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Tuesday 17 October 2023
Nevada CPA Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns for his role in a purported investment scheme to sell false tax deductions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance K. Bradford of Henderson, was a certified public accountant (CPA) and founder and manager of an accounting firm, LL Bradford & Company (LLB). LLB provided accounting services including tax preparation, audit and consulting services. Bradford also operated a real estate business that developed office buildings and other real property. In connection with Bradford’s real estate development activities, he operated and controlled a real estate investment partnership entity.
In 2011, Bradford began offering LLB’s high-net-worth clients an “investment opportunity” through which the clients would make a payment to his partnership entity and, in exchange, receive a large tax deduction of approximately five to seven times the amount of money the client “invested.” Bradford advised that the clients’ payments would entitle them to claim the large tax deduction based on losses derived from the partnership entity even though the tax laws did not permit the sale of such deductions in exchange for an investment or money and the partnership did not incur the losses or depreciation in the amounts Bradford was selling. Bradford also did not report the purported investments as losses on the clients’ tax returns as promised. Instead, he caused the clients’ returns to report large false deductions for cost of goods sold, professional and consulting fees or nonpassive losses. In total, Bradford’s scheme caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $8 million.
As part of the investment scheme, in 2014, Bradford asked a client to make a $417,780 “investment” to his partnership entity in exchange for purported depreciation-based losses to be placed on his client’s 2013 corporate tax return (Form 1120S). But instead of reporting depreciation related to the investment, Bradford caused LLB to prepare and file a Form 1120S that falsely inflated the company’s cost of goods sold by $2,110,000, causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $860,627.
Bradford is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 16, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with the assistance of the FBI.
Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
Nevada CPA Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns for his role in a purported investment scheme to sell false tax deductions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance K. Bradford of Henderson, was a certified public accountant (CPA) and founder and manager of an accounting firm, LL Bradford & Company (LLB). LLB provided accounting services including tax preparation, audit and consulting services. Bradford also operated a real estate business that developed office buildings and other real property. In connection with Bradford’s real estate development activities, he operated and controlled a real estate investment partnership entity.
In 2011, Bradford began offering LLB’s high-net-worth clients an “investment opportunity” through which the clients would make a payment to his partnership entity and, in exchange, receive a large tax deduction of approximately five to seven times the amount of money the client “invested.” Bradford advised that the clients’ payments would entitle them to claim the large tax deduction based on losses derived from the partnership entity even though the tax laws did not permit the sale of such deductions in exchange for an investment or money and the partnership did not incur the losses or depreciation in the amounts Bradford was selling. Bradford also did not report the purported investments as losses on the clients’ tax returns as promised. Instead, he caused the clients’ returns to report large false deductions for cost of goods sold, professional and consulting fees or nonpassive losses. In total, Bradford’s scheme caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $8 million.
As part of the investment scheme, in 2014, Bradford asked a client to make a $417,780 “investment” to his partnership entity in exchange for purported depreciation-based losses to be placed on his client’s 2013 corporate tax return (Form 1120S). But instead of reporting depreciation related to the investment, Bradford caused LLB to prepare and file a Form 1120S that falsely inflated the company’s cost of goods sold by $2,110,000, causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $860,627.
Bradford is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 16, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with the assistance of the FBI.
Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.
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Multiple Corporate Defendants Sentenced for Clean Air Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Court Orders Millions of Dollars in Fines for Disabling Emissions Controls on Semi-Trucks
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that two companies and several individuals have been sentenced for violating the Clean Air Act by engaging in an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of semi-trucks. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney confirmed the felony convictions of corporate defendants Accurate Truck Service, LLC, and Griffin Transportation, Inc., both of Grand Rapids, and ordered the businesses to pay a combined maximum fine of $1 million ($500,000 each) and serve a year of probation. Judge Maloney also sentenced the owners of these businesses. Craig Scholten and Ryan Bos were each fined $6,000 and sentenced to a four-month term of home detention as a portion of their one-year probation sentence. Douglas Larsen was fined $7,500 and sentenced to two-month home detention as part of a one-year probation sentence. Scott DeKock was fined $10,000 and received one year of probation. In imposing the sentences, Judge Maloney commented on the “systematic violations” of the Clean Air Act that occurred in this case.
“This case is one of the largest of its kind ever charged in the United States and today’s sentences send a loud and clear message that polluters who break environmental laws will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “Environmental rules safeguard the water we drink, the lakes we fish, and the air we breathe. It’s critical that we protect our people and our planet from harmful pollutants.”
The two companies, Douglas Larsen, Craig Scholten, Ryan Bos, and Scott DeKock all pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. According to public records filed in the case, Accurate Truck Service, LLC, is owned by Larsen, Scholten, and Bos. Griffin Transportation, Inc., is owned by Scholten and Bos. DeKock used to own a shipping company involved in the scheme.
Accurate Truck Service, LLC, removed or altered the hardware components of trucks with heavy-duty diesel engines; these components controlled the vehicles’ emissions. A separate company, Diesel Freak LLC, reprogrammed the engine computers of the trucks so that they would continue to function even after the hardware was removed or altered. This process is sometimes referred to as a “deletion,” that is, “deleting” the emissions controls from the vehicles. “Deleting” emissions controls from the vehicles can improve performance and fuel economy and save maintenance costs, but also causes significant detrimental environmental impacts. Tampering with or removing emissions controls can drastically increase the emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and non-methane hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust. Exposure to and inhalation of these chemicals at greater levels is associated with serious health risks.
Griffin Transportation, Inc., and the company DeKock formerly owned engaged Accurate Truck Service, LLC, and Diesel Freak LLC to “delete” trucks owned, operated, or leased by the companies. During the conspiracy, Diesel Freak LLC was involved in at least 362 deletions; Accurate Truck Service, LLC, in at least 83 deletions; Griffin Transportation, Inc., in at least 12 deletions; and DeKock’s former company in at least 4 deletions. Diesel Freak LLC, Diesel Freak LLC’s owner, Ryan Lalone, and Diesel Freak employee Wade Lalone are scheduled for sentencing before Judge Maloney on December 11, 2023.
“Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions, such as asthma and respiratory illness, and contributes greatly to poor air quality -- concerns the defendants in this case ignored in favor of financial profit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Lisa Matovic of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (“EPA-CID”). “The sentencings in this case show that EPA and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable individuals who disregard health and environmental laws designed to protect our communities from dangerous air pollution.”
The purpose of the Clean Air Act is, among other things, “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population.” In passing the Act, Congress found that “the increasing use of motor vehicles[] has resulted in mounting dangers to the public health and welfare.”
U.S. Attorney Totten also noted that those with information about other companies and individuals involved in tampering with emissions controls in connection with this investigation can contact EPA-CID at (734) 214-4913. General environmental violations can be reported to EPA through the website https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.
EPA-CID investigated the matters with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Investigation Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin M. Presant and Meagan Johnson prosecuted the cases.
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Monroe Auto Brokerage Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Avery Antron Goins, 44, of Monroe, has been sentenced for wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Goins was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for these offenses. Goins was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $90,000.
Goins worked in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, in the auto brokerage and sales industry. According to information introduced in court, Goins registered two companies with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Avery’s Auto Brokerage in 2006 and 2nd Chance Auto LLC in 2017. Since approximately the fall of 2013, Goins and his company were placed on a listing of restricted car dealers due in part because of the frequency in which he issued insufficient checks for vehicle sales transactions. Goins had deposit accounts at various financial institutions.
In January 2019, Goins established accounts with JPMorgan Chase Bank and Regions Bank in the name of 2nd Chance Auto LLC (“2nd Chance”) and made an initial cash deposit of $100 into the Regions Bank account. Goins also applied for an account in the name of 2nd Chance with Elavon, Inc. (“Elavon”), a credit card processor who processed its merchant customers’ credit card transactions, and this account was tied to his Regions Bank account for deposits, credit card chargebacks, and otherwise.
Between January 23, 2019, and February 28, 2019, the Elavon account had 33 suspicious credit card transactions on 32 individual credit card numbers all containing the same first eight digits. During this period, Goins attempted to credit a total of $138,800.00 in fraudulent credit card transactions at 2nd Chance’s Regions Bank account using his Elavon merchant terminal. One such transaction occurred on February 5, 2019, when Goins, as the sole employee of his car sales business, conducted a credit card transaction of $4,200. This credit card transaction was conducted by keying in the credit card number belonging to M.K.G., a Tampa, Florida resident. Goins did not have the authorization of M.K.G. when he charged $4,200 to M.K.G.’s account, nor did he sell M.K.G. a vehicle in exchange for this financial transaction. For each of the fraudulent 33 credit card transactions, thousands of dollars were credited to 2nd Chance’s Regions Bank account despite Goins not having the credit card, nor having the owner’s authorization, nor did he sell any vehicles in exchange. Elavon suffered a loss of approximately $40,700 and Goins’ merchant account was eventually closed.
Goins filed for bankruptcy protection on or about June 6, 2019, seeking Chapter 7 relief, and thus he had a duty to disclose all assets and debts. A couple of months before his bankruptcy filing, Goins deposited two checks totaling $160,000 into the Regions Bank account for 2nd Chance. These checks purportedly represented the proceeds from the sale of 10-14 vehicles to a Canadian purchaser. After depositing the checks, Goins began withdrawing thousands of dollars from the account. However, Regions Bank eventually determined Goins had deposited two counterfeit checks. As a result, Regions Bank suffered a loss of approximately $50,000 when the account became overdrawn. When asked in his Bankruptcy Schedule E/F to disclose his creditors having unsecured claims, Goins omitted the debt owed to Regions Bank and Elavon which he had incurred between January 2019 and March 2019. His intentional omission of debt fraudulently incurred violated federal criminal and bankruptcy law. He pleaded guilty to the charges on May 31, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Trustee’s Office, Region 5, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan.
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Missoula felon admits illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man with prior federal felony convictions for gun-related crimes today admitted to illegally possessing multiple firearms, which had no serial numbers, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Luke Aldon Hayes, 42, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with felon in possession of a firearm. Hayes faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and set sentencing for Feb. 14, 2024. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hayes was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that Hayes had two prior federal felony convictions for firearms-related offenses when, on Aug. 9, while at work in Bonner, he accidentally shot himself in the foot. Hayes left work immediately and drove to his residence in East Missoula. Law enforcement responded to Hayes’ residence and eventually searched his mother’s car because she was seen moving a black, plastic case from the house to the vehicle. Officers seized the black case, which contained seven handguns. None of the guns had serial numbers, and one of them, a .40-caliber pistol, was accompanied by a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 22 rounds of ammunition. In addition, Hayes agreed to the forfeiture of firearms recovered on Aug. 9 along with other guns, ammunition and accessories recovered later by law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force 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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Mission man imprisoned for trafficking cocaine in truck dashboardRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for trafficking cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury convicted Juan Pablo Ramirez July 12 following a one-day trial for possession with the intent to distribute 5000 grams of cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Ramirez to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. The court heard details about his criminal history including his conviction for distributing meth. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the amount of drugs involved in the offense as well as his prior federal conviction for drug trafficking.
On Jan. 19, Ramirez drove his truck to the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. At initial inspection, Ramirez consented to a z-portal examination of his truck. It revealed anomalies in his truck dashboard which turned out to be five packages of cocaine.
The street value of the cocaine was approximately $100,000.
Ramirez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jim Wells Police Department and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin, John Lamont and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Middle District of Florida Task Force Continues to Combat COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in major or sophisticated fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.
On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 73 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Unemployment Insurance (UI), the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare (HCF). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $83 million. Fifty-three of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 20 defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.) In fiscal year 2023, the Task Force indicted 24 COVID-19 fraud related cases in which defendants sought to obtain more than $14 million from the various federal programs.
For example, in September 2023, Jordan Ross was indicted on charges relating to EIDL and PPP applications he submitted. During the pandemic, Ross applied for 3 EIDLs and 5 PPP loans. Ross made numerous false statements in these applications including misrepresenting the number of employees, submitting fake tax documents, and submitting fake invoices. Ross’s false and fraudulent representation caused the SBA and PPP lender to approve and fund 1 EIDL and 2 PPP loans totaling over $800,000. Ross used these funds for his personal benefit, allegedly purchasing a vehicle with the fraudulent funds amongst other items.
In another matter, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Alexander Leszczynski (24, North Redington Beach) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for three different fraud schemes (one of which including a fraudulent PPP loan) in which he attempted to obtain more than $10 million from the U.S. government, financial institutions, and individual victims.
In a case handled by the Civil Division, Victory Automotive Group, Inc. (VAG) agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by providing false information in support of PPP loan forgiveness application. Only small businesses are eligible for PPP loans. Whether an applicant qualifies as a small business is determined by assessing the employees, revenues, or net worth of the applicant along with any other corporate affiliates that share common operational control. VAG’s application for a PPP loan certified it was a small business with fewer than 500 employees. However, VAG shared common operational control with dozens of automobile dealerships across the country, and VAG and its affiliates had more than 3,000 employees. For that reason, VAG should have known that VAG was ineligible for the $6,282,362 PPP loan it received, which was later forgiven in full.
Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $17.2 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.
The Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida
COVID Fraud Criminal Cases
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Alexander Alli
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$80k
Ellyn Pinkney
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Kieanna Garrett
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Nicole Bramble-King
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
Mehdi Tazi
Conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Modupe Ogundele
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
Jalissa McDuffy
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$41k
Devontaie Deravil
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$480k
Jordan Ross
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
EIDL/PPP
$1.3M
Demarius Wilson
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$18K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, and Michael Kenneth
Orlando Division
Evan Edwards
Joshua Edwards
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Visa fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
False statements
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$8M
Emmet Bowens
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
Latresia Wilson
False Statements
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
HCF
$2.6M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Deconna Burke
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82k
Timothy Jolloff
Lisa Jolloff
Wire Fraud (T. Jolloff only)
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL
$3.4M
Diop McKenzie
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
EIDL/PPP
$237K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling
Ocala Division
Henry Wade
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$500k
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Keaujay Hornsby
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Kareem Spann
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500k
Charles Cunningham
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon
Orlando Division
Joseph Faubert
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$778k
This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt
Jacksonville Division
Kenneth Landers
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money Laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1.4M
Christopher Daragjati
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Theft of government funds
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP
$150k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican
Ocala Division
Passion Jackson
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Fort Myers Division
Ismaelle Manuel
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$280k
Denis Casseus
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$298k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Alexander Leszczynski
Wire fraud, bank fraud, illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed: 17 and ½ years in federal prison
PPP
$1.1M
Louis Thornton, III
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$815k
Kary Stevenson
Corey Quinn
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI
$1M
Bridgitte Keim
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP
$588k
Wayne Ganaway
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL
$300k
Eriaius Bentley
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI
$3M
Rolanda Wingfield
Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI
$135k
Tywon Spann
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI
$3M
Randy Jones
Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI
$250k
Julio Lugo
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$4.4M
Keith Nicoletta
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$413k
Melinda Hernandez
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Bri’antina Mills
Wire fraud and theft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
$10K
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison
EIDL
$150k
Omar Esquivel Bello
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
EIDL
$242k
Steve Moodie
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Richard Simpkins
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
Devaris McClain
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
UI
$85K
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, and SAUSA Chris Poor
Orlando Division
Daniel Johnson
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison
UI
$2.3M
Jacquavius Smith
Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$10k
Johnson Eustache
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$2.2M
Joseph Harrison
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI
$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP
$2M
Holly Urban
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.5M
Joel Greenberg
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison
EIDL
$430k
Don Cisternino
Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison
PPP
$7.2M
Keith Ingersoll
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.
EIDL
$66k
Jaheim Davis
Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.
UI
$219k
Teresa McIntyre
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation
EIDL
$730k
Brian Blake
Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison
PPP/UI
$832k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: probation
PPP
$10k
Desmond Williams
Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud
Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP
$40k
This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther
Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$2.7M
Anthony Bruey
Amber Bruey
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL
$881k
Edrica Leann Watson
False statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP
$392k
Daniel Joseph Tisone
Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person
Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL/MSLP
$10.7M
Liliana Gonzalez
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement
PPP
$169k
Al Clint LaRoche
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison
PPP
$1M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, and Jesus M. Casas
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison
PPP
$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Types of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Health Care Fraud (HCF)
Middle District of Florida Fourth Quarter 2023 Prosecutions Reach 123 Firearms and Violent Crime Defendants as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the fourth quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the fourth quarter, ending on September 30, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has prosecuted 123 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses. The prosecutions include defendants who have been indicted, pleaded guilty, been convicted at trial or who have been sentenced. In addition, law enforcement seized several silencers and hundreds of machine gun conversion devises. Over the last fiscal year, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted more than 250 defendants and seized approximately 400 firearms. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Specifically, re-entry program events this summer reached over 300 inmates and individuals recently released to the community.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
MDFL PSN 4th Quarter Case Highlights
United States v. Louis Michael Pasquazzi (Ft. Myers)
In July 2022, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Louis Michael Pasquazzi. A search of the vehicle revealed two firearms, one under the driver’s seat and the other in the passenger side glovebox. Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed at Pasquazzi’s residence which resulted in the recovery of cocaine and fentanyl. Additionally, four firearms and ammunition were located inside the home. Pasquazzi, a 12-time convicted felon, qualified as an Armed Career Criminal and was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
United States v. Dwayne Eric Thompson (Jacksonville)
On July 11, 2023, a federal jury found Dwayne Eric Thompson guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Thompson faces a minimum mandatory maximum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 17, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, on March 8, 2023, Thompson was arrested, pursuant to an outstanding warrant, by officers from the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office and his car was searched. A loaded pistol was recovered from the center console. During the search, Thompson and the other passengers denied knowledge and ownership of the firearm. DNA evidence presented at trial showed that Thompson’s DNA was present on the firearm and the loaded magazine. At the time he possessed the firearm, Thompson had multiple prior felony convictions and was on federal supervised release, having previously been convicted by a federal jury in 2010, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Thompson had previously been sentenced to over 14 years in federal prison and was released on November 20, 2022. As a convicted felon, Thompson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Thompson qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal based upon his past criminal record.
United States v. Kingsley Wilson and Viviana Rodriguez (Ocala)
On August 22, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 39-count indictment charging Kingsley Wilson (35, Kissimmee) and Viviana Rodriguez (41, Kissimmee) with dealing in firearms without a license, making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), and causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. If convicted, Wilson and Rodriguez each face 10 years in federal prison for each count of making a materially false statement to an FFL; a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment for dealing in firearms without a license; and 5 years in prison for each count of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. According to evidence presented in court, between January 2022 and July 2023, Wilson purchased 89 firearms from multiple gun dealers in Florida. During that same period, Rodriguez purchased approximately 40 firearms, also from licensed gun dealers. While purchasing these firearms, Wilson and Rodriguez each falsely certified on ATF Form 4473s (Firearm Transaction Records) that they were the “actual transferee/buyer” of the firearms. Actually, they were purchasing the firearms for other individuals. Ten firearms purchased by Wilson have been recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes (including homicides) in the Bahamas and Canada. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
United States v. DaMarris Jean Saint-Juste, et al (Orlando)
In September 2023, DaMarris Jean Saint-Juste, Marcus Terrell Ellington, Jr., Nelson Ross Henderson, and Rodreakas Deshay Smith, Jr. were each sentenced to prison terms of between 10-17 years for their respective roles in a string of armed robberies throughout Orlando. In a series of eight armed robberies, the men entered convenience stores wearing masks and brandishing firearms to compel the employees to surrender cash, lottery tickets, and tobacco products. The robberies were investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and all four of the perpetrators were identified, charged, and convicted. Saint-Juste and Ellington fled Orlando and were apprehended by the FBI while hiding in North Carolina. A fifth participant, who was a juvenile when these crimes occurred, was prosecuted in state court.
United States v. Lemar Cowart and Armani Dilworth (Tampa)
On September 15, 2023, Lemar Cowart (27, St. Petersburg) was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and Armani Dilworth (28, St. Petersburg) was sentenced to 8 years and 10 months’ imprisonment for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on May 4, 2020, an eyewitness observed a car occupied by Dilworth and Cowart pull into oncoming traffic and shoot into the front of another vehicle. This action caused the other vehicle to retaliate, and a high-speed chase ensued. The car which Dilworth and Cowart occupied ultimately crashed into a gate at Azalea Middle School, and Cowart and Dilworth ran from the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers found cocaine, two substances containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, alprazolam, oxycodone, amphetamine, buprenorphine, and cannabis. They also found indications of narcotics distribution, including plastic sandwich bags; two scales, scissors, smaller jewelry bags, and one firearm inside the vehicle. Dilworth’s and Cowart’s DNA were found on the firearm recovered in the vehicle.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Jimmy Derrick Diggs (57)
Possession of firearms and ammunition as an Armed Career Criminal
Minimum mandatory prison term:
15 years, up to life
2
Wyatt Henderson (64)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Coroy Flournoy (40)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth.
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Danny Ray Boree (38)
Angela Denee Lynch (47)
Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Antonio Jose Melean Reyes (29)
Using common carrier to transport firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Maximum prison term: 5 years
Smuggling goods from the U.S.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
3
Jucory Randell Kirtsey (44)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life
1
Brendon Bobby Brown (25)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Minimum mandatory prison: 15 years, up to life
1
Tyler Christian Parker-Rivero (24)
Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; distribution of marijuana; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute
Maximum prison term: 5 years per count
Possession of a firearm during commission of a federal crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
6
Anthony Tyrone Mackey (40)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Jason Dion Harris (42)
False statements to a firearms dealer
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
Timothy Crowe (54)
False statements to a firearms dealer
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein, Brenna Falzetta, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot and Aakash Singh.
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Clinton Kaham (25)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Brady Kyle Milton Williams (27)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Raymond Devon Haynes (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Kingsley Samuel Richard Wilson (35)
Viviana Rodriguez (41)
False statement to a firearms dealer
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Dealing in firearms without a license
Maximum prison term: 5 years
False statement in required information kept by a firearms’ dealer
Maximum prison term: 5 years
139
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hanna Nowalk, Sarah Swartzberg, and Belkis Crockett.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Antoine Johnson (44)
Possession of a firearm by an Armed Career Criminal
Minimum mandatory prison term 15 years, up to life
1
Robert Badders (33)
Receipt of child pornography
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 20 years
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. (75)
Failure to record firearms purchaser by FFL dealer
Maximum prison term: 5 years
9
Nicholas Brooks Race (40)
Bank robbery (two counts)
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
0
Xavier Omar Hernandez-Gerena (34)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Ellis Dulaire (25)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Jose’Luis Gabriel Villanueva (31)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
4
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Stephanie McNeff, Ranganath Manthripragada, Dana Hill, Michael Sartoian, Courtney Richardson-Jones, and Rachel Lyons.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Devon Floyd (31)
Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum prison term: 20 years
2
Stewart Walter Bachmann (55)
Unlicensed possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record
Maximum prison term: 10 years
4
Emmanuel Dourthe (24)
Brendan Wells (27)
Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum mandatory prison term:
10 years, up to life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
1
Sherron Gary (40)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life
1
Reshay Rashard Nelson (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: life
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman and Michael Kenneth.
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Brandon Albanito (37)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Steven Barnes (26)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
Possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number
Maximum prison term: 5 years
1
Manuel Copland (30)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
3
Deshon Walker (27)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Keith Drayton, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Marvin Harris (25) and
Latrel Jackson (26)
Conspiracy to commit interstate murder for hire, interstate murder for hire
Maximum prison term: life
2
Mar’tavious Brown (45)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
1
Chester Risco, III (19)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Robert Wright (21)
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Mark R. Morgan, and Michael Leeman.
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Dwayne Eric Thompson (39)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Maisha K. Daniels (46)
Selling a stolen firearm
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Shawntae Jamell Clark (44)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Edward Sherwood Gustafson, IV (30)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Lucas Shirley II (28)
Transferring short-barreled rifles not registered in the national firearms registration and transfer record
Maximum prison term: 10 years
29
Pocols Lashawn Jackson (39)
Illegal distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Tony Kenneth Paul, Jr. (23)
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
Maximum prison term: 5 years
3
Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr. (25)
False statements to a firearms dealer during firearm purchase
Maximum prison term: 10 years
0
Bronquell Aurion Hutchinson (24)
False statements to a firearms dealer during firearm purchase
Maximum prison term: 10 years
0
Mario Lenard Elbert (34)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Maximum prison term: 20 years of
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum prison term: 10 years
2
Charles Hood (65)
Possession of an unregistered machinegun
Maximum prison term: 10 years
3
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs John Cannizzaro, Michael J. Coolican, and Kevin Frein.
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Christopher Worlds (36)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Eddie Lee Parks, III (24)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Brian David Casey (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, and
Hannah Nowalk.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Antione Oshea Ladson (29)
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Christian Arroyo-Rivera (30)
Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
1
Zachary Ramyard (22)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, robbery of postal carrier
Maximum prison term: 35 years
0
Camilo Ignacio Vivas Sanchez (20)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, robbery of postal carrier
Maximum prison term: 35 years
0
Jeremy Deion Middleton (24)
Receiving stolen firearms
Maximum prison term: 10 years
13
Terrell Anthony Robinson (36)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Armed Career Criminal
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life
1
Allen Lee Glover (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSA David Pardo, Megan Testerman, Kara Wick, John Gardella, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Deandre Riviera Lopez (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life
1
Antonio Brown (55)
Steve Jackson (41)
Conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Mandatory minimum prison term: 7 years
1
Basilio Amaury Bron, Jr. (43)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Randell Love (48)
Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
1
Marquis Henry Mack (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Jonathan Kyle Eva (51)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Rodney Devon Jones (28)
Carjacking
Maximum prison term: 15 years
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life
1
Sean Peter Brewer (32)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years of
Possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life
1
Michael Edward Lindsey (47)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of controlled substance with the intent to distribute it
Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, the minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life
1
Michelle Denise Herds (45)
Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Maximum prison term: life
(1)
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs David W.A. Chee, Charlie D. Connally, Michael Kenneth, Christopher F. Murray, Samantha Beckman, and David P. Sullivan.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Travis Anderson (36)
Possession of firearms and ammunition by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 9 years
4
Michael Karp (50)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 5 years
6
Shaborn Washington (25)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 9 years, 2 months
1
James Blanks (27)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 1 year
1
Samuel Bruner (37)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
3
Louis Pasquazzi (53)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substance.
Sentence imposed: 18 years
4
Javonte Whitfield (25)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Dylan Milton Jarvis (31)
Unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun)
Sentence imposed: 1 year, 4 months
1
Gregory Austin Eward (25)
Conspiracy to possess and transfer unregistered firearm silencers
Sentence imposed: 2 years
0
Antoine Danielle Pearson, Jr. (28)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin (43)
Matthew Hoover (43)
Conspiracy to transfer unregistered machineguns, transfer of unregistered machine guns, structuring withdrawals, possession of unregistered machine guns
Sentenced imposed (Ervin):
5 years, 8 months
Sentence imposed (Hoover):
5 years
0
Cody Mack McCormick (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 1 year
0
Byron Jones (34)
False statements to a firearms dealer
Sentenced imposed: Time served plus 2 years’ supervised release
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Kevin Frein, Laura Taylor, Kirwin Mike, Frank Talbot, and Cherie Krigsman.
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
David Robinson (24)
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentence imposed: 18 months’ probation
1
Luis Alicea (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 2 years
1
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
2
Wayne A. Phillips, Jr. (44)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Antonio Eugene Brutton (35)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 16 years
2
Raeqwon Emmanuel Munnerlyn (27)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 18 years
1
Woodrow Milton Butler (40)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 7 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Sarah Swartzberg, William S. Hamilton, Hanna Nowalk, and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Anthony Quantarius Brooks (21)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years
1
Michael Jerome Virgil (23)
Armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 10 years, 10 months
1
Robert J. Potocnack (48)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Sentence imposed: 15 years
2
Alvarez Caprio Cosby (25)
Desmond Nyshon Smith (18)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed (Cosby): 3 years
Sentence imposed (Smith): 3 years
3
Rafick Gordon Gilpin (32)
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Leo Lamar Massey, III (47)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 1 year
1
Jacoby Jules Colon (20)
Darius Rodney Capers (19)
Conspiracy to rob postal carriers, armed postal robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 10 years
Conspiracy to rob postal carriers and attempted robbery of a postal carrier.
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months
0
DaMarris Saint-Juste (20)
Marcus Ellington (22)
Nelson Henderson (21)
Rodreakas Deshay Smith, Jr. (19)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence imposed (Saint-Juste):
17 years, 10 months
Sentence imposed (Ellington):
16 years
Sentence imposed (Henderson):
15 years, 6 months
Sentence imposed (Smith):
10 years, 6 months
1
Deontrae Walden (23)
Aqunis Green (24)
Bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of an ATM
Sentence imposed (Walden):
3 years, 6 months
Sentence imposed (Green):
1 year, 6 months
0
Bengie Emannual Silva-Ramos (31)
Unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms, transferring and possession of machine guns, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 9 months
4
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs. Courtney Richardson-Jones, Megan Testerman, John M. Gardella, Ranganath Manthripragada, Michael P. Felicetta, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Shawn Lanier Lowman, Jr. (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years, 6 months
1
Rafael Jose Gonzalez Alomar (39)
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 3 months
1
Dartis Cobb (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 3 months
1
James John Hall (34)
Unlawfully making a firearm
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 3 months
1
Deion R. Brown (27)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years, 8 months
1
Johnathan Thuemler (32)
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years, 5 months
1
Demetrius Lamar Rahmings (28)
Possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Jerome Miller, Jr. (39)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as an Armed Career Criminal
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Lemar Cowart (27)
Armani Dilworth (28)
Possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them
Sentence imposed: 12 years, 7 months
Possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 8 years, 10 months
1
Steve Jackson (41)
Conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 13 years, 6 months
1
Toney Dewayne Salter (30)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Marquvius Trevon Dixon (27)
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; conspiracy to possess a firearm as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Terrance Paul Snow (22)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 1 year, 9 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Charlie D. Connally, David W.A. Chee, Samantha Newman, Risha Asokan, Samantha Beckman, Shauna Hale, Maria Guzman, Michael Gordon, Michael Sinacore, and David P. Sullivan.
Massachusetts Man Indicted for Knowingly Concealing the Source of Material Support or Resources to a Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wakefield, Mass. man was indicted today for knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources that he intended to go to a foreign terrorist organization, namely the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Mateo Ventura, 18, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on one count of knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization. Ventura will appear in federal court at a later date. Ventura was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023.
According to the charging documents, Ventura provided multiple gift cards to an individual he believed was an ISIS supporter, with the intention that the gift cards be sold on the dark web for a little less than face value and resulting profits be used to support ISIS. Ventura allegedly stated that he wanted the proceeds to go to ISIS “for war on kuffar,” (disbelievers). In total, it is alleged that between January and May 2023, Ventura donated $705 intended to support ISIS.
The charge of knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to a lifetime 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; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy H. Kistner and Laura J. Kaplan of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Trial Attorneys Charles Kovats and Andrea Broach of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Long Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle Drugs into Prisons in Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Long Beach, Mississippi man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute FUB-AMB and 5F-MDMB-PICA, both of which are synthetic cannabinoids, into prisons in multiple states.
Johnson Tran, 46, pleaded guilty on October 16, 2023, in U.S. District Court.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2018, agents with the DEA received information from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that drug laced letters and greeting cards were being sent to inmates in the Bureau of Prisons from the Southern District of Mississippi. The drug laced letters and cards were intercepted at prisons in Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
DEA and BOP officials were able to determine that inmates were ordering the drug laced letters and cards from Johnson Tran via prison email accounts and jail calls. The inmates would typically order the drugs using coded language. The letters or greeting cards were laced with the synthetic cannabinoids, and many of them were sent from Gulfport, Mississippi.
Agents were also able to determine through the review of financial records that Tran would ultimately receive payment for the drugs that he sent into prison via U.S. Department of Treasury checks drawn from the inmate’s prison accounts and/or peer-to-peer money transfers from associates or family members of the inmates. When Tran’s associates would receive funds on Tran’s behalf, Tran would give them a portion of the funds they received as payment for their services.
Tran was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 18, 2023, along with 19 co-defendants who are currently scheduled for trial in December of 2023.
Tran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 8, 2024. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Las Vegas Police Officer Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Committing Three Casino RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 12 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for robbing three casinos and stealing approximately $164,000 in total.
In July 2023, following a four-day trial, a jury convicted Caleb Mitchell Rogers (33) of three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, Rogers stole approximately $73,810 from a casino in the western part of Las Vegas on November 12, 2021. A few months later, on January 6, 2022, he robbed a casino in North Las Vegas of approximately $11,500. In both robberies, he walked directly to the casino’s cashier cage and demanded money from the cashiers. The third robbery occurred on February 27, 2022, in which Rogers ran toward two casino employees in the sportsbook area and yelled: “Get away from the money. I’ve got a gun. I will shoot you!” Rogers climbed over the counter and shoved one of the employees to the floor, before grabbing approximately $78,898 and placing it into a bag. Rogers fled when the employees triggered an alarm. As Rogers ran toward the parking garage, a casino security officer tackled him. Rogers drew a .357 caliber revolver and, with his finger on the trigger, threatened: “I’m going to shoot you!” Security officers were able to disarm Rogers and restrain him until LVMPD officers arrived. The officers arrested Rogers and seized his firearm. Checking the revolver’s serial number, officers learned that it belonged to the LVMPD.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the LVMPD. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Cowhig and David Kiebler prosecuted the case.
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Killeen Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Killeen man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 97 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Eric Darnell Johnson, 34, sold cocaine to dozens of individuals within Killeen, including servicemembers and civilians associated with the Department of the Army. A search warrant of Johnson’s residence led to the seizure of approximately 200 grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, and synthetic narcotics. Law enforcement officials also recovered more than 20 firearms from Johnson’s residence, three of which were discovered to have been stolen.
“This sentence is a victory for the safety of Fort Cavazos and the surrounding community,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “It’s also a warning to anyone who would consider making the same poor decision to put service members, their families, and others at risk. We and our dedicated law enforcement partners will not tolerate drug trafficking in our district.”
“This conviction shows our desire to eliminate the threat of drug trafficking which endangers our communities” said Special Agent-in-Charge Maria Thomas for the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Central Texas Field Office. “The Central Texas Field Office will continue to partner with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect our communities and the Department of the Army from the dangers of drug trafficking.”
Army CID, the Bell County Organized Crime Unit, and the Killeen Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kucera prosecuted the case.
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Kentucky Man and Businesses Plead Guilty to Environmental CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – David K. Smith, 68, of Paducah, Kentucky, River Marine Enterprises, LLC, and Western River Assets, LLC, pleaded guilty today to discharge of refuse into navigable waters.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Western River Assets owned a towboat, the Gate City, that docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River from at least 2010 until January 2018. River Marine Enterprises operated the Gate City during this time. Smith was the sole owner and officer of both River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets, and was responsible for the operation of both companies.
On or about January 10, 2018, the Gate City sank while docked, discharging oil and other substances into the Big Sandy River. The oil left a sheen on the river and oily deposits beneath the surface. As a direct result of the Gate City’s sinking and oil spill, the City of Kenova, West Virginia, closed its municipal drinking water intake for three days and various regulatory agencies took actions and expended resources to respond to the spill.
Smith admitted that on December 5, 2017, the United States Coast Guard issued an administrative order that said in part that the Gate City presented an “imminent and substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the environment because of a threatened discharge of oil from the vessel.” The Coast Guard made that determination as the result of an inspection of the Gate City in or about November 2017.
The administrative order required Smith to remove all oil and hazardous materials from the Gate City prior to January 31, 2018. Smith admitted that at the time of the January 2018 sinking and spill, he had yet to comply with the administrative order. Smith further admitted that River Marine Enterprises had contracted with a qualified business to remove oil from the Gate City, but that the contractor was not able to access the Gate City safely to remove the oil prior to January 10, 2018 because of site conditions.
Smith, River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets are scheduled to be sentenced on February 26, 2024. Smith faces at least 30 days and not more than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets each face fines of $200,000 and five years of federal probation.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID). Thompson also commended the U.S. Coast Guard, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia National Guard and other responders for their efforts to contain and clean up the oil spill.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are prosecuting the case.
On May 5, 2022, the Department launched the Office of Environmental Justice and announced a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy. Enforcement of this strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities. More information is available on the Environmental Justice and Enforcement page of the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-5.
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Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Amy Deavers, 50, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Deavers admitted that she helped access and attempt to transfer a veteran’s stolen disability benefits as part of an identity theft scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, Brittany King and a co-defendant unlawfully obtained the personal identification information of multiple individuals through King’s employment with a business that cleaned local office spaces. King and the co-defendant used that personal information to reroute the mail of their victims to King’s address in Charleston. With the rerouted mail, King and the co-defendant opened lines of credit and bank accounts and obtained loans and credit cards.
Deavers admitted that she became involved in the wire fraud scheme after King and the co-defendant were arrested and federally charged for their actions on December 5, 2022. Deavers and the co-defendant attempted to transfer $1,000 from one of the scheme’s fraudulent bank accounts to Deavers on December 30, 2022. This account was opened to reroute the Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits of one of the identity theft victims.
On January 30, 2023, the co-defendant was incarcerated at the South Central Regional Jail when she spoke to Deavers during a recorded jail phone call. Deavers admitted that the co-defendant provided her with information during the call to access and transfer funds from the veteran victim’s fraudulent account.
Deavers is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Deavers also owes up to $12,086.90 in restitution.
King, 34, of East Bank, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 3, 2023, and awaits sentencing. King also owes $176,118.73 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the United States Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over today’s hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Jonathan T. Storage are prosecuting the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson provided substantial assistance.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-14.
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KC Woman Sentenced for Fraud Schemes, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a series of fraud schemes that utilized stolen identity information.
Quanisha M. Capelton, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Capelton to pay $40,675 in restitution to her victims.
On Nov. 15, 2022, Capelton pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a financial institution, one count of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of wire fraud. Capelton admitted she impersonated individuals and used their stolen personal information and credit scores to open accounts or apply for loans.
Capelton specifically admitted that she used one victim’s stolen identity information to open a bank account and apply for a $2,500 loan. According to court documents, she used this victim’s stolen identity information to open an AT&T account, fraudulently obtain at least eight loans from various lenders, and attempt to obtain loans from at least two financial institutions. She was arrested at one of the banks while attempting to obtain a loan in the victim’s name. In total, Capelton intended to cause a loss of $36,128 through the utilization of this victim’s personal information.
Capelton also specifically admitted that she used another victim’s stolen identity information to apply for a $4,500 consumer loan. According to court documents, about 20 months after her above-referenced arrest, Capelton began using this victim’s stolen identity information to fraudulently finance a diamond ring through Kay Jewelers and apply for at least three separate loans. Capelton intended to cause a financial loss of $18,369 through the utilization of this victim’s personal information.
According to court documents, Capelton executed multiple fraudulent schemes. In addition to the bank fraud scheme and the wire fraud scheme to which she specifically admitted, she participated in a check-cashing scheme from April 2019 to December 2021. Capelton deposited worthless or stolen checks into numerous bank accounts. She then impersonated the account holders in order to withdraw as much money as possible before the bank became aware the deposited checks were worthless or stolen. Capelton personally deposited at least 52 worthless or stolen checks in eight different bank accounts, totaling $108,200, of which Capelton made fraudulent withdrawals of approximately $35,509.
The total intended loss of her fraud schemes was $162,697.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey Announce Investigation of the City of Trenton and the Trenton Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey announced today that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Trenton, New Jersey, and the Trenton Police Department (TPD).
The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law by TPD. The investigation will focus on TPD’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of TPD policies, training and supervision, in addition to complaint intake, internal investigation protocols, complaint reviews, complaint adjudications and disciplinary decisions.
“The public must have trust and confidence that police officers will treat them fairly and with respect,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “The Justice Department is opening an investigation into the Trenton Police Department after an extensive review of publicly available information and other information provided to us suggesting that officers used force, stopped motorists and pedestrians and conducted searches of homes and cars in violation of the Constitution and federal law. Our experience has shown that policing practices that run afoul of the law and our Constitution can lead to distrust between police officers and the community. The Justice Department will conduct a full and fair investigation into these allegations, and if we substantiate those violations, the department will take appropriate action to remedy them.”
“Police officers have the difficult job of keeping us safe, and most officers do this work with honor and distinction,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “But if police officers abuse the trust the community places in them and fail to respect the constitutional rights of those in the community, and if the community feels threatened by those who wear the badge, it undermines public safety and endangers the very citizens they swore to protect and serve. Unfortunately, we have reviewed numerous reports that Trenton police officers may have used force inappropriately and conducted stops, searches, and arrests with no good reason in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights. Today’s announcement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring effective, constitutional policing in Trenton and throughout New Jersey. Trenton residents should be assured that we will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the Trenton Police Department, and that we will address any unlawful conduct we find.”
Before this announcement, officials from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey notified Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Director Steve Wilson of TPD and Director Wes Bridges of the Trenton Law Department, who have all pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the Justice Department will conduct outreach to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with TPD.
The Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division will jointly conduct this investigation pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments through their law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution and federal law. If the Justice Department has reasonable cause to believe that the law enforcement officers of a state or local government have engaged in a prohibited pattern or practice, the department is authorized to bring a lawsuit seeking court-ordered changes to remedy the violations. In this investigation, the department will assess the law enforcement practices under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department via email at [email protected] or by phone at 973-645-2801. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the reporting portal of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, available at www.civilrights.justice.gov or the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey’s civil rights reporting portal, available at www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint.
Additional information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Additional information about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey is available at www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.
The Justice Department will hold a virtual community meeting on October 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the investigation. Please join the meeting via this link.
Justice Department Releases Report on Recommendations for Law Enforcement Agencies Facing Recruitment and Retention ChallengesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the release of a new publication, Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency. The publication is the result of a convening of law enforcement and community leaders across the country, facilitated by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), at the request of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The report presents recommendations to address the challenges in recruitment and retention law enforcement agencies are facing nationwide.
“Law enforcement officers across the country are facing unprecedented challenges at a time when they are already being stretched thin,” said Attorney General Garland. “The Justice Department has produced this report because we recognize the urgency and significance of the recruitment and retention crisis that agencies are encountering. Policing is a noble profession, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support local police departments as they work to serve their communities, build public trust, and keep people safe.”
“Our law enforcement officers are the nation’s most valuable assets for preserving public safety in our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The Justice Department is committed to helping state and local law enforcement retain their critically important workforce – while recruiting the next generation of brave public servants. The more than 50 recommendations in this report will help police departments across the country to meaningfully enhance their recruitment and retention.”
“The recruitment and retention crisis is the number one issue I hear about from our state, Tribal, and local law enforcement partners across the country,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The Justice Department knows that hiring and holding onto a highly qualified, committed, and diverse cadre of policing professionals is critical to public safety and police-community trust, and we are committed to working with our partners to address this crisis.”
The report offers a number of recommendations to help meet the current recruitment and retention crisis, including reconsidering officer eligibility requirements to better reflect modern police work; modernizing and accelerating the hiring process; investing in officer health, safety, and wellbeing; and working with community leaders to target recruitment efforts toward diverse candidates and potential recruits who might otherwise not consider law enforcement as a career.
“The challenge of hiring the right officers and keeping them on the force is one of the most difficult issues facing law enforcement agencies across the country,” said Director Hugh T. Clements of the COPS Office. “I know this publication is a resource that law enforcement executives have expressed a need for, and I believe this publication is an important step in meeting the recruitment and retention challenge.”
“As we come up with new and effective strategies to advance community policing and reduce crime, we must address this recruitment and retention crisis with the same vigor and energy,” said Director Karhlton Moore of BJA. “We are dedicated to supporting the infrastructure to hire and retain high quality recruits and officers to keep our communities safe, and this publication will be pivotal in helping us achieve that goal.”
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 that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Since 1994, the COPS Office has been 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.
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.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Craig Myrick, 45, of Jackson, opened an account at BankPlus in another person’s name. He received several $500 checks he knew to be counterfeit United States Treasury checks from a co-conspirator. Myrick and his co-conspirator deposited the counterfeit checks into the BankPlus account and cashed the checks before they were determined to be counterfeit.
Myrick is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 32 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Indictment Charges Honduran National with Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN JAVIER AMAYA-AGUILAR, 26, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Danbury, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
The indictment was returned on October 4, 2023, and Amaya-Aguilar appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. Amaya-Aguilar has been detained on separate state charges since July 2, 2023.
As alleged in the indictment, Amaya-Aguilar was deported from the U.S. following a felony conviction in May 2018 in Connecticut Superior Court for sexual assault in the first degree. On July 2, 2023, he was found in Danbury without having obtained the consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the U.S.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Amaya-Aguilar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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 Sean P. Mahard.
Indian national arrested in Montana admits role in computer-hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from Kalispell womanRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — An Indian national today admitted to his role in stealing $150,000 from an elderly Montana woman through a computer-hacking scheme, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Sukhdev Vaid, 24, of India, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Vaid faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 14, 2024. Vaid was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that a large enterprise originating from India was involved in stealing money from the elderly in the United States. In February, various fraudsters stole $150,000 from a 73-year-old woman, identified as Jane Doe, in Kalispell. The fraud occurred because of a pop-up notice that appeared on Jane Doe’s computer screen. The notice explained that Jane Doe was “hacked” and for her to call a number for customer support. Jane Doe complied, and fraudsters directed her to remove cash from her bank accounts for safe keeping at the “Fed.” Jane Doe complied and gave $150,000 in cash to the fraudsters.
In March, Jane Doe told the fraudsters she still had $50,000 in cash, which was a ruse set up by the FBI. Vaid traveled to Montana, along with co-defendant Eddly Joseph, of Gainesville, Florida, to steal the money from Jane Doe. Law enforcement arrested the pair when they arrived to collect the money. The investigation determined that the fraudsters remotely accessed Jane Doe’s computer, using UltraViewer, which they installed on her computer.
Joseph pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The FBI and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Hospitalist Companies Agree to Pay Nearly $4.4 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - IPC Hospitalists of Michigan, Inc., Inpatient Consultants of Michigan, P.C., IPC Healthcare f/k/a IPC The Hospitalist Company, and Team Health Holdings, Inc. (defendants) have agreed to pay a total of $4,384,618 to the United States and the State of Michigan to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by upcoding inpatient hospital services, allowing their doctors to bill for more services than they could possibly provide in one day, and billing for services not rendered, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. The State of Michigan will receive $606,483 of the settlement amount based on its share of alleged damages to the Medicaid program.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
The defendants are related companies that employ and provide hospitalists to Michigan hospitals. Hospitalists are doctors whose focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients.
The settlement announced today resolves three sets of allegations. The first is that the defendants’ doctors regularly upcoded certain Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes typically used to report the most complex services relating to the evaluation and management of hospitalized patients. Upcoding is alleged fraudulent medical billing in which a claim is submitted for payment regarding a service that is more expensive than the service that was actually performed. The second set of allegations is that the defendants allowed their hospitalists to regularly bill for impossible days within the State of Michigan. An impossible day occurs when a hospitalist purports to provide such a high volume of inpatient services or procedures in one day that there is no way the hospitalist reasonably could have performed them all. The third set of allegations concern services and procedures purportedly rendered by the same provider, on the same day, and billed to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for beneficiaries located in Michigan and Indiana, which the government contends were not rendered to the Michigan-based beneficiaries.
“The False Claims Act is an important tool to deter and hold accountable those who submit fraudulent medical claims to the government,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Any allegation that a provider is billing for services not actually provided will be vigorously investigated by our office.”
“The submission of false claims to our Federal health care programs by individuals or institutions erodes the trust that we place in these providers and wastes valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who submit false claims are held accountable.”
"We hope this settlement will bring some economic justice by requiring those responsible for this fraudulent scheme to pay for their actions," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. Whenever the integrity of our healthcare programs is compromised, everyone bears the cost through potentially higher insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and even reduced or lost benefits. It would not have been possible to unravel the complexities of this scheme fueled by greed without the assistance of our partner agencies, and we would like to express our gratitude for their assistance in our quest for justice."
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under two separate qui tam or whistleblower lawsuits under the False Claims Act: United States ex rel. Saad v. IPC Hospitalists of Michigan, Inc., et al., Case No. 17-13656 (E.D. Mich.) and United States ex rels. Amine P. Amine and Redwan Asbahi v. Team Health Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-10799 (E.D. Mich.). Under the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Relator Chadi Saad will receive $571,900.00 as part of the settlement. Relators Redwan Asbahi and Amine Amine will receive $195,408 as part of the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys John Postulka and John Spaccarotella from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Hopkinsville Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing HandgunsRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced today to 10 years and 1 month in prison for illegally possessing a handgun on two separate occasions.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Tracy White of the Todd County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Marquez Penman, 30, was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On May 17, 2022, in Logan County, Kentucky, Penman possessed a Taurus handgun. Nine days later, on May 26, 2022, in Todd County, Kentucky, Penman possessed a Ruger handgun. Penman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On October 7, 2015, in Christian Circuit Court, Penman was convicted of two counts of first-degree robbery. On August 1, 2012, in Christian Circuit Court, Penman was convicted of second-degree robbery.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Todd County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jean Cortes Malave, age 40, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 11, 2023, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam, the indictment alleges that on November 29, 2022, in York County, Pennsylvania, Cortes Malave distributed a quantity of fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on that same day, Cortes Malave possessed an additional quantity of fentanyl with the intent to distribute the controlled substance. The indictment also alleges that Cortes Malave possessed a .380 Baretta Pico handgun and a Highpoint 40 caliber pistol in furtherance of the above-alleged drug trafficking crime.
The case was investigated by the Northern York County Regional Police, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty for the distribution of a controlled substance offense is a term of 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is life imprisonment, a term of five years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Gary Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and MurderRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Devontae Martin, age 30, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and using a firearm to commit murder.
Martin was sentenced to Life in prison for using a firearm to commit murder. He was also sentenced to 240 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
According to documents in the case, between June 2016 and February 2018, Devontae Martin and numerous others conspired to distribute cocaine from a car wash located in Gary, Indiana. Additionally, on July 28, 2017, Martin and a codefendant discharged a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime that resulted in the murder of K.H.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team, the Gary Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The trial was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Caitlin M. Padula, and Kimberly L. Schultz.
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.
Fredericktown Man Sentenced to Serve 87 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – The United States Attorney's Office announced that Joseph A. Morgan, 48, of Fredericktown, Missouri, has been sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for the offense of Possession of Child Pornography. Morgan appeared for his sentencing hearing Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Sarah A. Pitlyk at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a residence in Madison County in March 2021 after developing probable cause that an individual was obtaining videos containing child pornography over the internet. Morgan was found on the property, and investigators seized his tablet and a thumb drive. Over 60 child pornography videos were discovered on the devices. At his guilty plea hearing earlier this year, Morgan admitted that he used the internet to acquire the material. After serving his 87-month sentence,
Morgan will be placed on lifetime supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the Government.
Former U.S. Navy Service Member Sentenced for $2 Million Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 17, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Christopher Toups, who at the time of his crimes was a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison after admitting that he and others defrauded an insurance program meant to compensate service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty.
Toups’ sentence followed his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, participants in the scheme obtained approximately $2 million in payments from fraudulent claims submitted to Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program, or TSGLI, and Toups personally obtained about $400,000. TSGLI was funded by service members and the Department of the Navy.
Toups admitted that from 2012 to at least December 2015, he conspired with his then-spouse Kelene McGrath, Navy Dr. Michael Villarroel, and others to obtain money from the United States by making claims for life insurance payments based on exaggerated or fake injuries and disabilities.
“Lying and stealing funds meant for injured service members is appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting those who serve, and this case is an excellent example of law enforcement collaboration to do just that.”
“Fraudulently filing claims for unearned benefits diverts compensation from deserving service members who suffered serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his egregious actions, and the VA OIG will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Mr. Toups participated in a fraud scheme that defrauded the American taxpayer and diverted vital money, care, and resources from service members recovering from traumatic injuries,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment of NCIS and its partners to combatting fraud that harms the Department of the Navy and its warfighters.”
“Stealing from a program set in place to aid injured and disabled servicemembers diverts compensation from deserving individuals,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Willingly defrauding the American people, especially those who protect our country, will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who commit such acts are held accountable.”
According to the plea agreement, in addition to submitting his own TSGLI claims based on fake injuries and disabilities, Toups encouraged numerous current or former Navy service members to submit claims and sometimes told them to provide medical records to McGrath. McGrath, a nurse, falsified or doctored medical records to exaggerate or fake injuries. Villarroel certified that he reviewed the records and determined activities of daily living were lost or impaired and consistent with the claimed injuries as required for claims to be processed and qualify, at times supporting the determination by falsely stating he interviewed the claimant. Villarroel also, at times, provided others’ medical records for McGrath to use in fabricating claims.
Toups admitted that he encouraged recipients of claim payments to give him part of the money, sometimes characterizing it as a “processing fee.” McGrath and Villarroel received part of the kickback depending on their involvement in the claim. Toups paid Villarroel in cash and by cashier’s check. At times, Toups and others conducted financial transactions in amounts under $10,000 to evade perceived financial reporting requirements.
According to court records, Toups and his co-defendants were part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”), based in Coronado, California. Toups was a Chief Petty Officer Construction Mechanic.
DEFENDANT 18CR1674-JLS
Christopher Toups 46 White, GA
RELATED CASES
Kelene Meyer 18CR1674-JLS Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Michael Villarroel 18CR1674-JLS Coronado, CA
Paul Craig 18CR1674-JLS Austin, TX
Richard Cote 18CR1674-JLS Oceanside, CA
Earnest Thompson 18CR1674-JLS Murrieta, CA
Ronald Olmsted 20CR0659-JLS Mobile, AL
Anthony Coco 20CR0197-JLS San Diego, CA
Stephen Mulholland 20CR0052-JLS Panama City Beach, FL
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Toups:
18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
Others:
18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Police Sergeant Indicted for Sexually Abusing WomenRead the Press Release
BOISE – An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Idaho charging a former Caldwell Police Department sergeant with civil rights violations involving the sexual abuse of women and exchanging favorable police treatment for sexual acts.
According to court documents, Ryan A. Bendawald, 41, of Franklin, Tennessee, allegedly abused his position as a law enforcement officer by sexually victimizing women in Caldwell. From at least 2017 until 2021, Bendawald allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with at least seven women he encountered in the course of his law enforcement duties. Bendawald is also alleged to have exchanged and offered to exchange favorable police treatment for sex and sexual favors.
Bendawald is charged with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery, and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted on all counts, Bendawald faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Shohini S. Sinha of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jordan Dickson and Kathryn E. Fifield of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine L. Horwitz for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
Individuals may report any relevant information to the FBI Boise Field Office at (208) 344-4875.
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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Former Police Sergeant Indicted for Sexually Abusing WomenRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Idaho charging a former Caldwell Police Department sergeant with civil rights violations involving the sexual abuse of women and exchanging favorable police treatment for sexual acts.
According to court documents, Ryan A. Bendawald, 41, of Franklin, Tennessee, allegedly abused his position as a law enforcement officer by sexually victimizing women in Idaho. From at least 2017 until 2021, Bendawald allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with at least seven women he encountered in the course of his law enforcement duties. Bendawald is also alleged to have exchanged and offered to exchange favorable police treatment for sex and sexual favors.
Bendawald is charged with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery, and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted on all counts, Bendawald faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Shohini S. Sinha of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jordan Dickson and Kathryn E. Fifield of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine L. Horwitz for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
Individuals may report any relevant information to the FBI Boise Field Office at (208) 344-4875.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting Nine Female InmatesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Oregon Department of Corrections employee was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison today for sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 39, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that using a position of authority to prey on individuals in custody will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice. Holding Tony Klein accountable for his crimes would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of the women he abused and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“The sentence in this case should send a significant message to any official working inside jails and prisons across our country, including those who provide medical care, that they will be held accountable when they sexually assault women inmates in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Women detained inside jails and prisons should be able to turn to medical providers for care and not subjected to exploitation by those bent on abusing their power and position. We will listen to and investigate credible allegations put forward by people who are sexually assaulted and, where appropriate, bring federal prosecutions. The Justice Department stands ready to hold accountable those who abuse their authority by sexual assaulting people in their custody and under their care.”
“We know this prison sentence cannot undo the trauma Tony Klein inflicted on numerous victims, but we hope this brings them one step closer to healing,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “As a state prison nurse, Klein abused his position and abused multiple women, violating the public’s trust, while doing everything he could to avoid being caught. The investigators and prosecutors should be applauded for their efforts to hold Klein accountable, but we recognize this lengthy sentence is also because of a group of brave women who came forward and helped ensure that Klein was held accountable for being a sexual predator within Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.”
According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted and engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care.
By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults.
On March 8, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Klein with multiple civil rights crimes. On July 25, 2023, a federal jury in Portland found Klein guilty of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley assisted the trial team.
Former Information Technology Manager Sentenced for Scheme to Steal over $1.4 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former information technology manager of a Quebec City, Canada-based telecommunications company was sentenced today in connection with a fraud scheme that involved the theft of over $1.4 million in computer equipment from his employer.
Tod Erickson, 60, of Londonderry, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year and one day in prison. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,596,328 and to forfeit $1,457,429. On May 18, 2023, Erickson pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
Erickson served as the information technology manager at a telecommunications company that, until February 2019, had an office located in Chelmsford, Mass. As information technology manager, Erikson was responsible for submitting requests to purchase equipment – such as computers and hard drives. From at least January 2012 through February 2019, Erickson fraudulently submitted purchase requests for computer equipment that the company did not need. Thereafter, without the knowledge or approval of his employer, Erickson sold the items to third parties. Erickson also filed income tax returns for the tax year 2016 in which he intentionally underreported his income by failing to disclose money he received from the sale of his employer’s property.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Atlanta attorney convicted of stealing millions of dollars from clientsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Matthew Allen Dickason, who was the owner of an Atlanta law firm, has pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from a scheme to defraud the firm’s clients.
“It is shameful for an attorney to abuse the trust placed in him by his clients, but that is exactly what Dickason did,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He misappropriated millions of dollars belonging to his clients for his personal benefit with no regard for how his clients would be affected.”
“Wire fraud is an offense that the FBI takes very seriously, especially when innocent victims are being defrauded. In this case, it is especially troubling that the crime was orchestrated by a lawyer who swore an oath to uphold the law and represent his clients with integrity,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Dickason was in debt through his own fault and chose to steal from his clients and firm to pay back that debt and finance his business. Now he will pay back his debt to society in prison.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate those who threaten HUD programs,” said HUD OIG Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle. “The criminal actions by this former attorney violated his clients trust and his oath to uphold the law. His actions put many taxpayer-insured FHA mortgages at risk of default through his scheme.”
“FHFA-OIG aggressively investigates mortgage fraud schemes, and this one was especially egregious,” said Edwin Bonano, Special Agent in Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Southeast District. “The victims lost millions as a result of the scheme perpetrated by someone—an attorney, no less—who should have followed all the tenets of the law.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Matthew Allen Dickason was an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia and was the owner of Matthew A. Dickason, P.C., a law firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm specialized in real estate law and was responsible for overseeing hundreds of real estate sales transactions totaling tens of millions of dollars.
Dickason accepted funds on behalf of clients seeking to purchase real estate. He was not permitted to use his clients’ money to pay his own debts and expenses. Nevertheless, Dickason misappropriated millions of dollars belonging to his clients. The majority of the misappropriated funds were used to pay his law firm’s operating expenses. After misappropriating client funds, he used new client funds to complete prior real estate transactions.
To hide his fraud, Dickason caused fabricated information to be uploaded into his law firm’s accounting system to make it appear the firm was paying off a seller’s mortgage when, in fact, Dickason was misappropriating client funds for his own use.
Dickason continued to misappropriate client funds until it became impossible to continue. By that point, victims had suffered millions of dollars in losses.
Matthew Allen Dickason, 47, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, and now living in Wellington, Ohio, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Phillips is prosecuting the case.
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.
Floyd County Company Agrees to Pay $200,000 to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Billing for Respiratory DevicesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Oxygen Plus, Inc., a provider of durable medical equipment based in Floyd County, Kentucky, has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid for respiratory devices that patients did not need or use, in contravention of those programs’ requirements.
Oxygen Plus provided non-invasive ventilators (“NIVs”) for home use to patients in Kentucky. NIVs are a type of complex respiratory equipment designed to deliver pressurized air into the lungs of patients with serious respiratory diseases. Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid pay a monthly reimbursement for a patient’s rental of an NIV, so long as the NIV is necessary and reasonable for the patient’s treatment.
Oxygen Plus entered into a settlement agreement with the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to resolve a federal False Claims Act case. According to the settlement agreement, the government alleged that between January 2017 and June 2021, Oxygen Plus submitted over 300 false claims to Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid by continuing to seek reimbursement for NIV rentals even after patients no longer needed the devices or were no longer using them.
The settlement resolves allegations brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by two former employees of Oxygen Plus. The qui tam provisions permit private citizens with knowledge of fraud against the government to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States, and to share in any recovery. Here, the whistleblowers will receive $32,000 as their share of the settlement.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement section and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Corndorf represented the government.
The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Sparkman v. Oxygen Plus, Inc., et al., No. 3:21-CV-22 (E.D. Ky.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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Five persons arrested in Great Falls fentanyl trafficking investigation arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — Five persons arrested as part of a multi-agency narcotics investigation appeared for arraignment today on federal indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Officers from multiple federal, state, and local agencies arrested the five defendants on warrants as part of a coordinated takedown conducted on Oct. 12 in Great Falls.
The five defendants are charged in three separate indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking in Cascade and Mineral counties. Each defendant pleaded not guilty and was detained pending further proceedings.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided.
The defendants include:
- Alanna Corcoran, 41, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Corcoran faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-95.
- Natalie Crawford, 31, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-96.
- Michael McIntire, 56, of Great Falls; Terry McIntire, 44, of Great Falls; and Paul Regimbal, 50, of Fort Benton, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Terry McIntire also is charged with distribution of fentanyl. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-99.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation.
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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Federal Jury Convicts Maryland Man of Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found William Daniel Leonard (55, Maryland) guilty of using the internet and his cellphone to attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Leonard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison, as well as a potential life term of supervised release. Leonard was remanded into custody after the return of the verdict. His sentencing hearing in scheduled for January 4, 2024. Leonard was indicted on February 23, 2022.
According to evidence and testimony introduced during the two-day trial, on November 12, 2021, Leonard reached out to an undercover agent who was posing as the father of a 13-year-old daughter online. Leonard expressed interest in meeting the notional child for sex and spent the next three weeks planning his trip from Maryland to Florida. During the same time that he was making plans to come to Florida, Leonard was talking to two other minors online, a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl.
Leonard traveled to North Carolina on November 19, 2021, to see the 14-year-old girl after deciphering her address from a digital photograph that she had sent to Leonard. On December 7, 2021, Leonard arrived in Florida with two boxes of condoms to meet the notional 13-year-old girl, where he was met by law enforcement officers and arrested.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Amanda Daniels.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Exagen Inc. Agrees to Pay $653,143 to Resolve Allegations of Kickback ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California-based life sciences company that makes diagnostic tests for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, Exagen Inc., has agreed to pay $653,143 to resolve allegations that it paid specimen processing fees to referring physicians to induce those physicians’ use of Exagen’s laboratory tests.
According to the settlement agreement, Exagen agreed to factual admissions that it paid certain referring physicians to complete blood draws for patients pursuant to specimen processing agreements that Exagen entered into with those physicians. Exagen billed federal health care programs, including Medicare and other programs, for tests that it performed after receiving orders from the referring physicians to whom it paid the specimen processing fees. Exagen did so after becoming aware of a June 25, 2014 Special Fraud Alert from the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that warned laboratories that the practice of paying referring physicians specimen processing fees could present a substantial risk of fraud and abuse.
The settlement stems from allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allows private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with today’s announced settlement, the relator will receive 16 percent of the recovery.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello; and Christopher F. Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham R. George, Chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, and Alexandra Brazier, also of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, handled the matter.
Durant Resident Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ricky Wayne Banks, II, age 34, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing sexually explicit material involving a minor.
The charges arose from investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
On August 25, 2022, Ricky Wayne Banks, II, pleaded guilty to Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. According to court documents, various CyberTips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC) regarding suspected activity involving minor children. During the investigation, Agents obtained and executed search warrants and found Ricky Wayne Banks, II, to be in possession of sexually explicit materials involving minor children.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Banks will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “Resources.”
If you have information about the physical or online exploitation of children, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE–LOST (1-800-843-5678) or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Doctor pleads guilty in dark web murder-for-hire plotRead the Press Release
ATLANTA –James Wan, M.D., has pleaded guilty to paying a hitman he found on the dark web to murder his girlfriend.
“Wan used the dark web to conceal his deadly plan,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Fortunately, his plot was discovered before anyone was killed or injured.”
"Despite his cowardly concealment on the dark web, Wan’s cold hearted murderous plot was averted due to the exceptional work of our team. He will now face the full consequences of the criminal justice system,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This case shows that the FBI will not tolerate heinous acts of violence and will go to great lengths to protect our citizens.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On April 18, 2022, while in the Northern District of Georgia, Wan accessed a dark web marketplace from his cellular telephone and submitted an order to have a hitman murder his girlfriend. The order included the victim’s name, address, Facebook account, license plate, and car description. In the order, Wan stated: “Can take wallet phone and car. Shoot and go. Or take car.” Wan then electronically transferred a 50% downpayment of approximately $8,000 worth of Bitcoin to the dark web marketplace.
Two days later, Wan messaged the marketplace’s administrator, stating that the transferred Bitcoin did not show up in his escrow account on the site. The next day, the marketplace administrator asked Wan for the Bitcoin address to which Wan had sent the payment. In response, Wan identified the Bitcoin wallet address and provided a screenshot of the transaction. When the administrator said that the address Wan provided was not in their system, Wan replied, “Damn. I guess I lost $8k. I’m sending $8k to escrow now.” Wan then electronically transferred an additional Bitcoin payment worth approximately $8,000 to the marketplace. The administrator confirmed the new address was correct and that the Bitcoin had arrived in the escrow account. The administrator stated that they were proceeding with Wan’s order for a hit and asked whether Wan wanted it done as an “accident or normal shooting.” Wan responded, “accident is better.”
About a week later, on April 29, 2022, Wan electronically transferred another payment of approximately $8,000 worth of Bitcoin to the dark web marketplace to ensure his escrow account contained the total required to complete the order. Shortly thereafter, Wan posted the following in a forum on the dark web marketplace: “How soon should work be done? I have submitted an Order and curious how quickly it should be carried out? Is there a way I can find out any progress? If there is anyone in my location?”
On May 10, 2022, after the value of Bitcoin dropped, Wan electronically transferred another payment of approximately $1,200 worth of Bitcoin to the marketplace to ensure his escrow account still contained the total required to complete the order.
After learning about the threat to the victim’s life, FBI agents notified the victim, provided her protection, and questioned Wan. Wan admitted that he had placed the order, made the payments, and checked the status of the order daily on the dark web marketplace. Records from Wan’s cellular telephone and his Bitcoin wallet corroborated Wan’s confession. After speaking with FBI agents, Wan canceled the order on the dark web marketplace.
James Wan, 54, of Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of using a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. The sentencing is scheduled for January 18, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Leigh Martin May.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson is prosecuting the case.
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.
District Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Soliciting and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Defendant Belonged to Groups that Discussed the Sexual Abuse of Very Young Children
WASHINGTON – Raymond Glover, 43, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 97 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years supervised release, for his criminal conduct which included the distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C.
Glover pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, to one felony count of receiving child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton.
According to court documents, on or about Sept. 21, 2021, HSI agents searched Glover’s home. During the search, a child pornography video was playing on Glover’s laptop inside his living room, using an application that allowed Glover to share his video screen with other likeminded offenders. The video depicted an infant being sexually abused by an adult man. Agents observed adult men, on another screen, who appeared to be watching the video, and masturbating, while the infant was being sexually assaulted.
Glover stated that some of the child pornography videos posted in the application chat groups depicted children as young as 5 or 6 years of age being abused. Glover stated that members in these chat groups posted links to cloud storage sites which allowed him to gain access to child pornography. During the execution of the search warrant, agents seized 13 electronic devices, including two phones and the laptop. Glover’s devices contained over 60 videos and 60 images that depict the sexual abuse of children. The videos and images were downloaded by Glover between the dates of Sept. 27, 2019, and Sept. 21, 2021. Glover was arrested and charged with child exploitation offenses on the date that law enforcement searched his home. He has remained in custody ever since.
This case was investigated by the Washington, D.C. field office of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Bond of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson.
Defendant Charged with Operating Sex-Trafficking Ring on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn Known as the "Penn Track"Read the Press Release
Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn federal court charging Douglas Welch, also known as “Paradise,” with sex trafficking by force, sex trafficking conspiracy, interstate prostitution and promotion of prostitution. The charges in the indictment relate to Welch allegedly forcing victims to engage in prostitution, in among other places, a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn known as the “Penn Track.” Welch was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Welch has trafficked multiple women for his own financial benefit while boasting about the cruel and brutal violence he has inflicted on the vulnerable victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Running a brazen, open-air commercial sex market in East New York or anywhere else in our district is unacceptable, dangerous to our communities, and especially harmful to women caught in this terrible cycle of abuse. Today’s indictment will hold the defendant accountable in a federal courtroom for his exploitative crimes.”
Mr. Peace also thanked the New York City Department of Corrections, the New York City Human Resources Administration, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance with the case.
“Today’s charges further affirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the survivors of sex trafficking,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the NYPD will continue to ensure that anyone seeking to profit through the abuse and exploitation of another human being is identified, investigated, and indicted. I commend everyone involved at the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their work on this important case.”
The Penn Track has for years operated as an open-air market where Welch and others have forced trafficking victims to earn money for them by engaging in commercial sex acts with customers in cars or nearby hotels.
As alleged in court documents, Welch recruited women to work on his behalf along the Penn Track and used threats and violence to force those victims to engage in commercial sex with customers, and provide him with the profits. Welch routinely threatened his victims with physical violence if they disobeyed his orders, telling one victim, “if you f*** with the pimping, I’m gonna crack your head” and threatening to “slap the s***” out of another victim for not listening to him. He also bragged about knocking unconscious trafficking victims who disrespected him or other traffickers, including describing one instance in which he grabbed a woman by the throat, knocked her onto the sidewalk and then body slammed her for disrespecting another pimp along the Penn Track. Welch struck a victim with a baseball bat for refusing to engage in prostitution after he directed her to do so, telling another sex trafficker that he wanted to leave a “stain on her brain.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Welch faces a minimum term of 15 years in prison, and up to life imprisonment.
If you are a victim of trafficking—whether by Welch or someone else—and have information to provide, please contact the FBI, which is prepared to help you regardless of your immigration status, at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid, Kayla Bensing and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Douglas Welch (also known as “Paradise”)
Age: 40
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-411 (OEM)
Cuba, Missouri, Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug, Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Cuba, Missouri, man, Raymond Toth, 65, was sentenced on October 13, 2023, to 120 months in federal prison, consisting of 60 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime. United States District Judge Colleen R. Lawless further ordered Toth to serve four years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Toth brought large amounts of methamphetamine from Missouri to Taylorville, Illinois, for his coconspirators to distribute in the Central District of Illinois. In total, Toth was responsible for helping to distribute approximately eight pounds of almost pure methamphetamine. Toth also possessed a 9 mm handgun when he was arrested in a Pana, Illinois, parking lot with 756 grams of methamphetamine.
Toth was indicted in June 2018 and pleaded guilty in June 2023. He has been detained and is in the custody of the United States Marshal since May 24, 2018. Toth’s co-defendants Randy Hammond, Macy Sweitzer, and Claudette Borders were previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy, and co-defendant Jesse Stoldorf is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2023.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine are not less than five and up to forty years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. The penalties for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime are up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office; the Illinois State Police; the Christian County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office; the Taylorville, Illinois, Police Department; and the Pana, Illinois, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Toth 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.
Crivitz Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for PPP FraudRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 16, 2023, Robert J. Solberg (age: 39) of Crivitz, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, Solberg received $20,833 from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) after applying to the U.S. Small Business Administration. To obtain the money, Solberg falsely claimed that he was not then under indictment or convicted of a felony. In fact, Solberg had months earlier pled guilty to conspiracy to commit odometer tampering and was awaiting sentencing in federal court.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the aggravated nature of Solberg’s offense and rejected Solberg’s claim that he did not know how to answer the questions accurately. Although Solberg requested a minimal sentence, the judge determined that an 18-month term in federal prison was required to send a message to Solberg that theft from government programs, especially while awaiting sentencing on another criminal matter, would result in serious consequences. After serving his prison term, Solberg also will be required to spend three years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Julie F. Stewart.
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Convicted Sex Offender in Orlando Charged with Distributing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Sean Calvin Ellixson (30, Orlando) with distribution of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Ellixson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Ellixson that the United States intends to forfeit certain digital media devices, which are alleged to have been used by him to commit the offense.
According to the indictment, Ellixson distributed child sex abuse material on September 7, 2023. Ellixson is also alleged to have a prior conviction involving child sex abuse material.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with valuable assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office (New York) . It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lyons.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 35 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Shatner Lewis, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 35 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Lewis to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.
According to admissions that Lewis made as a part of his guilty plea, on December 5, 2022, Lewis was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation by a Baton Rouge Police Department officer. During a search of the vehicle, a Taurus G3c 9mm pistol with a fully-loaded twelve-round magazine was found. Lewis admitted that the firearm belonged to him.
In 2021, prior to possessing the firearm, Lewis was convicted of manslaughter and attempted armed robbery in East Baton Rouge Parish. He was still on parole for those convictions when he was found in possession of the pistol in December.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wallace.
Checotah Residents Plead Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Eugene Teafatiller, age 39, and Doyle Lee Lafavor, age 52, both of Checotah, Oklahoma, entered guilty pleas to federal drug offenses. Teafatiller pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, which carries a potential prison term of 5 to 40 years. Lafavor pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, which carries a potential prison term of 10 years to life.
The Superseding Indictment alleged that on or about April 17, 2023, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Teafatiller possessed with the intent to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine (actual). The Indictment further alleged that Lafavor possessed with the intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual).
According to investigators, Teafatiller and Lafavor obtained packages through the U.S. Mail containing methamphetamine, which they intended to distribute to others.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, and the District 25 District Attorney’s Office Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports. Both defendants were remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending their sentencing hearings.
Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Brothers Each Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 50 pounds of Methamphetamine and 50,000 Fentanyl Laced PillsRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – On October 17th, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced brothers Carlos Reyes-Santana, 28, of Pasco, Washington and Eduardo Reyes-Santana, 26 of Kennewick, Washington to 12 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They will also serve 5 years on supervised release.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, the brothers had been under FBI surveillance because of their ties to a drug operation based in Mexico that is run by their uncle.
During the investigation, the defendants were observed making what appeared to be drug deliveries over the course of several months.
In May of 2021, agents executed several search warrants in connection to the investigation.
While searching Carlos’ home, agents discovered approximately 52 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1 pound of cocaine, approximately 50,000 fentanyl laced pills, approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin and $420,000 in cash. During a search of Eduardo’s home, agents found 5 five firearms as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition.
On the same day, agents executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Pasco. Agents found 7 kilograms of cocaine, 1 pound of methamphetamine, 50 fentanyl laced pills and more than $70,000 in cash.
Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington stated, “These defendants were responsible for injecting a massive amount of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our neighborhoods. My office is committed to tackling the opioid crisis by holding individuals accountable who pedal this poison and working closely with our law enforcement partners to seize these dangerous narcotics from our streets to save lives in our communities.”
“Tragically, this family-operated drug trafficking network was distributing poisons which destroy families and communities,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The FBI, along with our partners, are committed to removing these illegal drugs from Washington state and the path of addiction, violence, suffering, and overdoses that accompanies them.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force. The task force was assisted by multiple local law enforcement entities, including the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, West Richland Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Border Patrol also provided assistance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsguard and Patrick J. Cashman.
4:2021-cr-06022-SAB
Bridgeport Man Charged with Trafficking Guns from Georgia to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TYREE THOMAS, 36, of Bridgeport, with offenses relating to the illegal trafficking of firearms from Georgia to Connecticut.
The indictment was returned on July 19, 2023, and Thomas was arrested in Florida on September 6. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, between approximately August 2021 and March 2022, Thomas traveled to Georgia for the purpose of acquiring firearms, and transported the firearms back to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others. Several of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including one that recovered in connection with a homicide.
The indictment also alleges that Thomas was previously convicted in Connecticut state court of felony drug and failure to appear 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.
The indictment charges Thomas with crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Thomas has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Brandon Man Indicted for Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Brandon Lewis Graham (42, Brandon) with distribution of a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl which resulted in an overdose death, and with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, Graham faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl resulting in death, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession with intent to distribute offense. The indictment also notifies Graham that the United States intends to forfeit any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, on March 30, 2022, Graham distributed a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to an individual who died after ingesting the substance, and on August 3, 2022, Graham possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
Billings man indicted on multiple child sexual abuse, child pornography and other crimes dating back 31 years on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Billings man, formerly of Hays, was arraigned today on a 20-count federal indictment alleging child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, child pornography, aggravated sexual abuse and other crimes involving multiple victims dating back 31 years on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
James Kirby King, 57, pleaded not guilty to an indictment unsealed today in federal court.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. King was detained pending further proceedings.
As alleged in the indictment, from about 1992 to 2018 in Hays, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, King sexually abused and attempted to sexually abuse minor children and adults. In addition, King is accused of drugging minor children and an adult while sexually abusing and attempting to sexually abuse them; incest; sexually exploiting children; and child pornography crimes. The indictment identifies the victims as two minor girls, a victim both as a minor girl and a female adult, a female adult and one minor boy. Some of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time, some were under the age of 16 and some were adults.
The indictment charges King with:
- Aggravated sexual abuse of a child, three counts.
- Incest, four counts.
- Sexual exploitation of children, three counts.
- Aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, two counts.
- Sexual abuse, two counts.
- Attempted aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, one count.
- Attempted sexual abuse, one count.
- Sexual abuse of a minor, one count.
- Aggravated sexual abuse, one count.
- Attempted possession with the intent to sell child pornography in Indian Country, one count.
- Possession of child pornography in Indian Country, one count.
If convicted of the most serious crime, King faces a maximum of life of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
If you believe you are a victim of alleged sexual abuse by James Kirby King or have information related to the charged conduct in this case, please contact the FBI’s Havre Resident Agency: (406) 265-7181, option 20, and leave a message for the case agent.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-98.
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Bank fraud, stolen identities send Billings man to prison for more than three yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to using stolen bank cards and identities to make purchases around Billings was sentenced today to three and a half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jeremy Ray Fisher, 37, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,439 restitution.
“In Billings, it has become far too common for people like Fisher to steal credit cards, as well as others’ identities, to go on spending sprees around Billings at the expense of law abiding citizens. And almost without exception, these criminals, like Fisher, are abusing drugs. He has rightfully earned a significant prison sentence for his actions, where he will join others we have previously prosecuted for similar conduct, and we will be unwavering in our pursuit of those who seek to follow in Fisher’s footsteps,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“The defendant in this case stole identities and money from the victims and he is deserving of the sentence. This type of crime is reprehensible and causes significant losses and damage to the victims. The Billings Police Department, along with our partners, will be diligent in our investigations involving ID theft and fraud. Similarly, this sentence reflects the seriousness that the U.S. Attorney’s Office views these cases, and I thank them for their continued support,” Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said.
In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, a victim, identified as Jane Doe, notified the Billings Police Department that a bank credit card had been stolen from her vehicle and used by someone earlier that day to make purchases around Billings. Jane Doe received fraud alerts from her bank notifying her that some purchases had been declined but two were successful. One of the successful transactions was made at a Cenex Zip Trip. An investigation identified Fisher on video surveillance as pulling up to the store, getting out of the passenger’s seat, entering the store and paying for an item and then driving away. Fisher later admitted to using stolen credit cards to make purchases and admitted to doing so at the Zip Trip. The government further alleged that Fisher had prior felony convictions and uses methamphetamine. When arrested, he was found to have stolen power tools, stolen coolers and the identification cards of multiple people.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Armed Kidnappers Waterboarded and Threatened to Kill Victim at Plantation AirBnBRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Oct. 16, 2023, Jeffry Arista, 32, and his brother, Jonathan Arista, 29, had their initial appearances in federal court on federal kidnapping charges.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint on October 13, 2023, Jeffry Arista, Jonathan Arista, and Raymond Gomez committed an armed kidnapping of the victim outside of the victim’s apartment. After forcefully transporting the victim to an AirBnB, a rental property located in Plantation, Florida, the kidnappers realized that they had abducted the wrong person. Rather than releasing the victim, the kidnappers waterboarded and threatened to kill the victim while pointing firearms, tasers, and an electric drill at the kidnapped victim. Upon learning that the intended target was at a business in Pompano Beach, Florida, the kidnappers forcefully brought the victim to the business and ordered the victim to go into the business and lure out the intended target. Upon entering the business, the victim called law enforcement and all three kidnappers were arrested.
A criminal complaint charges all three defendants with kidnapping, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(a) and conspiracy to kidnap, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(c). If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Raymond Gomez has not yet had his initial appearance on the charges.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the pending criminal complaint charges.
FBI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ajay Alexander is prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-mj-6485.
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