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8 November 2023
3 Arrested for Allegedly Running Sex Trafficking Operation That Victimized Teenage Girls at Redlands Massage ParlorRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Three defendants who allegedly trafficked teenage girls to engage in commercial sexual activities at a San Bernardino County massage parlor have been arrested on a federal grand jury indictment, the Justice Department announced today.
Law enforcement have arrested the following defendants who are charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor:
- Ji Ryang Chae, 54, a.k.a. “Chae Yu” and “BB,” who was the manager of Ace Care Massage Parlor in Redlands and currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado;
- Jasmine Dakota Beverly, 24, a.k.a. “Bbybegirl,” the manager-in-training at Ace Care, formerly of Redlands but currently resides in Costa Mesa; and
- Earnest Akindele Teamer, 26, a.k.a. “Scooby,” “Splash,” and “$koobystacks,” who acted as a recruiter for Ace Care, of Redlands.
Chae was arrested on November 3 and made her initial appearance yesterday in United States District Court in Denver. Teamer, who was arrested on July 27, has been ordered jailed without bond and remains in federal custody. Beverly was arrested on August 3 and is free on $15,000 bond.
Beverly and Teamer have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and June 18, 2024 trial date has been scheduled in this case. Chae’s arraignment is expected in United States District Court in Riverside in the coming weeks.
According to an indictment, from at least March 2022 to April 2022, Beverly and Teamer recruited girls under the age of 18 years old to work as commercial sex workers at Ace Care. Beverly allegedly would provide transportation to Minor Victim 1 – a 15-year-old girl – and Minor Victim 2 – a 14-year-old girl.
As recruiters, Beverly allegedly took $10 from Minor Victim 1 for each customer the girl saw while Teamer allegedly took $200 per week from the victim.
Chae, as Ace Care’s manager, allegedly would require workers to pay “rent” in return for condoms, cleaning supplies, and a place to work, and she also would take approximately $2,000 per month for “rent” from Minor Victim 1.
Teamer, who acted as a “pimp” for Minor Victim 2, would require her to give him some or all the proceeds from her work as a commercial sex worker, the indictment alleges.
In a separate indictment, Teamer is charged with one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of receipt of child pornography. Teamer has pleaded not guilty to these charges and has a March 5, 2024 trial date scheduled in that case.
Teamer allegedly produced child sexual abuse material, namely a video of himself engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted on all counts, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Chae and Beverly would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Teamer would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Redlands Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Tritia L. Yuen of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting these cases.
7 November 2023
York County Man Sentenced to Fifteen Months’ Imprisonment for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rasheed Ibrahim, age 23, formerly of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 6, 2023, by the Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson to 15 months’ imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised released based upon his previously entered guilty plea for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Ibrahim is currently incarcerated at the York County Prison on related local charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Ibrahim and co-defendant Infinite Corbett possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana on February 27, 2021, in York City, Pennsylvania. Corbett pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced on March 21, 2023, to serve 65 months’ imprisonment.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York City Police Department and was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Bruce D. Brandler.
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Wolcott Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Manufacturing and Dealing AR-15-Style Assault RiflesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY LEARY, 35, of Wolcott, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for manufacturing and dealing AR-15-style firearms without a license. Judge Underhill also ordered Leary to pay a $2,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2022, Leary received Polymer80 firearms kits from another individual and assembled them in the basement of his Wolcott residence. On three occasions during that period, Leary provided to that individual eight AR-15-style assault rifles with collapsible stocks and 30-round magazines; a “P80” 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a fully loaded, 10-round magazine; 190 rounds of .223 ammunition; one “Magtec” box containing 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; and one “Independence” box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The assault rifles and 9mm handgun contained no serial numbers.
Leary pleaded guilty on June 13, 2023, and admitted that he manufactured and dealt a total of more than 25 firearms to the same individual knowing that the individual was selling the firearms to others.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force (SFTTF) and Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force (SUVCCCTF/Gangs Unit), assisted by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) Southwest and North Central Offices, and the Bridgeport, Shelton, Orange, Waterbury, and Hartford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Wiggins Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Wiggins man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 222 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2022, in Lumberton, Mississippi, Glenn Grant, 37, sold 222 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine to a confidential source.
Grant was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 22, 2023, and he pled guilty on July 17, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shundral H. Cole prosecuted the case.
Whitefish interior designer admits defrauding customers of approximately $900,000Read the Press Release
MISSOULA — The owner of an interior design company in Whitefish today admitted charges in a scheme in which she defrauded customers of approximately $900,000 and used the money for personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jennifer Michele Helm, aka Jennifer Michele, 45, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Helm faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud charge and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for March 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Helm was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged that Helm, while doing business as Sage Interior Designs, LLC, Interior Design Services, and Jennifer Michele LLC, defrauded at least 12 customers of approximately $900,000 from 2016 through 2023. To execute the scheme, Helm entered into agreements with customers to provide goods and services, usually by promising to order furnishing and fixtures as part of construction and remodeling projects. In some instances, Helm presented her clients with invoices for items she knew she had not ordered and that clients never received. In addition, Helm convinced two clients, a married couple, to give her their credit card number, which she was authorized to make purchases on the couple’s behalf. Rather than make those purchases, Helm used the credit card and directed the proceeds of the transactions into her bank account. When interviewed by the FBI, Helm said she was responsible for any misspent funds. She also admitted she knew the money she obtained using the couple’s credit card was deposited into her personal bank account, but she did not remember how many unauthorized transactions she made with the card.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Webster woman going to prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from WegmansRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Alicia Torres, 48, of Webster, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve one year in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. Torres was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $578,943.86.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that Torres was employed at Wegmans Food Market, Inc. for approximately 27 years. Between 2014 and February 2023, she utilized the Enterprise System, which is used to fill customers’ prescriptions, to fraudulently process approximately 350 credit card refund requests in customers’ names with fictitious amounts. The fraudulent refund amounts were based on what Torres observed customers receiving in previous transactions. She then tricked the pharmacist on duty to sign off on and authorize the fraudulent refund requests. Once refund requests were approved, Torres paid the refund amounts to herself by swiping her bank debit card in Wegmans’ point of sale system. Between 2014 and February 2023, Torres received $568,021.69 in fraudulent refunds. In addition, between 2020 and February 2023, Torres fraudulently used Wegmans gift cards to steal $10,922.17 from Wegmans.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in Ice Methamphetamine RingRead the Press Release
A man who was caught with over 380 grams of ice methamphetamine and over $25,000 in drug money was sentenced November 2, 2023, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Timothy Michael Webber, age 46, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 2, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Webber was intercepted over the wiretap ordering pounds of methamphetamine from the David Belton drug organization in Cedar Rapids. In his plea agreement, Webber admitted that in April 2022, state investigators searched his residence in Waterloo and seized over 380 grams of ice methamphetamine and $25,550 in cash proceeds of prior ice methamphetamine sales. Webber ran from officers who executed the search at the residence but was caught.
Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation, ten of whom have been sentenced:
- Kiyonte Levell Sowell was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
- Albert Henry Bailey was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment;
- Jesus Vera was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment;
- Calub Joseph Storlie was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment;
- Christopher Eric Curley was sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment;
- David Poitier Belton was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment;
- Derek Michael Mims was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
- Phillip Lanell Rogers was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment;
- Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr. was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment;
- Elmer Mims was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment.
Webber was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Webber was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Webber is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids consists of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22‑CR‑39‑CJW‑MAR.
Walton County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Walton County, Georgia, resident was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison after he was convicted by a federal jury in February of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) resulting from a GBI-led undercover investigation of an online peer-to-peer sharing network.
Johnathan Remsen, 38, of Loganville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release by U.S. District C. Ashley Royal today after he was found guilty of possession of child pornography on Feb. 1. Remsen will have to register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. Remsen is not eligible for parole.
“Our office will not hesitate to use the federal resources at our disposal to hold individuals accountable for downloading, sharing, creating or contributing to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Every time a person views child sexual abuse material, they become complicit in the appalling abuse of a child. Working with our dedicated law enforcement and community partners, we will do everything in our power to protect the innocent and bring child predators to justice.”
“The victimization of a child doesn’t end when that child’s pornographic images are recorded. Every time an individual like Remsen possesses those images and views them for personal gratification, that child is victimized again and again,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will always make it a priority to protect our most vulnerable assets, our children.”
“Federal prosecution sends a clear message that downloading and viewing child sexual abuse material is a serious crime. The GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit investigates numerous cases just like this one and will not slow down until these perpetrators are held accountable. We’ll continue to work with strong federal partners, like the United States Attorney’s Office, to seek justice for these vulnerable victims,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, GBI conducted an undercover investigation on the peer-to-peer sharing network BitTorrent in July 2017. An undercover agent received 29 videos containing CSAM from an IP address traced back to a Walton County residence where Remsen resided. Law enforcement searched the residence in Jan. 2018, recovering a computer tower belonging to Remsen that contained 2,357 picture files and 196 video files of suspected CSAM (also known as child pornography). Remsen was interviewed by law enforcement and made statements indicating that he “accidentally” downloaded CSAM, and then later stated that it was not an accident. He further admitted that he looked at CSAM, but he never meant to download or keep it. The explicit photos and videos contained child sexual abuse material of children 12 years old and younger.
The case was investigated by the GBI and the FBI.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim previously assisted with the prosecution.
Upshur County man charged with interstate threats and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bobby Cobb, age 53, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has been charged with interstate threats and firearms charges.
Cobb was indicted today on four counts of interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Cobb allegedly sent threatening emails and text messages to his victim over several weeks. The communications threatened to injure and kill the victim, her family members, and friends. Officers conducted a search warrant on Cobb’s home and found a shotgun. Cobb has a previous conviction of domestic violence, prohibiting him from having firearms.
Cobb is facing up to 5 years for each of the threat counts and faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearms charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorneys Thompson and Ihlenfeld Join with FBI and American Jewish Committee Leaders for Antisemitism TrainingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld joined with leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for training yesterday in response to rising antisemitism.
Charleston and Wheeling synagogues co-hosted the joint training session, presented by AJC and part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate (UAH) Community Outreach Program.
Thompson, Ihlenfeld and other speakers noted that planning for this training had begun well before the Hamas terror attacks and resulting conflict.
“This event was essential well before October 7, and is certainly essential now,” Thompson said. “Whether it is anti-Jewish hate, or anti-Muslim hate, or any other form of hate, we must and we will stand against all of it.”
“Hate-fueled crimes were a problem prior to October 7, and have only gotten worse since that day,” Ihlenfeld said. “This event provided a great opportunity to share information about the nature of the threat and the resources that the Justice Department brings to bear.”
The training aimed to enhance the understanding of the problem, identify effective responses to hate incidents, and empower people to speak out.
“This training was filled with invaluable information for the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “With antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise, these are serious crimes that not only affect one person, but an entire population and community. The public plays an important role in these cases. They are our eyes and ears in the communities we serve. We are constantly working to address these threats locally while focusing on building a relationship of trust and maintaining open dialogue so the community knows they can come to us with something suspicious or threatening.”
The training featured a message of perseverance and strength from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the target of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Myers spoke of the 2018 terrorist attack and its continuing impact as well as the overwhelming response from an already supportive community.
“What an incredible message that was and continues to be to the rest of the world, that when people care deeply about each other, so much is possible,” Myers said. “I am someone still with hope that despite the horrors I witnessed that day, that we are able to find ways to be together, that we can rebuild community.”
The training included an overview of the trial and conviction of the Tree of Life assailant. It also included the subsequent guilty plea in the Northern District of West Virginia from a self-proclaimed white supremacist who targeted jurors and witnesses, including first responders, through threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails during the trial.
AJC leaders provided examples of antisemitism and how they can invoke ancient and medieval stereotypes, dehumanizing language and other falsehoods. They also cited recent polling of U.S. adults that found that the overwhelming majority, 91 percent, identified antisemitism as a problem for everyone that affects society as a whole.
“Antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. Period,” said AJC Washington Regional Director Alan Ronkin. “It is a societal problem. And when people recognize that, we can be a lot more effective in standing up to anti-Jewish hate.”
U.S. Attorneys Thompson and Ihlenfeld Join with FBI and American Jewish Committee Leaders for Antisemitism TrainingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld joined with leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) yesterday for training in response to rising antisemitism.
Charleston and Wheeling synagogues co-hosted the joint training session, presented by AJC and part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate (UAH) Community Outreach Program.
Thompson, Ihlenfeld and other speakers noted that planning for this training had begun well before the Hamas terror attacks and resulting conflict.
“This event was essential well before October 7, and is certainly essential now,” Thompson said. “Whether it is anti-Jewish hate, or anti-Muslim hate, or any other form of hate, we must and we will stand against all of it.”
“Hate-fueled crimes were a problem prior to October 7, and have only gotten worse since that day,” Ihlenfeld said. “This training provided a great opportunity to share information about the nature of the threat and the resources that the Justice Department brings to bear.”
The training aimed to enhance the understanding of the problem, identify effective responses to hate incidents, and empower people to speak out.
“This training was filled with invaluable information for the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “With antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise, these are serious crimes that not only affect one person, but an entire population and community. The public plays an important role in these cases. They are our eyes and ears in the communities we serve. We are constantly working to address these threats locally while focusing on building a relationship of trust and maintaining open dialogue so the community knows they can come to us with something suspicious or threatening.”
The training featured a message of perseverance and strength from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the target of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Myers spoke of the 2018 terrorist attack and its continuing impact as well as the overwhelming response from an already supportive community.
“What an incredible message that was, and continues to be to the rest of the world, that when people care deeply about each other, so much is possible,” Myers said. “I am someone still with hope that despite the horrors I witnessed that day, that we are able to find ways to be together, that we can rebuild community.”
The training included an overview of the trial and conviction of the Tree of Life assailant. It also included the subsequent guilty plea in the Northern District of West Virginia from a self-proclaimed white supremacist who targeted jurors and witnesses, including first responders, through threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails during the trial.
AJC leaders provided examples of antisemitism and how they can invoke ancient and medieval stereotypes, dehumanizing language and other falsehoods. They also cited recent polling of U.S. adults that found that the overwhelming majority, 91 percent, identified antisemitism as a problem for everyone that affects society as a whole.
“Antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. Period,” said AJC Washington Regional Director Alan Ronkin. “It is a societal problem. And when people recognize that, we can be a lot more effective in standing up to anti-Jewish hate.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Participation in Justice Department's Nationwide Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Mac Heavener will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 7, 2023, general election. AUSA Heavener has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Heavener will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (423) 823-5009 or (423) 218-6652.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (865) 544-0751.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” stated United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit to Co-Sponsor “United Against Hate” Summit in SandpointRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit along with the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, DOJ Community Relations Service, and the FBI, are convening a United Against Hate summit on November 14 at The Heartwood Center in Sandpoint. The event is free and is open to the public.
United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes and hate incidents through relationship building at the local level. Through this endeavor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents. Well‑attended summits have already been held in Coeur d’Alene, Caldwell, Boise, Ketchum, and Pocatello.
“In my view, this initiative is particularly timely for Idaho, as we have experienced a series of troubling hate incidents throughout the state in the past several years,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “As Attorney General Garland has said, this is a moment for an all-hands-on-deck approach to combatting unlawful hate.”
The November 14 event will include remarks from local leaders, presentations from prosecutors about hate crimes laws and reporting mechanisms, and speakers who will share their courageous experiences responding to hate.
“I look forward to meeting community members and hearing different perspectives on how we can work together to unite our community in standing up to unlawful hate,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “And I am deeply honored to partner with our co-sponsors to prioritize this critical mission.”
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Two Yorkshire men charged with narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cody R. Bemish, 30, and Zakary A. Bemish, 22, both of Yorkshire, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with narcotics conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in February 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and New York State Police began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Cody and Zakarya Bemish in the Town of Yorkshire. Between March 8 and March 30, 2023, investigators conducted five controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from either Cody or Zakary Bemish.
Cody and Zakary Bemish made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and are detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Toledo Man Found Guilty of Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Christopher Frater, 46, of Toledo, Ohio, was found guilty of one count of receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct after a four-day trial by jury before U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Helmick.
According to court documents and testimony, in 2017, an undercover investigator downloaded files of child pornography from an IP address assigned to the defendant at his then residence in Lima, Ohio. In January 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized his computer and cell phone. A forensic review of the electronics revealed that the defendant was utilizing peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs to receive and distribute child pornography to include 150 images of children under the age of 12 and at least three videos.
Frater, a former Allen County, Ohio Corrections Officer, will be sentenced on March 12, 2024 when he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Toledo and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Al-Sorghali and Tracey Tangeman.
Three Defendants Extradited from Germany, Morocco and Romania to Face Charges Related to Russian Cyberfraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Later Today, Nikolaj Sofinskij will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him and others with three counts each of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy and one count of aggravated identity theft, in connection with schemes to steal personally identifiable information (PII) on the black market and to buy merchandise in the United States for resale abroad based on the PII. Sofinskij was extradited to the United States yesterday after being arrested in Romania. For similar charges, defendants Ruslan Albertovich Nurullin was extradited to the United States from Morocco and arraigned at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on September 15, and Aleksandr Popan was extradited to the United States from Germany and arraigned at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on October 16.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the extraditions and charges.
“The defendants are charged with conspiring to defraud victims out of more than $48 million by stealing sensitive personal information, including social security numbers, and using it to buy and then resell electronics and luxury goods,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This case shows that if criminals organize to target U.S. victims in their international crimes, our Office will unite with the international community to catch and bring them to justice.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, INTERPOL, the United States Marshals Service and the authorities of Morocco, Germany, and Romania for their assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Nurullin, Popan, and Sofinskij, respectively.
“Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij allegedly engaged in multiple reshipping schemes, utilizing online communications to execute their scams, leading to $48 million in losses for their victims. The announcement today highlights the FBI’s commitment along with our international law enforcement partners to bringing criminals to the United States to be held accountable for their crimes,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
As alleged in the indictment, from approximately 2013 to 2018, individuals located primarily in Russia and countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe operated reshipping schemes to defraud merchants, banks and individuals in the United States. Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij resided in Russia during the schemes, and they were arrested in their respective countries pursuant to INTERPOL Red Notices based on arrest warrants issued from the Eastern District of New York.
Scheme participants communicated online on websites called “Admin Panels.” Popan set up one of those Admin Panels, called USS-Design. Participants called “Stuffers” used stolen PII from victims—including their social security numbers and credit and debit card numbers—to buy merchandise such as smartphones, computers, luxury clothing and handbags from online retailers. These Stuffers deceived the retailers by having them ship merchandise to addresses in the United States, where the items would later be reshipped to Russia and to CIS and Eastern European countries for resale. Nurullin and Sofinskij served as Stuffers associated with the Admin Panels called Strongbox.cc, Arenaproject.it, and Astra Star Ave.
Participants divided profits frequently through a virtual currency exchange based in Russia, and they reinvested proceeds into the ongoing schemes, including by buying prepaid mailing labels to facilitate shipments to Russia and elsewhere. The reshipping schemes caused more than $48 million in losses to victims.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the fraud, fraud conspiracy and money laundering counts. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft counts, the defendants face a mandatory additional sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment.
In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace plays a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes, including mail and wire fraud and identity theft—such as the crimes that Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij committed.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow and Victor Zapana are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emme Moosher, along with Trial Attorney Christopher D. Usher of the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
The Defendants:
RUSLAN ALBERTOVICH NURULLIN (also known as “ray.nolan” and “nolan”)
Age: 32
MoroccoALEKSANDR POPAN (also known as “exemption,” “popanus,” “Alexander Popan,” “Alexandr Popan” and “Alexander Popandopulo”)
Age: 40
GermanyNIKOLAJ SOFINSKIJ (also known as “pagnini,” “Nikola Sofinskiy” and “Mykola Petrovych Sofinskyi”)
Age: 42
RomaniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-456 (PKC)
2023.10.16_redactions_for_nurullin_popan_and_sonfinskij_redacted.pdfThree Columbia Residents Indicted for Bank Fraud, Mail TheftRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three Columbia, Mo., residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy that used identity documents stolen from the mail to open fraudulent bank accounts.
Chandelle Eugene Marteen, 39, Jason Lee Patillo, 49, and Candace Anne Cook, 41, were charged in a 22-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrests of all three defendants.
The federal indictment alleges that Marteen, Patillo and Cook participated in a bank fraud conspiracy from July 2021 to March 2023. Marteen and Cook allegedly stole mail from collection boxes and residences, from which they obtained personal and business checks. They forged signatures and altered the checks.
Marteen obtained personal identification documents belonging to others, the indictment says, and used them to cash or deposit stolen and fraudulent checks. He opened bank accounts using stolen identity documents, deposited stolen and fraudulent checks into the accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts. Patillo allegedly opened a bank account at Marteen’s instruction and gave him the debit card and account information, which enabled him to deposit stolen, fraudulent checks and withdraw money from the account using cash withdrawals at ATMs and electronic transfers.
In addition to the conspiracy, Marteen is charged with nine counts of bank fraud, two counts of mail theft, two counts of possessing stolen mail, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft.
Cook is also charged with one count of possessing stolen mail.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Tewksbury Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Embezzlement, Unemployment Fraud and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for embezzling more than $1.8 million from her employer, collecting unemployment assistance while employed fulltime and related tax charges.
Joanne Dinoto a/k/a Joanne Mara, 49, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 62 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Dinoto was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,195,592. In March 2023, Dinoto pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of filing a false tax return.
Beginning no later than October 2008 and continuing through April 2020, Dinoto stole more than $1.8 million from her employer, a flooring company based in Acton, by falsely inflating her compensation, using her employer’s corporate credit card for personal expenses, and forging at least two checks to herself drawn on her employer’s checking account. To hide her scheme, Dinoto modified her employer’s accounting records. Dinoto later collected unemployment benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance under her true Social Security number, even though she was then working full time for a different employer, a lighting company based in Wilmington, under a fake Social Security number. Between 2015 and 2020, Dinoto did not report more than $1 million that she embezzled from the Acton company or received from the Wilmington company on her federal income tax returns.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. The Acton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
St. Petersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jason Washington (42, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Due to the amount of methamphetamine Washington possessed, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Washington’s residence. Inside the home, they found over 240 grams of methamphetamine, 225 grams of fentanyl, and 102 grams of cocaine. Officers also located more than $77,000 in cash and six firearms inside the home.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
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.
Springfield Sex Offender Convicted of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been convicted in a federal bench trial of receiving and distributing child pornography.
Alvan Allen, 44, was found guilty of one count of receiving and distributing child pornography following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The court issued the findings of fact and adjudication order on Monday, Nov. 6.
Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence on Aug. 13, 2020, and seized his cell phone and laptop computer. A forensic examination discovered 1,512 images and videos of child pornography on Allen’s computer.
Allen is required to register as a sex offender due to his prior conviction of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He also has a prior conviction for failure to register as a sex offender.
Under federal statutes, Allen is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Spencer Man Pleads Guilty to yet Another Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty November 1, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Todd Williams, 57, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams had previously been convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in 2004.
Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on March 4, 2023, after receiving information that Williams was selling and possessing methamphetamine, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence in Spencer, Iowa, and seized approximately 2.8 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $50,000 in cash. During the execution of the warrant, Williams was viewed by law enforcement driving by the residence. Law enforcement attempted to stop Williams, who led them on a high speed chase before being stopped and arrested.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Williams remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4061. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Second Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking in Lackawanna CountyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Torres, age 28, of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty on November 3, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Torres admitted to possessing between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution in the Lackawanna County area in September 2022. The charges stem from an incident on September 29, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County. Torres and codefendant, Luis Gonzalez, age 27, of El Paso, Texas, were the occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of sixteen individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, having a street-value of approximately $500,000.
Luis Gonzalez previously entered a guilty plea before Judge Mariani on November 2, 2023
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Under federal law, the offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Sarasota Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possessing AR-Style Rifle, Handguns, Hundreds of Rounds of Ammunition, and Distribution Quantities of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced Clinton Justesen (49, Sebring) to six years and two months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Justesen had pleaded guilty on March 6, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, on September 9, 2022, deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office stopped a truck driven by Justesen near the intersection of Williamsburg Street and North Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. Justesen was towing a motorcycle which had been reported stolen on August 23, 2022. A search of Justesen’s truck and the trailer carrying the motorcycle revealed multiple firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition of different calibers, approximately 12.6 grams of methamphetamine, a vacuum sealer, a digital scale, assorted pills and tablets of various colors, and approximately $12,000 in cash.
The firearms recovered from Justesen’s truck included: (1) a HS Produkt XD9 9mm pistol; (2) a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9mm pistol; and (3) an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223/5.56mm caliber rifle with a vertical foregrip installed thereon.
At the time, Justesen had prior felony convictions including: (1) vehicular homicide; (2) leaving the scene of a crash with death; (3) armed robbery; and (4) felon in possession of a firearm, all on or about January 31, 1997. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Justesen later admitted to ATF to selling narcotics, possessing the firearms, and that he needed the firearms for his protection during his drug dealing activities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
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.
Sapulpa Man Sentenced to Life for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
A Sapulpa man was sentenced today. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced David Bert Paycer, 52, to life in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release.
In May of 2023, a federal jury found Paycer guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 years of age in Indian Country. According to court documents, Paycer gained access to his 8-year-old victim by taking over primary care, shortly after meeting and marrying the victim’s mother. Paycer’s grooming began immediately, which lead to sexually abusing the victim. He warned the minor victim not to tell anyone. At trial, the jury heard from four total victims, who testified against Paycer in court. Those victims all testified that Paycer had sexually abused them when they were between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.
“David Paycer preyed on, manipulated and sexually abused an 8-year-old victim left in his care,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This week, the Court made it clear that Paycer’s predatory actions and blame shifting warranted a lifetime in federal prison.”
Previously released on bond prior to trial, Paycer self-surrender after trial and was taken into custody where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Chantelle Dial prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Repeat Sex Offender in Raleigh Sentenced to 15 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A repeat sex offender was sentenced yesterday to 180 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for Receipt of Child Pornography.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in May 2021, Robert John Richards, 38, of Raleigh, was investigated by the Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for child exploitation offenses.
On July 14, 2015, Robert John Richards pled guilty to Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and two counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child in State Court. He was given a suspended sentence and placed on probation for five years. While on probation, he was charged with and pled guilty to Failure to Notify of Change of Address and received another suspended sentence, which extended his probation. A part of his probation was that he was not to possess any sexually stimulating or sexually oriented materials as deemed inappropriate by the probation officer.
On May 25, 2021, North Carolina state probation officers met with Richards and asked for consent to search his devices. Richards agreed and provided passwords for his devices. His phone showed visits to a site sometimes used to disseminate child pornography. In a Discord text application, officers found conversations discussing child sexual abuse. Richards also had a laptop containing multiple images of child pornography. He was arrested for a probation violation, and law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his digital devices.
A search of his digital devices revealed 234 images and 10 videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images and videos depicted infants/toddlers and sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-55-M.
Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to Twelve and a Half Years in Federal Prison After Robbing Four More Banks in Two-Weeks While on ParoleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jaquan Lavon Smith, 31, of Indianapolis has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to four counts of bank robbery.
According to court documents, between October 4 through October 18, 2021, Smith robbed four different federally insured banks, stealing nearly $25,000.
On October 4, 2021, Smith entered the Chase Bank branch near North Keystone Avenue. Once inside, Smith approached a teller and passed a robbery note that stated, “This is a robbery, be quick about it.” The teller gathered $4,058 and passed it to Smith. Over the next two weeks, Smith robbed three more banks in a similar manner, using threatening notes that demanded $10,000 and instructed the victims not to use security measures. During his two-week bank robbery spree, Smith stole nearly $25,000:
DATE
VICTIM
MONEY STOLEN
October 4, 2021
Chase Bank, Indianapolis, IN
$4,058
October 6, 2021
Tri County Bank & Trust, Bainbridge, IN
$10,000
October 11, 2021
Chase Bank, Lawrence, IN
$3,336
October 18, 2021
BMO Harris, Indianapolis, IN
$7,469
FBI Agents arrested Smith shortly after the October 18, 2021, robbery, as he was making his getaway. On Smith’s person, the agents located over $7,000 in cash, and the robbery note used during the robbery of the BMO Harris bank.
Smith has a significant history of robbing banks. In June and July 2018, Smith robbed six banks in Indianapolis and one in Hamilton County over twenty-two days. The demand notes Smith used in the six 2018 bank robberies were nearly identical to the ones he used to rob four banks in 2021. Smith was convicted of the five Indianapolis robberies and sentenced to two years in prison. On July 30, 2021, he was released from the Indiana Department of Corrections to parole. Smith began his latest robbery spree just eight weeks later. The charges related to the 2018 Hamilton bank County robbery were still pending when he robbed four banks in October 2021.
“Again and again, this career criminal chose to terrorize innocent bank employees in his pursuit of what he believed would be easy cash,” Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He returned to robbing banks soon after getting out on parole, undeterred by his prior prison sentence. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, IMPD, Lawrence Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and our federal prosecutor, the public will be protected for many years as he serves a very serious federal prison sentence.”
“The reign of terror of the defendant is over thanks to the outstanding investigative work and collaboration of the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “This sentence clearly demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who threaten bank employees and steal the peace of mind of residents of our community will pay the price.”
“This investigation resulting in US Federal Court conviction represents yet another exemplary collaboration between Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies, focusing our considerable resources on holding this offender accountable for his criminal actions,” said Lawrence Police Department Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff. “Thanks to the efforts of each agency who participated, and to the US Attorney’s Office for focusing on those who commit dangerous crimes, these efforts result in safer communities.”
The FBI, IMPD, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, and Lawrence Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Smith be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
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Readout of Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force Deputies MeetingRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo convened the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force Deputies to coordinate lines of effort to ensure that Russia bears the legal consequences of its internationally wrongful acts. Today’s task force meeting convened experts across the U.S. government and international community to explore all possible avenues to aid Ukraine – consistent with respective legal systems and international law – and to ensure Ukraine is compensated for the loss, injury and damage resulting from Russia’s full-scale aggression.
As Russia continues to commit flagrant violations of international law, REPO members remain united that, consistent with their respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in REPO jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Given the urgent needs of Ukraine and the paramount importance of holding Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, principals of the REPO Task Force plan to convene again later this year.
RICO Conspirator Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Dickenson Elan (40, Clearwater) guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. Elan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 7, 2024. Elan had been indicted on September 7, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between January 2016 and April 2017, Elan participated in the RICO conspiracy with coconspirators Andi Jacques (42, Greenacres) and Louisant Jolteus (37, West Palm Beach), and a now deceased conspirator who was referenced in the indictment as RICH4EVER4430. Elan and Jacques created and operated at least six fraudulent tax businesses together to file false tax returns in the names of thousands of victims. They also registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) preparer tax identification numbers using the names and information of identity theft victims, to make it appear that those victims were the individuals who were filing false returns in bulk.
Some of the personal identifiable information (PII) used to file these returns was stolen from victims who had come into the tax businesses to file their taxes. Other PII was obtained by using a dark web marketplace to purchase server credentials for the computer servers of Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and tax preparation firms across the country. The server credentials were then used to remotely and covertly commit computer intrusions and exfiltrate the tax returns of thousands of taxpayers who were clients of those CPA and tax preparation firms. The PII from those taxpayers was traced back to returns filed through the false businesses that Elan and Jacques had created. The conspirators directed the resulting tax refunds to debit cards and bank accounts that they controlled. During the 2016 and 2017 tax seasons, the conspirators attempted to obtain more than $16 million in false tax returns and preparers’ fees from the IRS. The photo below was found in Elan’s email account and was sent after the 2016 tax season.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Gardella and William S. Hamilton.
Osceola County Convicted Felon Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Christian Arroyo-Rivera (30, Kissimmee) to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. The court also ordered Arroyo-Rivera to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Arroyo-Rivera had pleaded guilty on August 23, 2023.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information from the United States Postal Inspection Service that a parcel addressed to “Carlos Arroyo,” with an address in Kissimmee, was shipped from Puerto Rico and scheduled for a delivery the next day. A controlled delivery of the parcel to Arroyo-Rivera’s mailbox was coordinated for the next day. After Arroyo-Rivera retrieved the package, he was stopped and taken into custody. The parcel contained nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine. Agents also located a loaded Polymer80, 9mm pistol and extended magazine in Arroyo-Rivera’s vehicle. As a previously convicted felon, Arroyo-Rivera is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Shannon Laurie.
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.
Nurse Impostor Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Making False Medical RecordsRead the Press Release
Leticia Gallarzo used the identity of a real nurse to obtain employment as a licensed registered nurse, faces up to 7 years in prison
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Leticia Gallarzo, 49, of Allegan County, pleaded guilty to using the identity of another person to obtain employment as a licensed registered nurse and to making false statements relating to health care matters.
“The allegations that Ms. Gallarzo faked being a licensed nurse and created false medical records are extremely alarming,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “By allegedly posing as a certified medical professional, she risked patient care and put unsuspecting individuals in harm’s way. My office takes this threat to public safety very seriously and appreciates the work of our law enforcement partners in this investigation.”
Gallarzo pleaded guilty to two federal crimes: making a false statement in a medical record affecting a health care benefit program and aggravated identity theft. The health care fraud charge is punishable by up to five years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two years in prison, which must be served consecutively (after) any prison sentence imposed for the health care fraud charge The Court has not yet scheduled Gallarzo’s sentencing date.
According to court documents, Gallarzo falsely represented that she was a licensed registered nurse and had completed a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Davenport University when applying for a job at a local nursing facility. When transmitting her application to the prospective employer over the internet through Indeed.com, Gallarzo used the means of identification of someone that she knew to be an actual licensed registered nurse in the state of Michigan. After obtaining employment as a nurse, Gallarzo evaluated and assessed elderly nursing home patients and falsely signed electronic medical records as a licensed registered nurse. These false statements were related to Medicare, a health care benefit program, because the nursing home relied on Gallarzo’s status as a licensed registered nurse to meet certain Medicare regulations for participation in and billing of Medicare.
"The FBI is dedicated to ensuring that cases of identity theft, such as this one, are thoroughly investigated and the public can trust qualified medical providers," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The scale of Ms. Gallarzo's alleged fraud, which endangered innocent patients, is staggering. As law enforcement works together to combat fraud in our healthcare system, I would like to especially thank the Michigan State Police for their assistance in this investigation."
“Today’s guilty plea underscores the significance and severity of the defendant’s conduct, particularly as it relates to her involvement in the submission of false documentation related to her purported nursing training and state licensure, as well as further false statements connected to her employment as a nurse in a skilled nursing facility,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to working together with our law enforcement partners to protect beneficiaries of our federal health care programs.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Grand Rapids Field Office and U.S. Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting the case.
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New York Man Arrested for Bank Fraud Scheme Involving Stolen Identities of Three Massachusetts ResidentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit United States passports in the name of three Massachusetts residents to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Jean Andre Bontiffe, 40, was charged with one count of making or using a forged passport, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Bontiffe was arrested in New York on Nov. 6, 2023 and will appear in federal court in Boston at 1:15 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2023.
According to the charging documents, on Aug. 9, 2022, Bontiffe was arrested by law enforcement in New York for attempting to pass through TSA screening at LaGuardia Airport using a counterfeit California driver’s license in the same name as one of the Massachusetts victims. A subsequent investigation allegedly revealed that, between July 20 and July 22, 2022, Bontiffe traveled to Massachusetts from the Bronx, N.Y., and made nine attempts to withdraw money from three different Massachusetts residents’ bank accounts – stealing a total of $13,800. On July 20, 2022, Bontiffe allegedly entered a TD Bank branch in North Andover and presented a United States passport and a Discover credit card, both in the name of a Massachusetts resident who had an account at the bank, as proof of identity and attempted to withdraw $4,500 from that account. Due to unmatched signatures, the bank denied the transaction and confiscated the passport and credit card prior to Bontiffe fleeing the scene.
The charge of making or using a forged passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 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; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Paul Creazzo, Chief of the Mamaroneck (N.Y.) Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 31, 2023, HARRY BANKS, age 21, of New Orleans, plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of a superseding indictment. Count 1 charged BANKS with conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Count 2 charged BANKS with conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). Count 3 charged BANKS with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
For Count 1, BANKS faces up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
For Count 2, BANKS faces up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
For Count 3, BANKS faces a minimum of (5) five years in prison up to life in prison, to be run consecutive to all other counts, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to public records, on December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol. Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Agents were conducting surveillance of the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, in an unrelated investigation and saw an individual, later identified as Jerome Shaquille Wilson. Wilson was driving a white Dodge Challenger with one passenger, who was later identified as Gerroy Toca. Agents subsequently saw Toca Wilson, and BANKS engaged in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms. Agents later saw BANKS enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol in his left hand. BANKS then appeared to conceal the firearm in his waistband. ATF Agents notified the New Orleans Police Department who detained Toca and BANKS. BANKS was found in possession of approximately 6.7 grams of suspected fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 40 2.0M, .40 caliber pistol, both of which were concealed in his waistband. By pleading guilty, BANKS admitted that he and his co-defendants were selling illegal drugs, which later tested positive for fentanyl and were armed with 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 track 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Montgomery Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme Costing an Elderly Victim over $95,000Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Nicholas Houston Allen, 36, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. The convictions result from Allen’s victimizing an elderly Montgomery resident. The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
According to the indictment and other court records, Allen held himself out as the owner of an insulation business called Professional Fix, LLC. In January of 2021, Allen told an elderly victim that his mother had recently passed away and that he had inherited his mother’s house in Montgomery. Allen asked the victim to provide him with money so that he could remodel and resell the house for a profit. None of this was true. Allen’s mother was still alive, and he had not inherited her house. Based on Allen’s misrepresentations, from January 2021 through May 2021, the victim gave Allen approximately $95,800 for the sole purpose of remodeling the house. Allen told the victim the money would be used to cover the cost of a new roof, water damage repairs, soil testing, and pool repairs, among other expenses. These repairs were never accomplished. Instead, Allen used the money for his own personal benefit. On November 2, 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2024. At that hearing, Allen will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. The mission of the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud scams that target our nation’s seniors. To learn more, visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. The public is encouraged to report victimization and suspected fraud schemes by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle R. Turner and Special Assistant United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., of the Alabama Securities Commission are prosecuting the case.
Monroeville Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Purchasing Hundreds of Stolen Log-In Credentials Off the DarkwebRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Monroeville man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for illegally possessing stolen log-in credentials that he purchased from an illicit, invitation-only internet marketplace accessible via the dark web.
According to court documents and testimony at sentencing, Genesis Market was an illegal online marketplace housed on foreign servers, which was taken down in Operation Cookie Monster — a joint international cyber operation led by FBI-Milwaukee and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/genesis-market-disrupted-international-cyber-operation
Laderian Odom, 28 of Monroeville, Alabama received an invitation to Genesis Market in the summer of 2020. Thereafter, Odom used cryptocurrency to purchase approximately 950 sets of stolen log-in credentials. These credentials included usernames and passwords for online bank accounts, shopping sites like Amazon, social media accounts, and more. With these stolen credentials, a person could fully access these online accounts as if they were the real account holder.
After ruling in the government’s favor on a disputed issue concerning the application of the sentencing guidelines, U.S. District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Odom to 24 months in prison. Although Odom pleaded guilty, he did not receive any sentencing reduction for accepting responsibility, because Judge Moorer found that Odom knowingly lied about being under indictment in this case when he filled out paperwork attempting to purchase a handgun in August 2023.
This case was investigated by FBI-Mobile, with assistance from FBI-Milwaukee. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Bodnar prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Monongalia County man charged for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Harp, age 38, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has been charged with possession and receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, Harp allegedly possessed and received child pornographic images online. Some of the images involved children under the age of 12.
Harp is facing up to 20 years for the possession of child pornography charge and faces at least five years and up to 20 years in federal prison for each of three counts of receipt of child pornography. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Missouri Man Admits Recording Sex Acts with MinorsRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Wayne County, Missouri on Tuesday admitted making recordings of his sex acts with minors.
Tony Ray Waites, 46, of Piedmont, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. He admitted that in March of 2022, an 11-year-old boy reported that Waites had sexually abused him on several occasions and that he believed that Waites had filmed the abuse. A court-approved search of Waites’ home discovered electronic devices that contained videos of Waites abusing that victim, Waites’ plea says. There were also videos depicting nine other boys. Some were abused by Waites, others were filmed naked.
Waites is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6, 2024. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Luring Columbia Teen for Illicit SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Bay Springs, Mississippi, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to luring a 16-year-old victim in Columbia, Mo., to meet him at a hotel for illicit sexual activity.
Zachary Wes Buckley, 49, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
By pleading guilty today, Buckley admitted that he traveled to Columbia and rented a room at a local hotel, where he had sex with the child victim.
Buckley and the child victim began communicating in an online chat room in January 2023 then moved their conversations to GoogleChat. The chats, which included sexually explicit conversations, photos and videocams, led to plans to meet in person. Buckley traveled to Columbia on Jan. 30, 2023, and met the child victim at a local park. He then drove to a Columbia hotel, where they had sex.
Under federal statutes, Buckley is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, and the Jasper County, Mississippi, Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Mexican National Is Sentenced to 8+ Years in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possession of A Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yael Aguilar, 30, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Alicia Jones, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Ron Campurciani of the Mooresville Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, in August 2022, the ATF and the Mooresville Police Department initiated an investigation into Aguilar for suspected drug distribution. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted at least three controlled purchases of narcotics from Aguilar, including for methamphetamine. During one of the controlled purchases, law enforcement observed that Aguilar was armed. On September 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Aguilar’s residence and the two vehicles located in the driveway. During the search, law enforcement recovered narcotics, digital scales, and more than $24,000 in cash. Law enforcement also seized a loaded firearm, assorted ammunition, and a privately made firearm, also known as a “ghost gun,” with a Glock slide, magazine, and ammunition. Aguilar is an illegal alien and he is not permitted to own or possess firearms.
Aguilar remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The ATF and the Mooresville Police Department investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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.
Mescalero Man charged with Domestic AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Frank Shorty Trujillo appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault by strangulation and/or suffocating a spouse or intimate partner. Trujillo, 18, of Mescalero, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on Oct 9, 2023, Trujillo assaulted Jane Doe in front of their one-year-old son because he was angry that his “weed” had not been delivered as scheduled to the residence. Trujillo pushed Jane Doe into their young son, causing her to fall on top of the baby, who then began to cry. Trujillo then climbed on top of the Jane Doe and strangled her for approximately five seconds, preventing her from being able to breathe, punched her, bit her on the leg, pushed her down into the bed and pulled her hair. Jane Doe feared for her life and believed that Trujillo was going to kill her.
The morning following the assault, Jane Doe tried to speak to Trujillo who was armed with a knife. Trujillo cut himself with the knife on his arm and neck. After Trujillo learned that law enforcement had been called, he then fled into the woods to avoid arrest.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Trujillo faces ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and A’Kiesha Soliman are prosecuting the case.
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Mathis woman admits to trafficking meth through the mailRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation into Elena Barrera began in November 2020 when authorities learned of a parcel containing liquid meth that was being shipped from Mexico to Mathis. Law enforcement intercepted the package and found it contained approximately seven kilograms of liquid meth concealed within shampoo bottles. They conducted a controlled delivery at the post office and Barrera picked up the package.
As part of her plea, Barrera admitted to using the mail to receive multiple other packages of narcotics and to recruiting others to retrieve packages of narcotics for her.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 30, 2024. At that time, Barrera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Barrera was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster is prosecuting the case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Justin Lee Snowden, 33, of Pasadena, Md., was sentenced today to 97 months in prison on one count of distribution of child pornography for sending videos, over the internet, of children being sexually abused.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Snowden pleaded guilty to the charge on July 7, 2023, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced today by the Honorable Rudolph Contreras, who also ordered Snowden to serve 15 years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, in August and September of 2022, Snowden joined and participated in an online chat platform devoted to the sexual exploitation of children. Beginning on Aug. 19, 2022, Snowden communicated with an undercover officer, based in San Francisco, and offered a female child – whom he claimed was his daughter – to someone he believed had a sexual interest in children. On Sept. 17, Snowden had a similar conversation with an undercover agent in Tampa, Fla., regarding the abuse of girls who Snowden purported to be his daughters. The next day, he began an online chat with an undercover officer in Washington D.C., who was a member of the joint Metropolitan Police Department - FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.
During the chat, Snowden offered his purported 5- and 7-year-old daughters for sex with members of the group. In actuality, Snowden did not have any children. He also sent others non-explicit pictures of two minor females. During the chat, Snowden claimed that he had sexually abused the girls. Later, Snowden sent an image to the undercover agent of a nude toddler lying on her back with her legs spread, and a video depicting an adult man sexually abusing a prepubescent child. Snowden asked the undercover agent for sexually explicit images of the agent’s purported daughter.
On each occasion, Snowden had every reason to believe that he was chatting with someone who intended to sexually abuse a child or who was actively abusing one. Because law enforcement intervened, Snowden’s actions did not lead to the hands-on sexual abuse of an actual child.
Snowden was arrested on Sept. 26, 2022, in Washington D.C. He has been detained ever since.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, including the Metropolitan Police Department. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Bond and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson.
Marion County Woman Indicted for Fraud Relating to Theft from Alternative SchoolRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Danielle Jane Liles (41, Summerfield) with eight counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Liles faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. The United States is also seeking an order of forfeiture for at least $616,793.43, which represents the unlawful proceeds of the offenses charged in the indictment.
According to the court records, between January 11, 2016, and April 10, 2023, Liles devised a scheme to defraud Silver River Mentoring and Instruction (SRMI), an alternative school for middle and high school students. During this time, Liles handled the payroll at SRMI and gave herself 137 unauthorized paychecks by logging false information into SRMI’s accounting software. Liles received her paychecks through Automated Clearinghouse Services (ACH) wire transfers.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Marion County Convicted Felon Federally Indicted for Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Marcus Cleaver Morgan, Jr. (23, Ocala) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on January 14, 2023, Morgan possessed a Glock firearm. At that time, Morgan had a previous state felony conviction for carrying a concealed firearm. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Running Four Dark Web Child Exploitation WebsitesRead the Press Release
A Missouri man was sentenced today to life in prison for running four websites dedicated to sharing images and videos of child sexual abuse.
According to court documents and evidence at trial, Clint Robert Schram, 55, of Kansas City, hosted, managed, and maintained four different websites from his home. Each of these websites operated over the dark web, and each was devoted to advertising, distributing, and exchanging images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. One of the websites allowed members to post images of children as young as 2 years old, and another had no restrictions on the types of child sexual abuse images that could be shared. Schram advertised and distributed child sexual abuse images over these websites, and he recruited, managed, and directed different tiers of “staff” members who helped run the websites.
On May 10, a federal jury convicted Schram of one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and four counts each of advertisement of child pornography and conspiracy to advertise child pornography.
The following defendants have also been charged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in connection with Schram’s websites:
Defendant
Residence
Case Status
Ryan Neal Montgomery
Damascus, Oregon
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography; pending sentencing.
Joshua Howland
Burlington, Vermont
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography; pending sentencing.
John Jason Vails
Cleveland, Oklahoma
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography; sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.
David Shawn Sobieck
Sequim, Washington
Passed away before trial; charges dismissed.
Thomas Davis Moore Jr.
Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee
Passed away before trial; charges dismissed.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri, Assistant Director Luis M. Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Kansas City Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by FBI field offices and resident agencies in Portland, Oregon; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Poulsbo, Washington; Homeland Security Investigations’ offices in Burlington, Vermont, and Boston; and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s (CEOS) High Technology Investigative Unit.
CEOS Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison D. Dunning and David Luna for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the cases, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Oregon, District of Vermont, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Washington, and Eastern District of Tennessee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced for Advertising and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material on Dark WebRead the Press Release
An Oklahoma man was sentenced yesterday to 21 years and 10 months in prison for advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Austen Peppers, 36, of Lawton, sold and offered to sell images of minors being sexually abused. Peppers conducted the transactions on the dark web with cryptocurrency, and used platforms and applications that he believed were secure and protected him from law enforcement scrutiny. Peppers also engaged in sexually explicit communications with persons believed to be minors and encouraged those apparent minors to create sexually explicit images of themselves. Peppers amassed thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused.
Peppers was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $11,200 and restitution totaling $57,000 to his victims.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco made the announcement.
HSI Fresno, Chicago, and Oklahoma, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated the case, with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Tactical Team.
Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa for the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Luzerne County Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Casey VanGorder age 28, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, VanGorder admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute between 40 grams and 160 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between 2019 and 2020. VanGorder was indicted by a grand jury in August 2020 for fentanyl trafficking.
The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is also 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.
Under federal law, the offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of up to forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murdering a Man During a CarjackingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday, a local man was sentenced to federal prison for a carjacking that resulted in death. He was also sentenced for the use, possession, and discharge of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence, resulting in murder.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Ashton Clay Nally, 23, of Louisville was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for carjacking resulting in death, and the use, possession, and discharge of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence, resulting in murder. These charges stem from a carjacking resulting in the death of the victim that occurred on November 23, 2020, at 2135 Crittenden Drive in Louisville.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“I commend the FBI Louisville Field Office, LMPD, and the prosecutors for their work in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Fighting violent crime remains a high priority of this office and together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to actively investigate and aggressively prosecute those who commit violence and place the safety of our citizens at risk.”
“This sentence should serve as a stark warning to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who choose to commit armed carjackings and other senseless acts of violence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not stand for violent offenders who recklessly terrorize innocent lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Stansbury. “In partnership with the Louisville Violent Crime Task Force, FBI Louisville will continue to work tirelessly to ensure violent criminals are removed from our streets.”
The FBI Louisville Field Office and LMPD investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Mac Shannon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Leader and Members of Moscow-Based Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy Charged in International Telemedicine SchemeRead the Press Release
A third superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Brian Michael Sutton, Brycen Kay Millett, Anthony Santamaria, Joshua Manuel Alegria, Hershel Tsikman and Hafizullah Ebady with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud and money laundering conspiracy. As alleged, the defendants participated in an international scheme to acquire pharmacies across the United States with pre-existing relationships with private health insurance companies. Using those pharmacies, in conjunction with call centers to induce individuals to accept unnecessary medications and a network of recruited physicians, the defendants generated more than $500 million in fraudulent prescriptions purportedly filled by the scheme pharmacies.
Santamaria, Alegria and Tsikman were arrested today in California and will be arraigned this afternoon in federal court in Los Angeles. Millett and Ebady were previously indicted and arrested on health care fraud charges, and will be arraigned at a later date. Sutton remains at large and is believed to reside in Moscow.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the defendants orchestrated a massive international scheme to defraud American businesses out of hundreds of millions of dollars and attempted to hide behind multiple aliases, shell companies and straw owners,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Fraudulent healthcare billing drives up the cost of medical services for all those who need it. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who take advantage of health care plans.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Office of Inspector General, for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.
“The defendants allegedly carried out a complex international health care fraud scheme that led to over half billion dollars in fraudulent prescriptions. Health care fraud schemes like this affect those directly targeted, but ultimately the general public who face increased medical costs as a result. The FBI will see to it that anyone attempting to benefit from health care fraud will face punishment in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
As alleged, between 2017 and 2022, Sutton, a U.S. citizen residing in Russia, led his co-defendants in carrying out an international scheme to bill private insurers for hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of fraudulent prescriptions. At Sutton’s direction, the conspirators oversaw call centers initially based in Utah, but later operated from Russia and other foreign nations. Call center employees telephoned beneficiaries enrolled in private insurers’ health care plans and offered prescription medications at little to no cost to the beneficiaries and without any medical exam to determine the medical necessity for those medications. The defendants also recruited doctors purportedly to review prescriptions by nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants after telemedicine visits. Contrary to what the recruited doctors were told, in many cases there were no telemedicine visits between the beneficiaries and any medical professionals. The conspirators generated fraudulent prescriptions under the physicians’ names and National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers. Despite the prescriptions, many beneficiaries never received the medications.
To conceal their involvement, the defendants operated under multiple aliases, funneled millions of dollars through pass-through shell companies and straw owners, used end-to-end encrypted communications and moved operations overseas. Specifically, the defendants purchased and operated dozens of existing brick-and-mortar pharmacies through straw owners including in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan and Alabama. The conspirators also laundered millions of dollars in fraudulent proceeds from overseas through pass-through shell companies that they used to purchase the scheme pharmacies and conceal the defendants’ involvement.
After acquiring the brick-and-mortar pharmacies, the conspirators oversaw the installation of pharmacy management software that allowed for the remote submission of reimbursement requests by the scheme pharmacies to private insurers; they also trained and supervised a team of “billers” that remotely submitted hundreds of thousands of reimbursement requests totaling over $500 million for over 50 pharmacies. Ultimately, private insurers paid over $280 million as a result of the fraudulent billing.
Co-conspirators Dela Saidazim pleaded guilty in February 2023 and David Gary Bishoff pleaded guilty in March 2023 to health care fraud conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent and unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys John Vagelatos, Jessica Weigel and Jonathan P. Lax are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist William Daniels. Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The New Defendants:
BRIAN MICHAEL SUTTON (also known as “Mike Summers,” “Mike Miller” and “Ryan White”)
Age: 31
Moscow, RussiaANTHONY SANTAMARIA (also known as “Big Boy,” “Wade Watts,” “Pablo Rodriguez,” “Ryan Rusty” and “Bruce Peter”)
Age: 31
North Hollywood, CaliforniaJOSHUA MANUEL ALEGRIA (also known as “Jboy,” “Jaxon Asher” and “Turk Malloy”)
Age: 32
Woodland Hills, CaliforniaHERSHEL TSIKMAN (also known as “Andrew Milner,” “Andrew M.,” “Linus Caldwell,”
“Adam Schneider,” “Jonathan Martin,” and “H”)
Age: 30
Studio City, CaliforniaPreviously Charged Defendants:
BRYCEN KAY MILLETT (also known as “Brett Johnson” and “Tommy Wilkinson”)
Age: 33
Saint George, UtahHAFIZULLAH EBADY (also known as “Hafiz Ebady”)
Age: 45
Parsippany, New JerseyCo-Conspirators Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
DAVID GARY BISHOFF (also known as “Bobby Fischer”)
Age: 39
Saint George, UtahDELA SAIDAZIM (also known as “Delila,” “Gina Payne,” and “Olivia Rothstein”)
Age: 34
Moscow, RussiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-564 (S-3) (WFK)
Lawrence Men Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in BedfordRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Lawrence men have been sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute fentanyl to individuals at the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Deiby Bladimil Casado Ruiz, 30, was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Pedro Antonio Sanchez Bernabel, 31, was sentenced on Nov. 6, 2023 by Judge Talwani to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
On July 21, 2023, both Casado Ruiz and Bernabel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. Between July 27, 2022 and November 2022, Bernabel and Casado Ruiz conspired to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Specifically, the defendants sold fentanyl to individuals at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, including one veteran who was seeking treatment at the Medical Center for a substance use disorder.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the VA Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Bedford VA Medical Center Police Service and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Callahan, Lauren Graber and Kelly Lawrence of the Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
La Valle Resident Sentenced to 5 Years of Probation for Amazon Fraudulent Return SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christian Wink, 27, La Valle, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years of probation for wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Wink pleaded guilty to these charges on June 22, 2023.
The government’s investigation revealed that between 2017 and 2020, Wink ordered expensive items through Amazon, such as ethernet switches and Wi-Fi routers, and then initiated the return process. Wink would return materially different items that were cheaper or broken, such as cell phone charging cables. Wink then received a refund for the amount of the original purchases. Wink then kept both the ordered items and the refund. During the course of this scheme, Wink engaged in more than 3,485 fraudulent transactions causing losses to Amazon of approximately $372,359.07. Wink admitted that he failed to report the income he generated from the fraudulent return scheme on his personal 2020 tax return.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that the scope and scale of Wink’s criminal conduct normally would warrant a prison sentence. However, Judge Peterson noted that it was a mitigating circumstance that Wink has a long history of suffering from mental illness, including the time period he committed the fraud against Amazon. Judge Peterson also noted that Wink turned his life around once he committed to mental health treatment in 2021. Judge Peterson concluded that a sentence of five years of probation would allow Wink to continue effectively managing his mental health needs.
The charges against Wink were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Amazon provided support for the investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.