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Wednesday 13 September 2023
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAWN MAJOR, JR., age 22, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 5, 2023 to a two-count superseding bill of information charging him with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), and a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence in New Orleans after confirming drug activity at that location. Inside the residence, agents located MAJOR, JR. between a washing machine and a bathroom toilet. On top of the washing machine was Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In and around the toilet, agents located and seized approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of crack, and 83 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
For the drug count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count.
For the firearm count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Muscatine Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Muscatine man was sentenced on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to public court documents, on May 22, 2022, law enforcement observed Benjamin Stuart Gomes, 49, receive a package from another man at that man’s residence in Buffalo, Iowa and drive away from the residence. Shortly after Gomes left the Buffalo residence, law enforcement made a traffic stop in Muscatine County of Gomes who was driving his vehicle. During the traffic stop, Gomes was found to be in possession of approximately three pounds of methamphetamine. Gomes admitted he knowingly possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of it to others. Pursuant to a subsequent search warrant of Gomes’s vehicle seized during the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered approximately sixteen pounds of methamphetamine from the vehicle.
Following his term of imprisonment, Gomes will be required serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Miami-Based Businessman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Russia-Ukraine Sanctions and to Commit International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Sergey Karpushkin, 46, of Miami, a resident of the United States and a citizen of Belarus, pleaded guilty today to engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions and commit money laundering by conducting transactions for the purchase and acquisition of metal products valued at over $139 million from companies owned by Sergey Kurchenko, a sanctioned oligarch.
According to court documents, Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating Ukrainian state assets or economically significant entities.
According to the allegations in the information and other public filings: between in or about July 2017 and in or about August 2020, Karpushkin conspired with others to purchase and receive over $139 million in metal products from two companies that Karpushkin knew were owned and controlled by Kurchenko. Karpushkin and his business associates, acting through the Florida-based company Metalhouse LLC, entered into contracts and purchase orders for pig iron, steel billets, and wire rods from these companies, received tens of thousands of tons of metal products from the companies, and agreed to share profits from these unlawful transactions. Karpushkin and his business associates intentionally concealed from U.S. banks and government officials the ultimate source and origin of the goods they sought to acquire, knowing that they did not have the necessary authorization or license from OFAC to transact with Kurchenko and companies owned and controlled by Kurchenko.
Karpushkin pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Embry J. Kidd in Orlando, Florida, to one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit international promotional money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Karpushkin also agreed to forfeit $4,723,625 in proceeds that he obtained as a result of the conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment charging alleged co-conspirator and Metalhouse president John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of IEEPA, 10 counts of violating IEEPA, one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering, and 10 counts of international money laundering was unsealed on April 17, and Unsalan has been detained pending further court proceedings.
The FBI Tampa Field Office and the International Corruption Unit of the FBI Washington Field Office are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FBI Miami Field Office.
Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Sean O’Dowd of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
Mexican National Sentenced to Serve 70 Months in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MANUEL RAMIREZ-HARO, 51, a Mexican national living in Idaho at the time of his arrest, was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, on November 12, 2022, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department stopped Ramirez-Haro on Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City. Officers searched the vehicle and located approximately:
- 18.2 kilograms of methamphetamine;
- 2.4 kilograms of cocaine;
- 2.2 kilograms of fentanyl; and
- 1.56 kilograms of heroin.
On December 7, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a 5-count indictment against Ramirez-Haro, charging him with drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. On April 18, 2023, Ramirez-Haro pleaded guilty to Count 3 of the indictment.
At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Ramirez-Haro to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the serious nature and circumstances of the offense.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dain Barnett prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to the public record for additional information.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return to the United States After Removal and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Mexican man pleaded guilty to unlawful return to the United States after removal, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2023, the Pearl Police Department received a report of an intoxicated man with a gun at a Pearl apartment complex. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located Antonio Andrade-Hernandez, 36, with a gun pointed at his head. With small children in the immediate area around Andrade-Hernandez, law enforcement was able to get him to surrender peacefully. A records check revealed that Andrade-Hernandez was an illegal alien who had previously been removed from the United States. Additionally, since Andrade-Hernandez is a Mexican national illegally in the United States, it is contrary to federal law for him to possess any firearm.
Andrade-Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Pearl Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Methuen Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Second Amendment Outdoors in DerryRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Methuen, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jaythean Diaz, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 24 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Diaz was also ordered to pay $5,100 in restitution. On April 13, 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. One of Diaz’ co-conspirators, Gary Ortiz, pleaded guilty to similar charges on May 1, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2023.
“It is criminals, like the defendant and his co-conspirators, that put illegal guns on our streets and often into the hands of dangerous people,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Their crime also has a direct financial impact on legitimate firearm commerce and our federal firearms licensees, like the victim in this case, Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry. The defendant’s lengthy incarceration sends a strong message that the illegal firearm market will not be tolerated in the Granite State.”
“Diaz and his co-conspirators targeted a local gun dealer in order to steal and resell guns on the street. This sentence is proof of ATF’s relentless resolve to bring to justice anyone who would victimize members of our community and put illegal guns into circulation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “Federal firearms licensees are law-abiding citizens who make their livelihood providing a safe and legal means to responsibly bear arms, criminal acts against these businesses will be met with the full weight of the law.”
On December 8, 2021, the Diaz and his co-conspirators broke into Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry, New Hampshire and stole 12 firearms—11 pistols and one rifle. Videos recovered from the phone of a co-conspirator show Diaz holding the stolen firearms, and messages recovered in another search show attempts by Diaz to sell at least one of the stolen firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Derry Police Department, Atkinson Police Department, Plaistow Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Windham Police Department, Hooksett Police Department, and Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.
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Mescalero Man Charged with Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Ashton Louis Apachito appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault by strangling and/or suffocating an intimate partner. Apachito, 19, of Mescalero and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing set for September 15, 2023.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 19, while at his mother’s residence in Mescalero, Apachito allegedly lost his temper and choked and bit the victim on the cheek. Apachito’s family intervened and reported the incident to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), but officers were only informed that Apachito was causing a disturbance, not of the assault.
Following the incident, the victim left the residence to stay with her mother. Over the next several days, Apachito allegedly harassed the victim by phone and threatened to throw all of her belongings in the road. On July 29, the victim returned to the residence to collect her belongings, at which time Apachito allegedly attacked the victim, pushing her to the ground, kicking her in the stomach multiple times and choking her. The next morning, the victim called her mother and asked her to pick her up. The victim’s mother reported the domestic violence to BIA and the victim was transported to the Lincoln County Medica Center for treatment.
When interviewed by BIA officers, Apachito admitted to biting, hitting, choking, and pushing the victim.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charge, Apachito faces up to 10 years imprisonment.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
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Meridian Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Waltravious Leeandre Watson, 31, was found in possession of nine firearms by officers of the Mississippi Department of Corrections and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office on February 19, 2020, during a search of his home. Watson has a prior felony conviction for burglary of a dwelling. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Watson to possess any firearm.
Watson pled guilty on March 21, 2023, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Allen and Charles W. Kirkham are prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Jeremy Lovell, 44, was found in possession of approximately 630 grams of methamphetamine, and two firearms on May 3, 2022, during the execution of a search warrant at Lovell’s residence. Lovell has prior convictions for burglary of a commercial building and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. As a convicted felon it is contrary to federal law for Lovell to possess any firearm.
Lovell is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Unlawful Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 11, 2023, Gabriel Lebron, 32, of Florence, Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III to a sentence of 27 months’ imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Lebron previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court records, on October 12, 2022, Lebron was arrested while attempting to flee a residence in Bennington, Vermont, during the execution of a search warrant. Law enforcement recovered from Lebron’s person a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun.” The firearm had a round in the chamber and a fully loaded 15-round magazine. Lebron was also found to be in possession of fentanyl packaged for sale. In 2021, Lebron received multiple felony convictions in Massachusetts for firearms and other weapons offenses, which prohibited him under federal law from possessing the ammunition loaded in the ghost gun seized on October 12, 2022.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bennington Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Corinne Smith. Mr. Lebron was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Marshall County Resident Pleads Guilty to Making A False Statement During the Acquisition of A FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Kenneth Reilly, age 34, of Kingston, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm.
According to investigators, on December 24, 2022, Reilly attempted to redeem a pawned firearm at the EZ Pawn in Durant, Oklahoma. During that visit, Reilly intentionally made a false written statement on the ATF Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 asserting he was not charged with a felony information or indictment at the time of redemption. In reality, Reilly was subject to a two-count felony information in the Marshall County District Court at the time of the visit.
The charges arose from an investigation by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Satter and Michael Robinson represented the United States.
Lame Deer assaults send Forsyth man to prison for 10 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Edward Leroy Widner III, 29 of Forsyth, was sentenced today for assaulting two men with a gun in one assault and assaulting a woman with a metal bar in a separate assault, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Both assaults were committed in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced Widner to 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023, to five charges in a superseding information charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.
The government alleged that on May 22, 2022 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted two victims, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, with a firearm. Widner went to John Doe 1’s residence and first assaulted Doe 2 in the living room by hitting him in the head with a pistol. Widner dragged Doe 2 into a bedroom occupied by Doe 1 and told Doe 1 to get up or Doe 2 was going to die. Widner then hit Doe 1 repeatedly in the face. At some point, the gun discharged, and a round went through the bed, a wall and into the ground outside of the residence. Doe 1 suffered serious injuries.
The government further alleged that in March 2020 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted Jane Doe 1, who sought medical attention for serious injuries. At the time, Doe 1 declined to name her assailant citing increased danger if she were to speak to law enforcement. Doe 1 reported that Widner assaulted her with multiple objects, including a metal pipe. In a recent interview with the FBI, Doe 1 identified Widner as her assailant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Kidnapping and Murder of Osage Nation Citizen Results in 9 ConvictionsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The last of multiple defendants involved in the abduction and death of an Osage Nation citizen pleaded guilty on Tuesday to murder in the second degree in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 29, of Webb City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to second degree murder for the killing of Osage citizen Jolene Walker Campbell. Ackerson faces up to life in federal prison with no possibility of parole.
“Tre Ackerson, along with codefendant Breanna Sloan, conspired to kidnap and brutally murder the victim. Then they conspired with additional codefendants to threaten witnesses and destroy evidence in an extensive effort to cover up their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This final conviction reflects three years of work and commitment from our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors to provide justice for the victim and her family.”
“Jolene Campbell was only 35 when she was brutally murdered, a young woman with a long life ahead of her. She left behind a grieving family that deserves justice, and after three long years and 9 convictions, we hope they can finally begin to heal from this tragic loss,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, the defendants are now facing decades in prison for their involvement in this horrific crime.”
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, codefendant Breanna Sloan and Ackerson were driving around Joplin, Missouri. Ackerson spotted Campbell walking on the side of the road and stated, “that’s that bitch!” Ackerson told Sloan he had robbed Campbell just a few hours earlier, and Sloan asked whether he wanted to lure Campbell into the vehicle. Ackerson agreed.
Sloan drove past Campbell to let Ackerson hide in the woods. She then waited in the car for Campbell to reach her location and offered her a ride After Campbell got into the front passenger seat, Ackerson emerged from the woods armed with a gun, climbed into the rear seat, and told Sloan to drive.
Ackerson attempted to rob Campbell again, but she had nothing more for him to steal. Campbell suggested they go meet someone else she knew in Oklahoma City to obtain the money Ackerson wanted. During the drive from Missouri through Oklahoma, Campbell fell asleep. They stopped at a gas station in Tulsa before Sloan took a fateful detour into Mayes County, Oklahoma to go to another destination for supplies.
Before they reached the intended destination, Ackerson instructed Sloan to turn into a rural field and stop on a dead-end dirt road. Ackerson then got out of the car and opened the rear passenger door, causing a still-sleeping Campbell to partially fall out into the road. Ackerson then forced Campbell into the field and killed her.
The victim’s body was discovered on July 15, 2020, in the same Mayes County field where Ackerson killed her, within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation.
A year later, on July 20, 2021, 11 defendants from the Joplin, Missouri, area were charged for their various roles related to the kidnapping that led to the death of the victim and for conspiring to obstruct the ensuing federal investigation, including tampering with witnesses by using and threatening physical force.
Ackerson admitted that he intentionally shot the victim multiple times, cut her throat, and hit her head several times with a tire jack until she died from the injuries. He further admitted to conspiring with the other codefendants to obstruct, threaten, and tamper with witnesses that had information relating to the kidnapping and murder.
Ackerson has been and will remain in the custody of the Marshal Service pending formal sentencing at a future date and faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The additional defendants in this case, all currently in custody, are as follows:
Breanna Lynn Sloan, 24, pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2022, and admitted that from July 4, 2020, to July 5, 2020, she aided and abetted codefendant Ackerson, in the kidnapping of the victim and that the victim died as a result of the kidnapping. Sloan faces up to life in prison.
Chloe Louise Stith, 23, pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, to witness tampering by using and threatening physical force. Stith admitted that she helped another person in a separate incident in the use of force against two other witnesses with the intention of keeping them from communicating with federal law enforcement about Campbell’s disappearance and subsequent murder. She admitted to covering the two witnesses’ eyes with duct tape and driving the witnesses against their will to a remote location where one witness was physically assaulted by the other person who had accompanied Stith. The incident occurred on Aug. 13, 2020. Stith faces up to 30 years in prison.
Sarah Michelle Humbard, 26, and David William Morris, 35 each pleaded guilty to witness tampering by using the threat of physical force. Humbard and Morris both admitted that they threatened a witness by referencing Campbell’s murder and that the witness was “playing with fire.” The two further admitted to luring the witness to drive to the Precious Moments Hotel in Carthage, Missouri, where codefendant Lane Bronson confronted the witness. Bronson, who is Ackerson’s brother, then demanded the witness change testimony regarding codefendant Ackerson, and if not, the witness would pay for it. Humbard pleaded guilty on April 21, 2022, and Morris pleaded guilty May 13, 2022. They each face a maximum of 20 years.
Lane Ryan Bronson, 30, pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2022, to witness tampering by using and threatening physical force and faces a maximum of 30 years. Bronson admitted to assaulting and using physical force on witnesses with the intention of preventing them from communicating with federal law enforcement officers about his brother’s involvement in Campbell’s kidnapping and killing.
Morgan Lee Bowman, 28, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2022, to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force and faces a maximum of 30 years. Bowman admitted that on July 7, 2020, she, Megan Louise Detherage, and Bronson bound, blindfolded, and kidnapped two witnesses from a Joplin home and drove them to a remote location in Seneca, Missouri, that was occupied by Ackerson and Sloan. She stated that while at that location, Ackerson used a semi-automatic rifle to shoot at one of the witnesses and told the witness to “dance.” The second witness, who was still bound and blindfolded, was forced to listen. Bowman stated that after the shooting, she, Sloan, and Detherage took the witnesses’ personal belongings and wiped down the car used in the kidnapping with bleach with the intention of destroying DNA and fingerprint evidence. Bowman admitted that at the time of the crime, she understood that a federal proceeding was likely to evolve in relation to the kidnapping and killing of Campbell and that they threatened the witnesses with the intent to prevent communication with law enforcement about the crimes.
Jacob Ryan Scribner, 35, pleaded guilty on Jan. 6, 2023, to conspiracy to retaliate against a witness and informant, and he is facing 20 years in prison. Scribner admitted to having a recorded jail call with Stith regarding a witness that had been talking to the FBI. They believed the witness was also going to be placed in custody at the same jail facility as Scribner. Stith told Scribner that she would pay a $75 bounty to anybody to “relay a great message” to the witness. Scribner agreed to relay the bounty around the facility with the understanding that Stith was offering to pay money for someone to assault the witness for talking to the FBI.
Megan Louise Detherage, 29 pleaded guilty on May 10, 2022, to misprision of a felony and faces a maximum of three years. Detherage admitted that she failed to inform law enforcement about her participation in a kidnapping for the purpose of intimidating witnesses of a drug trafficking offense. On July 7, 2020, she, Bronson, Bowman, and two witnesses were present at a house in Joplin. She stated that at Bronson’s direction, she and Bowman blindfolded the two witnesses and they drove the witnesses to a trailer in Seneca, Missouri, where Ackerson and Sloan were located. She stated that Ackerson and Bronson left with one of the witnesses, then returned and parked behind the trailer. She, Sloan, and Bowman then wiped down the car used in the kidnapping with bleach at the direction of Bronson. During that time, she claimed that she heard gunshots fired in the direction of where Ackerson and one of the witnesses were located, causing the second witness to become fearful. She stated the only firearm she saw during the kidnapping was a short-barreled rifle carried by Ackerson.
Charges were dismissed on the remaining 2 defendants pursuant to diversionary agreements.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Bish and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Secures Settlement with American Samoa Government to Resolve Employment Discrimination Case Involving Harassment of Transgender WomanRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement with the American Samoa Government (ASG) to resolve the department’s lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Hawaii alleging that the ASG discriminated against a former employee, Simeonica Tuiteleleapaga, because she is a transgender woman, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion and sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and prohibits retaliation against employees for opposing discriminatory employment practices.
Under the consent decree that the district court approved yesterday, the ASG is required to pay $125,000 to compensate Ms. Tuiteleleapaga for the harassment she suffered at the hands of her supervisor. The consent decree also requires the ASG to adopt new policies and procedures to handle sex based discrimination complaints and to provide its employees training on these new policies.
“Discrimination against transgender employees is discrimination based on their sex, and no employee should have to tolerate a supervisor’s hostile comments about their gender identity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Transgender employees must be free from discrimination, harassment or derision in the workplace. The Justice Department will not tolerate discrimination based on an employee’s sex or gender identity and will safeguard the rights of vulnerable workers, including LGBTQI+ employees.”
According to the department’s complaint, then-director of the ASG’s Department of Human and Social Services, Mr. Meki Solomona, harassed Ms. Tuiteleleapaga and another transgender employee on multiple occasions, despite the employees’ complaints about his misconduct. The complaint describes one humiliating instance when Mr. Solomona singled out Ms. Tuiteleleapaga at a department-wide meeting, where he threatened to eliminate her position, asked her if she was a “girl or a boy” and told her to “[t]ake it off” and “let us see if you are a woman.” After Ms. Tuiteleleapaga left the meeting in tears, Mr. Solomona continued his tirade for 40 minutes, repeatedly referring to her as a “thing” or an “it.” After the meeting, as described in the complaint, Mr. Solomona attempted to transfer her to another work location; misgendered her to her supervisor; attempted to terminate her; and refused to allow her routine work travel authorizations. The ASG failed to take any actions to stop his harassment.
The Hawaii District Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigated and attempted to resolve Ms. Tuiteleleapaga’s charge of discrimination before referring it to the Justice Department as an enforcement action. More information about the EEOC’s jurisdiction is available on its website at www.eeoc.gov.
The enforcement of Title VII and other federal employment discrimination laws is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and its work is available on its websites at www.justice.gov/crt and www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Senior Trial Attorney Jeffrey Morrison of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section handled this case.
american_samoa_consent_decree_september_2023.pdfJustice Department Awards $192.8 Million in Grants to Support Community Responses to Gender-Based ViolenceRead the Press Release
In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Justice Department announced today $192,819,214 in formula and discretionary grant awards to support crucial services and justice responses for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Congress appropriated approximately $700 million for the implementation of VAWA in Fiscal Year 2023, and additional grant awards will be announced in the coming weeks. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), created under VAWA, has administered over $9.5 billion in grant funds since its inception, supporting communities in implementing effective strategies that prevent and respond to these crimes.
“We must confront the continued prevalence of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in our country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today the Justice Department is marking nearly three decades of the Violence Against Women Act by awarding $192.8 million in resources that will go directly to making our communities safer by supporting and gaining the trust of survivors and holding accountable those who have harmed them.”
The Department awarded a total of $172,932,681 across all 50 states and six territories under the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, one of VAWA’s inaugural grant programs. The grant is designed to promote a coordinated community response among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services to ensure the safety of survivors.
“I was privileged to work on the original passage of VAWA and took to heart the government’s paramount obligation to protect its citizens,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “For nearly 30 years, VAWA has afforded rights and safeguards to survivors of sexual violence while ensuring the criminal justice system holds their perpetrators to account. The Justice Department has furthered its promise by awarding nearly $10 billion in funding – including the newest grants announced today – to communities across the country to respond to gender-based violence.”
“Everyone has the right to live without the threat of gender-based violence, and with VAWA’s expansion and 2022 reauthorization, we are improving victim services and reaching more survivors, including survivors in marginalized communities, LGBTQI+ survivors, older adults, and those with disabilities,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “This is an important step toward our goal of bringing these crimes to an end, once and for all.”
“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory. Last year’s reauthorization, as well as strong congressional and Administration support, has bolstered the Office on Violence Against Women’s efforts to provide increased funding to local communities nationwide, strengthening partnerships to support innovative programs and increase pathways to safety, justice, and healing.”
Additional awards announced today include:
- Grants for Training and Services to End Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program (Disability Grant Program): Fourteen grants totaling $8,339,438 will support services for individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals. This includes but is not limited to: providing specialized training, outreach, cross-training for various agencies, and developing model programs to strengthen organizational capacities in assisting survivors.
- Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations: Seventeen grants totaling $10,066,724 will support services that enhance population-specific victim services, outreach strategies, and organizational capacities and provide training for criminal and civil justice systems to address the specific needs of underserved populations.
- Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program (Abuse in Later Life Program): Three grants totaling $1,480,371 will support projects that provide training to criminal justice professionals to enhance their ability to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These grants also offer cross-training opportunities to professionals working with older victims, establish or strengthen a coordinated community response to elder abuse, and enhance services for victims who are 50 years of age or older.
Organizations interested in applying for these and other grants are encouraged to visit the OVW website for more details and application guidelines.
Joshua Adam Schulte Convicted After Trial of Multiple Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the conviction of JOSHUA ADAM SCHULTE of three counts — receiving, possessing, and transporting child pornography — in connection with an encrypted cache of more than 3,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children found on the defendant’s home desktop computer. The defendant was found guilty following a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman. The defendant, a former programmer at the Central Intelligence Agency (“CIA”), was previously found guilty of four counts of espionage, four counts of computer hacking, contempt of Court, and making false statements to the FBI at previous trials conducted in 2020 and 2022 in connection with the defendant’s commission of the largest theft of classified information in the history of the CIA, which information was disseminated by the website WikiLeaks under the names Vault 7 and Vault 8. Sentencing on all counts of conviction is scheduled for January 10, 2024, before Judge Furman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Joshua Schulte has already been held accountable for endangering our nation’s security, and today’s verdict holds him accountable for endangering our nation’s children as well. The outstanding investigative work of the FBI throughout this investigation revealed Schulte as not only a traitor, but as one who participated in the exploitation and victimization of young children as well. The career prosecutors in this Office are dedicated to securing justice for the most vulnerable victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: "The FBI maintains investigating crimes of violence and sexual abuse against children as a top priority. The jury's conviction of Joshua Schulte of having knowingly received, possessed, and transported thousands of files of child sexual abuse material will hopefully provide some measure of comfort to Schulte's victims. Schulte used his expert computer programming skills and training to victimize the most vulnerable members of our society, and the FBI will always vigorously pursue anyone who commits such crimes."
According to court documents and evidence at trial:
While living in Virginia in 2016, SCHULTE built a custom desktop computer, which he used to download and collect more than 15,000 images of child pornography and child erotica. SCHULTE stored his cache of child pornography in various encrypted locations on the computer. In or about November 2016, SCHULTE relocated to New York, New York, and transported his child pornography computer with him. While living in New York, New York, SCHULTE continued to stockpile child pornography from the dark web and Russian websites.
In March 2017, after executing a search warrant for SCHULTE’s apartment in connection with the investigation of his theft of classified information, the FBI recovered and searched SCHULTE’s computer pursuant to another court-issued warrant. Using passwords identified from SCHULTE’s cellphone that SCHULTE used for a variety of personal accounts, including credit cards, online shopping, and email, FBI computer scientists were able to decrypt SCHULTE’s hidden collection of child pornography. The FBI determined that SCHULTE had collected and viewed videos and images depicting the sexual abuse by adults of children as young as two years old, including materials depicting sadomasochism and bestiality inflicted on children.
* * *
SCHULTE, 34, of New York, New York, was convicted today of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography, which each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. SCHULTE was previously convicted of one count of gathering national defense information with the intent to harm the United States, two counts of transmitting unlawfully possessed national defense information, one count of attempting to transmit unlawfully possessed national defense information, one count of unauthorized access to a computer to obtain national defense information, one count of unauthorized access to a computer to obtain information belonging to an agency of the United States, two counts of causing transmission of a harmful computer command, one count of making false statements to the FBI, and one count of contempt of Court, which collectively carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The potential mandatory minimum and maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by Judge Furman.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the Counterintelligence Division and the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force of the FBI’s New York Field Office, as well as the extraordinary assistance of FBI computer scientists from the Cyber Action Team.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David W. Denton Jr., Michael D. Lockard, and Nicholas S. Bradley are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Kayla A. Collins.
Indictment Charges Maryland Pair in Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An arraignment was held today for Edward Steven Monge, 22, of Beltsville, Maryland, on charges connected to his alleged role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy. Monge and his co-conspirator, Jennifer Echeverria Flores, 26, of Silver Spring, Maryland, are named in an indictment charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Echeverria Flores is further charged with unlawful distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to the charging documents, on five different occasions between February 17, 2023 and July 19, 2023, Echeverria Flores — who allegedly used Monge as her source of supply — sold a total of approximately 4,500 pills containing fentanyl to undercover agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. The pills are blue, marked “M” on one side, and “30” on the other side. DEA laboratory testing has confirmed that the pills contain fentanyl.
Echeverria Flores was arrested on July 31, 2023, and has been ordered held without bond pending trial. On August 3, 2023, law enforcement agents arrested Monge in Hyattsville, MD, pursuant to an outstanding arrest warrant for him from Fairfax County, VA. Upon a search of Monge, officers found approximately 1,102 pills on his person, which field tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Monge was arrested on a federal arrest warrant on September 11, 2023.
The conspiracy charge carries a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. The distribution charge carries a statutory minimum sentence of five years in prison with a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. The minimum and maximum statutory sentences for federal offenses are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA’s Washington Field Division and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Javier Urbina and Jordan Leiter of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Houtzdale Resident Indicted on Charges of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm/Destructive Device and Conspiracy to Maliciously Destroy Property by ExplosiveRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA - a resident of Houtzdale, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device and conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Kris Joseph Nevling, age 46, as the sole defendant. Nevling is currently incarcerated for unrelated state offenses.
According to the Indictment, between October 3, 2019, and October 4, 2019, Nevling unlawfully possessed a destructive device and also conspired with at least one other person to destroy property by using explosives.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Houston Woman Pleads Guilty to Cares Act Fraud and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TEMIKA SANTEMORE, age 43, a resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023 before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to a two-count bill of information charging her with making false statements and theft of government funds related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
In addition, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program was a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. The CARES Act provided funding for EIDL loans for business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to the PPP, EIDL loan amounts were determined based on the recipient businesses’ historical revenue and disbursed directly to the recipient by the SBA.
According to the charging documents, SANTEMORE made false statements to the SBA for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, which she received in the amount of approximately $13,540. SANTEMORE also applied for an EIDL from the SBA in July of 2020 and illegally received $5,000 for a dormant business that she owned.
Sentencing is set for December 12, 2023. SANTEMORE faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count. She faces up to ten years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the theft count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count due after conviction.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Hartford Man Who Possessed Loaded Ghost Gun Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CAMRON HILL, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted an investigation of a business located at 136 Barbour Street in Hartford that was suspected of trafficking narcotics. The business, a purported clothing store, had an awning that read “The HOLE Ex-Con 360 the movement.” In October 2022, investigators made two controlled drug purchases of marijuana from the store.
On October 5, 2022, Hill and others were in the store when investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the store and seized quantities of suspected crack cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, synthetic opioid films, fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, MDMA, drug packaging and processing materials, U.S. currency, and five handguns. One of the handguns seized was a loaded 9mm privately made firearm (“PMF” or “ghost gun”) that was found behind the counter of the store in a black satchel-type bag. Surveillance video the morning of the search showed Hill using keys to open the store and carrying a black satchel-type bag. Subsequent forensic testing of the firearm revealed Hill’s DNA.
Hill has a prior felony conviction. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On April 18, 2023, Hill pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a felon.
Hill, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on October 17.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and Brendan J. Keefe.
Fourth man sentenced for delivery of methRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 32-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Brownsville has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute approximately a kilogram of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Raul Perez pleaded guilty Oct. 1, 2019.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Perez to serve 125 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed his involvement with others in the distribution of meth and other drugs in the Brownsville area.
Perez was the fourth of the conspirators convicted and sentenced for the delivery. Others included Eduardo Guerrero, 33, Rodolfo Garza, 31, and Jacob Trujillo, 24, all of Brownsville who received 90, 144 and 120 months in prison, respectively. The final man - Jetzrael Saldana aka Jetz, 25, also of Brownsville will be sentenced Oct. 18.
In September 2018, law enforcement learned of certain individuals who were interested in selling meth. The undercover investigation led to Guerrero and Garza who later sold 380 grams of meth and one kilogram of meth on two occasions.
They met the buyers at a local business parking lot in Brownsville. Guerrero had displayed a handgun and said it was loaded but that he could be trusted. A black truck then arrived, and the driver – Trujillo - provided a cereal box containing the drugs to Guerrero.
Authorities later learned Perez had provided the drugs and loaned his black truck knowing it would be used for the delivery of the drugs. Saldana was present to provide counter-surveillance to ensure a successful delivery.
Perez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 97 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE–Gerardo Nino Romero, 41 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Uriangato, Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Nino Romero was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Romero was operating a drug premises at his Fort Wayne residence where he was storing and trafficking large amounts of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department; and the DEA North Central Regional Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 220 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Joshua R. Letner, 42 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Letner was sentenced to 220 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between March 2020 and October 2021, Letner distributed and possessed with intent to distribute controlled substances in Fort Wayne, including over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Letner, a convicted felon, who could not legally possess the firearm in this case, also possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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.
Former CEO of International Investment Advisory Firm Pleads Guilty to Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Roberto Gustavo Cortes Ripalda (Cortes) pleaded guilty to participating in a years’ long conspiracy to defraud clients of Biscayne Capital, an international investment advisory firm that operated in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean. Today’s plea took place before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, Cortes faces up to 20 years in prison and as part of his plea agreement will pay forfeiture in the amount of $3.4 million.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Nicole M. Argentieri, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Kareem A. Carter, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. (IRS-CI); and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Washington, D.C. Field Office (HSI), announced the guilty plea.
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea hearing, between approximately 2013 and 2018, Cortes, together with others at Biscayne Capital, orchestrated a scheme to defraud Biscayne Capital clients through a series of material misrepresentations and omissions about how Biscayne Capital client funds would be used, including falsely claiming that their funds would be used to develop luxury real estate in Florida. As part of the scheme, Cortes and his co-conspirators used client money to pay promised investment returns to other Biscayne Capital clients. According to the indictment, by September 2018, the scheme collapsed and Biscayne Capital went into liquidation, causing more than $155 million in losses to Biscayne Capital clients.
Co-conspirators Ernesto Heraclito Weisson Pazmino pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in April 2022; Gustavo Trujillo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in April 2019; Juan Carlos Cortes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in July 2022; Fernando Martinez Gomez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in March 2022. They are awaiting sentencing. Co-conspirator Fernando Haberer Bergson was arrested in Argentina in September 2021 and is facing extradition to the Eastern District of New York.
The IRS-CI Global Illicit Financial Team and HSI are investigating the case.
The government’s case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS). Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle and Benjamin Weintraub, Fraud Section Trial Attorney Randall Warden and MLARS Trial Attorney Chad Davis are in charge of the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in the case.
The Defendant:
ROBERTO GUSTAVO CORTES RIPALDA
Age: 56
Key Biscayne, FloridaCo-Conspirators Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
ERNESTO HERACLITO WEISSON PAZMINO
Age: 55
Miami, FloridaFERNANDO HABERER BERGSON
Age: 50
ArgentinaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-458 (CBA)
GUSTAVO TRUJILLO
Age: 43
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-134 (CBA)
JUAN CARLOS CORTES
Age: 45
Boca Raton, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-288 (CBA)
FERNANDO MARTINEZ GOMEZ
Age: 45
EcuadorE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-65 (CBA)
Former CEO of Financial Services Firm Pleads Guilty to $150M Investment Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to defrauding clients of his financial services firm.
According to court documents, in 2005, Roberto Gustavo Cortes Ripalda, 56, of Key Biscayne, founded financial services company Biscayne Capital. Between approximately 2013 and 2018, Cortes and others orchestrated a scheme to defraud Biscayne Capital clients through a series of lies regarding how the firm would use client funds. For example, Cortes and his co-conspirators told clients that their investments would finance the development of real estate projects, when in fact, Cortes and his co-conspirators used the money to pay other Biscayne Capital clients, cover Biscayne Capital expenses, and pay themselves millions of dollars. Cortes and his co-conspirators also invested clients’ money without their knowledge, and then attempted to cover their tracks by providing investors with fraudulent account statements. According to the indictment, by September 2018, the scheme collapsed, and Biscayne Capital went into liquidation, causing more than $155 million in losses to Biscayne Capital clients.
Cortes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his plea, Cortes agreed to a forfeiture judgment in the amount of $3.4 million. Cortes is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington made the announcement.
The IRS-CI Global Illicit Financial Team and HSI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Randall Warden of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorney Chad Davis of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Rolle and Benjamin Weintraub for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorneys John (Fritz) Scanlon and Brandon Burkart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section assisted with the investigation of the case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in the case.
Former Alabama Department of Corrections Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses for Assaulting a Restrained Inmate and Lying to Cover It UpRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) lieutenant pleaded guilty today to using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report to cover up his abuse.
According to the plea agreement, former William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility Lieutenant and Shift Commander Mohammad Shahid Jenkins, who had more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, used excessive force on inmate V.R. Specifically, on Feb. 16, 2022, Jenkins willfully deprived inmate V.R. of his right to be free from excessive force by kicking him, hitting him, spraying him with chemical spray, striking him with a can of chemical spray and striking him with a shoe, while V.R. was restrained inside of a holding cell and not posing a threat. Jenkins admitted that, over the course of approximately five minutes and outside the presence of other officers and inmates, Jenkins repeatedly re-entered the holding cell that V.R. was in and re-assaulted him numerous times. Jenkins used a dangerous weapon — chemical spray and the can of chemical spray — on V.R. and his attacks on V.R. caused V.R. to suffer bodily injury. Following his assault on V.R., Jenkins authored a false incident report. In it, he gave a false account of where, in Donaldson, he transported V.R. to and he omitted entirely his use of force on V.R. from his report. As part of the factual basis, Jenkins further admitted that he lied to investigators by denying using any force on V.R.
Further, as part of the factual basis, Jenkins admitted to using force on another inmate on a different occasion at Donaldson. Specifically, on Nov. 29, 2021, Jenkins willfully deprived inmate D.H. of his right to be free from excessive force by repeatedly spraying D.H. with chemical spray while D.H. was handcuffed behind his back and compliant, by hitting D.H. in the head with the can of chemical spray and by delivering an open-hand strike to D.H.’s head while D.H. was suffering from the effects of chemical spray.
“Senior law enforcement officers set the tone for junior officers whom they supervise,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant abused his position of power to carry out a violent assault on a restrained inmate, in an isolated location of the prison. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who violate the civil rights of any American, including those who are incarcerated in our jails and prisons.”
“There is zero tolerance for corrections officers who commit these egregious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their authority and prey on vulnerable people who they are sworn to protect and keep safe.”
“The civil rights of all must be protected, including those who are in the trusted custody of law enforcement officials,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “To willfully deprive any individual without due process or subject the same to cruel and unusual punishment can’t be tolerated or perceived to be so commonplace it’s considered normal inside of our institutions. The FBI will remain committed to holding those who swore an oath to protect and serve, but instead willfully abused their privileges and abandon their responsibilities as law enforcement officers, accountable.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19. Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the excessive force charge related to his assault of V.R. and 20 years in prison on the obstruction charge. He also faces up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Federal jury convicts Minnesota man of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and BillingsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal jury today convicted a Minnesota man of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and Billings in 2021, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a 2 ½ day trial that began on September 11, the jury found Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minnesota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment. Kemp faces 5 to 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and at least 4 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 31, 2024. Kemp was detained pending further proceedings.
“As Kemp’s conduct demonstrates, the tentacles of drug trafficking reach every corner of Montana, from our biggest city to our smaller communities on the Hi-Line. I’m grateful for the diligent investigative efforts of the Tri-Agency Task Force, the Havre Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration and to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove for bringing Kemp to justice. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to combat illegal drug distribution across the state,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government presented evidence at trial showing that on January 11, 2021, an investigation was initiated regarding a female and male distributing fentanyl in Havre, Montana. Based on information provided by a confidential source and after reviewing public Facebook profiles, law enforcement determined that the female was Chantel Azure and the male was Rembrandt Kemp. On January 13, 2021, the source successfully conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Azure. During the sale, law enforcement observed Azure arrive in a vehicle with two male passengers inside. Agents saw Azure get out of her car, get into the source’s vehicle where the sale occurred, and return to her vehicle with the two men still inside.
After continued surveillance, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop with Azure and her two occupants inside the vehicle. Kemp was located in the front passenger seat and his co-defendant, Martaveon Scott, was in the back seat. Azure and Kemp were arrested on warrants and Scott was arrested for providing a false name. Kemp was found with 4.32 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. Scott was found with 28.43 grams of actual methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl, which weighed approximately 9.6 grams. An additional 2.9 grams of actual meth was found in the trunk of the vehicle along with a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle. Additionally, $1,378 was found with Kemp and Scott in the car, including the $800 cash used by the source for the controlled buy.
Martaveon Makei Scott previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2023 in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.
Chantel Marie Azure previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. She was sentenced in December 2022 to 28 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Tri-Agency Task Force, Havre Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 19 Central Illinois United States Postal Service Workers for Wire Fraud Related to COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal grand jury has returned indictments against 19 United States Postal Service employees and former employees, charging them with fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The PPP provided federally backed funds to small businesses that were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest. The program was implemented by the SBA and administered by third-party lenders. The PPP was enacted via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, an economic bill that passed in March 2020 in response to the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.
The indicted individuals, all current or former United States Postal Service employees, are:
- Dominique Alexander, 31, of Downers Grove, Illinois, formally of Springfield, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Tenneil Baskin, 42, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Breanea Brown, 28, of Savoy, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Rachaundra Donaldson, 33, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Maya Egbejima, 25, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Larry Eubanks, 35, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Angela Gillespie, 35, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Patrice Green, 47, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in August 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Charles Hughes, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, formally of Springfield, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Marcus Jones, 39, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Sarah Jones, 43, of Danville, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Jasmine Morris, 30, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in February 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Shakeena Mosley, 35, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Ainmere Sangster, 32, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Diamond Vinson, 29, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in August 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Uniqua Whitaker, 27, of Urbana, Illinois, was charged in March 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Ta Sheena White, 32, of Urbana, Illinois, was charged in March 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Rikkia Williams, 33, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Shawntelle Lynn, 31, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in October 2022 with two counts of wire fraud.
Each of the individuals have either already been arraigned or have been issued a summons to appear in federal court in Springfield or Urbana for arraignment. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, a maximum five-year term of supervised release, and restitution.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; United States Secret Service; United States Postal Inspection Service; the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service Office of Inspector General; the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General; and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Bertrand and Sierra Senor-Moore are representing the government in the prosecutions.
COVID-19 disaster relief and enhanced unemployment benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Dermatology Management Company to Pay $8.9 Million to Resolve Self-Reported False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
A Texas entity that manages and operates dermatology practices, surgical centers, and pathology laboratories across the United States has agreed to pay the United States $8.9 million to resolve allegations, which were self-reported, of potential violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law (the Stark Law) and the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. The United States contends that these potential violations resulted in liability under the False Claims Act.
Per the terms of a civil settlement executed on September 12, 2023, Oliver Street Dermatology Management LLC will pay the government $8,892,079.72 – including $5,928,053.15 in restitution—within 10 days of the settlement. The settlement credits Oliver Street for its self-disclosure and collaboration with government investigators. The self-reported conduct was unknown to the United States at the time of the self-disclosure, and was specific as to the nature of the potentially problematic transactions, the personnel involved, and the potential financial impact on the Government.
According to the settlement agreement, from January 2013 to July 2018, Oliver Street – doing business as U.S. Dermatology Partners (USDP) -- acquired numerous dermatology practices across the United States.
In September 2021, the company voluntarily self-disclosed to the Department of Justice that it had discovered credible evidence suggesting that former senior managers had offered (or agreed) to increase the purchase price of 11 acquired dermatology practices in exchange for an agreement by the provider at the practice to refer services to USDP-affiliated entities following the acquisition. Claims for certain of those referred services were later submitted to Medicare for payment.
The United States contends that this conduct violated the AKS and the Stark Law, and resulted in the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare. The AKS prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Stark Law prohibits healthcare entities from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the entity has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. Both the AKS and the Stark Law are intended to ensure that medical judgments are not compromised by improper financial inducements.
“Decisions about where medical specimens are analyzed should be made with the best interests of patients, not providers, in mind,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “We applaud this company for self-reporting its potential violations and cooperating with government investigators, allowing us to reach a swift settlement.”
This resolution is the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. This matter was handled by Civil Chief Kenneth Coffin.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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For more information, please contact NDTX Public Affairs Officer Erin Dooley at 214-659-8707 or [email protected].
Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Murray, age 71, of Sidney, New York, pled guilty today to multiple counts of possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli made the announcement.
Murray admitted that in October 2021, he possessed images and videos of child pornography on two cell phones and possessed images and videos of child pornography in two email accounts he controlled. Murray had a previous conviction in New York related to the production, possession and distribution of child pornography at the time of these federal offenses.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Albany. The parties have jointly recommended to Chief Judge Sannes that Murray receive a term of 144 months in prison. Murray also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Murray will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by HSI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to public court documents and evidence, David Roy Bolinger, 49, was identified as a person distributing methamphetamine in the Davenport, Iowa, area during 2022. On April 14, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bolinger’s residence in Davenport. Law enforcement recovered approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. Bolinger admitted to officers on the same day of the search that he knowingly took part in a conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with other individuals.
Following his term of imprisonment, Bolinger will be required to complete five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
Drug Trafficker Lands Twenty Three Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A 58-year-old resident of Port Orchard, Washington was sentenced today after being found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Lake County last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced David Loren Waldeck to 23 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. A jury found the defendant guilty in April 2023.
“We all know the consequences that accompany the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Montana communities. We are committed to helping our law enforcement partners, federal, state, local and tribal, hold traffickers like David Waldeck accountable as we continue to work to stem the tide of poisonous substances from entering our state.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on Oct. 24, 2022, Flathead Tribal police officers stopped and arrested an individual on outstanding warrants and learned that a person, named “David,” was in Kalispell and coming back to Polson that day with meth and fentanyl to distribute. The police officers stopped Waldeck later that day and located 4,212 fentanyl pills, approximately 837 grams, or 1.8 pounds of meth, and approximately 489 grams, or a little more than one pound, of cocaine in his vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police Department.
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.
Court Approves City of Holyoke Settlement Addressing Pollution in Connecticut RiverRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A consent decree requiring the City of Holyoke to reduce future sewage discharges into the Connecticut River from sewer collection and stormwater systems has been approved in U.S. District Court.
The consent decree was the result of an enforcement action brought by the Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
As stated in the consent decree, Holyoke discharges pollutants from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the Connecticut River in violation of its federal and state wastewater discharge permits. In full cooperation with federal and state environmental agencies, the City has taken steps in recent years to address these discharges, including finalizing a CSO long term control plan and eliminating the Jackson Street CSO. The consent decree requires the City to undertake further sewer separation work that will eliminate or reduce additional CSO discharges.
Holyoke will also conduct sampling of its storm sewer discharges, work to remove illicit connections, and take other actions to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. The consent decree also includes a $50,000 penalty for past permit violations as a result of CSO discharges.
In 2019, at the request of the Department of Justice and the Massachusetts Attorney General, the court entered a partial consent decree whereby Holyoke agreed to develop a long-term plan for reducing sewer discharges. The consent decree approved by the court on Aug. 31, 2023 represents the parties’ final plan for Holyoke to reduce sewer discharges and supersedes the prior decree.
“Protecting our precious waterways from dangerous pollutants is a vital part of the Department’s work. This consent decree will better ensure that Holyoke residents and every single community that enjoys the Connecticut River is safer,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We commend Holyoke for their ongoing cooperation in developing this improvement plan and for their commitment to protecting the future of the Connecticut River moving forward.”
“The U.S. EPA is very pleased that the work called for under this settlement will achieve a cleaner and healthier environment for people living in and downstream from Holyoke. This work is especially important because Holyoke includes historically disadvantaged communities. It’s a significant priority for EPA to help ensure that all our citizens are able to enjoy a clean and healthy environment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash.
“We are grateful to our federal partners for working with us to reach this settlement that will improve the water quality of the Connecticut River, and thus the overall health of Holyoke residents,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “My office is committed to creating healthier, safer communities across Massachusetts by fighting environmental injustices like contaminated water and we appreciate the City of Holyoke’s parallel commitment to these important efforts.”
Holyoke owns and operates a sewer collection system that services approximately 70% of the City, two-thirds of which carries both sewage and stormwater. Most of the time, the combined system transports all wastewater to the facility for treatment. However, during periods of heavy rain the wastewater volume can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or the treatment facility and the excess wastewater will discharge to the Connecticut River without treatment. CSO discharges contain raw sewage and are a major water pollution concern.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; EPA Regional Administrator Cash; Attorney General Campbell; and MassDEP Acting Commissioner Gary Moran made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. LaMacchia of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit; Assistant Attorney General I. Andrew Goldberg of Campbell’s Environmental Protection Division; Tonia Bandrowicz of EPA; and Henry Friedman of the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Department of Justice handled the matter.
Coercion of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity Leads to 10 Year Federal Prison Sentence for New Orleans ManRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of Kentrell Knighten, 39, of New Orleans, for coercion of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Knighten to 121 months (10 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.
On September 13, 2022, the friend of a 15-year-old female high school student (“minor victim”) observed Knighten texting the minor victim. Knighten was the boyfriend of the minor victim’s mother. According to the friend, in those text messages the defendant discussed the fact that he was inquiring how much he would have to pay her to have sex with one or more of his friends from another city in Louisiana.
The minor victim’s friend told the school counselor what she had observed, and law enforcement was contacted. Law enforcement agents were able to seize and search the minor victim’s cell phone pursuant to a search warrant and interviewed the minor victim. Specific text messages were found in the phone in which Knighten asked the minor victim how much she would charge to have sex with his friends in graphic terms. These messages occurred in September 2022. In the text messages, the minor victim expressed fear of being alone with other adults. The defendant assured her that he would be in the room and that she would get paid between $75-100. Knighten admitted to law enforcement agents that he texted with the victim and that he discussed the minor victim engaging in sexual acts with other adult men for money.
"We urge parents to be keenly aware of who they allow around their children and into their homes,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Child exploitation touches every corner of our community. This office will be vigilant in protecting our youth and prosecute all who try to disrupt the American family through criminal activity. We look forward to this defendant serving a lengthy prison sentence and an even longer period of court supervision once released.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker.
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Clinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On September 6, 2023, a Clinton man was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on the evening of November 24, 2021, Clinton Police stopped a truck for an equipment violation. David Jon Kinkaid, 41, was the driver. A drug-detecting police dog alerted to the odor of narcotics in the truck. A search of the truck revealed that Kinkaid had more than 2,000 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded, .45 caliber pistol. Kinkaid had the pistol to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds. Following his imprisonment, Kinkaid will serve five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Clinton Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Murder-For-HireRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Latrel Jackson (26, Chicago, Illinois), aka “Kobe,” today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate murder-for-hire resulting in death and interstate murder-for-hire resulting in death. Jackson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. His co-defendant, Marvin Harris, Jr., aka “Mesh,” pleaded guilty to the same charges last week. Both are scheduled to be sentenced in December 2023.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, in 2019, Harris, Jr. hired two individuals, Jackson and unindicted co-conspirator D.S. (deceased), to travel from the Chicago-area to Fort Myers to commit murder in exchange for $10,000. Harris, Jr.’s motive was to retaliate against individuals who he believed had previously robbed a Fort Myers residence from which he and others associated with him sold drugs. The individuals Harris, Jr. suspected of committing the robbery and shooting belonged to a Fort Myers gang known to law enforcement as “Bucktown.”
Jackson and D.S. traveled to Fort Myers from Chicago aboard a commercial airline on October 28, 2019. Upon arrival, Harris, Jr. picked Jackson and D.S. up from the Southwest Florida International Airport and provided them with firearms to accomplish their task. Initially, Jackson and D.S. stayed at Harris, Jr.’s “trap house” (a residence used primarily to distribute drugs from) in Fort Myers but later moved to a local motel on Palm Beach Boulevard. During that time, Jackson, D.S., and others attempted to find members of Bucktown to murder in the retaliatory scheme.
On November 2, 2019, Harris, Jr. obtained a vehicle for Jackson and D.S. to use during the commission of a murder. Jackson and D.S. proceeded to a known Bucktown hangout in Fort Myers and observed the victim, K.U., standing in front of the home near the curb of the street. Jackson and D.S. quickly circled the block and returned, and at close range opened fire on K.U., killing him in front of the residence with a gunshot wound of the head. The next day, Jackson and D.S. returned to Chicago via bus, while possessing the firearms used to commit the murder.
During a search of Jackson’s Chicago-area home on November 21, 2019, law enforcement recovered two firearms from an attic space of his bedroom. Expert testing and examination of the firearms confirmed that both matched shell casings recovered from the murder scene and the murder vehicle, and that one of the firearms had fired the bullet which had been recovered from K.U.’s head during his autopsy.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Myers Police Department, with the assistance of the Joliet (Illinois) Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
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.
Cherokee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Devin Nakedhead, age 30, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
According to investigators, on January 27, 2023, law enforcement officers conducting a traffic stop discovered Nakedhead in possession of a .22 caliber Rohm model RG Derringer pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition. Rohm, a convicted felon, admitted at the plea hearing that he knew at the time of the traffic stop that he was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition, but did so anyway.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Stilwell Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.
Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Gerell Michael Hart-Smith, a/k/a “Rell,” 22, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in the Spring of 2020, agents with Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were assisting Charlotte-Mecklenburg authorities by looking for Hart-Smith on outstanding state armed robbery warrants when they received information that he was staying with his girlfriend in her Lancaster, SC, apartment.
On the morning of March 20, 2020, agents went to the Lancaster apartment and knocked on the door, announcing that they were police and there to arrest Hart-Smith. The girlfriend confirmed that Hart-Smith was inside, as were her children. After approximately 13 minutes, Hart-Smith came out and was placed under arrest on the outstanding state warrants.
The girlfriend told authorities that Hart-Smith had a gun inside the apartment, which she turned over to them. She later admitted that he had been staying at the apartment with her for the past month and kept the gun inside the apartment. DNA analysis linked the loaded gun to Hart-Smith.
Federal law prohibits Hart-Smith from possessing firearms and ammunition based on his October 2019 North Carolina conviction for larceny of a motor vehicle.
Hart-Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. He also faces up to 3 years of court-ordered supervision following his prison term.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Hart-Smith after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-Charlotte, Lancaster County Drug Task Force, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Azale Mitchell, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to stealing firearms from two Kanawha County businesses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 9, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Dunbar business and stole a Diamondback Firearms DB15 5.56 caliber rifle and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 .22-caliber rifle. On November 10, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Charleston business and stole a Custom Arms & Accessories LD-15 5.56 caliber rifle and a DPMS Panther Arms A-15 5.56 caliber rifle.
Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Co-defendant Keara Kilpatrick, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts on July 12, 2023. Kilpatrick drove Mitchell to and from the two businesses for each break-in and theft. On November 11, 2022, Kilpatrick was driving on Washington Street in Charleston when law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of her vehicle. Kilpatrick fled before crashing her vehicle in a hotel parking lot. Officers recovered three of the four stolen firearms from Kilpatrick's vehicle. Kilpatrick awaits sentencing.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made today’s announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Brian Parsons 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.
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-28.
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Charges filed in multi-million dollar fraud and money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Five individuals have been taken into custody for their roles in a $13 million fraud and money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The final man charged - William Warren Stredney, 65 - has now surrendered to federal authorities. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m. today.
Authorities arrested Edward Seung Ok, 56, Soran Lim, 55, Anthony Seung Ok, 55, and Wes Moon Ok, 52, in California Sept. 8. All are currently in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
A federal grand jury returned the eight-count indictment Aug. 31. It alleges Edward Seung Ok and Anthony Seung Ok, both of Rolling Hills Estates, California; Lim, Villa Park, California; and Wes Moon Ok, Los Angeles, California, committed one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Stredney, Peoria, Arizona, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy involved a scheme to defraud clients of Bluebell International LLC and Bluebell National LLC which included a Houston-based energy company. Edward Ok and the others falsely claimed they had the ability to provide billions of dollars in loans because they were connected to high net worth international family offices, according to the allegations.
They allegedly charged their clients large upfront fees to apply for the loans knowing they had no intention of providing them. The indictment alleges they diverted the monies for their own personal use.
Edward Ok, Soran Lim, Anthony Ok and Wes Ok then allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to launder the fraudulent proceeds for the purchase of expensive real estate and luxury items. On the date of the arrests, authorities also seized over $1.2 million from a bank account, high-end items alleged to have been purchased with the fraudulent proceeds to include two multi-million dollar homes and a condominium as well as multiple vehicles such as two McLarens, a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and BMW.
The indictment also alleges Edward Ok committed the offense while incarcerated in prison with the assistance of the others.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison, while convictions of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering have 20-year possible terms of imprisonment.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case. AUSA Brandon Fyffe is handling forfeiture matters.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison Related to Threats Against a Public OfficialRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced on Friday, September 8, 2023 to over six years in federal prison for threatening a federal official and committing interstate communications with intent to injure.
According to public court documents, and evidence presented at sentencing, John Edward Miller, 42, was identified through a law enforcement investigation surrounding a threat received by a federal official through their personal Facebook account on November 19, 2020. The message was threatening and harassing in nature and also included threatening and/or harassing information regarding other federal officials. The same day, Miller shot a flare gun at the Northern District of Iowa United States Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, causing a fire on the barriers in front of the building. Following Miller’s arrest, Miller admitted to sending the threatening messages through Facebook and to firing the flare gun at the federal courthouse.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Miller will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Miller was also ordered to pay restitution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3663A.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Carlsbad Man Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Production and Distribution of Child PornRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Joseph Crutcher was sentenced to 70 years in prison and ordered pay $50,000 in restitution. Crutcher, 59, of Carlsbad, pled guilty on Feb. 27 to production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2022, a Task Force Officer (TFO) was monitoring a fetish website that is known to be used to meet, discuss and trade child sexual abuse material (CSAM) when they were contacted by a private user. The user offered and provided the TFO with several images of a minor performing sexually explicit conduct.
On Nov. 9, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation identified the user of the account as Rachel Crutcher and obtained a search warrant for Crutcher’s residence in Carlsbad. During the execution of the search warrant, agents spoke to Crutcher and his wife Rachel. Joseph admitted he was the one who had taken the pictures of him sexually abusing the children and claimed Rachel was unaware of his conduct. Rachel initially denied knowledge or involvement, but during a later interview she admitted she had been involved.
Through diligent investigation, agents determined that both Joseph and Rachel had sexually abused three minor children they had access to from the time they were infants with the intent of producing CSAM and that Joseph, posing as Rachel, was the individual who sent the images to the TFO. The investigation also revealed that Joseph had recruited other men to sexually abuse one of the children.
Upon his release from prison, Crutcher will be subject to lifetime supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
On Feb. 27, 2023, Rachel Crutcher pled guilty to production of child pornography and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Rachel must register as a sex offender.
Roswell Resident Agency and Albuquerque Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda M. Villalobos are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Camden County Man Admits Conspiring to Commit Bank Fraud and Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man today admitted participating in schemes to negotiate fraudulent checks with forged signatures and to use credit cards without authorization, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Emmanuel Yirenkyi, 29, of Pine Hill, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of access device fraud conspiracy.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Yirenkyi conspired with Misty Sarfo-Adu, Eugene Koranteng, and others to commit bank fraud by obtaining blank checks containing the names and account information of unsuspecting customers of a credit card company. They made the checks payable to members of the conspiracy, forged the customers’ signatures on the checks, and negotiated the checks at financial institutions. In a separate scheme, Yirenkyi and Sarfo-Adu also conspired to use credit cards without the account holders’ knowledge or authorization. Yirenkyi admitted that the fraud schemes caused a loss to the credit card company of more than $150,000.
The count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024.
Sarfo-Adu previously pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler to his participation in the same conspiracies and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28, 2023.
Koranteng remains charged by complaint. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint against Koranteng are merely accusations, and Koranteng is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kurtz, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Moorestown Police Department for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
yirenkyi.information.pdfCalifornia man sentenced to prison after receiving child pornography while living in MissoulaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Bobby Manuel Argo, 23 of California, was sentenced today after receiving child pornography of a minor girl he befriended while living in Missoula, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced the defendant to 6 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography in May 2023.
“Protecting minors from predators like Bobby Argo is of paramount importance. We are committed to continue working with our law enforcement partners at the federal and local level to prevent Montana’s children from being victimized and to hold accountable those who seek to prey on them. I want to thank the agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove, for investigating this case and bringing Argo to justice.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and early 2022, Argo was living in Missoula and befriended Jane Doe 1, a girl who was under the age of 18. Jane Doe 1 confided in Argo that someone online was coercing her to send sexually explicit images of herself. Argo offered to help Jane Doe 1 and asked her to get him in touch with her extortioner. Instead of helping, Argo messaged the perpetrator separately and offered to assist him in further extorting Jane Doe 1 for explicit images of herself and others. In January 2022, law enforcement identified the perpetrator and, during a search of his social media account, learned he had been communicating with Argo about Jane Doe 1 and sharing explicit images of her with Argo. Law enforcement executed search warrants of Argo’s social media account, his residence in California and his cell phone and found child pornography in his possession, including a video of Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit content that he had received through the internet while he was still in Missoula.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Burbank Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling Firearms and Methamphetamine Out of His DTLA Hookah Lounge BusinessRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Burbank man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for running an illegal firearms business out of a downtown Los Angeles hookah lounge he owned – which included the sale of so-called “ghost guns” – and for possessing with intending to distribute methamphetamine.
Hovik Dagesian, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, from October 2020 to January 2021, Dagesian illegally sold 11 firearms – including firearms not bearing serial numbers, weapons that are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The firearms Dagesian illegally sold included a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15-type rifle with no serial number, and a 9mm handgun. Dagesian also admitted to selling methamphetamine to a buyer on October 30, 2020. The illegal firearm and drug sales took place at Dagesian’s hookah business in downtown Los Angeles.
In total, Dagesian sold $34,250 worth of firearms and methamphetamine to a buyer.
In January 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dagesian’s business. During the search, law enforcement seized 163.3 grams (5.8 ounces) of methamphetamine, a digital scale, approximately 215 rounds of ammunition, and many firearms he was willing to sell, including a sawed-off shotgun.
Dagesian has never been licensed as a dealer, manufacturer or importer of firearms.
United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled a January 8, 2024 sentencing hearing, at which time Dagesian will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the drug distribution count. The illegal firearms dealing count carries a penalty of up to five years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.
Bronx Gang Member Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Double Murder and Shooting of 16-Year-OldRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KAI JOHNSON was sentenced today to 40 years in prison in connection with his participation in the murders of Price Tunstall and Malik Tunstall in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx on August 31, 2021, and a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx on April 4, 2021. On January 20, 2023, JOHNSON pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “In broad daylight, Kai Johnson callously murdered two brothers — Price Tunstall and Malik Tunstall — in the courtyard of the James Monroe Houses. He committed these murders just a few months after shooting and injuring a 16-year-old in the same neighborhood. Today’s lengthy sentence sends an important message to gang members who commit violent crimes that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As alleged in the Indictment and based on statements made in open court:
KAI JOHNSON is a member or associate of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Stevenson Commons Crew.” In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Stevenson Commons Crew committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence against rival gangs, including murder and assault; conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.
On August 31, 2021, JOHNSON murdered Malik Tunstall and Price Tunstall in the vicinity of 805 Taylor Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
On April 4, 2021, JOHNSON shot at rival gang members in the vicinity of 877 Taylor Avenue in the Bronx, New York, which resulted in a 16-year-old being grazed in the head with a bullet.
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In addition to his prison term, JOHNSON, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Department of Investigation, and the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, Emily A. Johnson, and Justin V. Rodriguez are in charge of the prosecution.
Boston Doctor Indicted for Exposing Himself to Minor Sitting Next to Him on FlightRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly masturbating and exposing himself within the view of a 14-year-old female seated next to him onboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022.
Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was indicted on one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Mohanty was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 10, 2023 and was released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, at the time of his arrest Mohanty was an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston. It is alleged that, on May 27, 2022, Mohanty was a passenger aboard a Hawaiian Airlines Flight enroute from Honolulu to Boston with a female companion. Mohanty was allegedly seated next to a 14-year-old minor travelling with her grandparents, who were seated nearby.
About half-way through the flight, the minor allegedly observed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that Mohanty’s leg was bouncing up and down. Shortly thereafter, the minor observed that the blanket was on the floor, no longer covering Mohanty, and that Mohanty was masturbating. The minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight.
After arriving in Boston, the minor informed members of her family about the incident and law enforcement was notified.The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bayport Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting a Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Bayport man has been sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting a mail carrier, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on October 26, 2018, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was delivering mail in St. Paul. As the mail carrier was crossing the street, Kevin Demetri Blocker, 27, driving a Nissan Altima, approached the intersection at speed and had to brake quickly to allow the mail carrier to continue crossing the street. The mail carrier shouted to Blocker that he was required to yield. Blocker parked his vehicle and confronted the mail carrier. Blocker forcibly assaulted the mail carrier by striking him in the face. The mail carrier fell to the ground and hit his head on the concrete. The mail carrier was taken to the hospital and required 12 stitches to close a wound on the back of his head. Blocker attempted to hide his involvement in the offense by reporting the Nissan Altima stolen and selling it to another individual.
On May 15, 2023, Blocker pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal employee. He was sentenced on September 11, 2023, by Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for 2022 Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Uriah Davis was sentenced to 33 months in prison. Davis, 32, of Albuquerque, pled guilty to bank robbery on Feb. 13, 2023.
According to court documents, on the morning of May 2, 2022, Davis entered the Wells Fargo Bank located on Central Ave and made a verbal demand for money to the teller and repeatedly told her to hurry. The teller handed Davis $4,900.00 in United States currency. A large amount of that United States currency was in one hundred-dollar bills due to a previous customer’s transaction. Davis took the currency and left the bank on foot heading west.
Later on May 2, the FBI received a tip through the National Threat Operation Center that led agents to Davis’ location. On May 4, the FBI executed a federal search warrant on a room at the Tewa Lodge motel in Albuquerque, where Davis was found and taken into custody. During a subsequent interview, David admitted to robbing the bank and claimed that he had spent the money on a pistol and fentanyl pills. Davis told agents he had been clean for seven or eight years but had recently started using again.
Upon his release from prison, Davis will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Anderson Hatfield is prosecuting the case.
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Agat Mother Sentenced to 11 Months in Federal Prison for SNAP FraudRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Eugena Palomo Lane, age 39, from Agat, Guam, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment by the District Court of Guam. Lane was convicted of Wire Fraud and Unauthorized Use, Transfer, Acquisition, Alteration, or Possession of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and 7 U.S.C. § 2024. The Court also ordered three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $56,271, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. Defendants convicted of SNAP fraud are barred from further participation in the program.
From April 2015 to February 2022, Lane defrauded the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) in order to obtain SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. DPHSS is responsible for determining eligibility and issuing SNAP benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps. SNAP is a 100% federally funded program that provides financial aid to eligible recipients for use at authorized retail food stores. One factor DPHSS considers in issuing SNAP benefits is the applicant’s household size. Lane falsely reported to Guam DPHSS that her children were part of her household in her SNAP applications when in fact she was living separate and apart from her children. Lane admitted to using the SNAP benefits she received for her own personal gain and not for her children.
As a result of Lane’s deceit, she received $56,271.00 in fraudulently obtained SNAP benefits.
“Federal SNAP funding provides important nutritional benefits to children facing food insecurity,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Unfortunately, many children go hungry in our communities. This prosecution sends a message of deterrence to those who stand in the way of the benefits they deserve.”
This investigation was conducted by Guam DPHSS Investigation & Recovery Office and prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.