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6 November 2023
St. Charles Parish Man Indicted for Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AMARYD DOWNING, age 37, a resident of Hahnville, Louisiana, was charged on November 2, 2023, in a three-count indictment, with distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2023, May 11, 2023, and May 22, 2023, DOWNING distributed a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. If convicted, DOWNING faces, as to each count, a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Snellville doctor pays $225,000 to resolve allegations for improper billingRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Saima Syed, M.D. (“Dr. Syed”), Atlanta Medical and Aesthetic Center, Inc. d/b/a AIM Medical Center (“Syed Practice Group”), and Rehan Syed have agreed to pay $225,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by, among other things, billing the government for office visits that were not medically necessary, were not provided as claimed, and were not supported by patient medical records.
“Physicians who attempt to unlawfully obtain funds from government healthcare programs by padding their bills siphon scarce resources from vital programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This settlement represents our office’s commitment to ensure accountability for physicians who place their greed over following the rules established by Medicare and Medicaid.”
“Physicians who put their own profits above their professional responsibilities to their patients and to honestly billing federal health programs put both patient well-being and taxpayer funding at risk,” said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate health care fraud schemes to protect these safety net programs and the enrollees relying on them.”
“Our office works diligently to protect the integrity of Georgia’s Medicaid program,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Through enforcement actions like this settlement, we’re able to retrieve taxpayer dollars that have been unlawfully diverted and return them to the public good they’re intended to serve.”
This settlement resolves allegations that from January 2, 2018, to February 12, 2021, Saima Syed knowingly submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for office visits that were not as complex or lengthy as Saima Syed purported. This is a practice commonly known as “upcoding.” The government also alleged that Saima Syed submitted claims of certain office visits to federal healthcare programs as though she had personally provided the service, even though she was travelling out of the country at the time these services were allegedly performed.
The settlement also resolves allegations in a lawsuit filed by Herretta Pickens and Tahirah McCloud, both of whom are former Syed Practice Group employees, under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act authorizes private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and share in the recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Georgia and is captioned United States ex rel. Pickens and McCloud v. Atlanta Medical and Aesthetic Center, Inc. d/b/a AIM Medical Center et al., No. 1:20-CV-4556-JPB.
The investigation of this matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin M. Hall, Assistant Attorney General Sara Vann, and Assistant Attorney General Mary Bryan. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The Georgia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $4,871,744 for Federal FY 2024. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,623,912 for FY 2024, is funded by the State of Georgia.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Six Sentenced in Federal Court for their Role in Columbia Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C.— Three men and three women from the Midlands were sentenced after pleading guilty in federal court to their roles in a heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana trafficking conspiracy based in Columbia.
- Marcus Antonio Ashford, 44, of Columbia, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.
- Debra Ann Thomas, 69, of Hopkins, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
- Tremeka R. Myers, 50, of Columbia was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.
- Rashad Naheem Myers, 45, of Columbia, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.
- Jemica Octavia Maxwell, 42, of Columbia, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and marijuana.
- Shaquan Maxwell, 26, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than two years in prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Marcus Antonio Ashford was the leader of a heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana distribution ring operating in and around Columbia, S.C. Debra Ann Thomas, Jemica Octavia Maxwell. and Shaquan Maxwell were drug distributors working on behalf of Ashford. Tremeka R. Myers and Rashad Naheem Myers were facilitators in the conspiracy. The Myers’ home was used as a location for co-conspirators to prepare heroin for sale.
Between Sept. 2019, and July 2020, law enforcement conducted a series of controlled buys of heroin and heroin/fentanyl mixture from Ashford and his co-defendants. Some of the drugs were sold directly by Ashford; others were sold by Ashford’s co-defendants working on his behalf. Based upon the controlled buys and related investigation, in approximately two years, Ashford and his organization were responsible for trafficking nearly one kilogram of heroin, 31 grams of fentanyl, and multiple kilograms of marijuana.
Law enforcement conducted six controlled buys of heroin and heroin/fentanyl mixture from Debra Ann Thomas between Sept. 2019 and March 2020. Ashford was present at several of those sales and was ultimately identified as Thomas’s source of supply.
On June 15, 2020, law enforcement contacted Ashford to set up a purchase of one ounce of heroin. At the time, Ashford was not in Columbia. Ashford contacted Tremeka and Rashad Myers and asked them to allow Shaquan Maxwell to come to their house to prepare the heroin for sale. Later that day, Shaquan Maxwell delivered approximately one ounce of heroin to the purported buyer. When Shaquan Maxwell met with the buyer to conduct the sale, Maxwell had Ashford on a video call and Ashford explained that Maxwell was delivering the heroin on his behalf.
Approximately one month later, on July 10, 2020, law enforcement arranged for another buy of one ounce of heroin from Ashford. Ashford was again out of town and turned to Jemica Octavia Maxwell to prepare the heroin for sale at the home of Tremeka and Rashad Myers.
In Sept. 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a car belonging to Ashford and driven by Jemica Maxwell. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement found 2.7 kilograms of marijuana.
On Oct. 27, 2020, law enforcement executed search warrants at several homes around Columbia. At the home of Tremeka and Rashad Myers, which had been used by the conspiracy members to prepare heroin for sale, law enforcement found a quantity of marijuana, equipment for preparing heroin for sale, a Taurus 9mm handgun and ammunition. In the home of Jemica and Shaquan Maxwell, which had been frequented by conspiracy members throughout the investigation, law enforcement found nearly five kilograms of marijuana. In the kitchen cabinet, law enforcement found a loaded handgun next to a distribution-sized bag of marijuana.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced all six individuals. Marcus Antonio Ashford was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison. Debra Ann Thomas was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Tremeka R. Myers was sentenced to 60 months on federal probation. Rashad Naheem Myers was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment. Jemica Octavia Maxwell was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. Shaquan Maxwell was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Ashford’s term of imprisonment will be followed by an eight-year term of court-ordered supervision. Thomas’s term of imprisonment will be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. Rashad Myers’s, Jemica Maxwell’s, and Shaquan Maxwell’s terms of imprisonment will be followed by three-year terms of court-ordered supervision.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Deon Joe Bidtah pled guilty to all three counts of the indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon. Bidtah, 24, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on Oct. 11, 2022, Bidtah approached a vehicle near his residence in Shiprock and fired two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the vehicle. The driver, Jane Doe, was struck and injured by the gunfire. Three of Jane Doe’s family members were in the vehicle at the time. Jane Doe suffered great bodily harm and was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Navajo Nation police officers responded to the incident location, including one officer who, by virtue of a special law enforcement commission, is considered a federal officer. Bidtah approached the officers carrying the 12-gauge shotgun and fired toward the officers. Officers took cover behind their patrol units and commanded Bidtah to stop and drop his weapon, however Bidtah ignored the commands, reloaded the shotgun, and continued to walk towards the officers. In response, officers fired two rounds at Bidtah. Bidtah was struck and was later transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.
At sentencing, Bidtah faces at least ten years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.
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23-261
Sharon Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Zachariah Owens was convicted of cocaine and crack trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Owens, age 37, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Owens pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack in October 2021, and (2) possessing cocaine and crack with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and a playground. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 19, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least one year and up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000,000. Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
Second Owner of Fresno Sleep Clinic Pleads Guilty to Submitting over $1.5 Million in Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for Sleep StudiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jeremy Gober, 42, of Hanford, pleaded guilty today to health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges for submitting more than $1.5 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for sleep studies, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Gober co-owned and co-operated Got Sleep Inc., which operated sleep clinics in Fresno and Orange Counties in California. Sleep clinics perform diagnostic sleep studies to identify disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
According to court documents, between August 2016 and July 2020, Gober caused Got Sleep to submit thousands of claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for sleep studies that were not actually performed on patients. The claims also stated falsely that the patients had been referred for the sleep studies by physicians with whom Gober had previously worked. This was done because Medicare and Medi-Cal will not pay for a sleep study unless the patient was referred by a physician.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba is scheduled to sentence Gober on March 4, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for the health care fraud conviction and an additional, mandatory two years in prison for the identity theft conviction. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
In September 2023, Jeremy Gober’s brother, Travis Gober, pleaded guilty to similar health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges related to other sleep clinics in the Central Valley.
Roanoke Man Indicted for Gun Crimes, Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Federal agents arrested a Roanoke County man late last week who was indicted by a federal grand jury for his involvement in a violent Hobbs Act robbery and a variety of firearms offense.
On Friday, Damon Tyler Mills, a.k.a. Tyler Mills, 27, was arrested on a federal indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The indictment, returned under seal last week, was unsealed following Mills’ arrest. He made his initial court appearance today.
According to the indictment, in December 2018, Mills and another individual robbed two individuals of a firearm, marijuana, and money, and brandished a firearm in doing so. Approximately two months later, on February 24, 2019, Mills is alleged to have been involved in another incident, whereby he discharged a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mills is charged with possessing marijuana on that same date with the intent to distribute the marijuana.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke County Police Department investigated the case.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlene R. Day and Jason M. Scheff are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Richmond County man indicted on federal charges for bomb scare at Social Security officeRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County man has been indicted on federal charges for a bomb threat targeting the Social Security Administration’s Augusta office.
Keyon Tishaye Dickens, 38, of Augusta, currently is being held in the Jefferson County Detention Center after being indicted for Using a Telephone to Make a Threat to Injure a Person or Damage a Building by Explosives, and two counts of False Information and Bomb Hoax, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The phone charge carries a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and each of the hoax charges carry a statutory penalty of up to five years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“We take seriously any threats of violence against government employees or other workers,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Actions intended to frighten and intimidate innocent people will not be tolerated.”
The indictment alleges that Dickens called the Social Security Administration office in Augusta on Oct. 10, threatening to use an explosive device to harm the building and workers. Later, at the Social Security office, Dickens displayed a note with the handwritten message, “I have a bomb,” to a security officer who alerted the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The building was locked down and evacuated, and no bomb was found. Richmond County deputies took Dickens into custody. He awaits further court proceedings and is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs III.
Readout of Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen’s Trip to Kyiv and BerlinRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 to reaffirm the Department’s close partnership with foreign counterparts to stop the flow of sensitive technologies to foreign adversaries. AAG Olsen was joined by the Disruptive Technology Strike Force co-lead Assistant Secretary (AS) Matthew Axelrod of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. AAG Olsen thereafter traveled to Berlin, Germany, where he met with German counterparts and gave remarks at the U.S. Embassy during a roundtable discussion hosted by the American Academy.
The trip follows the creation of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force earlier this year. Co-led by AAG Olsen and AS Axelrod, the Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement effort targeting illicit actors, protecting supply chains and preventing critical technologies from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. Senior officials from the FBI and Justice Department participated in the trip, including Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Counselor to the Attorney General for International Affairs Bruce Swartz and the Resident Legal Advisor in Kyiv, Jared Kimball.
While in Kyiv, the Strike Force delegation met with foreign counterparts and their staff, including Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin; Deputies Andrii Haichenko and Iryna Mudra of the Ukraine Ministry of Justice; Deputy Head of Security Service Olsekandr Poklad; and Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko. The delegation also visited the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice (KFI), a leading institution in the field of forensic examinations, housed within the Ministry of Justice and overseen by Director Oleksandr Ruvin and Deputy Director Dr. Nataliia Nestor. The visit to KFI gave the delegation the opportunity to view weapons recovered from the front lines, including ballistic missiles, air-guided missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Throughout the visit, AAG Olsen emphasized the U.S. government’s continued commitment to undermining the Russian government’s ability to obtain critical technology used in UAVs and other weapons systems to support its unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine. Olsen additionally described the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to bring criminal prosecutions and other enforcement actions aimed at stopping the illicit transfer of export-controlled, military-grade technology. The two governments further discussed opportunities for the Ukrainian government to support this work, including through information sharing and the exchange of best practices of forensic analysis.
From Berlin, AAG Olsen gave remarks at and participated in a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Embassy hosted by the American Academy. He also met with officials from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, including State Secretary Hans-Georg Engelke, and officials from the Germany Federal Ministry of Justice.
Providence Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who took delivery of a locked case inside of which he expected to find thirteen kilos of cocaine, and who later participated in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Wyatt Detention Center has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Emmanuel Nolasco, 37, previously admitted to a federal judge that, in June 2020, he travelled to Los Angeles where he obtained thirteen kilograms of cocaine that he stored inside a locked carrying case. Nolasco then hired an individual to drive the drugs to Rhode Island and deliver them to him at his Providence residence.
According to information presented to the court, while en route to Rhode Island, the vehicle in which the cocaine was being transported was stopped by local police in Texas for a traffic violation. The police notified DEA agents in Texas of their discovery, and DEA agents in Texas and in Providence arranged for the driver continue driving to Providence to deliver the storage case which now contained thirteen replica “kilos” of cocaine. Upon delivery of the case to Nolasco on June 22, 2020, DEA agents arrested Nolasco and executed a court-authorized search of his residence, seizing four kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of various cutting agents, two loaded firearms, $108,760 in cash, a kilo press; a Porsche automobile, and various items used in the packaging and sale of drugs.
In a separate matter, Nolasco admitted to the court that while being detained at the Wyatt Detention Center he participated in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the detention center. On February 15, 2021, members of the Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit searched Nolasco’s cell and seized controlled substances.
On June 22, 2023, Nolasco pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; two counts of possession with intent to distribute suboxone; and possession of contraband by an inmate. He was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 108 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. At the government’s request, the court ordered Nolasco to forfeit to the government the $108,760 in cash, the two loaded firearms and a Porsche Panamera seized at the time of his arrest.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Pine Ridge Man Indicted on Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man for two counts of Second-Degree Murder.
Jonathan Eagle Elk, age 18, was indicted in October of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 30, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In June of 2022, Eagle Elk killed Louis Swift Bird by beating him to death. Then in July of 2022, he beat Maria Makes Him First to death. Both murders occurred in Pine Ridge, within blocks of each other. Both Swift Bird and Makes Him First were homeless at the time and laying defenseless on the ground when Eagle Elk attacked them.
The charge is merely an accusation and Eagle Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Eagle Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Over 220 Pounds of Suspected Controlled Substances Seized Including Pills Shaped to Resemble Heart Shaped CandyRead the Press Release
An estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances have been seized, including eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder. The total street value of the drugs seized is upwards of $8 million. Three men have been arrested in connection with allegedly running this large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Emilio Garcia, also known as 6, 25, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; Sebastien Bejin, also known as Bash, 33, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; and Deiby Felix, 40, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court on Nov. 13.
According to the charging documents, in July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem, Massachusetts, led investigators to a DTO allegedly led by Garcia, Bejin, and Felix. The defendants were surveilled for three months, which culminated in search warrants at locations identified in the investigation, and their arrests on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
On Nov. 1, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn. These were identified as locations frequented by Garcia and Bejin. The searches resulted in, what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. Over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of controlled substances were seized. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy.
In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.
More specifically, according to the charging documents, the following drug quantities were seized from the basement of a two-family residential home that was occupied by multiple families and small children:
- More than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of white powder and rock like substances which field tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base;
- More than 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of suspected raw methamphetamine which equates to approximately more than 3.5 million individual doses;
- Approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 28 kilograms (61 pounds) with a street value in the range of approximately $1.4 million to over $7 million;
- More than 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine; and
- Approximately 1.8 kilograms (four pounds) of brown rock and powder-like substances, which tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. This quantity of fentanyl equates to about 900,000 individual doses.
Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized during the searches.
“The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is focused on attacking every link in the global fentanyl trafficking chain, and we will not stop until those responsible for the fentanyl poisoning epidemic are brought to justice. We also continue to urge families to have open and honest conversations about the urgent threat posed by this epidemic, and the fact that just one pill can kill.”
“This seizure by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Not only was this seizure one of the largest in the history of Massachusetts, but some of the pills were created to look like candy, potentially presenting an enormous risk to children. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep drugs off our streets, and out of the hands of children.”
“The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
Surveillance during the investigation revealed that Garcia and Bejin would travel to the Broadway stash location on a daily basis and then bring quantities of suspected from the premises to supply lower-level dealers. One such location that appeared to be supplied from the main stash location was an address at 341 Western Avenue in Lynn, where Deiby Felix is alleged to reside. A search of 341 Western Avenue revealed more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, consistent with those found in the Broadway stash location and a firearm.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, each provide for a sentence of a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Division, IRS-Criminal Investigation in Boston, and the Chelsea, Lynnfield, Salem and Lynn Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Over 220 Pounds of Suspected Controlled Substances Seized Including Pills Shaped to Resemble Heart Shaped CandyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - An estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances have been seized, including eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder. The total street value of the drugs seized is upwards of $8 million. Three men have been arrested in connection with allegedly running this large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Emilio Garcia, a/k/a “6”, 25, of Lynn, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; Sebastien Bejin, a/k/a “Bash”, 33, of Lynn, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; and Deiby Felix, 40, of Lynn, was charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court on Nov. 13, 2023.
According to the charging documents, in July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem, Mass., led investigators to a DTO allegedly led by Garcia, Bejin and Felix. The defendants were surveilled for three months, which culminated in search warrants at locations identified in the investigation, and their arrests on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn, Mass. These were identified as locations frequented by Garcia and Bejin. The searches resulted in what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. Over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of controlled substances were seized. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy.
In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.
More specifically, according to the charging documents, the following drug quantities were seized from the basement of a two-family residential home that was occupied by multiple families and small children:
- More than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of white powder and rock like substances which field tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base.;
- More than 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of suspected raw methamphetamine which equates to approximately more than 3.5 million individual doses;
- Approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 28 kilograms (61 pounds) with a street value in the range of approximately, $1.4 million to over $7 million;
- More than 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine; and
- Approximately 1.8 kilograms (four pounds) of brown rock and powder-like substances, which tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. This quantity of fentanyl equates to about 900,000 individual doses.
Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized during the searches.
“The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is focused on attacking every link in the global fentanyl trafficking chain, and we will not stop until those responsible for the fentanyl poisoning epidemic are brought to justice. We also continue to urge families to have open and honest conversations about the urgent threat posed by this epidemic, and the fact that just one pill can kill.”
“This seizure by the FBI's North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Not only was this seizure one of the largest in the history of Massachusetts, but some of the pills were created to look like candy, potentially presenting an enormous risk to children. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep drugs off our streets, and out of the hands of children."
“The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
“Today, we’re announcing the arrests of three alleged drug traffickers and what we believe to be the largest seizure of fentanyl and methamphetamine from a single location in New England history. We believe this crew’s constant churn of drug transactions has kept the Bay State awash in dangerous and deadly narcotics and is tied to the overdose death of at least one person from Salem, Massachusetts,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The overdose epidemic has-and does-to this day—wreak devastation on all our communities. There is no demographic this does not touch. Let this case serve as a warning that if you, or a loved one, are buying pills off the street, or getting them from a friend, or from anywhere that is not a pharmacy or physician, they might not be what you think, and it could cost you your life.”
Surveillance during the investigation revealed that Garcia and Bejin would travel to the Broadway stash location on a daily basis and then bring quantities of suspected from the premises to supply lower-level dealers. One such location that appeared to be supplied from the main stash location was an address at 341 Western Avenue in Lynn, where Deiby Felix is alleged to reside. A search of 341 Western Avenue revealed more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, consistent with those found in the Broadway stash location and a firearm.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Attorney General Garland; FBI Director Wray; Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and the Chelsea, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Allen Loudermilk, 64, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Loudermilk admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2023, Loudermilk was living in the Charleston area and obtaining methamphetamine from a local supplier. Loudermilk’s supplier knew that he was re-distributing at least a portion of the methamphetamine. Loudermilk typically would receive one-half ounce of methamphetamine at a time, but sometimes he would obtain more. Loudermilk admitted that he was responsible for between 200 and 350 grams of methamphetamine in connection with the conspiracy.
Loudermilk is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.
Loudermilk and 21 other defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31.
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Oklahoma Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Advertising and Distributing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Austen Peppers, 36, of Lawton, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
He was also ordered to pay restitution to 19 victims totaling $57,000.
According to court documents, between March 2018 and August 2019, Peppers sold and offered to sell images of minors being sexually abused. He conducted transactions on the dark web with cryptocurrency, using platforms and applications that he believed were secure and protected him from law enforcement scrutiny. Peppers also engaged in sexually explicit communications with persons he 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.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations offices in Fresno, Chicago, and Oklahoma as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Tactical Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case with Trial Attorney James Burke IV of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
Peppers has been in custody since his initial appearance in this case on Nov. 14, 2019.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 24 Months in Federal Prison for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Four Defendants Sentenced Collectively to Serve 11 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay more than $135,000 in Restitution
for Metro Postal Theft, Forged Security, and Identity Theft Offenses
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last Friday, BRANDON NASH, 43, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison and pay $20,646.62 in restitution for aggravated identity theft, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On June 21, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a 21-count Indictment against Nash and three co-defendants, Dexter Smith, Jr., 36, Trista Ferguson, 39, and Gloria Taylor, 32, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal money from banks and individuals by cashing checks, money orders, and other financial documents stolen from metro United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. The Indictment further alleges the group altered stolen checks, manufactured counterfeit checks using information found on stolen checks, and manufactured fraudulent identification documents to cash stolen and fraudulent checks.
On July 28, 2022, Nash pleaded guilty to Count 21 of the Indictment, aggravated identity theft. As part of his plea, Nash admitted to knowingly using a means of identification for another person.
At the sentencing hearing on November 3, 2023, U. S. District Judge Jodi D. Dishman sentenced Nash to serve 24 months in prison.
Smith, Jr., Ferguson, and Taylor were sentenced in October to serve 108 months collectively in federal prison. Those three defendants pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, charging conspiracy to make, utter, and possess forged securities. Smith, Jr. was sentenced to serve 30 months, Ferguson was sentenced to serve 60 months, and Taylor was sentenced to serve 18 months.
The four defendants were ordered to pay $135,616.96 joint and several in restitution.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U. S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 20 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies Across Oklahoma CityRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, MARCUS CLAYTON HARRIS, 40, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison for multiple armed robberies of businesses in Oklahoma City, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 3, 2023, Harris was charged by a four-count Superseding Information. Counts 1 & 3 charged Harris with interference with commerce by robbery. Count 2 charged Harris with possessing and brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and Count 4 charged him with possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a separate robbery. According to court records, in June 2022 law enforcement began investigating a string of armed robberies around the Oklahoma City area. Their investigation led them to Harris, who authorities say repeated certain behaviors during his robberies.
According to court documents, on July 3, 2022, Harris robbed a Family Dollar, where he isolated an employee with a firearm and ordered those in the store to not call police. During another robbery, at a Cricket Wireless store on July 7, 2022, Harris brandished and discharged a firearm. Harris was taken into custody on July 8, 2022, after having either committed or attempted two other armed robberies that same day. Court documents show that Mr. Harris ultimately committed a total of nine robberies during this spree.
On January 9, 2023, Harris pleaded guilty to the four-count Superseding Information. As part of his plea, Harris admitted to robbing both the Family Dollar and Cricket Wireless stores, and to discharging his firearm during the Cricket Wireless robbery.
At the sentencing hearing on November 2, 2023, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Harris to serve 20 years in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Mr. Harris’s serious and extensive conduct in this case, including nine total robberies where he brandished a firearm or other dangerous weapon, multiple instances of discharging a firearm, and multiple instances of making threats toward victims. The court also recognized that Mr. Harris had a past conviction for attempted robbery in Oklahoma County District Court Case No. CF-2017-7456, yet continued to engage in this activity.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 14 Years in Federal Prison, Wrapping up Multi-Year Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, JOSE ANDREAS FONSECA-ECHAVARRIA, 30, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 168 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and to launder the proceeds from that distribution, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Today’s announcement wraps up a multi-year investigation into the Fonseca Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), in which nine defendants were sentenced to serve over 70 years collectively in federal prison.
On October 5, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a 66-count Indictment against Fonseca-Echavarria and eight other defendants for their roles in the DTO’s operation. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, the Fonseca DTO was managed by Jose Fonseca-Echavarria (Jose) and co-defendant Cesar Fonseca-Echavarria (Cesar), 32, with the assistance of many others. The complaint alleges that Cesar was primarily responsible for the activities of the DTO, including coordinating the importation of bulk quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl into the Oklahoma City area, and the collection of proceeds from the distribution of the drugs. Cesar also regularly communicated with individuals in Mexico, who controlled the source of the supply of the drugs.
According to court documents, Jose assisted Cesar in the day-to-day operation of the DTO and located customers for local distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
In February 2023, Jose and Cesar both entered guilty pleas to Counts 1 and 48 of the Indictment. Count 1 charged the defendants with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and Count 48 charged the defendants with a money laundering conspiracy.
At the sentencing hearing on November 2, 2023, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Jose to serve 168 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the significant amount of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl that Jose helped to distribute through the organization and the impact of those drugs on the community. He also noted Jose’s critical role in helping to send drug proceeds back to Mexico.
On September 20, 2023, Cesar was sentenced to serve 244 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
The other defendants in this case have been sentenced as follows:
- Dean Alexander Mack, age 45 – 100 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction.
- Juan Antonio Cervantes, age 29 – 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years supervised release, for drug conspiracy and money laundering;
- Calista Charmaine Clark, age 39 – 85 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
- Jerome Thor Campbell, age 63 – 70 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
- Osvaldo Calvillo-Oropeza, age 22 – 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy;
- Christian Saldivar, age 22 – 32 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy; and
- Javion Jarrel Wisby, age 22 – 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Thomas B. Snyder and Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
New York Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $200k in Products from Home Depot and Lowe’sRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for transporting stolen goods from Home Depot and Lowe’s across state lines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jalil McIntyre, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. McIntyre was also ordered to pay $204,969.02 in restitution, of which $179,606.25 is payable to Lowe’s and $25,362.77 is payable to Home Depot. On July 31, 2023, McIntyre pleaded guilty to Transportation of Stolen Goods. McIntyre’s co-defendant, Dushun Jackson, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, and is currently in federal custody. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 28, 2023.
“Organized theft rings cause significant financial losses to the retail industry, which ultimately impacts consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that federal law enforcement will enforce laws protecting the retail industry from organized theft, with federal felony convictions and imprisonment as a consequence.”
“Jalil McIntyre didn’t think twice about stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-end merchandise from home improvement retailers all over New England to pad his pockets, and today, he learned there are serious consequences for such brazen criminal conduct,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Organized retail theft costs businesses, retailers, and consumers—and puts the public at risk—which is why the FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing everything we can to combat it.”
McIntyre and Jackson traveled to Lowe’s and Home Depots across the northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. They stole high-value commercial items, such as circuit breakers. They were seen on surveillance footage grabbing products off shelves, placing them into large plastic bags, and walking out of the stores. In total, they stole $204,969.02 worth of products across 24 separate thefts. They also attempted to steal another $46,619.07 worth of products during 11 additional unsuccessful thefts. The stolen products were brought back to New York, where both McIntyre and Jackson lived.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York, the Seabrook Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Windham Police Department, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
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New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Transmitting Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ZANDRA ELLIS, age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 31, 2023, to eighteen (18) months imprisonment by the U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ELLIS previously pleaded guilty to transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c).
According to court documents, in June 2022, ELLIS submitted a request to a website to have a romantic rival killed. The website was, in fact, a parody website complete with its own web-based intake form for would-be solicitors to fill out, in their own words, the who, what, when, where, and why for requested services. The site boasts its own fictitious privacy statement known as HIPPA (Hitman Information Privacy & Protection Act of 1964) and is linked directly to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov). On July 5, 2022, ELLIS, communicated with an FBI undercover agent who was posing as a hitman. In those text message exchanges, ELLIS confirmed the ongoing feud with a romantic rival, reiterated her request to have that person killed, and agreed to pay the “hitman” $1,000. When ELLIS met the undercover agent on July 6, 2022, she provided a $100 down payment after which she was arrested. At the time of her arrest, ELLIS possessed a loaded Ruger .380 pistol.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, ELLIS will serve three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Castle Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA– Rayjzon Sams pled guilty to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Sams, age 31, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Sams pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack, (2) distributing crack within 1,000 feet of a school, and (3) possessing fentanyl and crack with intent to distribute. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
The law provides for a sentence of at least one year and up to 120 years in prison and a fine of up to $8,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Nevada Man Sentenced in Prize Notice SchemeRead the Press Release
A Nevada man was sentenced today in Las Vegas for perpetrating a prize-notification scheme that defrauded thousands of elderly and vulnerable victims. Edgar Del Rio, 56, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 51 months in prison. Del Rio previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to court documents, Del Rio and other co-conspirators printed and mailed millions of fraudulent prize notices that led their victims to believe that they could claim a large cash prize if they paid a fee of $20 to $25. This was false; victims who paid the fees did not receive anything of value. Once victims fell prey to the scheme, Del Rio and his co-conspirators bombarded them with more fraudulent mail. Del Rio and his partners received millions of dollars from victims.
“Today’s sentence holds Edgar Del Rio accountable for using lies to steal from the elderly and vulnerable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting consumers from predatory mass-mailing schemes.”
The scheme operated from 2010 to February 2018, when postal inspectors executed multiple search warrants and the Justice Department obtained a court order shutting down the fraudulent mail operation. Del Rio operated one of several printing and mailing businesses that sent the fraudulent mail and shared the profits from the fraudulent prize notices.
“The defendant is being held fully accountable for his role in perpetuating a multi-year fraud scheme and stealing millions of dollars from thousands of elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Working together with the Consumer Protection Branch and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we will pursue and shutdown perpetrators who prey on vulnerable citizens for financial gain and bring them to justice.”
“Thousands of vulnerable older Americans were scammed by Edgar Del Rio and his cohorts,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “Postal inspectors work hard investigate and apprehend scammers, but also to prevent these scams. The best defense is to not respond to prize-winning correspondence in the first place, and if you have to pay money to claim a prize, you can be sure it’s a scam.”
Three other people previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with this prize notice scheme: Patti Kern, 66, of Henderson, Nevada; Andrea Burrow, 53, of Las Vegas; and Sean O’Connor, 54, of Las Vegas. Three other members of the scheme were found guilty by a jury and sentenced earlier this year. Mario Castro, 55, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Miguel Castro, 58, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison. Jose Luis Mendez, 49, of Henderson, was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
USPIS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Timothy Finley and Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Nevada Man Sentenced in Prize Notice SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced today in Las Vegas for perpetrating a prize-notification scheme that defrauded thousands of elderly and vulnerable victims. Edgar Del Rio, 56, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 51 months in prison. Del Rio previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to court documents, Del Rio and other co-conspirators printed and mailed millions of fraudulent prize notices that led their victims to believe that they could claim a large cash prize if they paid a fee of $20 to $25. This was false; victims who paid the fees did not receive anything of value. Once victims fell prey to the scheme, Del Rio and his co-conspirators bombarded them with more fraudulent mail. Del Rio and his partners received millions of dollars from victims.
“Today’s sentence holds Edgar Del Rio accountable for using lies to steal from the elderly and vulnerable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting consumers from predatory mass-mailing schemes.”
The scheme operated from 2010 to February 2018, when postal inspectors executed multiple search warrants and the Justice Department obtained a court order shutting down the fraudulent mail operation. Del Rio operated one of several printing and mailing businesses that sent the fraudulent mail and shared the profits from the fraudulent prize notices.
“The defendant is being held fully accountable for his role in perpetuating a multi-year fraud scheme and stealing millions of dollars from thousands of elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Working together with the Consumer Protection Branch and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we will pursue and shutdown perpetrators who prey on vulnerable citizens for financial gain and bring them to justice.”
“Thousands of vulnerable older Americans were scammed by Edgar Del Rio and his cohorts,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “Postal inspectors work hard investigate and apprehend scammers, but also to prevent these scams. The best defense is to not respond to prize-winning correspondence in the first place, and if you have to pay money to claim a prize, you can be sure it’s a scam.”
Three other people previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with this prize notice scheme: Patti Kern, 66, of Henderson, Nevada; Andrea Burrow, 53, of Las Vegas; and Sean O’Connor, 54, of Las Vegas. Three other members of the scheme were found guilty by a jury and sentenced earlier this year. Mario Castro, 55, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Miguel Castro, 58, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison. Jose Luis Mendez, 49, of Henderson, was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
USPIS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Timothy Finley and Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
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Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
A Maine man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
According to court documents, Xavier Pelkey, 20, of Waterville, pleaded guilty on April 7. Beginning in November 2021, Pelkey conspired with two minors, one located in Chicago and one in Canada, to conduct a mass shooting at a Shia mosque in the Chicago area. Pelkey and his co-conspirators were subscribers to a radical form of Sunni Islam and supporters of the foreign terrorist organization the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Pelkey planned to contribute firearms, ammunition and explosives to be used in the attack.
In February 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Pelkey’s Waterville residence and discovered three handmade explosive devices. Investigators observed a hand-painted version of the flag used by ISIS on the wall of Pelkey’s bedroom and recovered written statements intended to be released just prior to the planned attack claiming the attack in the name of ISIS.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine and Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Wolff for the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Knoxville Police Officer Arrested for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dan Roark, 47, an officer with the Knoxville Police Department, was arrested today in Knoxville on federal charges involving the production of child pornography.
An initial appearance was held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., in United States District Court in Knoxville before the Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge.
Details of the charges are outlined in the Criminal Complaint and Affidavit in Support of Criminal Complaint, Case No. 3:23-MJ-2201, which are filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
The Criminal Complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Scott County Sheriff, Virginia, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Kennesaw man sentenced for attempting to entice minor for sexRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Joshua Herrera, who attempted to arrange to meet a minor girl for sex online, has been sentenced to federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
“Online predators, like Herrera, mistakenly believe that they can anonymously exploit social media and apps to sexually abuse young children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “But the tireless efforts of federal, state, and local investigators make it possible to hold these perpetrators accountable. We strongly encourage parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s use of electronic devices and to immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
“The severity of this sentence clearly reflects the threat Herrera posed to the community and is the greatest message the FBI can send to anyone who would think about harming a child in this way,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This is case shows the lengths the FBI will go to thwart child predators and we are thankful for the hard work of our team that connected with Herrera before he could get to an innocent child.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 19, 2019, Joshua Herrera communicated online with an undercover special agent and expressed interest in performing sex acts on a minor girl, requested photographs of the child, and arranged to meet the girl. On January 16, 2020, Herrera drove from Athens, Georgia, to a pre-arranged location in metro-Atlanta where he believed he would meet the child. FBI special agents arrested him upon his arrival.
Joshua Herrera, 29, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to 19 and a half years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He is also required to register as a sex offender. Herrera was convicted of the offense on March 30, 2023, after a four-day jury trial.
The FBI investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Gabay-Smith and Jesika W. French prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Kanawha County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Harley Daniels, 24, of Sissonville, was ordered today to serve 10 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and pay $6,000 in restitution for attempted enticement of a minor. Daniels must also register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021 Daniels began communicating online with a 13-year-old girl using the Kik instant messaging app. Daniels admitted to sending the minor female pornographic images while explaining sexual intercourse to her and asking her to “get naked.” Daniels further admitted to initiating several video calls with the minor female in an attempt to watch her masturbate. He took screenshots of some of his conversations with the minor female that he saved on his cell phone.
Daniels also admitted to engaging in online conversation that were sexual in nature with other individuals he believed to be children. Daniels pretended to be 17 years old at times so he would appear younger. Several of the individuals that Daniels believed were children sent him images of themselves naked and masturbating.
Daniels admitted that he knowingly possessed 22 images and 297 videos on his cell phone and in his Kik account depicting known minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Virginia State Police.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence today, confirming the prison and supervised release terms he imposed at an October 16, 2023 hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie M. White and Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-23.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking That Resulted in MurderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using a GPS tracking device to surveil another man who was shot to death in a grocery store parking lot.
Dontay Campbell, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of cyberstalking resulting in death.
By pleading guilty today, Campbell admitted that he aided and abetted his co-conspirators in the use of a GPS tracking device to surveil Dontayus Wiles, and that he did so with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate Wiles. Campbell also admitted that their conduct resulted in the shooting death of Wiles.
Conspirators placed a GPS tracking device on Wiles’s red Chevrolet Tahoe. On March 16, 2019, Campbell and two co-conspirators surveilled Wiles as he and his wife drove to Happy Foods grocery store, located at 4019 E. 31st Street, Kansas City, Mo. When Wiles and his wife left the grocery store and walked back to the Tahoe, through the parking lot crowded with people, including children, Campbell and a co-conspirator pulled up next to the Tahoe in a Chrysler Sebring. Campbell’s co-conspirator exited the Sebring and shot at Wiles several times with a Ruger .40-caliber handgun that belonged to Campbell. During the shooting spree, Campbell attempted unsuccessfully to remove the GPS tracker from Wiles’s vehicle.
Campbell and the co-conspirator then ran back to the Sebring, briefly drove around the parking lot, and parked again near Wiles’s Tahoe. Campbell’s co-conspirator again fired multiple shots into Wiles’s Tahoe while Campbell again tried unsuccessfully to retrieve the GPS tracker. Campbell and his co-conspirator then sped out of the parking lot in the Sebring.
Wiles died from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators recovered 17 expended .40-caliber shell casings near Wiles’s vehicle, all of which were determined to be fired by the same weapon. Investigators also recovered the GPS tracker underneath the vehicle and determined that the tracker had been purchased and activated in February 2019.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the maximum sentence cannot exceed 30 years in federal prison without parole. 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. Attorneys Trey Alford, Nicholas Heberle, and Matthew Wolesky. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Justice Department to Monitor the Polls for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election.
The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places.
For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department to Monitor Polls for Compliance wth Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election.
The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places.
For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt.
spanish_version.pdfJustice Department to Monitor Polls for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election.
The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places.
For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department finds multiple Texas county election websites inaccessible to people with disabilitiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON — The Justice Department announced today its findings that four Texas counties violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining election websites that discriminate against individuals with vision or manual disabilities.
In public letters issued to Colorado County, Runnels County, Smith County and Upton County, the department detailed its findings following its investigation and asked the counties to work with the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas to resolve the identified civil rights violations.
“My 80-year-old mother’s arthritis means she can’t grasp a computer mouse like she used to, increasingly relying on keyboard accessible websites. And, her failing vision makes it hard for her to navigate a website that lacks clear and correct titles,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “Despite her disabilities, my mother’s fundamental right to vote is the same as any other’s. All voters should have full access to election information, including individuals with disabilities.”
“Voting is fundamental to American democracy,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “It is imperative that all eligible voters with disabilities across the country have the information they need to access the ballot and exercise their right to vote in state and federal elections.”
The election websites for these four Texas counties provide important information about how to vote, such as registration requirements, identification requirements and voting information for people with disabilities. The websites also link to other critical information, including details about early voting and voting on election day.
The department found that the websites are not accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or who cannot grasp a mouse, and use screen readers, keyboards or other assistive technology. For example, on all four of the election websites, menus and links do not function properly for people who use a keyboard to navigate, and posted documents are inaccessible to people who use assistive technologies. Because the election websites are inaccessible, the counties deny people with vision and manual disabilities equal access to election programs and online services provided through these websites and fail to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.
These four investigations are part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. People with information about these findings are encouraged to contact the department via email at [email protected], through the Civil Rights Division’s Civil Rights Portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov/, or by calling 888-473-2780. To read more about the ADA and how it applies to voting, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/voting/.
Justice Department Takes Action to Ensure Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Virginia and Several JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Justice Department announced today plans to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws in Virginia and several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election.
For this election, the Civil Rights Division will monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in jurisdictions across the country, including Prince William County, Virginia. The Department has assigned federal observers to monitor the election there to specifically observe the county’s compliance with Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency. Other counties to be monitored are Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Union County, New Jersey; and Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi.
United States Attorney Jessica D. Aber additionally announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Harvey, Avi Panth, and Anthony Mozzi will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming election. Assistant U.S. Attorney Harvey has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern Virginia region, Assistant U.S. Attorney Panth for the Central Capitol region, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mozzi for the Tidewater region. In this capacity, they are responsible for overseeing the District’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 and EDVA have 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 on November 7, the DEOs will be on duty while the polls are open. From 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., any calls should be directed to 703-299-3700. From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., calls should be directed to the below phone numbers:
Northern Virginia - Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey, 703-299-3700
Tidewater region - Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi, 757-441-6331
Central Capitol region - Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth, 804-819-5400
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.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also 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/ The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws.
More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Justice Department Finds Multiple Texas County Election Websites Inaccessible to People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today its findings that four Texas counties violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining election websites that discriminate against individuals with vision or manual disabilities.
In public letters issued to Colorado County, Runnels County, Smith County and Upton County, the department detailed its findings following its investigation and asked the counties to work with the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas to resolve the identified civil rights violations.
“Voting is fundamental to American democracy,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “It is imperative that all eligible voters with disabilities across the country have the information they need to access the ballot and exercise their right to vote in state and federal elections.”
The election websites for these four Texas counties provide important information about how to vote, such as registration requirements, identification requirements and voting information for people with disabilities. The websites also link to other critical information, including details about early voting and voting on election day.
The department found that the websites are not accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or who cannot grasp a mouse, and use screen readers, keyboards or other assistive technology. For example, on all four of the election websites, menus and links do not function properly for people who use a keyboard to navigate, and posted documents are inaccessible to people who use assistive technologies. Because the election websites are inaccessible, the counties deny people with vision and manual disabilities equal access to election programs and online services provided through these websites and fail to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.
These four investigations are part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. People with information about these findings are encouraged to contact the department via email at [email protected], through the Civil Rights Division’s Civil Rights Portal, available at www.civilrights.justice.gov/, or by calling 888-473-2780. To read more about the ADA and how it applies to voting, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/voting/.
Jackson Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison as Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Jackson woman was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison as an Armed Career Criminal for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on December 8, 2021, federal and state law enforcement executed a search warrant at Betty Butler’s home and found her in possession of a firearm. Butler, 56, had prior felony convictions, and felons are prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms. Four of Butler’s prior convictions were considered serious drug felonies, which triggered application of the Armed Career Criminal Act.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the DEA, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department.
Criminal Chief Erin Chalk and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation targeting illegal methamphetamine and cocaine distribution in central, Mississippi. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Houston men convicted for roles in cartel related kidnappingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston men have admitted to holding a victim hostage at gunpoint, beating and threatening him with death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Noe Hernandez, 39, helped kidnap and hold the victim for nearly 24 hours on May 3, 2019. He also used a taser to inflict electric shocks to the victim while his hands were tied behind his back.
Homero Gallegos, 43, entered his plea in June.
High-level drug traffickers in Mexico connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) ordered the kidnapping. Mexican cartel members called the victim’s family members and demanded $400,000 for his release. Law enforcement executed a staged pick up of the ransom money in Houston and were able to rescue the victim.
“The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) is one of the most violent cartels in Mexico, responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine, meth and fentanyl into the United States,” said Hamdani. “It’s power comes from a willingness, almost an eagerness, to commit unspeakable acts, including murder. Kidnapping and using a taser to torture exemplifies the level of brutality associated with one of the world’s most dangerous transnational criminal organizations, one that ravages communities from Mexico to Houston…and beyond.”
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen will impose sentencing March 24, 2024, at which time both men face up to life imprisonment, a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.
Hot Spring County Sheriff Arrested on Criminal Complaint for ObstructionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS, AR – Derek Scott Finkbeiner, age 46, was arrested on November 2, 2023, by the FBI. He is charged in a Criminal Complaint with a single count of Obstruction of Justice. Finkbeiner is currently serving as the elected County Sheriff in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. A Grand Jury will later hear evidence related to this investigation and determine whether additional criminal charges will be filed against Finkbeiner. If convicted of the charge of Obstruction of Justice, Finkbeiner faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Bryan Achorn, Trent Daniels and Criminal Chief Kim Harris are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Honduran Native Pleads Guilty to Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FRANKLYN ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ, a/k/a “Rony Aguilera,” a/k/a “Rochy Gutierrez,” age 19, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on November 2, 2023, to an indictment charging him with being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to court records, ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of approximately 40 live .223 caliber rounds. ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is currently scheduled for February 21, 2023, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Citizen Charged with Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUAN JOSUE CUEVAR-ALVARADO, 18, a native of Honduras, was indicted on November 2, 2023 for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, on or about September 15, 2023, CUEVAR, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol.
If convicted, CUEVAR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Hastings Woman Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rosa Valtierra, 31, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distribution of methamphetamine. Senior U.S. District Judge Gerrard sentenced Valtierra to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Valtierra’s release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
In February 2021, agents purchased meth from Valtierra through a confidential informant. The informant purchased the meth outside an apartment complex in Lexington, Nebraska. At the apartment complex, Valtierra got out of a vehicle, approached the informant’s vehicle, and provided the meth. The buy was audio recorded by law enforcement. The meth was lab tested and confirmed to be approximately 25 grams of a meth mix.
In March 2021, agents again purchased meth from Valtierra through the informant. This occurred in Lexington, Nebraska. Valtierra got into the informant’s vehicle and provided the drugs. The drugs were lab tested and there was at least 23 grams of actual meth.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Grosse Pointe Park Pharmacist Convicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Hasna Bashir Iwas, 62, of New Baltimore, who owned and operated the former Beacon Pointe Pharmacy in Grosse Pointe Park, was convicted last week by a federal jury on 26 charges related to the unlawful distribution of Schedule II, III, IV and V prescription drug-controlled substances. The verdict was announced by United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement were Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent-In-Charge, United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.
The charges resulted from the defendant’s operation of Beacon Pointe Pharmacy, in Grosse Pointe Park, during the time period of 2013-2018. Evidence at trial showed she engaged in several interrelated criminal schemes. The defendant regularly filled forged prescriptions for controlled substances presented to her by one or two individuals. The 1,291 forged prescriptions were presented in the names of over 50 different “patients.” The defendant received over $640,000 in cash in exchange for filling the forged prescriptions. Although the defendant initially insisted each of the individual patients was present in her pharmacy when the forged prescriptions were filled, evidence at trial showed that several of the patients were dead, in prison, or were actually never in the pharmacy at all.
Video evidence revealed the defendant distributing controlled drugs to the pill dealers/forgers in prescription pill bottles without required labeling. Without a label containing the pharmacy name, patient’s name, drug strength, quantity and directions for use, the pills could not be traced back to her pharmacy when they were sold on the street. The defendant shredded the labels that should have been on the pill bottles.
An audit of the defendant’s pharmacy showed massive shortages of controlled substances that left the pharmacy without any prescriptions at all. Over 70,000 dosage units of Oxycodone 30mg and over 36,000 dosage units of Xanax 2mg were purchased, delivered to the pharmacy, and not dispensed under any prescription.
Iwas is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Laurie Michelson on February 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Iwas was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and 25 individual counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
After the conviction Judge Michelson remanded the defendant to custody pending sentencing.
“My office is dedicated to stemming the tide of opioid addiction and the terrible consequences to our families in the Eastern District,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. We will pursue these drug dealers whether they are distributing drugs in the streets or through a pharmacy.”
“The conviction of Ms. Iwas exemplifies DEA’s determination to combat the diversion of prescription medication. Iwas abused her pharmacist license to enrich herself and in so doing, she knowingly fueled the deadly opioid epidemic currently gripping our nation,” said Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
"Medical professionals, and others engaged in the delivery of healthcare services, who exploit opioid addiction and facilitate the diversion of highly addictive medications for financial gain, undermine critical efforts to suppress and eliminate the opioid crisis throughout the country.” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors are held accountable for such egregious disregard for public safety.”
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Detroit Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Wayne F. Pratt and Jihan Williams
GE Aerospace Agrees to Pay $9.4 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – GE Aerospace, an operating division of the General Electric Company, has agreed to pay $9,413,024 to resolve allegations that its Lynn, Mass. manufacturing plant (GEA Lynn) sold parts to the United States Army and the United States Navy that were either not properly inspected or were nonconforming, in violation of the False Claims Act.
Headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, GE Aerospace manufactures aircraft engines that it sells to U.S. military customers. Engines that GEA Lynn sells to U.S. military customers must meet the requirements established by engineering drawings. To meet those requirements, GEA Lynn further requires employees to follow manufacturing planning instructions including parts inspections, among other requirements. GE Aerospace admits that, at times from July 24, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2019, GEA Lynn did not conduct required parts inspections and sold engines containing parts that did not meet certain required specifications to U.S. miliary customers. Specifically:
- Between July 24, 2014 and Aug. 11, 2017, GEA Lynn did not consistently use functional gauges to inspect features on certain parts;
- Between July 24, 2014 and Sept. 2018, GEA Lynn omitted at least two inspections of curvic features on certain part numbers; and
- Between July 24, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2019, GEA Lynn sold engines to the U.S Army and the U.S. Navy that contained unallowable metal fragments.
“GE Aerospace failed to follow important inspections requirements on engines it sold to the military,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These rules exist for a reason – making sure the men and women we depend upon to protect our national security have the highest quality equipment. Our office is committed to combatting and stopping defense contracting fraud, and we will aggressively pursue these cases.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the DoD procurement process,” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office. “Failing to inspect parts as required by contract specifications compromises military systems and potentially endangers the lives of U.S. service members. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate DoD contractors that submit false claims to DoD agencies and threaten the DoD supply chain.”
“The provision of non-conforming parts for Department of Defense aircraft engines could pose a substantial threat to warfighter safety and readiness,” said Greg Gross, Special Agent in Charge Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Economic Crimes Field Office. “We thank our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice for their significant efforts on this complex investigation. NCIS remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the DoD procurement process.”
“The results of this investigation shows that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the U.S. Government and put our Warfighters lives at risk,” said Supervisory Special Agent John Scarlett, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, Northeast Fraud Resident Agency. “This case should send a clear message to all who do business with the Department of the Army that we are committed to identifying and stopping contractor fraud.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, DCIS SAC Hegarty, NCIS SAC Gross, and DCIS SSA Scarlett Northeast Fraud Resident Agency made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Alexandra Brazier of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
French National Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme Targeting California State Controller’s OfficeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriel Adrien Lobe Diop, 35, a French national previously residing in Agoura Hills, California, pleaded guilty today to nine counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Diop orchestrated a scheme to illegally obtain millions of dollars of Unclaimed Property Division funds from the California State Controller’s Office. Diop did so by assuming the identities of victims for whom the Controller’s Office was holding significant amounts of unclaimed property, and then submitting fraudulent applications for that property. Diop concealed his involvement in the fraud using a combination of post office boxes, mail forwarding requests, counterfeit notary stamps, and falsified driver licenses issued by numerous states. Starting in January 2019, Diop attempted to steal at least $9 million from the Unclaimed Property Division.
Law enforcement agents executed search and arrest warrants at Diop’s residence in Agoura Hills in June 2021. Inside his residence, agents seized counterfeit stamps that Diop used to “notarize” his fraudulent applications for unclaimed property, twelve falsified driver licenses, bank cards and check books in his victims’ names, and at least six change-of-address packets issued by the United States Postal Service.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the California State Controller’s Office, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
Diop remains in federal custody and is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge William B. Shubb on January 29, 2024. Diop faces a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the nine counts of mail fraud to which he pleaded guilty. Diop also faces a mandatory and consecutive statutory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count to which he pleaded guilty. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Four States Join Justice Department’s Suit Against Agri Stats for Organizing and Managing Unlawful Information Exchanges Among Chicken, Pork, and Turkey ProcessorsRead the Press Release
Today, the Attorneys General of Minnesota, California, North Carolina and Tennessee joined a civil antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division against Agri Stats Inc. for organizing and managing anticompetitive information exchanges among broiler chicken, pork and turkey processors. The Antitrust Division and the state Attorneys General filed an amended complaint in the District of Minnesota.
“We are pleased that our state law enforcement partners in Minnesota, California, North Carolina and Tennessee are joining our efforts to address these serious allegations,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working closely with state Attorneys General to litigate this important case, which affects food prices for consumers across the country.”
Anyone with information about collusion in agricultural industries, competitors sharing competitively sensitive information (including price or compensation information) or any other violations of antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or [email protected]. Information about anticompetitive practices in livestock and poultry markets can also be submitted to the USDA and Justice Department’s Agricultural Markets Enforcement Partnership at www.farmerfairness.gov.
View the filing here.
Former USPS Employee Indicted for Stealing Contents of U.S. MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On November 2, 2023, SONIA MILLER, age 53, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a three-count indictment for theft of mail by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709 and delay or destruction of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. For each count, she faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, on or about March 14, 2023, and April 11, 2023, MILLER opened and removed the contents of several parcels of mail entrusted to her as a postal carrier.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Fayette County High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Kevin Daniel Lentz, 49, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Stinnett, to the production and possession of child pornography.
Lentz admitted in his plea agreement that he began an online conversation with the 9-year-old victim, on March 19, 2023. Within minutes, Lentz sent the victim 85 images or videos of adult pornography, including sexually explicit images and videos of Lentz. Lentz also persuaded the victim to create and send multiple sexually explicit videos and images of himself to Lentz via the internet. Lentz acknowledged that, at the time, he knew the victim was a minor.
A search warrant was executed at Lentz's residence in Lexington, on August 8, 2023. The search resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices, including a computer, a cellular phone, and multiple hard drives. A search of these devices revealed several hundred additional images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Lentz obtained from the internet.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Lentz is scheduled to be sentenced on a date yet to be determined. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison on for production of child pornography and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
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Former D.C. Government Employee Sentenced for Role in Bribery SchemesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dawne Dorsey, 40, a former employee of the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development, was sentenced today for accepting bribes in return for giving out confidential information held by the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announced 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 Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Dorsey pleaded guilty to bribery in June 2019 and agreed to cooperate with the Government’s investigation. She was sentenced to 36 months’ probation by United States District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
According to court documents, Dorsey, former a program specialist with DHCD, accepted bribes in exchange for giving real estate developers Frederick Silvers and Brian Bailey confidential, un-redacted Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) offer of sale notices, which included the names of tenants holding TOPA rights.
TOPA provides tenants living in the District of Columbia with the right to purchase their residence should the owner decide to sell the property. Under TOPA, tenants can re-assign their right to purchase to a third party. TOPA requires the owner (seller) to provide the DHCD with offer of sale notices before the proposed real estate transaction. The offer of sale notices include - among other things - information not released to the public, such as the names of tenants residing at the property. Bailey and Silvers paid bribes to obtain the tenant names so they could attempt to buy the tenants’ TOPA rights, and in turn, put the property up for sale, at an advantageous price.
In a related part of the scheme, former FBI Agent David Paitsel and Bailey were both found guilty of one count of bribery and one count of conspiracy because Bailey paid Paitsel bribes to look up the contact information of the tenants holding TOPA rights, which he did using a database he had special access to as an FBI Agent.
This is the fourth and final sentencing relating to Dorsey’s corrupt conduct. Last month, Paitsel, 42, a resident of North Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months in prison; and Bailey, 53, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced to 48 months in prison. A jury convicted both defendants of bribery, and conspiracy charges on October 7, 2022. In a related case, Frederick Silvers, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to bribery and was sentenced to five months in prison for bribes paid to Dorsey.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General.
If you have information about fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in District government programs and operations, please call the D.C. OIG at 202-724-TIPS [202-724-8477].
The trial of the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and John Borchert, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Lisa Abbe and Quiana Dunn-Gordon of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Former Assistant Branch Manager at Tulare Credit Union Pleads Guilty for Stealing over $60,000 from Members’ Accounts to Spend on TikTokRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Esther Andrade Olson, 49, of Kings County, pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $60,000 from multiple members’ accounts at a Tulare-based credit union where she was previously employed, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Olson, while serving as an assistant branch manager, made several unauthorized withdrawals from four members’ accounts from July through August 2022. Olson made unauthorized cash withdrawals by bringing up the victims’ accounts while assisting other credit union members who were at the teller window to make it appear as though she had legitimate reasons to access the credit union’s cash stores. When confronted by credit union officials, Olson claimed that one of the victims was “doing some remodeling,” but told another employee that she was “done” and abruptly resigned from her position. Olson spent most of the money that she stole on TikTok, gifting much of the funds to an out of state individual with hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chan Hee Chu and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
Olson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on March 4, 2024. Olson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Federal prosecutors stand ready to address voting rights violations or election fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) nationwide Election Day Program for the Nov. 7 election, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Civil Chief Daniel Hu has been appointed to serve as the election officer for civil matters, while Deputy Criminal Chief Sharad Khandelwal will act as the criminal election officer. In their capacities, both are responsible for overseeing the Southern District of Texas’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud in consultation with DOJ headquarters in Washington.
DOJ has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers as well as election fraud. DOJ will address these violations wherever they occur. DOJ’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 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).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. 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, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Khandelwal and Hu will be on duty in this district while the polls are open and can be reached at 713-567-9345 and 713-567-9518, respectively.
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 main number in Houston is 713-693-5000, while South Texas residents can contact the San Antonio office at 210-225-6741.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931.
Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. Those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to DOJ.
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.
Federal Jury Finds Brooklyn Center Felon Guilty of Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Brooklyn Center felon guilty of illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to evidence presented at trial, on August 28, 2022, a Bloomington police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Damien Kent Hallmon, 40, for multiple traffic violations and noticed several indicators of marijuana use. The occupants of the vehicle were asked to step out of the vehicle so it could be searched, and officers found a 9mm firearm with a loaded magazine and no serial number in Hallmon’s girlfriend’s purse.
Following a three-day trial before Judge Kate M. Menendez in U.S. District Court, Hallmon was found guilty on one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Because Hallmon has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The firearm seized in this case, a Polymer 80, is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” or a “privately made firearm” (PMF).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bloomington Police Department, the Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office Forensic Science Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso and Ruth S. Shnider tried the case.