, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Allen, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, Witness Security Specialist Ashli Tolbert, USAO Criminal Investigator Neil D’Cunha, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and Melissa Jackson, along with former AUSA John Timmer, who investigated the case. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.
Forty-One Charged with Illegal Trafficking, Possession, and Use of Firearms, Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Offenses as a Result of Summer Violent Crime Reduction Effort “Operation Big Easy” in New OrleansRead the Press Release
Federal and local law-enforcement officials announced today that 41 individuals were charged in connection with firearms-trafficking, drug-distribution, conspiracy, and other offenses following a three-month violent crime reduction initiative in New Orleans this summer.
“The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st-century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.”
“For months, incredibly brave ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized New Orleans,” said Director Steve Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The results are now clear: dozens of arrests; scores of seized firearms, including guns previously used in crimes; recoveries of stolen guns and guns with obliterated serial numbers; and the seizure of deadly machine gun conversion devices. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with our courageous partners around the country to further drive down violent crime."
“Many thanks to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable efforts, unrelenting vigilance, and selfless contributions to the Operation Big Easy Initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “When we work together and share information, good results occur. To our community, rest assured that we will continue to combat violent crime throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana. Every resource and every force multiplier we possess, will be used to accomplish that goal.”
Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the ATF New Orleans Division, Special Agent in Charge Bradley L. Byerly of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Division, and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as other narcotics and violence-prevention efforts.
Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. The charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort this past summer, led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners, to clamp down on illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, as well as the associated distribution of drugs, in New Orleans.
Overall, this operation resulted in approximately 71 crime-related firearms being permanently removed from New Orleans’ streets. The seized weapons included a significant number of stolen firearms and others with obliterated serial numbers. NIBIN data connected a number of the firearms to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that took place in the New Orleans area and Gulf Coast region in 2022 and 2023. And six of the weapons are machinegun-conversion devices or “switches,” which enable a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode.
Some of these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas while nearby citizens engaged in their day-to-day errands or recreational activities. During this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized over two kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mix, over one-half kilogram of cocaine and cocaine base, and over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents:
- Michael Lott, 49, Dianta Tropez, 29, Vernell Woodard, 40, Quindele Addison, 47, Sheena Rudolph, 40, and Coris Addison, 23, were charged on Sept. 22 in a superseding indictment.
- Quindele Addison, Woodard, Rudolph and Tropez were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Tropez, Woodard and Quindele Addison were further charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
- Lott, Tropez and Woodard were charged with conspiracy and robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States.
- Lott, Tropez and Woodard with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon.
- Lott, Tropez and Quindele Addison were charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions.
- Quindele Addison was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Quindele Addison and Woodard are charged, jointly, with maintaining a drug involved premises.
- Rashad Montague, 32, was charged Oct. 10 via complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Dawud Barnes, 22, was indicted Oct. 6 for possession and transfer of a machinegun.
- Vin Davis, 43, and William Grace, 45, were indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl.
- Anthony Doyl, 40, and Carlos Guillen, 43, were indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of fentanyl.
- Devin Hilliard, 47, and Stering Pipkins, 39, were indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of cocaine, and Hilliard was additionally charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction.
- Joshua Hogan, 35, was indicted Sept. 29 for distribution of fentanyl.
- Dayshawn Brown, 39, was indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Michael Lewis, 36, was indicted Oct. 6 for distribution of fentanyl/heroin/cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction.
- Troy Locke, 34, was indicted Sept. 8 for unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction.
- Junior Alexander Moncada-Vargas, 34, was indicted Sept. 29 for possession and transfer a machinegun and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as an unauthorized alien.
- Luis Morales, 33, Tyrone Whittington, 38, and Daniel Beck, 43, were indicted Oct. 5. Morales, Whittington, and Beck were charged with distribution of methamphetamine. Morales was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Whittington was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction.
- Tommy Nash, 50 and Loreall Gorden, 38, were indicted Sept. 22 for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of fentanyl.
- Rodney Offray, 49, was indicted Sept. 22 for distribution of fentanyl and heroin.
- Jamar Holmes, 34, was indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and sale of a stolen firearm.
- Kennan Alexis, age 47, was indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Dameron Carmon, 45, were charged Oct. 20 via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- Daniel Smith, 55, were charged Oct. 20 via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in Orleans Criminal District Court, according to court documents:
- Johnny Milton, 42, drug trafficking.
- Brandon Adiar, 49, drug trafficking.
- Kenneth Tyler, 46, drug trafficking.
- Brandon Jackson, 33, drug trafficking.
- Calvin Smith, 44, drug trafficking.
- Cordero Johnson, 35, drug trafficking.
- Ernest Cloud, 29, drug trafficking.
- LC Nixon, 33, drug trafficking.
- Cierra Craig, 34, drug trafficking.
- Ormond King, 31, drug trafficking.
- Zed Jones, age 32, illegal possession of a firearm
ATF investigated the cases, with assistance from the DEA, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, with additional thanks to the New Orleans Emergency Management Service and Crime Stoppers, GNO. This operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- Michael Lott, 49, Dianta Tropez, 29, Vernell Woodard, 40, Quindele Addison, 47, Sheena Rudolph, 40, and Coris Addison, 23, were charged on Sept. 22 in a superseding indictment.
Forty-One Charged with Illegal Trafficking, Possession, and Use of Firearms, Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Offenses as a Result of Summer Violent Crime Reduction Effort “Operation Big Easy” in New OrleansRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to announce that 41 individuals were charged with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a three-month, summertime violent-crime-reduction initiative in New Orleans. Operation Big Easy was a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) enforcement initiative of collected firearm casings for the time period of August 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023 that produced data points of high-density shootings and homicides in seven areas of New Orleans related to individuals engaged in criminal activity. The vast majority of these individuals were charged in United States District Court, while the rest were charged in state court. They were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests made during the last two weeks.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Special Agent in Charge Bradley L. Byerly and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as other narcotics and violence-prevention efforts.
Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy ATF- led investigation, that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of New Orleans. These areas were selected after studying gun-crime violence data and then identifying illegal firearms sellers in an effort to disrupt their trafficking. Overall, this operation resulted in the seizure and permanent removal of approximately 71 firearms and from New Orleans’ streets. The firearms seized or purchased firearms included stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, “switches,” already-loaded firearms, assault rifles, and firearms previously used to commit violent crimes. NIBIN data showed that a number of those firearms were connected to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that occurred in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas in 2022 and 2023. Of the purchased firearms, six contained machinegun conversion devices or “switches”—a device that enables a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode.
Some of these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas in close proximity to law-abiding citizens engaged in their daily errands or recreational activities. During this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized over 2 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mix, over one-half kilogram of cocaine and cocaine base, and over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine. Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. In all cases, however, these charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort over the summer. This effort was led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and designed to reduce both illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, and the distribution of drugs in New Orleans.
“The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.”
“For months, incredibly brave ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized New Orleans,” said ATF Director Steve Dettelbach. “The results are now clear: dozens of arrests; scores of seized firearms, including guns previously used in crimes; recoveries of stolen guns and guns with obliterated serial numbers; and the seizure of deadly machine gun conversion devices. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with our courageous partners around the country to further drive down violent crime."
”Many thanks to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable efforts, unrelenting vigilance, and selfless contributions to the Operation Big Easy Initiative,” said United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. “When we work together and share information, good results occur. “To our community, rest assured that we will continue to combat violent crime throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana. Every resource and every force multiplier we possess, will be used to accomplish that goal.”
“This investigative initiative is an excellent example of the ATF-led Crime Gun Unit, working together with federal, state and local partners through the US Attorney’s Office, making impact in reducing, preventing, and solving violent gun in our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Holding those accountable who further violent gun crime makes our communities safer.”
The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents:
- MICHAEL LOTT, age 49, DIANTA TROPEZ, age 29, VERNELL WOODARD, age 40, QUINDELE ADDISON, age 47, SHEENA RUDOLPH, age 40, and CORIS ADDISON, age 23, were charged on September 22, 2023, in a superseding indictment.
QUINDELE ADDISON, WOODARD, RUDOLPH, and TROPEZ were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
TROPEZ, WOODARD, and QUINDELE ADDISON were further charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
LOTT, TROPEZ, and WOODARD were charged with conspiracy and robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States.
LOTT, TROPEZ, and WOODARD were charged with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon.
LOTT, TROPEZ, and QUINDELE ADDISON were charged, individually, with being felons in possession of firearms.
QUINDELE ADDISON was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
QUINDELE ADDISON and WOODARD were charged, jointly, with maintaining a drug involved premises.
- RASHAD MONTAGUE, age 32, was charged October 10, 2023, via complaint, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- DAWUD BARNES, age 22, was indicted October 6, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun.
- KEVIN DAVIS, age 43, and WILLIAM GRACE, age 45, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.
- ANTHONY DOYLE, age 40, and CARLOS GUILLEN, age 43, were indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.
- DEVIN HILLIARD, age 47, and STERING PIPKINS, age 39, were indicted October 12, 2023, for violating the federal controlled substances act and the federal gun control acts. HILLIARD was also charged with distribution of cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm. PIPKINS was also charged with distribution of cocaine.
- JOSHUA HOGAN, age 35, was indicted September 29, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.
- DAYSHAWN BROWN, age 39, was indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- MICHAEL LEWIS, age 36, was indicted October 6, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl/heroin/cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.
- TROY LOCKE, age 34, was indicted September 8, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- JUNIOR ALEXANDER MONCADA-VARGAS, age 34, was indicted September 29, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
- LUIS MORALES, age 33, TYRONE WHITTINGTON, age 38, and DANIEL BECK, age 43, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of methamphetamine. MORALES was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. WHITTINGTON was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- TOMMY NASH, age 50 and LOREALL GORDEN, age 38, were indicted September 22, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of fentanyl.
- RODNEY OFFRAY, age 49, was indicted September 22, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and heroin.
- JAMAR HOLMES, age 34, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and sale of a stolen firearm.
- KENNAN ALEXIS, age 47, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- DAMERON CARMON, age 45, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- DANIEL SMITH, age 55, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The following is a breakdown of the charges in Orleans Criminal District Court, according to court documents:
- JOHNNY MILTON, age 42, Drug Trafficking.
- BRANDON ADIAR, age 49, Drug Trafficking.
- KENNETH TYLER, age 46, Drug Trafficking.
- BRANDON JACKSON, age 33, Drug Trafficking.
- CALVIN SMITH, age 44, Drug Trafficking.
- CORDERO JOHNSON, age 35, Drug Trafficking.
- ERNEST CLOUD, age 29, Drug Trafficking.
- LC NIXON, age 33, Drug Trafficking.
- CIERRA CRAIG, age 34, Drug Trafficking.
- ORMOND KING, age 31, Drug Trafficking.
- ZED JONES, age 32, Illegal Possession of a Firearm
An indictment or complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation preceding the indictments was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD), the Louisiana State Police (“LSP”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), the City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Also, many thanks to the New Orleans Emergency Management Service and Crimestoppers, GNO. This Operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. The cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
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Former university professor indicted for theft of grant fundsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Xinjian “Kevin” He, a former West Virginia University professor, has been indicted on two counts of federal program fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mr. He, age 41, was a professor in the University’s engineering department and allegedly embezzled federal grant funding, using the money to purchase clothing, furniture, home goods, and electronics for his personal use. The indictment was returned in November of 2020 but remained sealed because the defendant fled the country and wasn’t arrested until September 26, 2023, when he entered the United States from Canada and was apprehended in New York.
At a hearing today in Clarksburg federal court, a motion by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to detain Mr. He pending trial due to the risk of flight was granted.
The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the WVU Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over today’s proceedings.
Former Phelps County Deputy Indicted on Child Sex, Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former deputy sheriff from Phelps County was indicted Wednesday on charges that accuse him of soliciting and possessing child pornography and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday.
Justin Bradley Durham, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of sexual exploitation of children, two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of altering or destroying records. The indictment says that between roughly December 2013 and December 2014, Durham induced and enticed an underage girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct and record it. Durham possessed explicit images of the girl during those same dates, the indictment says, as well as a second girl between about Dec. 9, 2017, and July 2, 2018. The final charges relate to the accusation that Durham deleted files in his Dropbox account and destroyed his iPhone to impede an FBI investigation.
A motion seeking to have Durham held in jail until trial says he offered the first victim money for explicit pictures and later paid her $200 to come to his house, where they engaged in sexual activity. Durham met the second victim when he responded to a call for police assistance, the motion says.
During the investigation, additional women have come forward with allegations about Durham, including allegations involving his demands for sex or sexually explicit images after making traffic stops. Anyone with information about Dunham should call the FBI at 314-589-2500.
“If a victim of police misconduct does not want to report the alleged abuse to the department where the officer works, the victim should contact the FBI directly,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Sworn officers who taint the badge are the exception and not the rule. One of the FBI’s priorities is to root out the few to protect victims and the public’s trust in law enforcement.”
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The sexual exploitation of children charge carries a penalty of at least 15 years in prison. The child pornography charges each carry a penalty of between 5 and 20 years in prison, and the altering or destroying records charges each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to Jail, Fined for Illegal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A 71-year-old former nurse practitioner, who worked at L5 Medical, a chain of pain clinics with locations in the Woodlawn, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg areas, was sentenced to jailtime and fined this week in federal court.
Debra Shaffer, of New Castle, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to one count of using the DEA Registration number of another while prescribing controlled substances. DEA Registration numbers are unique identifiers issued by medical providers in order to track who issues drug prescriptions.
Shaffer was sentenced to five days in prison, a fine of $5,000, and one year of supervised release.
According to court documents, Shaffer was an important part of a years-long scheme to illegitimately distribute Suboxone by staff providers who lacked the training, experience, and legal authority to prescribe Suboxone (buprenorphine). The illegal use of DEA Registration numbers facilitated this scheme and was designed to deceive pharmacists and the Government about the true nature of who was writing the prescriptions for controlled substances. For example, Shaffer regularly saw opioid-addicted patients at the Christiansburg clinic and wrote Suboxone prescriptions under the name of doctors who did not see the patients. Some patients continued to receive controlled substance prescriptions even after showing obvious “red flags” of drug abuse, such as failing drug tests, taking unprescribed drugs, or having drug overdoses.
Shaffer also followed the advice of non-medical personnel in the course of prescribing controlled substances. One of those individuals, Charles Wilson Adams, Jr., is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for federal drug charges related to the same clinics. Charges against other individuals remain pending.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Jared Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division, Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG’s Philadelphia Region, Col. Gary Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Cagle Juhan, Jason Scheff, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Janine M. Myatt, Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.
Former Bank VP Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison on Bank Fraud, Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A former vice president and loan officer for Community First Bank of the Heartland in Mount Vernon who committed bank fraud and multiple arsons was sentenced in federal court in Benton on Thursday to 12 years in prison.
Richard Pigg, 53, previously pleaded guilty in April to six counts of bank fraud and three counts of arson. The defendant currently resides in Texas, but he lived in Mount Vernon, Illinois, at the time of the charged conduct from May 2011 to December 2016.
During his hearing, the sentencing judge described Pigg as a “Jekyll and Hyde” who destroyed people’s lives with his horrific fraud. Pigg had relied on letters of support citing his good works, but the judge told Pigg that this was like a man who robs a bank, gives some of money to a homeless shelter, then burns the homeless shelter down and wants credit for donating to the homeless shelter.
"For more than half a decade, Richard Pigg abused his position of trust to defraud his bank, take advantage of his customers and skim money off of inflated loans,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “When his financial schemes unraveled, he burned the houses to use insurance money in an attempt to cover the loans. For this pattern of fraud and fire that financially ruined his victims, put innocent lives at risk and injured a first responder, Richard Pigg is fully deserving of 12 years in federal prison."
The defendant used his position as vice president and a loan officer to defraud more than $600,000 from CFBH to purchase investment properties and to pay personal expenses.
According to court documents, Pigg convinced bank customers to buy rental properties in Centralia, Mount Vernon, Murphysboro and West Frankfort on his behalf through mortgage loans financed at CFBH. Pigg concealed his personal financial interest from CFBH while facilitating the loans.
“As the sentence imposed in this case clearly indicates, the investigation and prosecution of crimes of arson remains a priority for ATF and the United States Attorney. The criminal use of fire, whether to conceal crime, intimidate, or defraud others, places lives and property at great risk and endangers those who selflessly respond, day or night or extinguish the flames,” said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division.
As part of the scheme, Pigg assured his victims that he would secure the tenants, collect the rent and maintain the properties.
In addition, without the victims’ consent, the defendant at times increased the amount financed in the mortgage loan by thousands of dollars above the purchase price and redirected the excess loan proceeds to his own accounts and to pay his own debts.
In an attempt to use insurance benefits to pay off bank loans, Pigg burned multiple properties. Some properties Pigg burned more than once, such as a Centralia property that was partially damaged in January 2016 and then destroyed by fire in February 2016.
Pigg also burned a four-unit rental apartment complex in West Frankfort in January 2016 soon after renewing one insurance policy and less than two weeks after taking out a second insurance policy on the property.
Under Truth in Sentencing, Pigg must serve at least 85% of his sentence. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.
Agents with ATF and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Kevin F. Burke prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Convicted of Stealing Sports Camp Tuition Funds from 303 FamiliesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston for stealing tuition and deposits from families in Boston, and across the country, who planned to send children to sports camps in the Boston area in July and August 2019.
Mehdi Belhassan, 53, of Tampa, Fla., was convicted following a six-day jury trial of two counts of wire fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 11, 2024. Belhassan was arrested and charged in March 2021.
Beginning in the fall of 2018, Belhassan falsely claimed that he would operate his annual MB Sports Camps at a Boston-area college. Later, Belhassan announced that the camps would occur at a Boston-area university. Based on these representations, Belhassan collected tuition and deposit payments totaling over $380,000 from at least 303 families in Massachusetts and across the United States, as well as advance payments of $191,000 from an online payment company and a commercial finance company. As part of his scheme, Belhassan provided the lender with a fraudulent contract with the college that contained the forged signature of a college administrator.
“Mr. Belhassan preyed upon the trust of families, promising summer fun while plotting his own indulgence. He lured in, deceived and betrayed over 300 families – diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars not to the promised camps, but to personal pursuits like plastic surgery and extravagant vacations at Las Vegas casinos,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Today's verdict is a testament to our office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who exploit trust for personal gain are held accountable.”
“Mehdi Belhassan stole tens of thousands of dollars from hundreds of hard-working families across the country without a second thought, and with today’s conviction, he has been held accountable for lining his own pockets at their expense,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “During these challenging times, financial fraudsters are doing everything they can to cheat people out of their hard-earned money, while the FBI is doing everything we can to make sure they don’t succeed.”
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Finds Shelton Man Guilty of Unlawful Possession of Assault Rifle and Ammunition in WaterburyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 31, of Shelton, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
A trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on October 17 and the jury returned its verdict yesterday afternoon.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street in Waterbury. When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest, attempted to flee by climbing over a fence. Rivera was subsequently apprehended, and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded 30-round magazine. Rivera also possessed one round of ammunition in his pocket.
Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Rivera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
It is alleged that on June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests. He has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Federal Jury Convicts Tennessee Man of Terrorism ChargeRead the Press Release
On Oct. 19, following an eight-day trial, a jury convicted Benjamin Carpenter, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, aka Abu Hamza, of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization.
According to evidence presented at trial, Carpenter served as the leader of Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, an international organization of pro-ISIS “munasirin” (i.e., supporters), dedicated to translating, producing and distributing ISIS propaganda throughout the world. For years, Carpenter, using his alias “Abu Hamza,” published a large body of ISIS media, including his weekly newsletter “From Dabiq to Rome,” a periodical that, among other things, celebrated the deaths of American soldiers, glorified suicide bomber, and called for open war against the United States and its Western allies. In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter contacted an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS’s central media bureau and provided translation services for a project intended to relaunch Al-Hayat Media Center, ISIS’s official foreign-language media arm.
Carpenter faces up to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, U.S. District Judge at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Knoxville Field Office made the announcement.
The Knoxville Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, investigated the case, with assistance from FBI Field Offices across the country.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle J. Wilson and Casey T. Arrowood for the Eastern District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Charles J. Kovats Jr. of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section represented the United States at trial.
Federal Jury Convicts Knoxville Man of Terrorism ChargeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - On October 19, 2023, following an eight-day trial in United States District Court, a jury convicted Benjamin Carpenter, age 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, also known as “Abu Hamza,” of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B.
Carpenter faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. He will be sentenced in Knoxville, Tennessee, by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge at a later date.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Carpenter served as the leader of Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, an international organization of pro-ISIS “munasirin” (i.e., supporters), dedicated to translating, producing, and distributing ISIS propaganda throughout the world. For years, Carpenter, using his alias “Abu Hamza,” published a large body of ISIS media, including his weekly newsletter From Dabiq to Rome, a periodical that, among other things, celebrated the deaths of American soldiers, glorified suicide bombers, and called for open war against the United States and its Western allies. In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter contacted an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS’s central media bureau and provided translation services for a project intended to relaunch Al-Hayat Media Center, ISIS’s official foreign-language media arm. Unbeknownst to him, that individual was an FBI undercover employee who had infiltrated Carpenter’s group.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Department of Justice National Security Division, United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Knoxville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Knoxville Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It was led by the Knoxville FBI Field Office and involved the assistance of FBI offices from across the country.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle J. Wilson and Casey T. Arrowood of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Charles J. Kovats, Jr. of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section represented the United States at trial.
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Federal Jury Convicts Four Taos County, New Mexico Compound Defendants in Connection with Kidnapping and Terrorism PlotRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, his sisters Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Subhanah’s husband, Lucas Morton, following a three week jury trial. The jury convicted Siraj Wahhaj and Lucas Morton of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to murder an officer or employee of the United States. Hujrah Wahhaj, Subhanah Wahhaj and Lucas Morton were additionally convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death.
In a plea agreement which was unsealed today, the fifth defendant, Jany Leveille, pled guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and being in possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States.
According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, in December 2017, Siraj Wahhaj unlawfully abducted his three-year-old son, Abdul Ghani, from his wife in Georgia. Leveille and the defendants had formed the belief that Abdul Ghani was her son and was possessed by demons. The group took Abdul Ghani to New Mexico, depriving him of his anti-seizure medication and the loving care of his mother, and subjected him to an exhausting regimen of daily spiritual exorcisms.
Abdul Ghani died less than two weeks after arriving in New Mexico, before investigators had any knowledge of a suspected location to search for him.
Under Leveille’s direction, Siraj and the others established a community centered on the belief that Abdul Ghani would return as Jesus Christ to pass judgment on corrupt institutions, including the FBI, the military and other government and financial institutions. To this end, they established a fortified base and a firing range. Armed with 11 firearms, including an AR-15 Bushmaster assault rifle, high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, the group conducted weapons and tactical training and required some of the children to do so as well. The group conducted the training with the intent to “face the nation” and kill those who refused to believe as they did. They spoke of waging jihad and becoming martyrs.
On Aug. 3, 2018, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office Tactical SRT Unit executed warrants on the compound. Siraj Wahhaj armed himself and prepared to defend the compound before ultimately being taken into custody without shots fired. During a search of the compound, law enforcement located the remains of Abdul Ghani in an underground tunnel.
In her plea agreement, Leveille admitted that she and her co-conspirators entered into an agreement to provide material support and resources to prepare for, and to carry out, the killing of federal officers or employees when they came to the compound. Leveille also admitted that she knew she was no longer legally and lawfully in the United States and that she was not allowed by law to possess the firearms or ammunition.
“When a mother loses her child, we all lose a child,” said United States Attorney Alexander Uballez. “It is our collective responsibility to protect our children from danger and, when we lose a child, it is our solemn duty in law enforcement to ensure that those who are responsible receive justice. My thanks go out to the many local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to deliver that justice, and my heart goes out to the mother of Abdul Ghani.”
“The FBI takes its mission of protecting the American public seriously, and we are dedicated to conducting fair and thorough investigations,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The nefarious activities and subsequent conviction of these four depraved criminals underscore the continued interest of some US-based violent extremists in self-initiated attack plotting, independent of any guidance or support from a foreign terrorist organization. This investigation highlighted their interest in the preparation for and possible desire to conduct attacks in the Homeland against innocent people.”
“In addition to this preparation for terror, the senseless kidnapping resulting in the death of a juvenile these criminals conducted is inexcusable and have no place in our society,” Bujanda continued. "Their despicable actions shattered a community and a family who will forever be impacted by these traumatic events. The convictions rendered in this case show those who participate in these types of criminal activities will be held accountable for their actions. The FBI would like to thank the Taos County Sheriff Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico for their partnership and diligent work on this case.”
All four defendants will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Siraj, Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Lucas Morton each face up to life in prison. Per the terms of her plea agreement, Leveille faces up to 17 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office, NM Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, and the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Brawley and Tavo Hall for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorneys Jessica Joyce and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Four New Mexico Compound Defendants in Connection with Kidnapping and Terrorism PlotRead the Press Release
Earlier this week, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, his sisters, Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Subhanah’s husband, Lucas Morton, following a three-week jury trial. The jury convicted Siraj Wahhaj and Lucas Morton of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to murder an officer or employee of the United States. Hujrah Wahhaj, Subhanah Wahhaj and Lucas Morton were additionally convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death.
In a plea agreement, unsealed yesterday, the fifth defendant, Jany Leveille, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and being in possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States.
According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, in December 2017, Siraj Wahhaj unlawfully abducted his three-year-old son from his wife in Alabama. Leveille, and the defendants had formed the belief that the child was her son and was possessed by demons. The group took the child to New Mexico, depriving him of his medication and the loving care of his mother, and subjected him to an exhausting regimen of daily spiritual exorcisms.
The child died fewer than two weeks after arriving in New Mexico, before investigators had any knowledge of his suspected location.
Under Leveille’s direction, Siraj and the others established a community centered on the belief that the child would return as Jesus Christ to pass judgment on corrupt institutions, including the FBI, the military and other government and financial institutions. To this end, they established a fortified base and a firing range. Armed with 11 firearms, including an AR-15 Bushmaster assault rifle, high-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, the group conducted weapons and tactical training and required some of the children to do so as well. The group conducted the training with the intent to “face the nation” and kill those who refused to believe as they did. They spoke of waging jihad and becoming martyrs.
On Aug. 3, 2018, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Special Response Team executed warrants on the compound. Siraj Wahhaj armed himself and prepared to defend the compound before ultimately being taken into custody without shots fired. During a search of the compound, law enforcement located the remains of the child in an underground tunnel.
In her plea agreement, Leveille admitted that she and her co-conspirators entered into an agreement to provide material support and resources to prepare for, and to carry out, the killing of federal officers or employees when they came to the compound. Leveille also admitted that she knew she was no longer legally and lawfully in the United States and that she was not allowed by law to possess the firearms or ammunition.
All four defendants will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Siraj, Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj, and Lucas Morton each face up to life in prison. Leveille faces up to 17 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Taos County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, and 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Brawley and Tavo Hall for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorneys Jessica Joyce and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Bowling Green Man for Domestic Violence Offense at Mammoth Cave National ParkRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 11, 2023, charging a Bowling Green, Kentucky man with committing domestic assault.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Scott L. Larson, Regional Chief Ranger of the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Rakan F. Elsalem, 39, was charged with one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender. On May 1, 2023, Elsalem committed a domestic assault within the Mammoth Cave National Park, a place within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. At the time Elsalem committed the domestic assault, he had two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, assault against a spouse or intimate partner. These included convictions of assault in the fourth degree on September 22, 2020, and on January 24, 2022, in Warren District Court.
Elsalem made his initial court appearance on October 19, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Elsalem faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is 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.
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Department of Justice Announces More than $2 Million in Federal Funding for Washington State Patrol DNA Capacity EnhancementRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, today announced a Department of Justice grant award for Washington State Patrol’s Crime Laboratory Division. The grant allocates $2,245,651 to increase DNA casework and to reduce the current turnaround time for DNA processing.
The Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division (WSPCLD) is the established public provider of forensic DNA and DNA database services in Washington State. There are 5 existing casework DNA laboratories in the WSPCLD, which provide forensic DNA casework services for the entire state of Washington. The WSPCLD also has an existing Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database laboratory, which is a computer software program that operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons.
The expected outcomes of this grant are to increase WSPCLD’s capacity to meet the steady rise of submissions, reduce the backlog of samples needing testing, and grow the CODIS database of DNA profiles from crime scene and database samples. These activities will result in more timely investigative leads for law enforcement agencies to aid criminal investigations and increase public safety.
In announcing this award, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “It is critical that we work together – with our state and local law enforcement partners – to address the growing need for DNA casework.” She continued, “This award will fund critical services to better assist with DNA processing and support my office’s mission to seek justice on behalf of all citizens in Eastern Washington. The Washington State Patrol’s crime lab has been an invaluable partner, especially in federal cases arising on Tribal land. Thanks to their incredible work, we have prosecuted a number of cases that would not have been possible without the work by WSP’s professional forensic analysts.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov. Information regarding the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women is available at https://www.justice.gov/ovw.
Department of Justice Announces $650,000 in Federal Funding for Mentoring Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse in Yakima CountyRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, today announced a Department of Justice grant award for the Safe Yakima Valley’s Youth Mentoring Program. This grant allocates $650,000 to expand their mentoring program and provide substance misuse awareness training.
The 2021 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey indicates that Yakima County youth use alcohol and marijuana at higher rates than statewide counterparts (21% v. 18%) constituting a
61.5% increase over a three-year period. We can expect that, without preventative actions such as mentoring, substance use rates will rise further. Safe Yakima Valley’s Youth Mentoring Program will mitigate the harmful impact of individual and family substance misuse.
Pursuant to the grant award, six program objectives will be tracked: 1) Expanding and enhancing Safe Yakima Valley’s Youth Mentoring Program with Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, 2) Developing 300 positive adult role models with a high degree of mentor competency, established through successful completion of mentor training, 3) Providing substance misuse awareness training to 300 adult mentors, 4) Initiating direct one-on-one mentoring for 300 target youth for a minimum of 39 contact hours over a 12-month minimum match period, 5) Providing 10 hours of “Keepin’ it REAL” drug-prevention training to 300 target youth, and 6) holding 18 mentee-family engagement events.
In announcing this award, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Our office is committed to reducing tragic substance misuse, especially when it affects those who are most vulnerable in our district. We all are alarmed at the increased rates in substance abuse by today’s youth, and we must take action. Youth mentoring programs like this one allow federal, state, local, and Tribal community leaders an outlet to provide youth in need with information to prevent substance misuse and make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov. Information regarding the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women is available at https://www.justice.gov/ovw
Corvallis meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Corvallis woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and carrying a gun to protect herself while distributing drugs was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Brittany Nicole Lewis, 33, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 8, 2022, in Ravalli County, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Lewis was driving. In a later search of the vehicle, officers found one pound of meth. Lewis admitted that she sold meth and that the meth in the vehicle belonged to her. She also admitted that she used a firearm to protect herself while distributing drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Cobb County man receives 20-year sentence for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Billy Calhoun has been sentenced for producing child pornography. Calhoun convinced multiple minor girls he met online to send him sexually explicit videos and images by pretending he was a teenage boy.
“Calhoun took advantage of the anonymity the Internet provides to target and victimize young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “While social media can provide a forum for young people to safely connect with family and friends, this case should serve as a reminder to parents that vigilance of their children’s online activity is critical.”
“This sentence ensures Billy Calhoun will not harm children in our community for a long time. We hope his victims will be able to recover from the emotional scars left by his actions,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley. “The FBI will continue to work to ensure justice is served on those who commit these terrible crimes.”
“Our detectives work tirelessly to make sure the most vulnerable are given a voice and those who would do them harm are brought to justice,” said Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer. “We are proud of our working relationship with our local and federal partners to ensure the full weight of the justice system is brought to bear on those who would victimize our communities’ children.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Calhoun came to the attention of law enforcement in February 2020 after the Cobb County Police Department (“CCPD”) received a call from a local middle school regarding the alleged exploitation of one of its teenage students. CCPD was advised that an older male—later identified as Calhoun—brought lunch to a 14-year-old girl. The girl told school administrators that the older male was her boyfriend’s uncle and explained to them that she had a 16-year-old boyfriend, “Zack,” who she met on Instagram several months earlier. Investigators learned that the girl had never actually met or seen “Zack” but that she had sent him nude photos using a cell phone. They also learned that “Zack” bought her gifts, including a cell phone and two laptops. Several weeks after initially speaking with the 14-year-old girl, CCPD learned that Calhoun had attempted to pick her up at school without her mother’s permission. CCPD subsequently arrested Calhoun on state charges.
During a post-arrest interview with CCPD detectives, Calhoun admitted that he was “Zack” and pretended to be a 16-year-old when he learned the girl was 14 years old. Calhoun also admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from her. CCPD later executed several search warrants on Calhoun’s cellular phones and residence. As a result, the FBI later identified at least three other minor girls Calhoun met online who sent him sexually explicit videos and/or photos. Investigators also discovered at least hundreds of other images and videos of child pornography.
Billy Calhoun, 32, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced by Judge William H. Ray, II to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Calhoun will also have to register as a sex offender. Calhoun pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography on March 17, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cobb County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Katie Terry prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Chicago Man Caught with Stolen Firearm and Marijuana Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm as a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a prohibited person pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Johnny Martell Brown, age 31, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon and drug user.
In a plea agreement, Brown admitted that on December 16, 2022, in Cedar Rapids, law enforcement stopped a car that he was driving. Officers searched the car and found a loaded stolen firearm and marijuana. In Brown’s underwear, officers discovered a Cheetos bag that contained marijuana. Brown admitted that he regularly smoked marijuana. He also has felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute heroin and possessing a controlled substance.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Brown remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Brown faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives 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-34.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cookeville Man Indicted for Robbing Two Banks in BrentwoodRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Antonio Peebles, 30, of Cookeville, Tennessee, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with two counts of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the indictment and prior media reports, on May 24, 2023, Peebles entered the Pinnacle Bank on Franklin Road in Brentwood, Tennessee, placed a bag on the bank counter and demanded money. The bank tellers gave Peebles money from their drawers and Peebles then fled on foot.
Peebles later robbed the Wilson Bank & Trust on Harpeth Drive in Brentwood, Tennessee, on June 12, 2023, in a similar manner. Peebles was arrested the same day by officers with the Brentwood Police Department.
If convicted, Peebles faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Brentwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Juliet Aldridge is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Bronx, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, as well as traveling with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with the minor victim.
Markell Greene, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 15, 2024. Greene was initially arrested on state warrants in February 2022 and indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022. He has remained in custody since.
Greene persuaded, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, on or about Feb. 14, 2022, Greene traveled in interstate commerce with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victim.
In late 2021, Greene sent an unsolicited Snapchat message to the then-12-year-old minor victim, who believed Greene to be approximately 16 years old. Over the course of several months, Greene manipulated the minor victim into sending sexually explicit photos and videos of herself at his request. Greene also directed the minor victim to brag about her age during the sexually explicit videos.
In February 2022, Greene persuaded the minor victim to meet him in-person at a parking lot in Arlington. On Feb. 14, 2022, Greene arrived to the agreed upon meet up in an SUV, picked up the minor victim and parked the car in an adjacent parking lot. There, Greene raped the minor victim and forced her to engage in oral sex, which he recorded on Snapchat.
“Mr. Greene is a serious danger to our communities. Under the cloak of social media anonymity, he targeted, exploited and violated the innocence of a vulnerable child. His conduct was beyond despicable and I commend the incredible bravery of the victim for coming forward. Today, this predator now stands as a convicted felon who now faces more than a decade in federal prison for his reprehensible conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “There is no higher priority for this Office and our law enforcement partners than protecting children. This case is a stark reminder of the evil that exists in our society. Make no mistake about it, if you prey on children in this District we will spare no resource to ensure our children are safe from harm and hold dangerous offenders accountable.”
“What Markell Greene admitted to doing today to this 12-year-old child was heinous, and his actions will have untold ramifications on this brave victim’s life for years to come,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Every day, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is working hard to protect our most vulnerable by identifying and apprehending predators like Greene who take advantage of their innocence to commit atrocious acts.”
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington, Mass. and New York City Police Departments; the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Aurora Man Convicted of Defrauding Non-Profit of More Than $880,000 Intended to Address Cleveland Food DesertRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND –United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Arthur Fayne, 61, who managed the development of the New East Side Market, was found guilty of all 9 counts of wire fraud for embezzling more than $880,000 in funds intended to help the residents of Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, but which Fayne used for an extravagant lifestyle with extensive casino gambling. The trial lasted five days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Fayne owned and managed Business Development Concepts, LLC (“BDC”), through which he oversaw construction projects. Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (“NEON”) was a nonprofit corporation that operated as a federally qualified health center network of community health centers and provided primary care medical services in the Cleveland, Ohio area. As part of that mission, NEON, through a subsidiary, initiated a project to redevelop a vacant building in the Glenville neighborhood into a grocery store and community center called the New East Side Market. The grocery store was intended to address the persistent food desert challenges in Glenville. NEON entrusted Fayne with control of the project and payments to vendors, and Fayne used that trust to steal funds NEON provided for the project.
Fayne was convicted of embezzling approximately $759,105.92 in funds intended to pay the project’s general contractor, the Albert M. Higley Company (“AM Higley”). Fayne concealed the invoices he received from AM Higley while submitting his own invoices to NEON seeking funds he claimed were for paying AM Higley. He then diverted to his personal benefit more than $750,000 of the funds intended for AM Higley.
Fayne was also convicted of embezzling approximately $125,923.86 in funds intended for audio-visual contractor Crescent Digital. That vendor actually returned roughly half of the money it had been paid at the start of the project, telling Fayne that it could only collect a deposit at that time, and would invoice BDC for the balance when the work was complete. Rather than hold those funds to pay Crescent Digital, however, Fayne had the funds deposited in his wife’s personal account, and then diverted that money for his benefit.
Fayne spent the money on the extravagant lifestyle he lived, which included sometimes gambling tens of thousands of dollars in a single night. Evidence showed Fayne lost over $1 million at casinos during the project. Fayne’s spending of the diverted funds included gambling at the JACK Cleveland Casino, gambling at a New Orleans casino, and making personal expenditures on Louis Vuitton merchandise, services at a New York City spa, and a luxury cruise out of Miami.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Vanessa V. Healy.
Aiken Man Convicted of CockfightingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Roosevelt Curry, 68, of North Augusta, S.C., was convicted of participating in an animal fighting venture following a multi-day jury trial.
Evidence presented by the Government at trial in the case established that on March 12, 2022, Curry and others gathered at the property of Michael Roy Limehouse in Ridgeville, S.C. to participate in a cockfighting derby. Participants paid $400 to enter four birds into the derby. Some participants, including Curry, put multiple entries into the derby that day. Once birds were weighed, organizers used a software program to match the birds into fights. Participants then attached metal gaffes to their birds’ ankles prior to having them fight.
While the cockfighting derby was taking place, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office received a tip and responded to the scene. Officers searched the property and found a barrel containing birds that had been killed in the fights that had taken place so far that day. They also seized numerous bird transport boxes, metal gaffes and spurs and other items used by participants. Seven participants in the cockfighting derby, including Curry and Limehouse, were later indicted in United States District Court for their respective roles in the derby. The other six defendants pled guilty prior to Curry’s trial.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks presided over the trial and will sentence Curry after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report that will be prepared by the United States Probation Office. Curry faces up to five years imprisonment. He has a previous state court conviction for cockfighting in 2010.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Lietzow and Nick Bianchi are prosecuting the case.
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Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
James Lee Kesler, age 45, of Ogden, Utah, was sentenced to 108 months in prison following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Mar. 3, an officer with the Evanston (Wyo.) Police Department contacted Kessler in his parked car. Kessler was disoriented and had trouble following directions. When asked if there were controlled substances in the car, Kesler said there were 500-600 fentanyl pills in the glove box. A search of Kessler’s car revealed over 700 fentanyl pills. Text messages found on Kessler’s cellphone showed he was selling fentanyl. This crime was investigated by the Evanston Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 18.
Michael Guzman, age 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 75 months in prison following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, on Mar. 18, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered over 60 grams of fentanyl following a traffic stop of a car driven by Guzman. A review of Guzman’s cellphone revealed text messages showing Guzman was selling fentanyl. This crime was investigated by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, the Cheyenne Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 19.
Brandon Marshall Clevenger, age 39, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 100 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, during a traffic stop on April 18, investigators found a semiautomatic pistol and over 600 grams of methamphetamine in a car driven by Clevenger. When interviewed, Clevenger admitted the pistol and methamphetamine belonged to him. Clevenger was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 19.
Violent Crime
Charles Edward Wallowingbull Jr., age 35, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months in prison following a guilty plea to assault by strangulation. According to court documents, on Apr. 18, a Wind River Police Department (WRPD) officer responded to a call of a domestic strangulation. The investigation showed that Wallowingbull had placed his hands over the victim’s throat and squeezed while pushing her downward into a mattress to the point where the victim could no longer breath or scream. This crime was investigated by the FBI and WRPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 18.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
21 People Facing Firearms, Illegal Drugs, and Conspiracy Charges Following Multi-Agency Violent Crime Reduction Effort in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz, together with federal, county, and local law enforcement officials, today announced that 21 individuals were charged in federal court in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in Memphis. The indictments are a result of a series of coordinated arrests made following a targeted multi-agency operation that spanned several months.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department initiated this investigation after analyzing crime and gun recovery statistics. By examining more than 5,000 data points collected from the National Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), MPD’s Real Time Crime Center, and 911 calls referencing shots fired, analysts were able to identify areas of Memphis with the highest density of firearm-related crime. Based on that analysis and other information, ATF opened an investigation into illegal activity at several locations around Memphis and Shelby County, including the Save a Stop 2 store, located at 2757 Kimball Avenue in Memphis.
“The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st-century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.”
“We have a serious gun violence problem in Memphis and strong law enforcement partnership is one of our most effective tools for addressing it,” said United States Attorney Kevin Ritz. “This was an extensive, well-coordinated, and sustained effort to identify and take down some of our community’s most dangerous repeat offenders, serial shooters, and firearms trafficking rings so that we protect citizens and ensure our city’s safety. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and reiterate this office’s commitment to working with them to make our streets safer.”
“For months, ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized Memphis,” said ATF Director Steve Dettelbach. “The results are now clear: more than 20 arrests; nearly 100 seized firearms, including guns outfitted with machine gun conversion devices; and large quantities of narcotics – including fentanyl. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with partners around the country to further drive down violent crime."
ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson, United States Marshal Tyreece Miller, Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clint Cannon, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as on larger firearms enforcement and violence-prevention efforts.
“ATF is committed to reducing the impact of firearm related violent crime in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. “Using technology helps us to identify the high crime areas and those who criminally possess firearms. We employ every technique available to law enforcement to dismantle criminal organizations and disrupt the illegal use of firearms for criminal activity. Working with our law enforcement partners, this enforcement initiative did just that.”
Additionally, District Attorney General Steve Mulroy announced that his office obtained a court order under Tennessee law to shut down the Save a Stop 2 store as a nuisance and danger to the community. The order was based on the excessive illegal firearm and drug crimes being committed on and around the property.
“This is an excellent example of effective partnerships among agencies,” said District Attorney Mulroy. “Thanks to the great work of the ATF and our local law enforcement, we were able to file a nuisance action to shut down a breeding ground of crime in the community which had long degraded neighborhood residents' safety and quality of life. Because of that and the work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, residents can now look forward to a safer community.”
Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy investigation, led by ATF, that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of Memphis by studying data about areas with a high density of gun-crime violence, then identifying illegal firearms sellers to disrupt their trafficking.
Between 2022 and 2023, law enforcement officials investigated illegal firearm and drug crimes happening in Memphis and Shelby County. Information from 911 calls involving the Save a Stop 2 property showed repeated reports of armed persons, drug overdoses, shots fired, both aggravated and simple assaults, auto thefts, fights, drug sales, and other disturbances. Many of these activities took place in the store’s public parking lot during business hours while nearby uninvolved, law-abiding citizens were engaged in their shopping or day-to-day errands.
The joint investigation has led to nine indictments or complaints and 21 defendants facing federal charges. Federal agents purchased or seized 91 firearms, six of which were outfitted with machine gun conversion devices or “switches” designed to convert a firearm to a fully automatic weapon. Additionally, law enforcement purchased or seized almost 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 332 grams of powder cocaine, 210 grams of powder fentanyl, almost 65 grams of crack cocaine, 2,826 fentanyl pills, and 767 MDMA/Meth pills.
Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. The following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents:
- Marvis Harris, 49, Christopher Butts, 41, and Antoinette Ozier, 41, were indicted together on drug distribution charges. In the same indictment:
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- Harris and Butts were charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs as well as distribution of drugs.
- Butts and Ozier were charged as felons in possessions of firearms and for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Harris was also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of machine guns, and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Ozier was charged with using a premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing drugs.
- Ernell Paige, 45, was charged in an indictment with possessing drugs with intent to distribute and with distribution of drugs.
- Indicted together were Ulandus Mayes, 34, and Christopher Watts, 39, for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license and for being felons in possession of a firearm. Mayes was additionally charged with distribution of drugs and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Enrique Cardenas-Otra, 41, was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license.
- Xavier Ashford, 30, and Marquez Glover, 21, were both charged with distribution of drugs.
- Indicted together were Leedell Otis, 46, Ricky Brooks, 41, and Jeremiah Otis, 34. In the same indictment:
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- Leedell Otis and Ricky Brooks were also charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
- In addition, Leedell Otis and Jeremiah Otis were charged with distribution of narcotics, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Justin Bankhead, 33, was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Indicted together were Jamar Anderson, 27, Tijerol Crawford, 33, Raymond Greenwood, 39, Broderick Harper, 26, Benjamin Jones, 28, Octavius McMullen, 32, and Larry Raiford, 58. In the same indictment:
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- Anderson, Jones, Crawford, Greenwood, and McMullen were also charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
- Anderson, Jones, Raiford, and Crawford were charged with distribution of narcotics.
- Harper and Jones were charged with possession of a machine gun conversion device.
- Crawford was charged with carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Adrian Seymour, 37, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, distribution of narcotics, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
An indictment or complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
The investigation preceding the indictments was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Memphis Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
These indictments are 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, using data-driven methods to set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The federal cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by a team of AUSAs in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by AUSA Marques Young and AUSA Michelle Parks.
2023 Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement Winners AnnouncedRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA –The United States Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA) and the Strom Thurmond Foundation, hosted the 40th Anniversary of the annual Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement Luncheon today at the Ft. Jackson NCO Club in Columbia, South Carolina. Approximately 200 state, local, and federal law enforcement officials from across the state attended the awards luncheon to honor these officers and hear from Governor Henry McMaster, the keynote speaker. The awards began in 1983 and McMaster was the first United States Attorney to co-host these awards.
The following South Carolina law enforcement officers received the 2023 awards:
City – Chief Amy S. Prock, Myrtle Beach Police Department
County – Captain Eric Abdullah, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
Federal – Special Agent Adam R. Hardin, Drug Enforcement Administration
State – Colonel Christopher Williamson, South Carolina Highway Patrol
The Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement were established by then Senator Strom Thurmond in 1983 to recognize law enforcement officers whose performances demonstrate the highest ideals of excellence in professional law enforcement. An annual award is given in each of the four categories: (1) city/municipal; (2) county; (3) state; and (4) federal. An awards committee composed of representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Strom Thurmond Foundation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association, SCLEOA, and past recipients selects the winners from nominations received from across the state.
“These individuals embody the integrity and excellence of our law enforcement community,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “I am pleased to honor each of them today as we express our gratitude for their service to their communities and the state of South Carolina.”
City Recipient
Chief Amy S. Prock, Myrtle Beach Police Department
Amy Prock is the Chief of Police for the Myrtle Beach Police Department. She has served the department since 1996 and has been assigned to several different positions all throughout the department, to include the Patrol Division, Special Operations Division, Administrative Division, and the Investigative Division. During her 27 years of service, the positions she filled have provided her the opportunity to serve the Myrtle Beach community from the waterfront, to Street Crimes, to Narcotics, to Traffic, Patrol, Detectives, Regulatory and several others. She has been a member of the Critical Incident Negotiations Team, attended the FBI’s National Academy, the Administrative Officers Management Program at NC State and many other leadership and specialty trainings in law enforcement. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Radford University in Radford, Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Psychology is from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.
Throughout Chief Prock’s time with the department, her focus continues to be on working with the Myrtle Beach community, team development, team leadership, and implementation of technology, such as NIBIN. She is motivated by the opportunity to make a difference. Her favorite motto is “Public safety is a shared responsibility.” What she enjoys most about being the Chief of Police is making a difference within the community she serves and working together with her community and with the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the City of Myrtle Beach to accomplish this. She believes that goals can always be met by working together and communicating.
County Recipient
Captain Eric Abdullah, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
Captain Eric Abdullah began his South Carolina law enforcement career in 2003 when he joined the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Abdullah has served in many roles, including Patrol Deputy, Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and SWAT Team Commander. In 2013, he was appointed Captain over the Special Operations Division and Public Information Officer. In 2022, he also assumed command of the Uniformed Patrol Division.
“He has done an outstanding job throughout the years building relationships with internal and external stakeholders by working harder than anyone I know and always models the way of a law enforcement professional,” said Sheriff Michael Hunt. Lt. Tyler Roberts of Aiken County Sheriff’s Office contributes Captain Abdullah’s leadership model from one of his quotes—“Take care of your people, your people will take care of you and the mission in turn will take care of itself.”
Captain Abdullah earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from Colorado Technical University, is a graduate of 2008-2009 Leadership Aiken County, and a graduate of the 239th session of the FBI National Academy. He maintains and holds multiple instructor certifications through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and serves as a board member for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association. Captain Abdullah served 22 years in the United States Army, both active and reserves, before retiring in 2015. He also has served for 12 years as an Adjunct Instructor for the criminal justice program at Aiken Technical College.
Captain Abdullah and his wife Jessica have a blended family of 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren.
Federal Recipient
Special Agent Adam R. Hardin, Drug Enforcement Administration
Adam Hardin has a combined 29 years of law enforcement and military experience. Prior to joining DEA, he served eight years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and in the South Carolina Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst assigned to the South Carolina Governor’s Counter Drug Task Force. As an intelligence analyst with the Governor’s Counter Drug Task Force, Hardin was assigned to DEA, the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and worked on several high profile OCDETF Title III wiretap investigations.
In 2003, Hardin became a DEA Diversion Investigator, where he conducted investigations of individuals responsible for the diversion of controlled substances into the illicit market. He led an extensive investigation into the diversion of controlled substances by the leader and organizer of the largest pharmaceutical drug organization ever identified at that time in the upstate region of South Carolina. The investigation led to the conviction of 32 individuals. In 2008, Hardin became a DEA Special Agent assigned to the Atlanta-Carolina High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group. Currently, he is the lead case agent of an OCDETF international money laundering investigation, which he and his partners from HSI initiated with the Sumter County Sheriff's Department. The investigation spans the United States, Mexico, South America, and Europe. To date, it has resulted in 9 arrests and the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl and other drugs, as well as the seizure of multiple business bank accounts.
“Agent Hardin is an example of the best that a law enforcement officer can and should be--capable, honorable, intelligent, driven, hard-working and completely dedicated to the mission while maintaining the highest ethical standards,” said Jason Peavy, a criminal defense attorney and former Deputy Criminal Chief at the United States Attorney’s Office.
State Recipient
Colonel Christopher N. Williamson, South Carolina Highway Patrol
Colonel Christopher N. Williamson is a 37-year law enforcement veteran from Darlington, South Carolina. He began his law enforcement career as a deputy in his hometown, but over the past 35 years has ascended the ranks of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. In 2017, he became the first African American to hold the position of commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, where he leads nearly 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel in innovative policing efforts, utilizing technology to pinpoint enforcement areas of concern and placing a strong emphasis on employee wellness and community outreach. He played a significant role in fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities it serves, particularly during periods of civil unrest. When COVID-19 completely changed our way of life, the Highway Patrol adapted to ensure that troopers and support staff could continue to do their jobs and carry out the mission of the Highway Patrol.
Colonel Williamson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Police Science from Fayetteville State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical and Behavioral Counseling from Webster University. In 2021, the South Carolina General Assembly commemorated his accomplishments by designating a portion of Society Hill Road in Darlington County as “Colonel Christopher N. Williamson Road.” He and his wife Deloris have two daughters, Krissy and Daysha, two granddaughters, Kristina and Kailyn, and one grandson, Logan.
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10 Defendants Indicted for Operating $20 Million Black Market HIV Medication Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), announced today the unsealing of Superseding Indictments charging BORIS AMINOV, CHRISTY CORVALAN, IRINA POLVANOVA, ROMAN SHAMALOV, JONATHAN GAVRIELOF, ANTONIO PAYANO, DAVID FERNANDEZ, CRYSTAL MEDINA, JUAN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Pop,” and ALBERT YAGUDAYEV, a/k/a “Jeff,” in connection with their participation in a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million. POLVANOVA, SHAMALOV, and YAGUDAYEV were arrested this morning and GAVRIELOF was arrested yesterday evening. All four will be presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott today. AMINOV, CORVALAN, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA were previously arrested in connection with an earlier indictment in the case, which is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil. PAYANO and HERNANDEZ remain at large.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to get rich by lying to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies and depriving vulnerable HIV patients of legitimate and safe medications. The defendants allegedly made millions of dollars through submitting fraudulent insurance claims, paying illegal kickbacks, and buying and selling black-market HIV medications. Today’s charges send a clear message that this Office will be tireless in its pursuit of those who seek to line their pockets by lying to federal agencies and preying on vulnerable members of society.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “For more than half a decade, the defendants allegedly operated a health care fraud scheme that defrauded taxpayer-funded medical programs. Black market medication frauds like this take advantage of vulnerable members of our community, exposing them to unnecessary risks. The FBI will make sure anyone attempting to illegally benefit from government health care programs is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”
HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “Health care fraud schemes that divert HIV medication harm patients who actually need the medication as well as put other patients at risk when black market medications are recirculated and dispensed by pharmacies participating in the scheme. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who exploit federal health care programs for their own greed.”
According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictments:[1]
From at least in or about 2017 through at least in or about 2023, AMINOV, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, SHAMALOV, PAYANO, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA engaged in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million through trafficking in black-market HIV medication. In doing so, they exploited at least hundreds of low-income individuals who had been prescribed HIV medication, jeopardizing the health and safety of those vulnerable patients.
AMINOV and PAYANO distributed black-market HIV medications to pharmacies that were owned and operated by, among others, CORVALAN (the “Corvalan Pharmacies”), POLVANOVA (the “Polvanova Pharmacy”), and SHAMALOV (the “Shamalov Pharmacy”).
After purchasing black-market medication from AMINOV and PAYANO, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, and SHAMALOV then dispensed that medication to patients of the Corvalan and Polvanova Pharmacies or otherwise distributed it to other pharmacies. FERNANDEZ and MEDINA were employees of the Corvalan Pharmacies who participated in the day-to-day operation of the scheme.
As part of the scheme, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, FERNANDEZ, MEDINA, HERNANDEZ, and YAGUDAYEV also funded and paid illegal kickbacks to patients in order to recruit patients to their respective pharmacies. CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, FERNANDEZ, MEDINA, HERNANDEZ, and YAGUDAYEV regularly attempted to recruit new patients to increase the number of prescription medications for which the Pharmacies could fraudulently bill government insurance. CORVALAN, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA also paid patients to sell back their HIV medications to the Corvalan Pharmacies, thereby inducing patients to forego using the medications they were prescribed.
From at least in or about 2021 through at least in or about October 2023, SHAMALOV and POLVANOVA engaged in a related scheme where they bought and then re-sold diverted black-market prescription HIV medication through online prescription drug marketplaces to other pharmacies around the country.
In order to further their schemes and conceal their proceeds, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, and SHAMALOV used bank accounts associated with their respective pharmacies to funnel money to shell companies controlled by AMINOV.
The defendants spent the proceeds of the scheme to purchase luxury cars, including a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach with an estimated fair market value of approximately $245,000; waterfront real-estate, including two properties in the Bronx purchased for a total of approximately $2.4 million; designer clothes; and jewelry and gold.
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AMINOV, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
CORVALAN, 41, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
POLVANOVA, 47, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
SHAMALOV, 47, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
GAVRIELOF, 28, of Woodmere, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
PAYANO, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
FERNANDEZ, 24, and MEDINA, 28, both of the Bronx, New York, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
HERNANDEZ, 63, of New York, New York, and YAGUDAYEV, 35, of Queens, New York, are charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and HHS-OIG.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Jackie Delligatti are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.