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Friday 6 October 2023
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana Observes Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating DVAM, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of the advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.
Domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women, and one in seven men, will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. Significantly, the rates of such violence are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, women of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to heighten public awareness of domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in stopping gender-based violence.
“We want the people of Southeastern Louisiana to know that we are here to support victims and survivors in our Eastern District communities – not just in October, but every month,” said U.S. Attorney Evans. “All of us who serve as federal prosecutors, investigators, and support staff in the Eastern District of Louisiana, have a sworn duty not only to use every tool at our disposal, but also to positively leverage our law enforcement partnerships to provide victims with the safety and justice they deserve.”
U.S. Attorney Parker appointed to serve on Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio and six other U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).
Created in 1973, the AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies.
“I sincerely appreciate this appointment to the advisory committee and look forward to continuing my commitment to fairness and accountability in upholding the law,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.
Parker added that as a member of the committee, he will reinforce the Southern District of Ohio’s law enforcement and community outreach efforts in order to strengthen the collaborative work of his office with the entire Department of Justice to promote safer communities nationwide.
The AGAC appointees also include Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Natalie K. Wright for the District of Oregon, Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia.
“United States Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the Committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.”
The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.
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U.S. Attorney Parker announces more than $105 million in grants to support community safety in Southern District of OhioRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded 31 grants totaling $17 million to cities, counties, local law enforcement agencies, colleges and universities, and social service agencies in the 48-county Southern District of Ohio. Additionally, the Justice Department awarded more than $88.4 million to state agencies and elected offices in Ohio.
“The grants will promote safety and strengthen trust, helping communities tackle the proliferation of gun violence and restore bonds of trust between community residents and the justice system,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “These grants are also going to accelerate justice system reforms, improve the fairness and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system, expand access to victim services, and advance science and innovation to strengthen the knowledge base that policy makers and practitioners can use to develop better strategies to improve community safety.”
Parker said the Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded 25 grants totaling $14 million to cities, counties, and non-profit agencies in the district. The funds will support community response to the opioid epidemic, improve reentry education, increase mental health services for those charged with crimes and support investigations into crimes against children.
Grants from the Office for Victims of Crime include:
Adult Advocacy Center $747,917
OhioHealth Research Institute $400,000
Ohio University $323,000
Women Helping Women $764,000
The National Institute of Justice awarded the University of Cincinnati $105,000 for a graduate research fellowship. Other grants were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Sex Offender Monitoring, Apprehending Registering and Tracking (SMART) Office, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Nine state agencies and elected offices received grants from the Department of Justice to support increasing community safety statewide.
In total, the Justice Department awarded more than $4.4 billion nationwide to support community safety efforts. Visit the OJP website for the complete list of grantees as well as more information on the programs.
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U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez Appointed to Serve on Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has appointed United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez of the District of New Mexico to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys on essential matters facing the Department of Justice.
“United States Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the Committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.”
“It is an honor to advise Attorney General Garland and amplify the needs of New Mexico, the Tenth Circuit, and the hundreds of career civil servants who serve our southwestern communities,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “The issues we face are many, but it is through strong partnerships that we rise above our most intractable challenges. I am proud to work collaboratively with U.S. Attorneys from across the nation to shape Department policy and develop innovative and effective strategies to serve our communities.”
U.S. Attorney Uballez was appointed by the President Biden and sworn in as United States Attorney on May 24, 2022. As United States Attorney, Mr. Uballez is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of New Mexico. He also serves as the vice-chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee to the AGAC, as well as a member of the Border & Immigration, Environmental Justice and Environmental Issues, Office Management and Budget and Violent & Organized Crime Subcommittees.
Prior to his confirmation as United States Attorney, Mr. Uballez was as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of New Mexico where he led organized crime investigations and prosecuted child sexual abuse and human trafficking crimes, transnational and organized crime, and violent crime. Previously, Mr. Uballez served as an Assistant District Attorney in the First and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Offices of New Mexico where he prosecuted crimes against children, community and drug crimes, domestic violence and driving while intoxicated offenses.
The AGAC is comprised of 14 United States Attorneys, and U.S. Attorney Uballez will serve alongside the Committee’s Chair: U.S. Attorney Damian Williams (SDNY), Vice-Chair: U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino (DAZ), as well as U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan, (NDGA), U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves (DDC), U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani (SDTX), U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris (CDIL), U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh (WDVA), U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger (DMN), U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee (DME), U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan (WDPA), U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker (SDOH), U.S. Attorney Breon Peace (EDNY), and U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight (DOR).
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Two Gang Members Sentenced in Connection with the Murder of 10-year-old Makiyah WilsonRead the Press Release
Opened Fire on Innocent Bystanders
WASHINGTON – Two members of the Wellington Park Crew were sentenced today in connection with the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson, an innocent bystander gunned down on July 16, 2018, in the courtyard of a Washington, D.C., apartment complex that also left multiple people wounded.
The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Isaiah Murchison, 23, was sentenced to 60 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
Marquell Cobbs, 21, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release today after being found guilty on June 13 of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence. Previously, the jury found Cobbs not guilty of the charges related to the murder of Makiyah Wilson. However, it did find him guilty of his membership in the Wellington Park Crew.
According to the government's evidence, on July 16, 2018, Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Qujuan Thomas, and two others drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C., armed with guns. The four men stepped out of the car and opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, indiscriminately firing more than 50 shots.
Makiyah Wilson, sitting on the front stoop of her home, was killed. Several other people were wounded. Fellow gang members Quentin Michals and Darrise Jeffers assisted the shooters by obtaining the weapons and vehicle used in the shooting. Despite having watched the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the gunmen's identity. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case.
Judge Okun will sentence the four other defendants on October 20.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case as well as members of the prosecution team. The team included paralegal specialists Sharon Newman and Grazy Rivera and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and Melissa Jackson, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Timmer, who investigated the case. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport AliensRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan Manuel Rivera-Aguilar, age 36, of Hixson, Tennessee, pled guilty today to conspiring to transport aliens for financial gain.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.
Rivera-Aguilar admitted that on April 1, 2023, he and German Ojeda-Solano drove to the U.S. side of the international border with Canada in Mooers, New York, seeking to pick up three people who had recently crossed over the border on foot without authorization. When Rivera-Aguilar and Ojeda-Solano saw U.S. Border Patrol agents searching for the people in the woods, Ojeda-Solano reversed the vehicle and began travelling south. Shortly thereafter, agents stopped their vehicle and arrested Rivera-Aguilar and Ojeda-Solano. Rivera-Aguilar admitted that he expected to be paid for transporting the three people to a destination in the United States.
On September 18, 2023, Ojeda-Solano pled guilty to conspiring to transport aliens for financial gain, and was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.
Sentencing for Rivera-Aguilar is scheduled for February 2, 2024, before Chief Judge Sannes. Rivera-Aguilar faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon is prosecuting this case.
Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner Charged with $7.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Virginia-based nurse practitioner has been charged in connection with a $7.8 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces.
Daphne Jenkins, 64, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to the charging documents, between December 2018 and April 2020, Jenkins worked with a telemedicine company to sign orders for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment. It is alleged that these orders signed by Jenkins were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries, that Jenkins never had any contact with the beneficiaries herself and had no medical relationship with the patients, and that she generally signed these orders without even reading them. It is alleged that once Jenkins signed these orders, the telemarketing company sold the orders to DME suppliers and laboratories, which then submitted claims to Medicare. As a result of Jenkins’ alleged participation in this conspiracy, over $7.8 million in claims were submitted to Medicare for DME that was medically unnecessary, based on false documentation, and tainted by kickbacks.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Carol S. Hamilton, Regional Director, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor; and Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, North East Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Units are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tax preparer pleads guilty to falsifying returnsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A tax service operator has admitted to willfully preparing a false 2018 joint income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
As part of her plea, Lynettia Profit admitted that from 2016 to 2019, she operated JNL Tax Services in Houston. She admitted she often placed false education credits and Schedule C items on the returns she prepared, generating larger refunds to which her clients were not entitled.
According to the plea, she would make money by charging preparation fees that were deducted from refunds paid to clients.
Profit pleaded guilty to an information charging her with one count of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false return. Specifically, she admitted to placing two false American Opportunity Tax Credits in the amount of $2,500 each on the joint return as well as $70,743 in false expenses that were listed on the Schedule C. This resulted in a tax loss of approximately $22,101.
Profit took responsibility of $336,847 in loss to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing Jan. 24, 2024. At that time, she faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Andrew Swartz are prosecuting the case.
Tacoma man sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for production and possession of images of child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 37-year-old Tacoma, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 198 months in prison for production and possession of images of child sexual abuse. William Alexander Crisolo has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2021, when an investigation revealed Crisolo was using computer networks to trade sexually explicit images of young children. At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, "There is one unbreakable rule.... to protect (a) child. To do no harm. You betrayed that rule... The trauma you caused will last a lifetime."
According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center received a tip from a foreign law enforcement agency that Crisolo was claiming, via internet chats, that he was abusing two different minor children and filming the abuse. Law enforcement moved to search Crisolo’s residence and electronic devices. On his custom-built computer, investigators found more than 4,000 child sexual abuse images and 100 child sexual abuse videos. On Crisolo’s phone, law enforcement identified sexually explicit images of the two young child victims.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Tacoma Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Matthew Hampton.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
St. Francis Man Convicted of AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Edward Wilson, a/k/a Eddie Wilson, age 41, of St. Francis, South Dakota of Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 4, 2023.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023.
On May 29, 2023, shortly after 8:00 am, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to St. Francis after the victim called 911 reporting an assault. The victim reported to officers that Wilson had assaulted her the night prior, punching her in the face and kicking her in the body numerous times. The responding officers noticed marks on the victim’s face and body consistent with her statement. Wilson later sent text messages to the victim, stating that in a prayer he apologized for what happened and swore he’d never lay a hand on the victim. Wilson has previously been convicted of domestic assault on two separate occasions in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation will be ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Six Charged in Cocaine and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that six defendants have been indicted in Burlington on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Specifically, those charged in the superseding indictment are Tyler Orvis, 40, of Milton Vermont, Christopher Purvis, 27 of Hartford, Connecticut, Alexis Sutton, 23 of Windsor, Connecticut, Russell Mitchell, 26, of Chesapeake, Virginia, Sierra Fuentes, 30, of Bristol, Connecticut, and Dorothy Wilde, 55, of Hyde Park, Vermont.
To date, all six defendants have been arraigned. Most recently, Christopher Purvis appeared in the District of Vermont on October 4, 2023. Previously, on August 11, 2023, Tyler Orvis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl before United States District Judge Christina Reiss. Orvis is detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled to occur on December 5, 2023. Purvis, Mitchell, Fuentes, and Wilde are detained pending trial. Sutton was released on conditions. A trial date has not yet been set.
According to court records, from September 2022 through December 30, 2022, the conspiracy involved the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Burlington, Vermont and elsewhere. The defendants also used a residence in Milton, Vermont to store drug packaging materials.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted of a crime. As presently charged, if convicted, the six defendants face a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the federal district court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest thanked the DEA Burlington Office, and acknowledged significant assistance from the Milton Police Department, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, the Morristown Police Department, the DEA Hartford Office, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Bureau of Prisons.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is handling the case for the government. Mark Kaplan, Esq. represents Tyler Orvis, Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels represents Christopher Purvis, Richard Bothfeld, Esq. represents Alexis Sutton, William A. Vasiliou, II, Esq. represents Sierra Fuentes, and John Mabie, Esq. represents Dorothy Wilde.
Sells Man Sentenced to 107 Months for Assault and Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Alan Flores, 53, of Sells, Arizona, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 107 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Flores pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child Under the Age of 16 Years and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
On September 17, 2021, Flores, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, assaulted a 12-year-old juvenile by stabbing the juvenile in the face with a knife. Flores, who is a convicted sex offender, also failed to abide by his registration requirements and was not living at the address listed on his sex offender registration documents. These offenses occurred on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Tohono O’odham Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances M. Kreamer Hope, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 22-1321-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-151_Flores# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Salem Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem, Mass. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Andrew R. Sorrento, 35, pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024.
In July 2022, Sorrento was identified as an individual distributing CSAM via social media and text messages. During a search of Sorrento’s Salem residence on Dec. 9, 2022, his cell phone was seized and found to contain 23 images and seven videos depicting CSAM – including images of a child under 12-years-old.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Calgary (Canada). Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
SDTX and RI USAOs jointly resolve False Claims Act violationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – U.S. Attorney’s Offices in two districts have resolved a civil investigation into RPS Group Inc, a global professional services firm, that will result in a recovery of over $465,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and Zachary A. Cunha, U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of Texas and Rhode Island, respectively.
RPS Group Inc. held several contracts with the federal government. Between June 2011 and July 2020, in order to maximize revenue and avoid hitting budgetary ceilings, the company unlawfully engaged in a practice of moving recorded labor hours between government projects with different funding sources, according to the allegations in the investigation. RPS also allegedly submitted invoices for work that was not performed on government contracts and falsely inflated employee billing rates. These practices occurred across numerous government contracts and resulted in the submission of false invoices to multiple government agencies, according to the allegations.
The conduct was brought to the government’s attention both through an RPS corporate disclosure and through complaints four former employees had raised. As part of a civil settlement, RPS Group Inc. will pay $465,293.
At the time of the conduct alleged in this matter, RPS Group’s headquarters in the United States were located in Houston with a subsidiary in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Another company has since acquired it.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Venezia and Bethany Wong of the Southern District of Texas and Rhode Island, respectively, litigated this matter.
Department of Commerce - Office of Inspector General (OIG), Army Criminal Investigation Division, Coast Guard Investigative Service, General Services Administration – OIG, National Aeronautics and Space Administration – OIG, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Environmental Protection Agency – OIG, Department of Interior - OIG, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Riverton Man Sentenced for Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
Steven Cole C’Bearing, age 29, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assault by strangulation. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 5, 2023, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, C’Bearing had been drinking and became upset with the victim in this case. He struck the victim in the head and neck, then strangled the victim with his hands and later with his leg around the victim’s neck. The defendant was charged by complaint in June, waived the indictment, and pled guilty in July.
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore.
Case No. 23-CR-00086
Riverside County Man Sentenced to Five Years for Federal Firearm and Drug Charges After High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY –October 6, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Shane Glazer of Riverside County was sentenced in federal court today to 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.
According to the government’s sentencing papers, on June 10, 2022, San Diego police officers found the defendant in his car, slumped over and unconscious, with the keys in the ignition and the vehicle running. Glazer was wearing a fanny pack. In the pack, officers found fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as $3,600. In the car, officers also found an unserialized personally manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” loaded with ten rounds of ammunition, as well as a high-capacity magazine loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. The defendant was released on bond pending trial.
Five weeks later, officers found Glazer again slumped over in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition and the vehicle running. This time, the defendant used his car to flee the scene. In his attempts to evade officers, Glazer ran a stop sign and two red lights, and then led officers on a vehicle pursuit that reached speeds of over 125 mph. The defendant swerved in and out of traffic, at one point nearly missing another vehicle as he rapidly careened through traffic lanes and drove onto the freeway. As the defendant attempted to enter the I-8 East freeway, he lost control of the vehicle, crashing into an embankment and eventually stopping at the I-8 median barrier. He then threw a loaded gun onto the I-8 West freeway and ran across the lanes of traffic. Vehicles were forced to swerve around Glazer, who narrowly avoided being hit. In addition to seizing the gun, officers searched Glazer’s vehicle and again found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as $1,546 in cash.
“Drugs, guns and high-speed pursuits could have been a deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “But for the intervention by the San Diego Police Department, this could have been a catastrophe. Today, Mr. Glazer is being held accountable for his brazen disregard for the law.”
“ATF acknowledges individuals may lawfully possess, make and use privately made firearms under federal law, but those that use them in furtherance of drug trafficking will be held accountable,” said Chris Bombardiere, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge of Los Angeles Field Division. “ATF will continue to focus on the misuse of firearms to combat violent crime in our communities.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandor Callahan.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr1972
Shane Glazer Age: 30 Sun City, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime – Title 18 U.S.C. Section 924(c)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in Prison
Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute – Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty Years in Prison
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute – Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty Years in Prison
Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute – Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty Years in Prison
AGENCY
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
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.
Richmond Man Sentenced for Two Armed Carjackings in Central VirginiaRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for brandishing firearms during two separate carjackings.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2021, Treon Jackson, 37, had a Ruger 9mm firearm in hand when he approached the first victim in Richmond. The car that Jackson had been using had run out of gas and he wanted to travel to Petersburg. Approximately five minutes prior to committing the first carjacking, Jackson texted an individual telling them that he was looking for a car. Just minutes later, Jackson approached the victim with his gun drawn while they were parked outside a residence where the victim was working. Jackson pointed the firearm at the victim and demanded that they get out of their work truck. The victim complied with Jackson’s demand and Jackson entered the victim’s truck and drove away from the area. Jackson then traveled to Chesterfield, arriving at a restaurant parking lot about 30 minutes after the first carjacking. He parked the work truck and waited next to an SUV. When the second victim exited the restaurant a few minutes later, Jackson got out of the truck and pointed the firearm at the second victim, demanding the keys to the SUV. The second victim also complied and Jackson drove away in the SUV.
Chesterfield police were able to determine the SUV that Jackson had carjacked was in Petersburg. There, a Petersburg Police Officer noticed the SUV fitting the description of the carjacked vehicle. As the officer attempted to stop the SUV, Jackson fled at a high rate of speed, running through multiple stop lights in an effort to get away. As he was about to get onto Interstate 95 North, the SUV was remotely disabled by a stolen-vehicle tracking system installed in the SUV and Jackson was taken into custody.
Investigators located the keys to both stolen vehicles insidethe SUV, along with the high-capacity Ruger 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition with a round in the chamber. As part of his plea, Jackson admitted that he had committed the two car jackings by force, violence, and intimidation with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz, Chesterfield County Police Department; and Travis C. Christian, Chief of Petersburg Bureau of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Mastandrea-Miller and Avi Panth prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-81.
Possession of Machinegun Conversion Devices Leads to 65 Month Sentence in Federal Prison for Purcell ManRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL ADRIAN ALLEN SMITH, 37, of Purcell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 65 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction and unlawful possession of machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 1, 2023, Smith was charged by information with felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of machine guns. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on February 10, 2023, a federal search warrant was issued for Smith’s residence after probable cause was shown Smith was in possession of ammunition. Smith is a convicted felon in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, for possession of a controlled substance for sale by an armed person with a firearm. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served the warrant, and found two machinegun conversion devices, which enable a firearm to fire more than one round for each pull of the trigger.
On March 22, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 2. As part of his plea, Smith admitted to possession of two machine gun conversion kits, the possession of which is prohibited under federal law.
At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Smith to serve 65 months in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Smith’s criminal history which includes convictions for domestic violence offenses, and the illegal sale of firearms present in the community.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Polk County Drug Trafficker Convicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Floyd Hintteon Green, Jr. (62, Winter Haven) has been found guilty, following a bench trial before United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber, of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Green faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2023.
According to evidence presented at trial, Green was stopped by officers from the Winter Haven Police Department for an illegal tint violation. During a search of Green’s vehicle, K-9 units alerted their handlers to the presence of narcotics. The officers recovered a large toiletry bag containing approximately 437.2 grams of pure substance methamphetamine. Green later admitted to being a drug dealer, knowing the methamphetamine was present in the vehicle, and to selling it for approximately $2,600 per pound. Green also admitted to previously serving a sentence in Florida State Prison for drug trafficking.
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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha J. Newman and David W.A. Chee.
Owner of the Sportsmans Grille in Williamsburg Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Williamsburg man pleaded guilty yesterday to tax fraud.
According to court documents, from 2016 to at least 2020, Stephen G. Genakos, 62, was the sole owner and managing director of Sarantos, Inc., a Virginia corporation, having made a Subchapter S election, doing business as a restaurant, Sportsmans Grille, in York County. Since 2016, Genakos skimmed U.S. currency from the Sportsmans Grille.
In 2020, Genakos listed the Sportsmans Grille for sale for $795,000. In 2021, undercover agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made contact with Genakos. During this operation, Genakos provided IRS agents the chance to view the true books and records of the Sportsmans Grille. For tax years 2016 through 2020, Genakos filed materially false tax returns for himself and his business, Sarantos Inc.
Genakos pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a materially false tax return and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mack Coleman and Brian Samuels are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-37.
One of the Largest-Ever Fentanyl Seizures in New York City Results in Four Charged for Operating Fentanyl Mill in Bronx ResidenceRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the filing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging WELLINGTON EUSTATE ESPINAL, a/k/a “Ronny,” CRISTIAN EUSTATE ESPINAL, HERIBERTO EUSTATE ESPINAL, a/k/a “Daulin,” and ROBERTO JOSE VARGAS-PAULINO with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of narcotics. The defendants were arrested yesterday afternoon in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. The defendants were presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Last night, while conducting a Court-authorized search of a residence in the Bronx, law enforcement made one of the largest-ever seizures of fentanyl in New York City’s history — apparently more than 50 pounds of the poisonous drug. And now four defendants are in federal custody for allegedly operating a pill mill. The thought of the potential damage this stunning amount of fentanyl could have inflicted on New Yorkers is terrifying. I express deep gratitude to our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office for their continued vigilance in keeping fentanyl off of our streets.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said: “This is one of the largest fentanyl pill mills we have seen in New York City. The DEA recently announced that 7 out of 10 pills tested by the DEA laboratories across the county contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Allegedly, this industrial pill mill, located in the heart of the Bronx, had enough lethal fentanyl to dispense well over a million lethal doses. Fentanyl pills are being manufactured in these clandestine pill mills right here, in our neighborhoods, and unleashed into our communities. They are then marketed and sold to many who have no idea the pills — many of which are purposefully made to look like other prescription or party drugs — contain fentanyl. With the growing increase of fentanyl-related poisonings, this toxic operation is unacceptable and law enforcement, at all levels, is vigilantly tracking down drug trafficking organizations responsible for bringing the most harm to our communities.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “The HSI New York El Dorado Task Force, in conjunction with our dedicated partners, has dismantled yet another clandestine lab, suspected to have operated within a residential building, dangerously close to where families reside and children innocently play. These areas were designated as 'drug-free zones,' emphasizing the severity of the situation. In recent months, we have witnessed a devastating pattern, with multiple instances of deadly activities occurring mere feet away from places we entrust our children's safety. This alarming reality underscores the urgency of our commitment to collaborate with our partners in the relentless fight of safeguarding our communities. HSI New York remains steadfast in our vow to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations who seek to poison our communities in the ongoing lethal epidemic of fentanyl poisoning.”
As alleged in the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
Since at least in or about September 2023, members of law enforcement have been investigating a network of drug traffickers who, among other things, appear to have converted an apartment within a two-family house in a residential neighborhood in the Bronx, New York, to be utilized for the purpose of packaging large quantities of fentanyl into portions for wholesale distribution. In particular, the traffickers used the apartment (the “Fentanyl Mill”) to store kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, combine the fentanyl with other fillers, use dyes to color the combined powders, and use large industrial-scale pill presses to create hundreds of thousands of deadly fentanyl pills at a time.
On or about October 5, 2023, members of law enforcement searched the Fentanyl Mill and found all four defendants inside. During their search, investigators found, among other things, approximately 24 kilograms of suspected fentanyl in powder form — comprised of approximately 14 kilograms of compressed powder in brick-shapes members of law enforcement believe to contain fentanyl and approximately 10 kilograms of loose powder members of law enforcement believe to contain fentanyl — as well as over 200,000 suspected fentanyl pills already packaged and ready for distribution to other traffickers for further sale. Some of the pills appear to have been manufactured to mimic prescription drugs, and others were pressed into colorful shapes to resemble party drugs such as ecstasy. A photograph of narcotics and other items recovered during the search is below:
Members of law enforcement also found three commercial pill presses and another disassembled pill press; one kilogram press; and various manufacturing and distribution paraphernalia including blenders, dyes, and jars of calcium citrate, that are used in connection with pressing narcotics into pill form and packaging narcotics for further distribution, as well as what appear to be industrial-grade protective face masks. Two of the pill presses found are pictured below.
Law enforcement further found that the interior of the Fentanyl Mill appeared to have been converted for dedicated use as a fentanyl repackaging and redistribution facility. For example, in an apparent effort to conceal the narcotics operation occurring in the Fentanyl Mill, the first-floor windows were covered with black trash bags and dark fabric, preventing outside observers from a view of what was occurring inside. The Fentanyl Mill also had a surveillance system, including a television screen mounted in the basement displaying a live feed of camera footage from outside the Fentanyl Mill.
Although lab testing is pending for the pills and powders discovered during the search, preliminary field tests reveal that the powders have tested positive for fentanyl.
* * *
WELLINGTON EUSTATE ESPINAL, 41, of New York, New York; CRISTIAN EUSTATE ESPINAL, 20, of the Bronx, New York; HERIBERTO EUSTATE ESPINAL, 27, of New York, New York; and ROBERTO JOSE VARGAS-PAULINO, 31, of the Bronx, New York, are charged in Count One with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and in Count Two with narcotics distribution. Both Count One and Count Two carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the El Dorado Task Force International Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the DEA, the Department of Homeland Security, HSI, and the New York City Police Department, as well as the work of the New York State Police and the United States Postal Service. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York State Police Contaminated Response Team and the DEA Chemist Team for their processing of the scene.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maggie Lynaugh is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Omaha Women Sentenced for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tamika R. Cross, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 42 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Cross will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Cross to pay restitution of $552,287.26.
Co-defendant Davida J. Anderson, 53, of Omaha, was sentenced on October 5, 2023, in Omaha by Chief Judge Rossiter to four years of probation, with the condition of five months’ home detention, and a fine of $5,000. Anderson pleaded guilty in June 2023 to making False Statements to the Small Business Administration. Anderson was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,921.60, in addition to the loan repayments she had already made in the amount of approximately $78,432.
During 2020 and 2021, Cross submitted applications for PPP and EIDL loans on behalf of her purported businesses and herself, as a sole proprietor, and obtained several PPP loans and an EIDL grant. Those loans were created or expanded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the loan applications, Cross misrepresented the average monthly payroll that her purported businesses paid, the net revenue from her purported businesses, and the gross income she received as a sole proprietor. In fact, the businesses did not have employees and thus had no payroll, and Cross did not generate revenue as a sole proprietor.
In addition to loan applications submitted on her own behalf, Cross provided direction and guidance to others concerning creating the appearance of ongoing businesses, creating phony supporting documents, and obtaining larger loans by inflating the amount the applicant businesses purportedly paid in past compensation or had received in revenue. Cross assisted with preparing fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of more than ten other persons. The applications substantially inflated the compensation paid by the businesses and the gross revenues earned by the businesses. Cross also prepared fraudulent documents for submission in support of loan applications, such as false tax documents.
Cross submitted, and assisted others in submitting, fraudulent applications for PPP and EIDL loans and advances totaling $3,399,769. The applications contained material misrepresentations and were supported by false documents. Cross and the co-defendants obtained approximately $903,238 in loans and advances.
“This defendant submitted false documents certifying a number of employees and payroll for a business that had neither. She collected PPP loan proceeds based on lies and helped others do likewise,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock. “We are committed to investigating those who defrauded the government and robbed businesses truly in need of pandemic relief.”
Co-defendant Anderson submitted or caused to be submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans in 2020 and 2021.
Anderson worked with Cross to prepare and submit loan applications that misrepresented payroll for a purported business, revenue for a sole proprietorship and falsely stated she had no other business. In fact, the business had no employees and Anderson did not earn income as a sole proprietor. The PPP applications were also supported by false tax documents, some of which Anderson signed. Anderson submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent applications for loans totaling approximately $118,532, and she obtained $78,432.
The following co-defendants were sentenced previously:
Bion A. Flint, sentenced on September 15, 2022, to 10 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay $45,833 in restitution;
Jeremy D. Sanders, sentenced on March 10, 2023, to four years of probation, and ordered to pay $21,304.88 in restitution;
Lakeda R. Sanders, sentenced on March 10, 2023, to four years of probation, and ordered to pay $27,793.79 restitution; and
Ronnie E. Cross, sentenced on June 23, 2023, to 21 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $78,427.30 restitution.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The cases were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Nurse Charged with Tampering with Lorazepam VialsRead 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 SEAN FALZARANO, 37, of Southbury, with five counts of tampering with a consumer product.
Falzarano is a Registered Nurse. The indictment alleges that, on January 31, 2022, Falzarano took five vials containing 2mg/ml of Lorazepam solution that he knew was intended to be dispensed to patients, removed the Lorazepam solution from the vials, replaced it with saline, and returned the adulterated vials to be used in medical procedures.
The indictment was returned on October 3. Falzarano appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending trial.
Each charge of tampering with a consumer product carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Falzarano’s nursing license is currently suspended.
This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
North Redington Shores Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Alexander Leszczynski (24, North Redington Beach) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for three different fraud schemes in which he attempted to obtain more than $10 million. The court furthered ordered Leszczynski to forfeit the proceeds and facilitating property of the offense—$337,000—and ordered Leszczynski to pay a total of $621,000 in restitution to the victims of the offenses.
According to the court documents, Leszczynski used fictitious religious organizations—Love & Bliss, Aura, Inc., King Neptune, Inuyasha, Inc., Rhone, Inc., King Cobra, Inc., Tinnitus Institute of Love & Bliss, Inc., and King Country Road, Inc. entities—to engage in numerous frauds. The schemes included fraudulently applying for Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) loans totaling approximately $1.3 million, engaging in a check kiting scheme, and attempting to deposit more than $3 million of worthless checks into the Love & Bliss, Inc. business account. Leszczynski laundered the proceeds of the PPP and check kiting schemes through multiple accounts in an effort to conceal those proceeds from the United States and forestall its recovery. The United States ultimately seized $337,000 from an account Leszczynski controlled and, when he discovered that the money had been frozen, he attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump.
In a separate fraud scheme, Leszczynski filed fraudulent warranty deeds purporting to deed to himself and his businesses 10 properties around the United States collectively valued at more than $300 million. When property owners and attorneys attempted to correct the fraudulent deeds, Leszczynski responded by sending harassing and threatening letters, emails, and faxes. Among the victims of Leszczynski’s deed scheme were Victim 1 and Victim 2.
In April 2022, a grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged Leszczynski with the PPP, check, and deed frauds, as well as multiple counts of money laundering in case United States v. Alexander Leszczynski, 8:22-cr-155-MSS-SPF. He was arraigned on May 17, 2022, and ordered detained.
In August 2022, the FBI became aware that while incarcerated at the Pinellas County Jail, Leszczynski sought out a hitman to kill Victim 1 and Victim 2. Leszczynski reported to a confidential informant that he had $45,000 hidden at his home available to pay someone to kill the victims. Leszczynski relayed to the confidential informant that his pending criminal case (the fraud case) would have to be dropped if the victims were dead. The confidential informant agreed to put Leszczynski in contact with a purported hitman, who was an undercover agent.
On September 8 and 9, 2022, Lesczcynski had calls with the undercover agent. Among other details, Leszczynski shared the names, addresses, physical descriptions, and approximate ages of Victim 1 and Victim 2, and provided additional details that would allow the undercover agent to find photographs of Victim 1 and Victim 2 online. Leszczynski also negotiated a price, settling on paying $30,000, and repeatedly assured the undercover agent that he wanted Victim 1 and Victim 2 dead.
Leszczynski pleaded guilty to both cases in November 2022. He later withdrew his plea in the murder-for-hire case, but again pleaded guilty in June 2023. Since he pleaded guilty to both cases, Leszczynski has written numerous letters—intercepted by the United States—attempting to solicit others to come forward and fraudulently take responsibility for his crimes.
Leszczynski’s sentencing in the murder-for-hire case is pending before U.S. District Judge James Moody, in case number 8:22-cr-155-MSS-SPF, on November 7, 2023, at 9:45 a.m.
The fraud case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Largo Police Department, the Indian Shores Police Department, and the Palm Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Jones. The murder-for-hire case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BYRONEISHA BUTLER, pled guilty on October 4, 2023 to a bill of information, charging her with Misprision of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
According to court records, between January 2019 and December 16, 2021, BUTLER, having knowledge of the commission of a felony, specifically conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, did conceal the same by deleting pictures and text messages from her phone at a co-conspirator’s request, attempting to delete pictures and text messages from the co-conspirators phone, and attempting to conceal the co-conspirator's identity and involvement in a crime, from law enforcement.
BUTLER faces a maximum sentence of 3 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. BUTLER’s sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NATHANIEL WILLIAMS, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged to a three-count indictment on October 3, 2023 before U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry. Specifically, WILLIAMS pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) (Count 1); possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) (Count 3).
According to court documents, on March 29, 2023, WILLIAMS was conducting hand-to-hand drug sales near the Valero gas station on South Claiborne Avenue. When marked NOPD vehicles arrived at the gas station, WILLIAMS fled across South Claiborne and threw a loaded gun in the neutral ground. WILLIAMS then hid underneath a house nearby and discarded 66 baggies of cocaine before being apprehended by NOPD.
As to Count 1, WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to the sentences imposed on the other counts, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. WILLIAMS must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking and Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRAYVON MURPHY, of New Orleans, pled guilty on October 5, 2023 to various violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Hobbs Act Robbery before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
MURPHY plead guilty as charged to Counts 1, 2, 10, and 11 of a superseding indictment. Count 1 charges MURPHY with conspiracy to possess, use, carry and brandish firearms in furtherance of and during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). Count 2 charges MURPHY with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. Count 10 charges MURPHY with conspiracy to interfere with commerce through robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951. Count 11 charges MURPHY with participating in a Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.
As to Count 1, MURPHY faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, MURPHY faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. As to Counts 10 and 11, MURPHY faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count, MURPHY also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. His sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
According to court records, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group responsible for committing various violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward. MURPHY, along with nine others, were developed as targets, and ultimately indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021, for their involvement in conspiracies to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of other drug dealers.
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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit.
New Haven, Vermont Woman Pleads Guilty to Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jennifer Stocker, 46, of New Haven, Vermont pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge of bank fraud in connection with false statements that she made on an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford accepted Stocker’s plea and scheduled her sentencing hearing for March 8, 2024.
On August 16, 2023, the United States filed a one count information charging Stocker with bank fraud. The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge today. According to court records, in May 2020, Stocker falsely stated on a PPP loan application for Twelve Acres LLC, an entity that she co-owned, that she had not been convicted of a felony in the past five years and was not on probation. In fact, in 2018, Stocker pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington to making false statements in applications for benefits funded by federal agencies. For that 2018 offense, Stocker was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution.
Twelve Acres’ May 2020 PPP loan application was approved, and Stocker received loan proceeds totaling nearly $60,000. In February 2021, Stocker submitted a second PPP loan application for Twelve Acres and included a false statement about her criminal history. That application was also approved, and Stocker received loan proceeds totaling over $26,000. Stocker submitted loan forgiveness applications for both PPP loans that Twelve Acres received, and both forgiveness applications were granted for the full loan amounts plus interest.
For Stocker’s 2018 offense, the U.S. Probation Office filed a petition alleging that she violated her conditions of probation by failing to pay restitution from February 2022 to July 2022, by opening auto loans without obtaining approval from the probation officer, and by committing the bank fraud offense described above. In today’s hearing, Stocker admitted these violations; she will be sentenced for the violations on March 8, 2024.
For the bank fraud offense, Stocker faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. For the probation violation, Stocker faces a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Chief Judge Crawford with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. In the plea agreement, the government stated that it would recommend a cumulative total term of imprisonment of 25 months.
Stocker is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate.
Addressing pandemic-related fraud is a priority of U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest and of the Department of Justice. For information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Mother and Son from Sacramento Indicted for False Income Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Sept. 28, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Dominic Davis, 38, and Sharitia Wright, 59, both of Sacramento, charging them with conspiring to obtain payment of false claims against the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The indictment also charges Davis with six counts of filing false claims against the United States and Wright with three counts of filing false claims. Wright is Davis’s mother. The indictment was unsealed following their arrests today.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and April 2022, Davis and Wright caused at least nine fraudulent income-tax returns to be filed with the IRS claiming more than $2 million in income tax refunds.
This case is the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Davis and Wright each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to obtain payment of false claims count. The maximum penalty for each count of filing false claim against the United States is five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mother Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Providing a Firearm to Essa Williams, Alleged Shooter of Phoenix Police Officer Tyler MoldovanRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Erika LaRae Williams, 52, of Tempe, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty on May 22, 2023, to Making a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.
On September 3, 2020, Ms. Williams purchased a Taurus G3 pistol from AZESB, LLC. (dba Mo Money Pawn), a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), in Phoenix. Ms. Williams purchased this firearm for her son, Essa Williams, only five months after his release from the Arizona Department of Corrections for several violent felony convictions. During the purchase of the firearm, Williams completed the Firearms Transactions Record, known as ATF Form 4473. Ms. Williams swore that she was the actual purchaser of the firearm while knowing she was purchasing the firearm on behalf of Essa Williams.
Pursuant to a federal search warrant, the ATF seized and searched Ms. Williams’ cellular telephone, which revealed a lengthy text exchange with Essa Williams during the purchase of the Taurus G3 pistol. Essa Williams asked his mother via text message which firearm was purchased, what other options were available, and whether his mother’s background check went through. Ms. Williams provided Essa Williams details about who assisted in the purchase, and confirmed the purchase was complete.
Essa Williams is pending trial in Maricopa County Superior Court for shooting Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan on December 14, 2021. The Taurus G3 pistol was not the firearm that was used to shoot Officer Moldovan. On March 10, 2022, pursuant to a search warrant, ATF seized the Taurus G3 pistol from Erika Williams’ residence.
This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00277-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-150_Williams# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Metairie Doctor Charged in $5,600,000 Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DR. ALEX L. GLOTSER, age 36, a resident of Metairie, has been charged on September 29, 2023 with defrauding Medicare of approximately $5.6 million in medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (“DME”) and Cancer Genetic Testing (“CGx”).
The bill of information charged GLOTSER with health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347. According to the bill of information, GLOTSER worked as an independent contractor for several purported telemedicine companies. From approximately September 2017 to August 2019, GLOTSER, through the purported telemedicine companies, allegedly signed thousands of doctors’ orders for DME and CGx tests for Medicare beneficiaries he never saw, spoke to, or otherwise treated. As a result, it is alleged that GLOTSER’s orders resulted in over $5.6 million in false and fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare, of which Medicare reimbursed over $2.4 million. To conceal and perpetuate the fraud, GLOTSER allegedly made several false and fraudulent statements in support of the orders he referred. These false statements included the false certification in medical records and requisition forms that he was the beneficiaries’ treating physician, that he had personally examined the patients, including performing certain in-person procedures for knee braces, and that he used the DME and CGx tests ordered for the management of the patients’ conditions. In exchange for electronically reviewing patient charts and ordering DME and CGx tests, it is alleged that GLOTSER was paid a set fee per doctor’s order, typically $30, totaling $270,570.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, GLOTSER faces up to ten years in prison. GLOTSER also faces up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to GLOTSER or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Kelly Walters and Samantha Stagias of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana, are prosecuting the case.
McLaughlin Woman Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023.
Jessica Black Cloud, age 24, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Black Cloud was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023.
On April 19, 2022, Black Cloud was driving a vehicle in Corson County within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and she had two passengers with her. She was drinking vodka and was under the influence of alcohol and her blood alcohol content was .248%, or more than three times the legal limit. At some time after 3:00 AM, she drove into a curve in the roadway on U.S. Highway 12, lost control of her vehicle, over-corrected, and entered the ditch. Her vehicle spun out of control and ultimately rolled. One of her passengers was partially ejected and died at the scene. A second passenger remained in the vehicle and had minor injuries. Black Cloud was also ejected and injured, but received medical care and recovered.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Black Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Maryland man sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually exploiting Ohio teensRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 72-year-old Annapolis, Maryland, man was sentenced in federal court here to 18 years in prison for numerous child exploitation and pornography crimes.
A federal jury found Bernhard Jakits guilty on all eight counts following a trial in May 2023. The jury deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before reaching their verdict.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in January 2019, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office received information relating to two potential exploitation victims. Forensic examination of cell phones and other electronic devices revealed that Jakits had communicated via text message with two teenaged victims and coerced them to send nude photographs of themselves.
In December 2018 and January 2019, Jakits sexually exploited a 15-year-old female to create child pornography. Jakits also attempted to exploit a 13-year-old female in January 2019.
The defendant coerced the two teenaged victims and used the chat app TextNow to obtain pornographic images of the minors in exchange for money. Jakits sought to video chat with the victims and offered them thousands of dollars, but the minors declined.
Jakits met the minor victims based on his relationship with their mother, during which he paid the mother to engage in sex acts via video chats.
Jakits owned homes in both Maryland and California. He traveled extensively around the world on his yacht after running and selling a yacht brokerage business.
The defendant was indicted in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in January 2023.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Belmont County Sheriff David M. Lucas announced the sentence imposed on Oct. 5 by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Kevin A. Koller are representing the United States in this case.
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Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Dog-Fighting Violations of the Animal Welfare ActRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 22, 2023, Antonio Casillas Montero, the owner of Stone City Kennels, was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and for possession of dogs for use in animal fighting ventures, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to the facts stipulated by the parties, for over 35 years, Casillas ran Stone City Kennels, which participated in over 150 dog fights. Casillas bred pit-bull type dogs for fights in Puerto Rico, México, Ecuador, Perú, the Dominican Republic, and various cities in the continental United States. During a search of his property in Humacao, several pit-bull type dogs were seized which suffered from pustules, fungus, lameness, and jaw clamping.
In its sentencing memorandum (see PDF attached), the Government argued that “Casillas’s conduct is on the extreme end of the spectrum of cruelty in an already cruel form of abuse.” According to the evidence presented by the Government, Casillas would use veterinarians in Puerto Rico to obtain health certificates to send fighting dogs to the Dominican Republic on a ferry, where the dogs would be trained in the weeks before matches. During the fights, which could last for over 1.5 hours, Casillas would let losing dogs perish from their injuries, rather than removing them from a fight. During the sentencing hearing, the Government presented a video of one of Casillas’ dogs dying after a match in the Dominican Republic while being insulted for its defeat.
In addition to fighting numerous dogs, Casillas organized large, international matches. He and his partners would breed fighting dogs for sale for thousands of dollars and ship them on airplanes from Puerto Rico around the world. The Government presented evidence of inquiries from potential customers in South America and Europe regarding Stone City Kennels’ dogs. Casillas would also mentor dog fighters on training techniques with steroids. Evidence presented by the Government indicated that Casillas was considered a “Caribbean legend” of dogfighting.
“Dogfighting for entertainment and profit is not only cruel and inhumane, but also a violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “This sentencing ends the defendant’s decades-long involvement in this illegal business and hopefully will deter others.”
“The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General-Investigations, actively investigates allegations of animal abuse. This agency has made animal fighting a high priority in order to demonstrate that these blatant acts of cruelty to animals will no longer be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Davis. “We would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for aggressively prosecuting perpetrators of animal fighting, our federal law enforcement partners, and United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Investigative Enforcement Services for their dedicated work in this investigation.”
HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos said, “This sentencing is a strong message of a firm stance against animal cruelty; we must work together to create more humane and compassionate societies. This sentencing of this individual who profited from the illegal and cruel practice of dog fighting does exactly that: hold those who profit from animal cruelty accountable.”
The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried of the Violent Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
If you have information regarding dog fights or animal cruelty, please call PRPB Office of the Coordinator of Law 154 at (787)793-1234, extensions 3128 and 3131.
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Local Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Ronald Jones, 54, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 120 months in federal prison, an upward variance, for the robbery of Chase Bank located in Corsicana, announced U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton of the Northern District of Texas.
Jones pleaded guilty in June 2023 to one count of Bank Robbery.
According to evidence presented at sentencing, Jones, who was on state parole for a 2015 bank robbery conviction, entered Chase Bank located at 101 N. Beaton Street, Corsicana, Texas wearing a mask, presented a demand note which threatened that he had a gun, lifted his shirt as if he had a gun, and received $585 from the teller.
The Corsicana Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Robinson was in charge of the prosecution.
Leaders of “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” who sold toxic bleach as fake “Miracle” cure for COVID-19 and other serious diseases, sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal judge in Miami has sentenced Jonathan Grenon, 37, and Jordan Grenon, 29, to 151 months in prison, for conspiring to defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug, and for contempt of court. Mark Grenon, 66, and Joseph Grenon, 36, were sentenced to 60 months in prison, the statutory maximum sentence for conspiring to defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug. All four defendants were found guilty by a federal jury following a trial this summer.
The Grenons, all of Bradenton, Florida, manufactured, promoted, and sold a product they named Miracle Mineral Solution (“MMS”). MMS is a chemical solution containing sodium chlorite and water which, when ingested orally, became chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleach typically used for industrial water treatment or bleaching textiles, pulp, and paper. The Grenons claimed that ingesting MMS could treat, prevent, and cure COVID-19. The FDA, however, had not approved MMS for treatment of COVID-19, or for any other use. Rather, in prior official warning statements, the FDA had strongly urged consumers not to purchase or use MMS for any reason, explaining that drinking MMS was the same as drinking bleach and could cause dangerous side effects, including severe vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening low blood pressure. See https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/danger-dont-drink-miracle-mineral-solution-or-similar-products. In fact, FDA received reports of people requiring hospitalizations, developing life-threatening conditions, and even dying after drinking MMS.
Before marketing MMS as a cure for COVID-19, the Grenons marketed MMS as a miracle cure-all for dozens of other serious diseases and disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia, even though the FDA had not approved MMS for any use. The Grenons sold tens of thousands of bottles of MMS nationwide, including to consumers throughout South Florida. They sold this dangerous product under the guise of Genesis II Church of Health and Healing (“Genesis”), an entity they created to avoid government regulation of MMS and shield themselves from prosecution. Genesis’ own websites describe Genesis as a “non-religious church,” and defendant Mark Grenon, the co-founder of Genesis, has repeatedly acknowledged that Genesis “has nothing to do with religion,” and that he founded Genesis to “legalize the use of MMS” and avoid “going [ ] to jail.” The Genesis websites further stated that MMS could be acquired only through a “donation” to Genesis, but the donation amounts for MMS orders were set at specific dollar amounts, and were mandatory, such that the donation amounts were effectively just sales prices. The Grenons received more than $1 million from selling MMS.
The federal jury also found defendants Jonathan and Jordan Grenon guilty of criminal contempt of court. The United States previously filed a civil case against the defendants and Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. See United States v. Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, et al., Case No. 20-21601-CV-WILLIAMS. In that civil case, the United States obtained court orders halting the Grenons’ distribution of MMS. The Grenons willfully violated those court orders and continued to distribute MMS. The Grenons also threatened the federal judge presiding over the civil case, and threatened that, should the government attempt to enforce the court orders halting their distribution of MMS, the Grenons would “pick up guns” and instigate “a Waco.”
During trial in July 2023, the jury saw photos and video of a dirty rundown shed in Jonathan Grenon’s backyard in Bradenton, Florida, where the defendants were manufacturing their MMS. These photos showed dozens of blue chemical drums containing nearly 10,000 pounds of sodium chlorite powder, thousands of bottles of MMS, and other items used in the manufacture and distribution of MMS. The blue chemical drums of sodium chlorite powder—the primary active ingredient in MMS—had warning labels advising the product was toxic, flammable, and highly dangerous to consume.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Assistant Commissioner Justin D. Green of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Miami Field Office, announced the sentence.
FDA-OCI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael B. Homer and John Shipley prosecuted the case.
Lapointe commends and thanks the government of Colombia for its assistance. Lapointe also extends his gratitude to the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attachés in Bogota, Colombia for their substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Mark Grenon and Joseph Grenon to the United States.
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 21-cr-20242.
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Las Cruces Man Indicted in El Paso for Sexual Coercion of a MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Bradley Fariss Pieper, 27, of Las Cruces was indicted in a federal court in El Paso Wednesday, and charged with coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to allegations in a criminal complaint, Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Pieper on Sept. 9, when he attempted to meet with a person he believed was a 15-year old girl for the purpose of performing sexual acts with her. Pieper had arranged the meeting and communicated his intentions in chats on social media.
The indictment charges Pieper with one count of coercion and enticement. The defendant was arrested Sept. 9 and made his initial court appearance Sept. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne T. Berton of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. At the Sept. 20 detention hearing, Judge Berton ordered Pieper to be detained without bond pending trial.
If convicted, Pieper faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for the HSI El Paso Division made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Osterberg is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Lame Deer man admits assaulting partner on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of assaulting a woman on two separate occasions on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation admitted to multiple crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon. Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship when, in December 2022, Crazymule assaulted the victim while in a parked vehicle when she wanted to drive because of his level of intoxication. Crazymule headbutted, bit and strangled the victim, causing her to almost lose consciousness. The Bureau of Indian Affairs police responded, and the victim was transported by ambulance to a clinic in Lame Deer for treatment of injuries. In a second assault in January 2023, the government alleged that Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe at a residence with a baton, striking her on the head and knocking her unconscious. Two persons witnessed the assault. Crazymule denied striking the victim with a baton or any other object.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Indian Health Service conducted the investigation.
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Kenel Woman Sentenced for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Kenel, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023.
Bobbi Rey Yellow Fat, age 41, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yellow Fat was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023.
In early August of 2022, Yellow Fat was caring for her three-year-old child in Kenel, which is in Corson County and within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The child sat on a mop that was soaked with a household cleaning solution. The child had eczema and a history of skin issues which exacerbated the injuries to her through the exposure. Other older children in the defendant’s household asked the defendant to get the child medical care, but she did not. The defendant did not take reasonable steps to address the injuries to the child. The child developed skin infections, suffered bleeding wounds, and was exposed to severe physical pain for over a week through the defendant’s lack of appropriate care and abuse. After law enforcement officers were notified, the child received medical care and healed.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Yellow Fat was released after sentencing and must report to prison by October 24, 2023.
Jury convicts Hays man of sexually abusing minor girl on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Oct. 5 convicted a Hays man of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 3, the jury found Daniel Jacob Werk, 38, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, as charged in an indictment. Werk faces a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Werk was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
“Werk used his position with the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, which is intended to help at-risk Native youth, to recruit a minor girl into the program. Hours after learning the victim was only 15 years old, Werk, who was 36 at the time, started having repeated sexual encounters with the victim. Our office will work tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who seeks to sexually abuse a child. The jury’s verdict is a validation of those ongoing efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from July 2021 to October 2021, Werk repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Werk, who was the program coordinator for the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, a program designed to provide opportunities for at-risk Native youth, recruited the girl, identified as Jane Doe, into the program and then repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Jury Convicts District Man in Shooting That Endangered ResidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raekwon Sutton, 26, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty, on October 3, 2023, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted person, and three counts of felony threats, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The charges stem from a March 19, 2022 shooting in Southeast Washington. The verdict was returned by a jury sitting in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, Sutton went to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment armed with a handgun. In a fit of rage, he fired ten rounds at the front door of the apartment while two family members were inside. A few hours before the shooting, Sutton sent multiple text messages and voice messages threatening to shoot at the apartment. Shortly after the shooting, Sutton sent additional messages threatening to return to the apartment and fire additional shots.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department, commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yasmin Emrani and Brian Yang, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint on Oct. 2 was:
Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 35, of Mexico, on charges of transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zuniga was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-65.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indiana Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. — A Cambridge City, Ind., man, John Carico, 56, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, on August 31, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Carico and Gary Voiles. During the stop, a canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers then asked Voiles to step out of the car. At that point, Carico slid into the driver’s seat and fled the scene. Carico made contact with one of the officers as he fled and then led police on a lengthy pursuit, with speeds in excess of 100 mph. Law enforcement eventually stopped the vehicle. When tracing the route of the chase, law enforcement recovered a bag with 741 grams of methamphetamine that Carico had thrown from the vehicle.
Voiles has also entered a guilty plea in the case and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2023.
Under federal law, Carico must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship.
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Indiana Man Indicted for Sending Violent, Anti-Semitic Threats to Four Offices of the Anti-Defamation LeagueRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Andrzej Boryga, 67, with sending threatening communications to Anti-Defamation League offices around the country.
The indictment charges Boryga with four counts of willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. The defendant was also charged with choosing his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. According to the indictment, Boryga is alleged to have left voicemails containing threats to kill Jewish people at Anti-Defamation League offices located in New York, Texas, Colorado and Nevada.
If convicted on all counts, Boryga faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Preventing and prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority for the Justice Department and my office,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “We want to ensure the public that if a crime is motivated by bias, it will be investigated, and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions. We encourage anyone impacted by a hate crime to report violations to the FBI or through the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.”
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, Herbert Stapleton made the announcement.
The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, who are prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Indiana Man Indicted for Sending Violent Anti-Semitic Threats to Four Offices of the Anti-Defamation LeagueRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Indiana returned an indictment charging Andrzej Boryga, 67, with sending threatening communications to Anti-Defamation League offices around the country.
The indictment charges Boryga with four counts of willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. The defendant was also charged with choosing his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. According to the indictment, Boryga is alleged to have left voicemails containing threats to kill Jewish people at Anti-Defamation League offices located in New York, Texas, Colorado and Nevada.
If convicted on all counts, Boryga faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boryga IndictmentIllegal Alien from Honduras Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –MELVIN DANIEL VARGAS-REYES, 21, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023, to a one-count indictment with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to court documents, on February 26, 2023, the Kenner Police Department investigated a shooting in Kenner, Louisiana. Based on investigative leads, they identified VARGAS-REYES as a potential suspect. During the investigation, Kenner Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for VARGAS-REYES's residence. As a result of the search warrant, officers found a Hi-Point, 9 mm pistol and several rounds of 9 mm ammunition at VARGAS-REYES's residence. Additionally, investigators discovered that VARGAS-REYES is an illegal alien and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. Following the search of his apartment, VARGAS-REYES admitted to being an illegal alien and to possessing the pistol.
If convicted, REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. VARGAS-REYES must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 10, 2024.
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 case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Hate Crime Charges Added in Burning of Douglas Churches CaseRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – A federal grand jury in Tucson returned a six-count superseding indictment yesterday against Eric Ridenour, 58, of Douglas, for Arson of Property Used in Interstate Commerce, Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire, and Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony.
The superseding indictment alleges that Ridenour burned down two historic churches in Douglas: Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church. Both churches are located on Church Square, in a historic district in the border town of Douglas, approximately two hours southeast of Tucson. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the only block in the nation containing churches from four different denominations: Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist. According to the superseding indictment, further investigation and evidence elicited in court testimony alleges that Ridenour intentionally started the fires in both churches because of his hostility toward their progressive doctrines, particularly their practice of having women and members of the LGBTQ community serve as church leaders. Ridenour was arrested on May 23, 2023, and charged by complaint with maliciously damaging or destroying both buildings by means of fire, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i). On June 22, 2023, he was initially indicted on two counts of the same.
A conviction for Arson of Property Used in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years imprisonment and maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. A second conviction for Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony carries a penalty of 20 years in prison. Any conviction and subsequent mandatory term of imprisonment under Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony shall run consecutively to any other conviction.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Douglas Police Department are handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson, and Ben Goldberg, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 23-00908-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-152_Ridenour# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Harpers Ferry man charged with theft of government property, illegal gun salesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Matthew Raymond, age 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has been charged with theft of government property and firearms charges.
According to court documents, Raymond was employed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a facility that disposes of decommissioned service weapons and firearms and parts seized by the agency. Raymond allegedly stole firearms and firearms parts from the facility. He is accused of selling some of the stolen property.
Raymond is charged with theft of government property, engaging in the business without a license, possession of a stolen firearm, obliterated serial number, and possession of an unregistered firearm. He is facing up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the theft, stolen firearm, and unregistered firearms charges and up to 5 years for each of the business and obliterated serial number charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Salem is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hamdani to serve on AG Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has appointed U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC).
The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure and management impacting the offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys on essential matters facing the Department of Justice.
“U.S. Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.”
“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the AGAC,” said Hamdani. “I look forward to learning from and serving with my fellow AGAC members as we advise the Attorney General and the Department of Justice’s leadership.”
U.S. Attorney Hamdani will serve alongside chair Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York, vice chair Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona and newest members Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon, Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia as well as Ryan Buchanan of the Northern District of Georgia, Gregory K. Harris of the Central District of Illinois, Andrew M. Luger of the District of Minnesota and Darcie N. McElwee of the District of Maine.
President Biden nominated Hamdani to serve as U.S. Attorney for this district Nov. 14, 2002, upon the recommendation of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. The full Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment Dec. 6, 2022. He was sworn in Dec. 12, 2022.
As U.S. Attorney, Hamdani is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), responsible for prosecuting and defending the interests of the United States in the seventh largest district in the nation.
Hamdani has been with the Department of Justice since 2008. Most recently, he has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) with the SDTX, primarily responsible for the investigation and prosecution of national security and official corruption crimes. From 2010 to 2014, Hamdani served in the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, holding the position of deputy chief from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he was an AUSA in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The SDTX typically prosecutes more cases against more defendants than most other U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide, representing 43 counties and nine million people and covering 44,000 square miles. This district currently comprises seven U.S. District Court divisions with federal district courts in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo. The U.S. Attorney's office, headquartered in Houston, has branch offices in all seven divisions.
Gonzales Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Irving Bobby Mitchell, age 41, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to 150 months in federal prison following his convictions for distribution of methamphetamine. The Court further sentenced Mitchell to five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made as a part of his guilty plea, on February 9, 2022 and February 18, 2022, under the supervision of law enforcement, a confidential source (CS) purchased methamphetamine from Mitchell during controlled buys that were witnessed by agents.
On March 4, 2022, during a controlled call with Mitchell, the CS requested an ounce of methamphetamine in exchange for $350. An undercover agent from the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office rode with the CS to the agreed upon meeting location within the Middle District of Louisiana. Mitchell, the CS, and the undercover agent met inside the store to exchange the methamphetamine. The undercover agent was fitted with audio and video recording equipment. After the transaction, Mitchell called the CS to inquire about the undercover agent, who then talked with him and tried to establish a drug trafficking relationship.
On March 10, 2022, agents arranged another recorded, controlled purchase of methamphetamine using the CS and undercover agent. The agent met with Mitchell in Prairieville where Mitchell distributed three ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for $980.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Gonzales Police Department, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Jarreau, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Organized and Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Jeremy S. Johnson.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.