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Thursday 31 August 2023
Former Utah Movie Producer Charged with Tax Evasion and Obstructing IRSRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging a Utah man with tax evasion, obstructing the IRS and forcibly retaking property that had been seized by the government to pay his outstanding tax debt.
According to the indictment, Paul Kenneth Cromar owned a home in Cedar Hills, Utah, and operated Blue Moon Productions, LLC, a freelance film and media production company. From 1999 through 2005, Cromar allegedly did not file any federal income tax returns or pay any tax and in 2005, the IRS conducted an audit and assessed him with $703,266.96 in taxes, interest and penalties. After Cromar allegedly failed to make any payments towards his outstanding debt, a federal judge ordered that his home be sold at auction to satisfy his tax obligations. The indictment alleges that Cromar then attempted to stop the sale by filing bogus documents, including a false promissory note, with the IRS, intimidating potential purchasers or investors of the home and attempted to harass IRS personnel by filing frivolous lawsuits against them personally.
The indictment further charges that shortly before the sale closed, Cromar allegedly broke into the home and attempted to reclaim it. With the help of others, he allegedly occupied the home unlawfully for several months, fortifying it with weapons, sandbags and wooden boards tactically placed throughout the house.
Through his criminal conduct, Cromar is alleged to have caused a total tax loss to the IRS of $1,174,201.91.
If convicted, Cromar faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion, three years in prison for corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the IRS and two years in prison for forcibly retaking seized property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) are investigating the case. The FBI assisted in locating and apprehending Cromar, who had been a fugitive from justice in a related Utah state court criminal matter since August 2022.
Trial Attorneys Peter J. Anthony and Meredith M. Havekost of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Woolf for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Sharon Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – James West pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
West, age 48, formerly of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on January 17, 2024, at 2:15 p.m.
The law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former Memphis, Tennessee, Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Man in his CustodyRead the Press Release
A former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officer was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for violating an arrestee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him.
According to court documents, Armando Bustamante admitted that, in January 2021, while he was on duty as an MPD officer, he used his service weapon and hands to strike an arrestee in the head without legal justification. The assault caused bodily injury to the man.
“This former Memphis police officer is being held accountable for violently assaulting a man in his custody without any justification,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and violate federal civil rights laws.”
“Public trust in law enforcement is essential to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “When an officer violates that trust, it makes policing less effective and far more dangerous for both officers and average citizens. We will continue to work with our partners in local and state law enforcement to root out those who violate public trust and endanger those they’ve sworn to protect.”
“Today’s sentencing highlights that law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and deny an individual their civil rights will be held accountable,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue working together to uncover any violation of civil rights and pursue justice for victims in these cases.”
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and former Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former MBTA Transit Police Officer Indicted for False Reports Related to Assault at MBTA StationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Sergeant with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Transit Police Department (Transit Police) was arrested today in connection with the alleged filing of false reports regarding another Transit Police Officer’s assault on a man at the Ashmont MBTA Station.
David S. Finnerty, 47, of Rutland, was indicted on two counts of false reports. Finnerty was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
“Our office holds the men and women who wear police uniforms and serve our communities in the highest regard. Instances of police misconduct are rare, but they need to be investigated and prosecuted when they do happen, especially when supervisors are involved as alleged here. For the good of the community and all the honorable officers and supervisors in the police ranks, misconduct of this nature cannot be tolerated. I commend the leadership of the MBTA Transit Police for their sustained cooperation in this investigation,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Today, the FBI arrested former Transit Police Sgt. David Finnerty for violating his oath by filing false reports to try and obstruct an investigation into another officer’s assault on a man at the MBTA’s Ashmont station. We believe Sgt. Finnerty not only failed to lead by example, but betrayed the trust placed in him by his fellow officers, and the public,” said Jodi Cohen Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI will do everything we can to help our law enforcement partners bring to justice anyone who violates their oath by trying to cover up civil rights violations, overshadowing the majority of officers who are dedicated, honest, and fully committed to enforcing our laws and building trust within their communities.”
According to the indictment, Finnerty was the Transit Police Officer in Charge and the supervisor of Transit Police Officer D.B. It is alleged that at or around 1:47 a.m. on July 27, 2018 at the Ashmont MBTA station, Officer D.B., while acting in his role as an officer, physically assaulted a man without legal justification. It is alleged that Finnerty falsified an arrest report and a Duty Supervisor/OIC Command Staff shift briefing regarding the incident involving Officer D.B. – specifically, by including false and misleading statements and by omitting material information.
The charge of false reports provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julien Mundele are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former IRS Employee Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced on Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Lisa Hughes, 52, of Hamburg, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to unauthorized inspection of returns or return information. Judge McCarthy then sentenced Hughes to one year probation and a $1,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that while working as a Case Advocate within the Internal Revenue Service’s Taxpayer Advocate Service, in Buffalo, Hughes would receive calls from Individual 1 and Individual 2, who worked at a local tax preparation firm (Company). Individual 1 and Individual 2 would inquire about returns filed for the Company’s clients. Hughes would then access the returns or other return information in the IRS” Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS). Between April 25, 2014, and August 16, 2019, Hughes accessed return information for Company 1 clients on more than 120 occasions. The calls received from Individual 1 and Individual 2 were not part of Hughes’s job responsibilities and she knew that she was not authorized to access the return information in response to these calls. In addition, between 2016 and 2019, Hughes also prepared over 100 tax returns for Company 1 clients, for which she was compensated. For the 2016 to 2018 tax years, Hughes also prepared approximately 250 returns for friends and family, for which she was sometimes compensated. Hughes knew that IRS regulations prohibited her from preparing tax returns for others in return for compensation.
The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge William Kalb.
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Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Port Richey, FL, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Theodosios K. Moustakopoulos, 41, New Port Richey, FL pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in October 2016, Moustakopoulos applied for an auto loan from S&T Bank to purchase a Bentley sedan for $174,525.30. According to the allegations, Moustakopoulos made false statements in the loan application.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Moustakopoulos' bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moustakopoulos.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Assaulting Girlfriend on the Warm Springs Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found a Warm Springs, Oregon man guilty today of assaulting his girlfriend and leaving her lying injured in the driveway of her home on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
Maron Brent Graybael, Jr., 38, was found guilty of one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
“Domestic violence is a devastating crime that inflicts severe harm on individuals and communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our office remains intently focused on holding abusers accountable for their actions and stopping this violence in our communities.”
“For generations, Native American and Indigenous women have disproportionately been victims of violent crime,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI and Warm Springs Tribal Police, alongside other federal, state, and local partners remain dedicated to working together to investigate the most serious crimes affecting our Tribal communities.”
According to court documents, on May 16, 2023, Graybael Jr. became angry at his girlfriend, grabbed her by her hair, and punched her more than ten times with a closed fist in her abdomen. After the woman fell to the ground, Graybael Jr. kicked her, grabbed her by her hair again, and slammed her head into the ground multiple times. He then left the woman, seriously injured, lying in her driveway, and walked away. After several minutes, the woman called 911 to report her own assault and injuries. Police responded and she was transported to a local hospital.
On June 1, 2023, Graybael Jr. was charged by criminal complaint with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. One week later, on June 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted him on the same charge.
Graybael Jr. faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on November 27, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso and Suzanne Miles, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Domestic violence is a serious crime that can include both physical and emotional abuse, and it is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members, friends, and communities.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have also created support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.
Fayette County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kristen Naylor-Legg, 30, of Gauley Bridge, was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor under the age of 18. Naylor-Legg must also register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on two separate occasions in June 2020, Naylor-Legg provided her 17-year-old female relative to Larry Allen Clay Jr., so he could engage in sexual intercourse with the minor. At the time, Clay was an employee of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and the Chief of Police for the Gauley Bridge Police Department. Naylor-Legg admitted that on the first occasion she was paid $100 by Clay. On the second occasion, Naylor-Legg indicated that Clay had agreed to pay her $50 in exchange for sexual intercourse with the minor but ultimately did not give her the money.
After four days of trial, a federal jury convicted Clay, 57, of Fayetteville, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, and two counts of obstruction of justice. Evidence at trial proved that Clay twice arranged with Naylor-Legg to have sexual intercourse with the minor, sought to persuade Naylor-Legg to lie to law enforcement about the incidents, and also asked a law enforcement officer if his criminal conduct could be covered up.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Virginia State Police and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Monica D. Coleman prosecuted the case.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected instances of child sex trafficking through a toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or online at www.ice.gov/tips.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-62.
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Fashion Designer Extradited from Colombia to the United States and Arraigned on Criminal Charges Related to the Illegal Importation of Caiman and Python SkinRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Gzuniga, Ltd., and its founder, Nancy Teresa Gonzalez de Barberi, 70, were arraigned today on federal charges arising from the illegal importation of merchandise made from wildlife into the United States from Colombia.
The three-count indictment charges Gzuniga, Gonzalez, and two other individuals with one count of conspiracy and two counts of smuggling for repeated illegal importation of designer handbags made from caiman and python skin from February 2016 to April 2019. Both the caiman and python species are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which both the United States and Colombia are signatories. Gonzalez, a citizen of Colombia, was recently extradited to the United States to face the charges brought against her.
According to the indictment, the defendants solicited friends, relatives and employees of Gonzalez’s manufacturing company in Colombia to act as couriers and transport the designer handbags on their person or in their luggage while traveling on passenger airlines. Once the designer handbags were smuggled into the United States, they were delivered or shipped to the Gzuniga showroom in Manhattan, New York, where they were put on display for high-end retailers to view and purchase for re-sale in their stores. The average retail price for these “Nancy Gonzalez” brand handbags was over $2,000.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, made the announcement.
The USFWS Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York conducted the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá, Colombia provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Gonzalez de Barberi. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) was instrumental in supporting the case. The United States also thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance and close collaboration and partnership.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney R.J. Powers of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Watts-FitzGerald for the Southern District of Florida.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-20170-CR.
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El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con Georgia Tech para resolver acusaciones de discriminación relacionada con la inmigración en conexión con su plataforma de reclutamientoRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia ha llegado a un acuerdo hoy con Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), una universidad pública sin ánimo de lucro que forma parte del sistema universitario de Georgia.
El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Georgia Tech vulneró la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad («INA», por sus siglas en inglés) al operar una plataforma de reclutamiento de empleo donde empleadores de terceras partes pagaron por publicar anuncios asociados con sus ferias de carreras que excluyeron, de manera ilícita, a ciertos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. y limitó las oportunidades de reclutamiento para ciertos estudiantes no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. con base en su estatus de ciudadanía.
«Las instituciones de educación superior de nuestra nación deben garantizar que sus plataformas de reclutamiento no promuevan, faciliten o permiten la discriminación ilícita por motivos de ciudadanía», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia hará cumplir con firmeza el mandato no discriminatorio de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad con el fin de garantizar que se trate de manera justa a los estudiantes universitarios y que tengan la igualdad de oportunidades para competer para prácticas y trabajos».
La investigación del Departamento comenzó después de que un estudiante en Georgia Tech, que era residente permanente legal, presentó una queja de discriminación ante la División de Derechos Civiles. El estudiante alegó que un banco anunció unas prácticas solamente para ciudadanos de los EE. UU. en el sitio web de los servicios de carreras profesionales de Georgia Tech. Tras investigar la queja del estudiante, el Departamento encontró anuncios discriminatorios ilegales adicionales en la plataforma de reclutamiento de empleo que desalentaron a ciertos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. de solicitar un puesto o restringieron su acceso por completo. La investigación del Departamento también reveló que Georgia Tech, de forma rutinaria, permitió a los empleadores prevenir que no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. solicitaran tales puestos mediante su plataforma.
Conforme el acuerdo conciliatorio, Georgia Tech pagará una sanción civil de $500,000 a los Estados Unidos, cambiará sus prácticas de reclutamiento y revisará sus políticas con el fin de promover el cumplimiento con la INA. Por otra parte, Georgia Tech deberá asegurar que cierto personal de servicios de carreras profesionales en sus programas de grado y posgrado sea capacitado en cuanto a la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA.
A lo largo de los últimos 14 meses, el Departamento ha logrado obtener más de $1.6 millones en total por concepto de sanciones civiles de 30 empleadores que usaron la plataforma de reclutamiento de Georgia Tech para publicar anuncios de trabajo que, de manera ilícita, excluyeron a ciertos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. que se encuentran en condiciones de igualdad con ciudadanos estadounidenses en lo que se refiere a su permiso para trabajar, tales como residentes permanentes legales, refugiados y aquellos a los que el gobierno federal ha concedido el asilo.
El 16 de junio del 2022, el Departamento llegó a un acuerdo con 16 empleadores; el 21 de septiembre del 2022, el Departamento llegó a un acuerdo con cuatro empleadores; y el 23 de mayo del 2023, el Departamento llegó a un acuerdo con otros diez empleadores adicionales.
Este acuerdo es otro ejemplo de los esfuerzos de la División de Derechos Civiles por abordar el impacto en los derechos civiles que tienen las plataformas automatizadas, en concreto aquellas que proveen a los usuarios con herramientas y filtros que permiten restricciones ilegales. El 25 de abril del 2023, la División de Derechos Civiles publicó una declaración conjunta con otras agencias federales que resaltó su compromiso de proteger a los individuos en lo que se refiere a la inteligencia artificial y sistemas automatizados (AI) que pueden afectar los derechos civiles de las personas, así como la igualdad de oportunidades.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. La ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Hay más información disponible en el sitio web de la IER sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación en los procesos de contratación y reclutamiento. Aprenda más sobre cómo la IER protege los derechos de los trabajadores en este video. Para más información sobre protecciones contra la discriminación en el empleo en virtud de las leyes migratorias, llame a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llame a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscríbase a un seminario en línea en vivo o vea una presentación a la carta; envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected]; o visite los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico de la IER.
El Departamento de Justicia firma un Memorando de Entendimiento con los tribunales de Oklahoma para resolver una investigación en virtud del Título VIRead the Press Release
Nota: Este comunicado de prensa ha sido traducido a varios idiomas. Vea las traducciones a continuación.
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un Memorando de Entendimiento (MOU, por sus siglas en inglés) con la Oficina Administrativa de los Tribunales (AOC, por sus siglas en inglés) del Tribunal Supremo de Oklahoma para resolver una investigación de derechos civiles y mejorar el acceso a los tribunales estatales de Oklahoma para las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP, por sus siglas en inglés).
El departamento recibió una queja alegando que el Tribunal de Distrito del Condado de Mayes no le proporcionó un acceso significativo a una persona con LEP en un caso de tribunal de familia. El Departamento de Justicia emprendió una investigación en virtud del Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI), que prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel y nacionalidad de origen por parte de los beneficiarios de asistencia financiera federal. Posteriormente, el Departamento de Justicia puso en pausa la investigación en virtud del Título VI en respuesta a las medidas positivas adoptadas por la AOC para proporcionar un acceso significativo a todos los usuarios de los tribunales con LEP. Entre otras medidas, la AOC proporcionó servicios de interpretación gratuitos a la persona con LEP identificada en la queja, contrató a un coordinador de acceso lingüístico y propuso legislación, que se convirtió en ley estatal. Dicha ley elimina los honorarios de intérprete cobrados a las partes con LEP. También autorizó la creación de un fondo estatal para financiar los servicios de traducción e interpretación de los tribunales.
«Las personas no deben ser penalizadas por su limitado dominio del inglés y no deben encontrar dificultades para obtener los servicios de asistencia lingüística que necesitan para participar equitativamente en los procedimientos y operaciones judiciales», declaró Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Este acuerdo se erige como un modelo para garantizarles acceso a los tribunales a todas las personas, independientemente de su dominio del inglés, y esboza las acciones necesarias para eliminar las barreras para los usuarios de los tribunales con un dominio limitado del inglés en Oklahoma».
«Con la nueva ley estatal y el Memorando de Entendimiento, Oklahoma ha demostrado su compromiso con mejorar el acceso a la justicia en nuestro estado», afirmó Clinton J. Johnson, el Fiscal Federal del Distrito Norte de Oklahoma. «Estamos comprometidos a trabajar con nuestros tribunales estatales para garantizar el cumplimiento del Título VI y las leyes de derechos civiles afines».
En virtud del Memorando de Entendimiento, la AOC prestará servicios de asistencia lingüística oral y escrita en todos los procedimientos civiles y penales, y en las operaciones de los tribunales sin costo alguno para las personas con LEP, elaborará un plan de acceso lingüístico a escala estatal y añadirá traducciones de documentos vitales. La AOC también mejorará su sistema de gestión de casos para hacer un mejor seguimiento de las necesidades lingüísticas, desarrollará un proceso de quejas sobre acceso lingüístico, creará y distribuirá un aviso de servicios de interpretación traducido para los juzgados, y creará y publicará un vídeo de orientación sobre interpretación a distancia para el personal de los tribunales.
Este asunto fue llevado a cabo conjuntamente por abogados de la División de Derechos Civiles y de la Oficina de la Fiscalía del Distrito Norte de Oklahoma. Hay información adicional disponible sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt, y hay información disponible sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y el Título VI en www.lep.gov. El público en general puede denunciar posibles violaciones de los derechos civiles en www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ o ante la Oficina de la Fiscalía del Distrito Norte de Oklahoma en www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/contact-us.
Drug Dealer Who Distributed Methamphetamine on Hopi Reservation Sentenced to Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Vanessa Rene Dundon (a.k.a. Sioux Z, a.k.a. Suzie Q), 38, of Indian Wells, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. As a condition of her supervised release, Dundon cannot travel to, or be on, the Hopi Reservation. Dundon pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
“Drug trafficking causes particular harm for tribal communities,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “The exclusion of defendant from the Hopi Reservation is an additional tool to prevent future harm, and an extra measure of protection for Hopi villages.”
Dundon was stopped in her vehicle on the Hopi Reservation in April 2021, March 2022, and April 2022. On each occasion, she had controlled substances in her vehicle. At the change of plea hearing, Dundon admitted that on April 17, 2022, she possessed 58.4 grams of pure methamphetamine and that she intended to deliver it to other individuals in exchange for payment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Phoenix Field Office, and Hopi Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-08043-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-128_Dundon# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Dominican Republic Nationals Plead Guilty to Possession of 619 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Dennito Montero-Felix, 48, and Fernandito Michel-Gomez, 56, both of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute While on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. Michel-Gomez is scheduled for sentencing on December 14, 2023. Sentencing for Montero-Felix is scheduled for December 20, 2023. Each faces a maximum term of incarceration of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2023, while on routine patrol, a maritime patrol aircraft located a go-fast vessel in international waters approximately 71 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. The vessel had three occupants onboard and was equipped with two outboard engines, excessive fuel barrels, and large packages were visible on deck. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter later intercepted the vessel and took the occupants into custody. Neither occupant claimed a nationality for the flagless vessel. The vessel was therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. On board the flagless vessel, Coast Guard Officers discovered approximately 619 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
DOJ and DEA settle claims that Naturopath improperly prescribed scheduled drugsRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today settled civil claims that a Seattle Naturopathic Physician had prescribed drugs outside her limited authority, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Marina (aka Marianna) Abrams, N.D. will pay the government $65,000 to resolve the allegations and entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which gives the DEA the ability to ensure Abrams’s prescribing practices are in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act.
According to the statement of facts in the settlement agreement, between 2009 and 2021, Abrams wrote 209 controlled substance prescriptions that were outside the scope of what a Naturopathic Physician can provide. Abrams wrote an additional 204 prescriptions to be filled in California, despite the fact that she had no DEA registration to write prescriptions in that state. The settlement indicates that she prescribed controlled substances such as Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem, Tramadol, and Diazepam.
“The DEA remains vigilant in order to ensure the proper use of practitioners’ prescribing authority and this result further demonstrates our commitment to safeguard the public from a broad spectrum of potential drug threats,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.
With the settlement agreement, Abrams agrees she will limit her prescribing of controlled substances to the only two controlled substances naturopathic doctors are permitted to prescribe by Washington state law: testosterone and codeine products.
As part of the MOA, Abrams will also take steps to more clearly document in patient files where she has consulted medical doctors. She will ensure that all literature and websites related to her practice do not imply she is a medical doctor. Abrams agrees to ensure her staff does not sign or write prescriptions or prescription refills using her DEA registration number. If she changes her practice area or employment, she must notify DEA.
If Abrams fails to follow the MOA or violates the law regarding the prescribing of controlled substances, DEA may revoke her registration.
The matter was investigated by the DEA Diversion Program.
The settlement was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Waldrop.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on or about July 11, 2021, officers with the Hot Springs Police Department were dispatched to a residential neighborhood after receiving a report of a drive-by shooting on a residence. Shortly after arrival to the area, Steven D. Young, age 41, arrived at the residence demanding to know who shot up his house.
As Young excited his vehicle, officers observed a .45 caliber handgun in the driver’s side floorboard. Young was subsequently arrested. The firearm was seized and determined to be loaded with live rounds of ammunition and to have previously been reported stolen. Investigating officers determined Young was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
A Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) confirmed that the firearm was manufactured outside the State of Arkansas and, thus, had traveled in interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Co-Owner of Media Brokerage Firm Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A former Maryland woman pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Susan K. Patrick, now a resident of Cody, Wyoming, co-owned a media brokerage firm with her husband and hired an accounting firm to prepare business and personal tax returns for 2012 through 2014. Despite receiving the completed and accurate tax returns from the accounting firm, Patrick did not file them with the IRS. After the IRS contacted Patrick and requested that she file the unfiled returns, Patrick lied to the IRS, claiming that her accounting firm had timely filed the returns and that she would provide copies of those returns.
Patrick did not provide copies of the accurate returns that had in fact been prepared by her accounting firm. Instead, Patrick doctored the business returns, removing $10,000,000 in gross receipts earned by her brokerage firm, and altered the personal returns by removing over $9,500,000 in income that she and her husband had earned from 2012 through 2014. Patrick also falsely backdated her signature on each tax return to make it appear as if the returns had been timely signed and mailed these falsely doctored documents to the IRS, hoping to evade paying the full amount of taxes she owed.
In addition, Patrick failed to timely file business and individual returns for 2015, which she had also hired the accounting firm to prepare, nor did she pay the tax due and owing for the individual return.
In total, Patrick sought to evade more than $2,500,000 in taxes.
Patrick faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison. She also faces a term of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Thomas F. Koelbl and Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Claremore Man Sentenced for DomesticRead the Press Release
TULSA Okla. – A Claremore man was sentenced to 33 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and assault by beating, striking, and wounding, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett sentenced Robert Ross Patton Jr., 47, of Claremore to 33 months in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months for assault by beating, striking, and wounding. The sentences are to run concurrently and will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
During his allocution, the defendant told the Judge, “I’m sorry I did it.”
Judge Starrett in addressing the defendant acknowledged that he heard him, but told the defendant, “What happened was terrible and you have a price to pay.”
Patton violently attacked his girlfriend, pulled a knife on her, threatened to kill her, and stabbed at her head and neck multiple times. Patton then stabbed the knife into the wall, dragged the victim to the bathroom, repeatedly banged her head into the tub and punched her in the face. Patton further told the victim that she “needed to get into the tub so that when he killed her, she would not get blood all over the house,” and that “she was not leaving there alive.”
While his case was pending, Patton cut off his ankle monitor and fled the state. When he ran out of money, he called his parents and asked them to come pick him up in Arkansas. When law enforcement located him at his parent’s residence, he fled into the woods where he hid out for over 24 hours before a concerned citizen called the police. He was apprehended and on April 4, 2023, Patton pled guilty and admitted to assaulting the victim.
Patton has been and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshall pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden prosecuted the case.
Canal Winchester man convicted of making interstate threats to law enforcement, court officials & businesses, calling in bomb threats to local schoolsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a local man of making interstate threats to local law enforcement, court officials, businesses and schools.
Yousif Mubarak, 27, of Canal Winchester, was convicted of seven counts of making interstate threats.
The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Aug. 28 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in September 2021, Mubarak made at least 87 threatening phone calls from the state of Washington, where he resided for a short time, to a Franklin County Municipal Court Judge who previously presided over his court case.
Mubarak told the Judge that he would find her, that he had private investigators following her and that she should watch for cars following her. Mubarak said, “I will find you even if that means I die,” and threatened to kill the Judge himself.
Beginning on Sept. 12, 2021, and continuing until the early morning hours of Sept. 13, 2021, Mubarak also placed numerous threatening calls to businesses and schools in the Canal Winchester and Pickerington areas.
He called to make threats to employees at the Brew Dog, Home Depot and Best Western businesses in Canal Winchester.
On Sept. 12, 2021, at about 10pm, officers and agents with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police and FBI visited the last known address of Mubarak in Canal Winchester. Mubarak observed the officers in his Ring doorbell camera and taunted the officers throughout the interaction.
Twenty minutes later, Mubarak called a dispatcher in Fairfield County and told her, in part, “you can die” and “she would get two bullets in the head.”
Around 7am on the morning of Sept. 13, 2021, Mubarak called in a bomb threat to Canal Winchester Middle School. He told a school employee: “I have placed several bombs in your building” and “I would get your women and children out now.”
Approximately 20 minutes later, Mubarak called Pickerington North High School and said there were two suicide bombers inside the school.
Mubarak was charged federally and arrested on Sept. 22, 2021. A federal grand jury indicted him in November 2021 and that indictment was superseded in June 2022.
Making interstate threats is punishable by up to five years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape; and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced today’s verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica W. Knight and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
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Bộ Tư Pháp Ký Kết Biên Bản Ghi Nhớ Với Tòa Án Oklahoma Để Giải Quyết Cuộc Điều Tra Tiêu Đề VI (Title VI)Read the Press Release
Hôm nay, Bộ Tư Pháp đã công bố Biên Bản Ghi Nhớ (Memorandum of Understanding, MOU) với Tòa Án Tối Cao Oklahoma, Văn Phòng Quản Lý Hành Chính Phụ Trách Các Tòa Án (Administrative Office of the Courts, AOC) để giải quyết một cuộc điều tra về quyền dân sự và cải thiện khả năng tiếp cận các Tòa án Tiểu bang Oklahoma dành cho những người có trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế (Limited English Proficiency, LEP).
Bộ đã nhận được đơn khiếu nại cáo buộc Tòa án Quận Mayes đã không cung cấp quyền tiếp cận có giá trị dành cho cá nhân LEP trong một vụ kiện tại tòa án gia đình. Bộ Tư pháp đã khởi xướng một cuộc điều tra theo Tiêu đề VI của Đạo luật Dân quyền năm 1964 (Civil Rights Act of 1964) sau đây gọi tắt là “Tiêu đề VI”, cấm phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da và nguồn gốc quốc gia bởi những người nhận hỗ trợ tài chính liên bang. Bộ Tư pháp sau đó đã tạm dừng cuộc điều tra Tiêu đề VI để đáp lại các bước khẳng định của AOC nhằm cung cấp quyền truy cập có ý nghĩa cho tất cả những cá nhân tham gia tòa án có LEP. Trong số các hành động khác, AOC đã cung cấp dịch vụ thông dịch miễn phí cho người có LEP được xác định trong đơn khiếu nại, sử dụng một điều phối viên tiếp cận ngôn ngữ và luật đề xuất, sau đó đã trở thành luật của tiểu bang. Luật này loại bỏ chi phí thông dịch viên được tính cho các bên LEP. Luật này cũng ủy quyền cho một quỹ toàn tiểu bang hỗ trợ các dịch vụ phiên dịch và dịch thuật ngôn ngữ của tòa án.
Trợ lý Bộ trưởng Tư pháp Kristen Clarke thuộc Phòng Dân quyền của Bộ Tư pháp cho biết: “Mọi người không nên bị phạt vì trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế và không nên gặp khó khăn trong việc nhận được các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ mà họ cần để tham gia một cách công bằng vào các thủ tục tố tụng và hoạt động của tòa án. Thỏa thuận này là một mô hình đảm bảo khả năng tiếp cận tòa án cho tất cả mọi người bất kể trình độ tiếng Anh như thế nào và vạch ra các hành động cần thiết để loại bỏ rào cản đối với những người tham gia tố tụng có trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế ở bang Oklahoma.”
Luật sư Hoa Kỳ Clinton J. Johnson của Quận Bắc Oklahoma (Northern District of Oklahoma) cho biết: “Với luật mới của tiểu bang và MOU này, Oklahoma đã thể hiện cam kết cải thiện khả năng tiếp cận công lý ở tiểu bang của chúng ta. Chúng tôi cam kết làm việc với các tòa án tiểu bang của mình để đảm bảo tuân thủ Tiêu đề VI và các luật dân quyền liên quan.”
Theo MOU, AOC sẽ cung cấp miễn phí các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ bằng lời nói cũng như bằng văn bản trong tất cả các thủ tục tố tụng dân sự và hình sự cũng như hoạt động của tòa án cho những cá nhân có LEP, sẽ xây dựng kế hoạch tiếp cận ngôn ngữ trên toàn tiểu bang và sẽ bổ sung bản dịch các tài liệu quan trọng. AOC cũng sẽ cải thiện hệ thống quản lý hồ sơ của mình để theo dõi nhu cầu ngôn ngữ tốt hơn, phát triển quy trình khiếu nại tiếp cận ngôn ngữ, tạo và phân phối thông báo dịch vụ thông dịch viên đã được dịch cho các tòa án, đồng thời tạo và phát hành video hướng dẫn thông dịch viên từ xa cho nhân viên tòa án.
Vấn đề này được các luật sư của Phòng Dân quyền và Văn phòng Luật sư Hoa Kỳ tại Quận Bắc Oklahoma cùng tiến hành. Thông tin bổ sung về Phòng Dân Quyền có sẵn trên trang web của họ tại www.justice.gov/crt, và thông tin về trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế và Tiêu đề VI có tại www.lep.gov. Các thành viên công chúng có thể báo cáo những vi phạm quyền công dân có thể xảy ra tại trang mạng www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ hoặc với Văn phòng Luật sư Hoa Kỳ tại Quận Bắc Oklahoma tại trang mạng www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/contact-us.Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARIUS LAMONT MAYE, also known as “Pee Wee,” 49, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January and February 2019, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Maye, and in September 2019, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Maye. On October 3, 2019, a court-authorized search of Maye’s Bridgeport residence revealed two handguns, gun magazines, and ammunition.
Maye was arrested on October 16, 2020. On May 3, 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.
Maye’s criminal history includes seven prior drug-related convictions and a manslaughter conviction. In 2008, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 72 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release for a narcotics distribution offense.
Maye, who is released on $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 30.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck and Brendan J. Keefe.
Boxing Gym Owner Pleads Guilty to COVID Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynnfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fraudulently obtaining multiple Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans, including funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled for his boxing gym.
Daniel Olivar, 44, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2023. Olivar was arrested and charged in December 2022.
Olivar was the owner of Sonny’s Boxing and Fitness, Inc., a boxing club and fitness center in in Middleton. Since at least 2019, Olivar engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain CARES Act business loans, by filing false and fraudulent applications with the United States Small Business administration (SBA). This included an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA and a PPP loan. In addition, Olivar filed a claim for unemployment benefits with the State of Massachusetts, falsely claiming that he was laid off from Gold’s Gym. As a result, from January 2020 until at least May 2021, Olivar received unemployment benefits from the state of Massachusetts.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
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 Laura J. Kaplan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Billings man sentenced to prison for sexual abuse crimeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to sexually abusing a girl in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, between 2009 and 2010, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Travis Ridenour, aka Travis Lamere, 35, pleaded guilty in May to abusive sexual contact.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Jane Doe 1 disclosed that when she approximately 13 years old, in 2009, Ridenour sexually assaulted her as she was sleeping. Jane Doe 1 woke up, and Ridenour’s hand was underneath her underwear on her vaginal area.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Billings felon admits illegally possessing rifleRead the Press Release
BILLNGS — A Billings woman with a felony conviction admitted today to illegally possessing a rifle after fleeing law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Devin Miranda American Horse, 34, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. American Horse faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024 and ordered American Horse detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 5, while conducting routine night patrol, a Billings police officer saw four or five people sitting in a car outside of a residence. The officer approached the car to check out the situation. Before the officer made any contact, the driver got out and fled. The officer recognized the driver from a recent shift briefing and had had previous contact with the person. The officer chased but did not catch the driver. As he ran by the car, the officer recognized American Horse as the front seat passenger. The car fled the scene and was stopped a short time later. The only remaining occupant, who was the owner and now driver, told officers that American Horse had fled with a rifle. Police found American Horse hiding in some bushes and a rifle nearby. American Horse was arrested on a parole violation for a 2019 felony drug conviction in Yellowstone County. She was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Beehaz’áanii Bee Nahwiidiit’aají éí Halgai Hahozojí Aadahwiinít’ı̨́ bił haz’ą́ ą́ dóó Naaltsoos Bee Ahidiníłnáo Ak’i’diit’įį niiltsoozígíí éí Beehaz’áánii Hast’ą́ ą́ Na’alkaagi Bee K’ééhodoodǫǫłgi choodoo’įįłRead the Press Release
Jíídą́ą́ Beehaz’áanii Bee Nahwiidiit’aají bits’ą́ą́dóó ha’oozíí’Naaltsoos Bee Ahidiníłnáo Ak’i’diit’įįhígíí (Memorandum of Understanding, MOU) éí Halgai Hahozojí Aadahwiinít’ı̨́, Aadahwiinít’ı̨́įgi Naanish Bik’ił Adéestįį’jí (Administrative Office of the Courts, AOC) bit’a’gi niiltsooz éí beego Dine’ Bilagáana bizaad t’áá bánantł’ahgo (Limited English Proficiency, LEP) dóó t’áábí bibeehaz’áanii bąąh siláhígíí hazhó’ó nidoolkah dóó Halgai Hahozojí aadahwiinít’ı̨́ bee bá’ahóót’i’ dooleeł.
Áánahwiit’aahjí da’íínísh éí bee niiltsooz díí Mayes Ałtsíísígo Hahoozo Aadahwinít’ı̨́ doo hééshı̨́ı̨́ Bilagáana bizaad t’áá bánintł’ahígíí doo t’áá’áníít’éejį bił na’azhnish da. Beehaz’áanii Bee Nahwiidiit’aajį’ hayiłwod Beehaz’áanii Hastąąh góne’ Beehaz’áanii T’ááhó Hąąh Siláhígíí 1964 (Civil Rights of 1964) (Title VI) éí ání doo éí beehaz’áada diné yits’ą́ą́dóó yigháłígíí, bikági ánoolin, dóó aláago áká’aná’awo’ choyoł’ı̨́įgo doo bik’ijį’ ni’t’oonish da. Áánahwiit’aahjí da’íínísh dę́ę́’ átsé díí Beehaz’áanii Hastąąh góne’ (Title VI) na’alkaah ne’ kóyiilaah AOC éiyá hayitáo lá bohónéezą́ogo Diné Bilagáana bizaad t’áá bánanitł’ahiígíí (LEP) adahwiinít’ı̨́ı̨́ góne’ bił na’anish dooleełgi yik’eh áyiilaahjį’. AOC hast’eyiilaaígíí éí at’a’halne’é Diné Bilagáana bizaad t’áá bánanitł’ah (LEP) bá hólǫ́ǫgo áyiilaah, saad bee yá’át’i’gi yik’idées’ı̨́ı̨́’ígíí ła’ naanish baadeet’ą́, dóó beehaz’áanii ályaah. Díí beehaz’áanii éí at’a’halne’é bich’į siláhígíí éí Diné Bilagáana bizaad t’áá bánanitł’aaígíí éí doo yik’éh needoolééłgóó áyiilaah. Áádóó ałdó’ nitsaahohozojí béeso ła’ básinilgo at’a’halne’é dóó saad neezo dooígíí bich’į silá biniyé.
“Diné t’áá Bilagáana bizaad binanitł’ahgo doo éí haiyit’áo doo bik’ijį’ doozo da dóó bá at’a’halne’dooígíí t’áádoo bantł’aaí adazosiní áko aadahwinít’ı̨́ góne’ at’ah binaanish íidooliił” ní Agha’diit’aahii At’isgo Dasidáhígíí bikéédóó danánásdáhígíí General Kristen Clarke díí Aadahwiinit’ı̨́ Da’íníísh T’ááho Beehaz’áanii Hąąh Siláhígíí Bee Há’ahóót’i’gi Bik’i’adéest’ı̨́ı̨́jí. “Díí bee ałha’deet’ánígíí éí binajį’ t’áá ałtsoh bila’ashdla’ii adahwinít’ı̨́ góne’ bá adahast’i’ dooleeł azhą́ Bilagáana bizaad bił nanitł’ah ndi dóó Halgai Hahozojí adahwiinít’ı̨́ choyooł’ı̨́įdoo.”
“Díí Nitsaahahozojí beehaz’áanii ályaaígíí dóó Naaltsoos Bee Ahidiníłnáo Ak’idiit’įįhígíí, Halgai Hahozojí éí aadahwiinít’ı̨́ t’áá’ałtsoh bá’ahót’i’go yideeshnish,” ní U.S. ji’ Agha’diit’aahii
Tsoh Clinton J. Johnson kojí bá Halgai Hahozo Náhokosjí bił Hahozo Da'ínííshjí (Northern District of Oklahoma). “Nihí éí nitsaago hahozojí bił nideelnishgo t’áá’ałtsoh bee Haz’áanii Hastą́ą́ dóó bíla’ashdła’ii ’óhóólnííh bąąh siláhígíí adahwiinít’ı̨́ yik’ehósin dooleeł biniyé.”
Naaltsoos Bee Ahidiníłnáo Ak’idiit’įįhígíí biyaadóó, AOC éí ha’oozíí’ dóó bee ak’e’ashchı̨́įgo áyiilaago saad bee háká at’oowoł díí adadahozistą́ǫ hahwiinít’ǫ́o dóó aadahwiint’ı̨́ góne’ báá’ílínígíí doo Diné Bilagáana bizaad bił nanitł’ahígíí doo yik’é ni t’oolééł da, nitsaahgo hahozojí saad bee háká at’oowołígíí bik’eh áhoolyaah, dóó naaltsoos bee ’éédahóziníí saad bik’it’iitįįhgo ádoolnííł. AOC éí bahwiinít’ínígíí binaaltsoos nidandeehígíí hazhó’ó bikéé’ adéest’ı̨́ı̨́go bá at’a’hane’ hólǫ́ǫgo íidoolííł, at’a’hane’ wókaad biniyé naaltsoos nehe’nííłígíí, adahwiinít’ı̨́įgi at’a’hane’ holǫ́ níigo hane’ íł’ı̨́į dooleeł, dóó naalkidí biyi’jı̨́’ adahwiinít’ı̨́įgi nidaalnishígíí hayit’áo ách’iił’įį.
Díí bahwiinít’ínígíí éí T’ááhó Beehaz’áanii Hą́ą́h Silá bił da’ííníshjí be’agha’diit’aahii danilínígíí dóó Halgai Hahozo Náhokosjí bił Hahozo Da’ínííshjí ahił nidaashnish. Náásgóó díí hane’ biniyé T’ááhó Beehaz’áanii Hą́ą́h Silá bił da’ííníshjí béésh nitsíkees biyi’jį www.justice.gov/crt dídíí’įįł, dóó Bilagáana bizaad bee hach’į’ anáhóót’i’go dóó Beehaz’áanii Hast’ą́ą́ si’áníí éí www.lep.gov gi daaszo. T’áá hééshı̨́ı̨́ óhólnííh hąąsiláhígíí bił asziigo éí www.civilrights.justice.gov/report biyi’jį’ baahoshdoolne’ doodai’ U.S. Agha’diit’aahii Tsoh Halgai Hahozo Náhokosjí bił Hahozo Da’ínííshjí jį’ www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/contact-us.
Armed Speedway Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Charles Marshall, 45, of Speedway, Indiana, has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on August 11, 2022, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants at Marshall’s Speedway apartment as a part of an investigation into his drug trafficking activities. In the home, agents located approximately 57.6 grams of fentanyl, a loaded .44 caliber revolver under the bed, a digital scale with drug residue in the bedroom closet, and a blender with drug residue under the kitchen sink. Agents also located 24.9 grams of fentanyl in the headliner of the Chevrolet Equinox Marshall drove just prior to execution of the warrants.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“Fentanyl dealers value their profits far more than the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must fight to save lives by investigating and prosecuting criminals who exploit the epidemic of substance use disorder to satisfy their own greed. Our office, the DEA, and IMPD are committed to holding fentanyl traffickers accountable for pushing deadly poison on our streets.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Marshall be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison and pay a $500 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corbin Houston and Patrick Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Anchorage Man Arrested for Recent Credit Union RobberiesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was arrested by the FBI yesterday on criminal charges related to recent alleged robberies of a local credit union.
According to court documents, Etuale Ioane, 20, allegedly stole more than $3,400 after robbing the Credit Union 1 branch on Debarr Road in July and August.
On July 17, around 1:15 p.m., Ioane allegedly entered the credit union and waited in line until being called forward by a teller. The defendant produced a handwritten note commanding the employee to give him money, and stated to hurry up because he had a gun and would shoot everyone inside. The defendant left the credit union with roughly $2,118.
On Aug. 28, around 2:42 p.m., Ioane allegedly entered the same credit union and presented a demand note that stated people within the building would be harmed if his demands were not met. The note said to not alert anyone, press any buttons or try to give him bait bills. The defendant fled with around $1,340.
The Anchorage Police Department received a tip on Aug. 30, stating the suspect was Ioane and he was in a van near a grocery store on East Northern Lights Boulevard. Local officers located and detained Ioane shortly after receiving the tip.
A search warrant was executed on Ioane’s residence and clothing consistent with those worn by the suspect in both July and August robberies were recovered.
Ioane is charged with four counts of credit union robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2113(a) and 2113(b). If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, is investigating the case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Schroeder is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Albany Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Mozone, age 36, of Albany was sentenced today to serve 41 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain a government loan meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and James Bensley, Resident Agent in Charge of United States Secret Service (USSS)’s Albany Resident Office.
As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Mozone admitted that he conspired to obtain a $124,800 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by falsely representing on a loan application that he owned a business when no such business existed. Mozone then spent the loan proceeds—which were supposed to be used for business purposes—on personal expenses, including nearly $10,000 in jewelry and a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Mozone is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $43,378.08 in restitution to the SBA.
This case was investigated by the USSS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Additional Defendant Indicted in Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy Involving 500+ Firearms Shipped from Georgia to California and Sold on the Black Market in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 13-count superseding indictment today against Michael Motley, 36, of Sacramento, charging him with conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearms without a license, unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Jerrell Lawson, 32, of Sacramento; Aisha Hoggatt, 30, of Sacramento; Terrence Phillips, 40, of Union City; James Gordley, 33, of Modesto; Malek Williams, 29, of Georgia; Andre Warren Jr., 24, of Sacramento; Jjuan Brown, 32, of San Francisco; Kenyatta Alexander, 37, of Sacramento; Jarren Meek, 24, of Stockton; and Keino Brue, 28, of Georgia, were all previously indicted for the firearms trafficking scheme where firearms were acquired in Georgia and shipped to California to sell on the black market.
According to court documents, between November 2019 and March 2022, Lawson and his co-conspirators brought more than 500 firearms from Georgia into California and sent more than $300,000 in money transfers to purchase those firearms. Lawson would broker firearms transactions in Georgia over the internet, and Williams, a Georgia resident with a license to carry a concealed firearm, would pick up firearms in person and mail the firearms to various locations in California at Lawson’s direction. Some of the firearms went to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Hoggatt worked with Lawson to coordinate the purchase, mailing, and distribution of the firearms. Phillips and Gordley also distributed the firearms in California.
Additional investigation revealed that Warren, Alexander, Brown, Meek, and Motley are members of Lawson’s firearms trafficking organization and sub-distributors of firearms. Bruce also conducted hand-to-hand firearms transactions and received over $23,000 in money transfers to purchase firearms for Lawson’s firearms trafficking organization. Warren, Alexander, Brown, Meek and Motley all discussed acquiring and selling firearms; Warren, Alexander, Brown, and Meek all discussed machine gun conversion devices with Lawson. On one occasion, Brown indicated to Lawson the individuals in Oakland who Brown was supplying firearms to were “scar[]y.” Lawson, Phillips, Gordley, Warren, Alexander and Motley are all prohibited from possessing firearms because they each have one or more prior felony convictions.
The investigation began when a firearm used in a shooting in Sacramento was traced to the last known sale by a federally licensed dealer in Georgia. A subsequent sale of the firearm led to Lawson’s firearms trafficking organization. Lawson and his co-conspirators used coded language to traffic firearms and moved money using a variety of financial institutions. During the investigation, interdicted packages destined for Lawson and other co-conspirators were found to contain firearms, ammunition, knives, and brass knuckles, among other things.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force Initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Klein and Ross Pearson are prosecuting the case.
The Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is one of five cross-jurisdictional strike forces launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2021 to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Each strike force is led by designated United States Attorneys, who collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. The strike forces use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes, and are an important part of the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy.
Williams pleaded guilty to unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license and faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for unlawful dealing in firearms. Charges are pending against the remaining defendants. If convicted, the defendants face the following maximum penalties: five years in prison on each count for conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearms, unlawful dealing in firearms and transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident, and two years in prison on each count for unlawful mailing of a firearm. Lawson, Alexander, and Motley face an additional maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the felon in possession of a firearm charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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 Homeless Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to RapeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A previously convicted sex offender who sexually assaulted a homeless woman taking shelter from the Father’s Day storm pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Dennis Ray Thompson, a homeless 64-year-old Choctaw Nation citizen from Tulsa, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse by force in Indian Country and failure to register as a sex offender.
“Thompson was caught in the act of sexually violating the victim where she was taking shelter from the Father’s Day storm,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Crimes among the homeless community are often harder to solve and prosecute because of the transient nature of both the accused and the victims; but our office, with help and dedication of our law enforcement partners, will continue to prosecute the offenders and seek justice for the victims.”
In the early morning hours of June 19, 2023, Tulsa Police Officers spotted Thompson on the sidewalk, completely naked, pinning down the victim. They noticed the victim was in distress and crying. The victim, who was homeless and legally blind, informed the officers she “didn’t want this,” and that she had not consented. Thompson claimed he knew Bannon “from the streets,” but could not tell the officers her name.
In his plea, Thompson admitted to striking the victim in the face, pinning her to the ground and sexually assaulting her. He further admitted that he knew he was required to register as a sex offender and that he had failed to do so.
Thompson faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of not more than $250.000. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Thompson has been and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentencing.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case.
19-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to 16 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Dulce Maria Haros, 19, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 16 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Haros pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on March 7, 2023.
On October 1, 2022, Haros was traveling on a shuttle that stopped at a United States Border Patrol checkpoint. During a routine inspection, agents discovered a handbag containing three packages of fentanyl pills totaling three kilograms in weight. Haros admitted the handbag was hers, and that she intended to deliver the fentanyl to another person.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-02343-TUC-RM (BGM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-127_Haros# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.(Title VI) إبرام وزارة العدل مذكرة تفاھم مع محاكم أوكلاھوما لتسویة أحد التحقیقات بموجب الباب السادسRead the Press Release
ھذا اﻟﺑﯾﺎن اﻟﺻﺣﻔﻲ إﻟﻰ ﻟﻐﺎت ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ. وإﻟﯾﻛم اﻟﺗرﺟﻣﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ. ﻣﻠﺣوظﺔ: ﺗُرﺟم
واﺷﻨﻄﻦ - أﻋﻠﻨﺖ وزارة اﻟﻌﺪل اﻟﯿﻮم ﻋﻦ إﺑﺮام ﻣﺬﻛﺮة ﺗﻔﺎھﻢ MOU) Understanding, of (Memorandum ﻣﻊ اﻟﻤﻜﺘﺐ اﻹداري AOC) Courts, the of Office (Administrative ﻟﻠﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ اﻟﻌﻠﯿﺎ ﻓﻲ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ ﻟﺘﺴﻮﯾﺔ أﺣﺪ اﻟﺘﺤﻘﯿﻘﺎت اﻟﻤﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ
ﺑﺎﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ وﺗﺤﺴﯿﻦ ﺗﻮﻓﯿﺮ اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻟﻤﺤﺪودي إﺟﺎدة اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ
LEP) Proficiency, English (Limited ﻓﻲ ﻣﺤﺎﻛﻢ وﻻﯾﺔ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ.
ﺗﻠﻘﺖ اﻟﻮزارة ﺷﻜﻮى ﺗﺰﻋﻢ ﻓﺸﻞ ﻣﺤﻜﻤﺔ ﻣﻘﺎطﻌﺔ ﻣﺎﯾﺰ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻮﻓﯿﺮ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت ﻟﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻣﺠﺪﯾﺔ ﻟﺸﺨﺺ ﯾﻨﺘﻤﻲ إﻟﻰ LEP ﻓﻲ ﻗﻀﯿﺘﮫ اﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ ﺑﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ اﻷﺳﺮة. ﺑﺪأت وزارة اﻟﻌﺪل ﻓﻲ إﺟﺮاء ﺗﺤﻘﯿﻖ ﺑﻤﻮﺟﺐ اﻟﺒﺎب اﻟﺴﺎدس ﻣﻦ ﻗﺎﻧﻮن اﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ ﻟﻌﺎم 1964 1964) of Act Rights (Civil )اﻟﺒﺎب اﻟﺴﺎدس( اﻟﺬي ﯾﺤﻈﺮ اﻟﺘﻤﯿﯿﺰ ﺑﯿﻦ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻔﯿﺪﯾﻦ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪات اﻟﻤﺎﻟﯿﺔ اﻟﻔﯿﺪراﻟﯿﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ أﺳﺎس اﻟﻌﺮق أو اﻟﻠﻮن أو اﻷﺻﻞ اﻟﻘﻮﻣﻲ. أوﻗﻔﺖ وزارة اﻟﻌﺪل اﻟﺘﺤﻘﯿﻖ ﻣﺆﻗﺘًﺎ ﺑﻌﺪ ذﻟﻚ ﻧﺘﯿﺠﺔ ﻟﻠﺨﻄﻮات اﻹﯾﺠﺎﺑﯿﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ اﺗﺨﺬھﺎ ﻣﻜﺘﺐ AOC ﻣﻦ أﺟﻞ ﺗﻮﻓﯿﺮ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت ﻟﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻣﺠﺪﯾﺔ ﻟﺠﻤﯿﻊ ﻋﻤﻼء اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ ﻣﻤﻦ ﯾﻨﺘﻤﻮن إﻟﻰ .LEP اﺗﺨﺬ ﻣﻜﺘﺐ AOC إﺟﺮاءات أﺧﺮى ﻣﻦ ﺑﯿﻨﮭﺎ ﺗﻘﺪﯾﻢ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ ﻣﺠﺎﻧًﺎ إﻟﻰ ﺷﺨﺺ ﯾﻨﺘﻤﻲ إﻟﻰ LEP وﻣﺬﻛﻮر اﺳﻤﮫ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺸﻜﻮى، وﺗﻌﯿﯿﻦ ﻣﻨﺴﻖ ﻟﺘﻮﻓﯿﺮ اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ، وإﺻﺪار ﺗﺸﺮﯾﻊ أﺻﺒﺢ ﺑﻌﺪ ذﻟﻚ أﺣﺪ ﻗﻮاﻧﯿﻦ اﻟﻮﻻﯾﺔ. وﺑﻤﻮﺟﺐ ھﺬا اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن، ﯾُﻌﻔﻰ LEP ﻣﻦ رﺳﻮم اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ. ﻛﻤﺎ أﺟﺎز اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن إﻧﺸﺎء ﺻﻨﺪوق ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى اﻟﻮﻻﯾﺔ ﻟﺪﻋﻢ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﺘﺤﺮﯾﺮﯾﺔ واﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ ﻟﻠﻐﺎت
اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ.
ﺻ ﱠﺮﺣﺖ ﻛﺮﯾﺴﺘﯿﻦ ﻛﻼرك، ﻣﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻨﺎﺋﺐ اﻟﻌﺎم ﻟﺪاﺋﺮة اﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ ﻓﻲ وزارة اﻟﻌﺪل ﻗﺎﺋﻠﺔً: "ﯾﻨﺒﻐﻲ ﻋﺪم ﻣﻌﺎﻗﺒﺔ اﻷﺷﺨﺎص ﻋﻠﻰ إﺟﺎدﺗﮭﻢ اﻟﻤﺤﺪودة ﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ، وﯾﺠﺐ أﻻ ﯾﻮاﺟﮭﻮا ﺻﻌﻮﺑﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺤﺼﻮل ﻋﻠﻰ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ ﯾﺤﺘﺎﺟﻮن
إﻟﯿﮭﺎ ﻟﻠﻤﺸﺎرﻛﺔ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ ﻋﺎدل ﻓﻲ ﺟﻠﺴﺎت اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ وإﺟﺮاءاﺗﮭﺎ." وأﺿﺎﻓﺖ أﯾ ًﻀﺎ "ﺗﻤﺜﻞ ھﺬه اﻻﺗﻔﺎﻗﯿﺔ ﻧﻤﻮذﺟﺎ ﯾﺠﺐ اﻻﺣﺘﺬاء ﺑﮫ
ﻟﻀﻤﺎن ﺗﻮﻓﯿﺮ اﻟﻤﺤﺎﻛﻢ ﻟﻠﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻟﺠﻤﯿﻊ اﻷﺷﺨﺎص ﺑﻐﺾ اﻟﻨﻈﺮ ﻋﻦ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى إﺟﺎدﺗﮭﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ، ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺤﺪد
اﻹﺟﺮاءات اﻟﻼزﻣﺔ ﻹزاﻟﺔ اﻟﺤﻮاﺟﺰ أﻣﺎم ﻋﻤﻼء اﻟﻤﺤﺎﻛﻢ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺤﺪودي إﺟﺎدة اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ ﻓﻲ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ."
ﻗﺎل ﻛﻠﯿﻨﺘﻮن ﺟﯿﮫ ﺟﻮﻧﺴﻮن، اﻟﻨﺎﺋﺐ اﻟﻌﺎم ﻟﻠﻮﻻﯾﺎت اﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪة ﻟﻠﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺸﻤﺎﻟﯿﺔ ﻣﻦ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ Oklahoma) of District :(Northern "أظﮭﺮت أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ اﻟﺘﺰاﻣﮭﺎ ﺑﺘﺤﺴﯿﻦ ﺗﺤﻘﯿﻖ اﻟﻌﺪاﻟﺔ ﻓﻲ وﻻﯾﺘﻨﺎ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ﺗﺸﺮﯾﻊ ﻗﺎﻧﻮن اﻟﻮﻻﯾﺔ اﻟﺠﺪﯾﺪ وإﺑﺮام ﻣﺬﻛﺮة MOU ھﺬه." وأﺿﺎف ﻗﺎﺋﻼً: "ﻧﻠﺘﺰم ﺑﺎﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﻣﻊ ﻣﺤﺎﻛﻢ وﻻﯾﺘﻨﺎ ﻟﻀﻤﺎن اﻻﻣﺘﺜﺎل ﻟﻤﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎت
اﻟﺒﺎب اﻟﺴﺎدس وﻗﻮاﻧﯿﻦ اﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ ذات اﻟﺼﻠﺔ."
ﺳﯿﻮﻓﺮ ﻣﻜﺘﺐ AOC، ﺑﻤﻮﺟﺐ ﻣﺬﻛﺮة MOU ھﺬه، ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ اﻟﺸﻔﮭﯿﺔ واﻟﺘﺤﺮﯾﺮﯾﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻤﯿﻊ ﺟﻠﺴﺎت اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ وإﺟﺮاءاﺗﮭﺎ اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ واﻟﺠﻨﺎﺋﯿﺔ ﻣﺠﺎﻧًﺎ ﻟـ LEP، وﺳﯿﻀﻊ ﺧﻄﺔ ﻟﺘﻮﻓﯿﺮ اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺴﺘﻮى اﻟﻮﻻﯾﺔ، وﺳﯿﻀﯿﻒ ﺗﺮﺟﻤﺎت ﻟﻠﻮﺛﺎﺋﻖ ﺑﺎﻟﻐﺔ اﻷھﻤﯿﺔ. ﺳﯿﺤﺴﻦ ﻣﻜﺘﺐ AOC أﯾ ًﻀﺎ ﻧﻈﺎم إدارة اﻟﻘﻀﺎﯾﺎ اﻟﺨﺎص ﺑﮫ ﻟﺘﺘﺒﻊ اﻻﺣﺘﯿﺎﺟﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ أﻓﻀﻞ، وإﻋﺪاد
إﺟﺮاءات ﺗﻘﺪﯾﻢ اﻟﺸﻜﺎوى ﺑﺸﺄن ﺗﻮﻓﯿﺮ اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ، وﺻﯿﺎﻏﺔ إﺷﻌﺎر ﻣﺘﺮﺟﻢ ﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﺤﺎﻛﻢ وﺗﻮزﯾﻌﮫ،
وإﻧﺸﺎء دﻟﯿﻞ وإﺻﺪاره ﻟﻤﻮظﻔﻲ اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﺔ ﯾﺨﺺ اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻔﯿﺪﯾﻮ ﻋﻦ ﺑُﻌﺪ.
ﺗﻌﺎون ﻧ ﱠﻮاب ﻣﻦ داﺋﺮة اﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ وﻣﻜﺘﺐ اﻟﻨﺎﺋﺐ اﻟﻌﺎم ﻟﻠﻮﻻﯾﺎت اﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪة ﻟﻠﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺸﻤﺎﻟﯿﺔ ﻣﻦ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ ﻟﺒﺤﺚ ھﺬه اﻟﻤﺴﺄﻟﺔ. ﺗﺘﻮﻓﺮ ﻣﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت إﺿﺎﻓﯿﺔ ﻋﻦ "داﺋﺮة اﻟﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ" ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻮﻗﻌﮭﺎ اﻹﻟﻜﺘﺮوﻧﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ ھﺬا اﻟﺮاﺑﻂ www.justice.gov/crt، ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺘﻮﻓﺮ ﻣﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت ﻋﻦ ﻣﺤﺪودي إﺟﺎدة اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ واﻟﺒﺎب اﻟﺴﺎدس ﻣﻦ اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن ﻋﻠﻰ .www.lep.gov ﯾﻤﻜﻦ ﻟﻠﻌﺎﻣﺔ اﻹﺑﻼغ ﻋﻦ أي اﻧﺘﮭﺎﻛﺎت ﻣﺤﺘﻤﻠﺔ ﻟﻠﺤﻘﻮق اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻤﻮﻗﻊ: www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ أو ﻋﻦ طﺮﯾﻖ اﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻞ ﻣﻊ
ﻣﻜﺘﺐ اﻟﻨﺎﺋﺐ اﻟﻌﺎم ﻟﻠﻮﻻﯾﺎت اﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪة ﻟﻠﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺸﻤﺎﻟﯿﺔ ﻣﻦ أوﻛﻼھﻮﻣﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ .www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/contact-us
Wednesday 30 August 2023
Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 125 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Derr, age 40, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 29, 2023, to 125 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for a drug trafficking offense.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Derr previously pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On July 29, 2021, in Luzerne County, Derr distributed over 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and was during the course of the scheme was responsible for the distribution of between 200 grams and 350 grams of methamphetamine. Derr also possessed a 20-gauge sawed-off shotgun.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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West Virginia man ordered detained following federal indictmentRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Follansbee, West Virginia, man has been ordered detained following his indictment on charges related to a federal hate crimes trial in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Hardy Carroll Lloyd, age 45, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone this morning for an arraignment and detention hearing. Judge Mazzone heard testimony about Lloyd’s alleged criminal conduct, which included online threats about the federal hate crimes trial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, of Robert Bowers, the Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooter.
Lloyd was indicted yesterday on charges of obstruction of the due administration of justice, transmitting threats in interstate and foreign commerce, and witness tampering. According to court documents, Lloyd, a self-proclaimed “reverend” of a white supremacy movement, made threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails towards the jury and witnesses during the trial. Lloyd also placed or had others place stickers in predominantly Jewish areas of Pittsburgh, directing people to the website containing his threats and antisemitic messages.
Lloyd’s trial is scheduled for October 31, 2023, before U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Lloyd, who was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, faces up to 10 years in prison for the obstruction charge, up to five years for the threats charge, and up to 20 in prison for the tampering charge. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph Bernard and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Washington Man Receives Monumental Sentence in Indian Arts and Crafts Act CaseRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Washington state man was sentenced Monday for selling Philippine produced products as authentic Alaska Native produced artwork, violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
According to court documents, Cristobal “Cris” Magno Rodrigo, 59, was sentenced to two years in federal prison. He is also required to make a $60,000 donation to the Tlingit and Haida Central Counsel Vocational Program, write a letter of apology to be published in the Ketchikan Daily Newspaper and serve three years’ supervised release. According to the Indian Art and Crafts Board, this is the longest sentence a defendant has received for any Indian Arts and Crafts violation in the U.S. – 18 months longer than any other sentence.
From April 2016 to December 2021, while residing in Washington state, Rodrigo and his family owned and operated Alaska Stone Arts LLC. and Rail Creek LLC. in Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska Stone Arts LLC. primarily sold stone carvings, and Rail Creek LLC. primarily sold wooden totem poles. The carvings and totem poles were sourced from Rodrigo Creative Crafts, a company owned by his wife and located in the Philippines.
The Philippine business was created for the sole purpose of producing carvings featuring Alaska Native designs and motifs using Philippine labor. The carvings were shipped to the U.S. and then to the family’s stores in Ketchikan where they were later sold as authentic Alaska Native art.
Rodrigo also hired Alaska Natives at both Ketchikan stores to represent and sell Philippine produced artwork as their own authentic Alaska Native artwork. The workers told customers they were all related family working in the store and the art was all produced from locally sourced materials and made by Alaska Natives.
Prior to the conspiracy, Rodrigo worked in Alaska at different stores and shops producing stone carvings that were sold in the tourist trade for over 20 years. He taught the styles of Alaska Native stone art and wood totem poles to the Philippine based company.
In 2019 and for part of 2021, the family and their Alaska-based company employees sold over $1 million worth of Philippine made carvings presented as Alaska Native artwork.
Co-conspirators in this case include Glenda Tiglao Rodrigo, 46, and Christian Ryan Tiglao Rodrigo, 24. Their cases are ongoing.
“The actions the defendant took to purposefully deceive customers and forge artwork is a cultural affront to Alaska Native artisans who pride themselves on producing these historical works of art, and negatively affects those who make a living practicing the craft,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Mr. Rodrigo’s monumental sentence is a testament to the federal government’s dedication to prosecuting Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations, and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to protect Alaska Native cultural heritage and unwitting customers, and hold perpetrators accountable who carry out this type of fraud.”
“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Act is intended to rid the Alaska Native and Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes and counterfeits, in order to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Alaska Native and Indian artists and craftspeople and their Tribes and villages, as well as the buying public. Authentic Alaska Native art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next. Fakes and counterfeits, such as those marketed for huge sums of money by the Rodrigos, tear at the very fabric of Alaska Native culture, Native livelihoods, and Native communities. Mr. Rodrigo’s sentencing should send a strong message to those who prey upon authentic Alaska Native artists and vulnerable consumers that this destructive conduct will not be tolerated, and Act violators will be held accountable.”
“The Rodrigos sold imported products as Alaska Native made in their Ketchikan, Alaska store,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “This deceptive business practice cheated customers and undermined the economic livelihood of Alaska Native artists. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a dedicated team of special agents that work on violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. This sentence was the result of the strong collaboration between our special agents, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The Department of Interior – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Office of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Customs and Boarder Protections, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
If you suspect potential Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations are being committed, a complaint may be submitted through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s online complaint form, www.doi.gov/iacb/should-i-report-potential-violation, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 888-278-3253.
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Veterans Charity CEO and Attorney Charged with $1.9M Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A father and daughter have been charged with devising a scheme to misuse CARES Act funds, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
An information filed yesterday in United States District Court charges Kenneth L. Phillips, 62, of Birmingham, and Danielle A. Phillips, 30, of Birmingham, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the information, Kenneth Phillips, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, was the founder and CEO of Priority Soldier, Inc. (PSI). His daughter, attorney Danielle Phillips, held various roles with PSI including Chief Operating Officer and in-house legal counsel. PSI's stated mission is to strengthen military families by advocating, educating, and addressing critical issues affecting veterans and their families.
The information alleges that in November 2020, the defendants submitted a fraudulent proposal to the State of Alabama requesting COVID-19 grant funding to operate an online program to assist veterans dealing with PTSD in coping with the then-ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants received approximately $1.9 million dollars in funding, but rather than use the funds for their intended purpose, began transferring funds to their personal bank accounts. After paying themselves a combined salary of more than $400,000 during the one month the program operated, the defendants in January 2021 represented to the Alabama Department of Finance that PSI had spent all but $54,617.04, which they returned. In reality, more than $1.4 million remined in the PSI bank account, which the defendants used to purchase personal items such as luxury sports cars, watches, and diamond jewelry for their own personal benefit.
In conjunction with the charge, the government also filed a plea agreement with both Kenneth and Danielle Phillips. Both must appear before a judge to enter a guilty plea.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy is five years in prison.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage is prosecuting the case.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and HHS Secure Agreement with New Jersey Home Healthcare Provider to Resolve HIV DiscriminationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR) have secured a settlement agreement to resolve allegations that a home healthcare provider discriminated against a person with HIV.
Comfort Hands Home Healthcare LLC (Comfort Hands) of Marlton, New Jersey, a home healthcare provider, has agreed to resolve allegations that it discriminated against a person with HIV in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This settlement follows the government’s investigation in which it found that Comfort Hands unlawfully denied home healthcare services to a potential client based on her HIV status.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“People with HIV should not face discrimination, especially from healthcare providers. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits providers from denying services based on an individual’s HIV status. Today’s agreement will ensure that this home healthcare provider lives up to that obligation going forward. This office remains committed to ensuring that individuals with HIV and other disabilities are protected from unlawful discrimination.”
“People with HIV should not face discrimination, especially from healthcare providers.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits providers from denying services based on an individual’s HIV status. Today’s agreement will ensure that this home healthcare providers lives up to that obligation going forward. This office remains committed to ensuring that individuals with HIV and other disabilities are protected from unlawful discrimination.”
“The HHS Office for Civil Rights has a long history of taking enforcement actions to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including those with HIV,” OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer said. “Today’s important settlement tangibly contributes to our efforts to ensure nondiscrimination in HHS-funded services. It also advances our newly reinvigorated Olmstead Initiative by removing discriminatory barriers to ensure individuals with disabilities can be served in their own homes and communities.”
Under the settlement agreement, Comfort Hands will implement a non-discrimination policy to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including those with HIV or who are perceived to have HIV, are afforded full and equal opportunities to its benefits and services. Comfort Hands will also provide mandatory non-discrimination training to its employees and pay damages to the individual who experienced this act of discrimination.
The ADA prohibits places of public accommodation, such as Comfort Hands, from discriminating against people with, or perceived to have, disabilities, including HIV. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from HHS, while Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act does the same with respect to certain health programs and activities.
Last year, U.S. Attorney Sellinger created a Civil Rights Division with the sole focus of enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, with the goal of protecting and upholding the civil rights of those in our community. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint.
For more information on the ADA and HIV discrimination, visit www.ada.gov/aids. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). For more information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and how it protects individuals with disabilities, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html. For more information on the nondiscrimination provisions in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html. For more information about OCR’s Olmstead activities, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/community-living-and-olmstead/index.html. You may file a complaint with OCR at: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Millenky and Emily B. Goldberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division and Jaimenys Taveras, Investigator, Eric Brown, SEOS, Frank Musumici, SEOS, Linda C. Colon, Regional Manager and Fernando Morales, Regional Civil Rights Attorney HHS OCR, Attorney Advisors, Marie Soueid and Chayhann Mars, Office of the General Counsel Civil Rights Division.
comforthands.settlement.pdfTwo persons admit intimidation charges after attempted theft from Fort Belknap Indian Reservation storeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man and a woman who had been excluded from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted charges yesterday after they were accused of stealing from a store and assaulting a store employee, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Dustin Alan Robbins, 38, and Nicole Lynn Hicks, 37, both transients, pleaded guilty to intimidation. The defendants face a maximum of 10 years in prison a $50,000 fine and three 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. The court set sentencing for Jan. 24, 2024 and ordered Robbins and Hicks detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 1, 2021, Hicks and Robbins, who are non-Indian, entered the Red Paint Creek Trading Post in Lodge Pole, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. At the time, both were excluded from the reservation by the Fort Belknap community for an incident that occurred near Hays in September 2021. Hicks took a 30-pack of beer without paying and left the store. After realizing Hicks had not paid for the beer, a store employee, who is an Indian person, followed Hicks outside. Hicks put the beer on the ground as she was going through a fence. The store employee went to retrieve the beer and picked it up.
The government further alleged that Robbins ran toward the employee, assaulted her and threatened to burn down the store. After learning of the theft, the store manager, also an Indian person, went outside and saw Robbins assaulting the store employee. The store manager yelled that she had called the police and picked up a large rock to defend the employee. Robbins stopped the assault and ran away with Hicks. As they were leaving, Hicks kept screaming and Robbins yelled threats, including that he was with the mafia and was going to burn down the store. Tribal police located Robbins and Hicks at a home on the reservation, despite their prior exclusion, and removed them from the reservation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
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Two Individuals Admit Conspiring with Convicted Ponzi Schemer and Others to Defraud Investors of Tens of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Two individuals today admitted conspiring with a twice-convicted fraudster to defraud investors of more than $35 million, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Christopher Anderson, 47, of Flemington, New Jersey, and Richard Curry, 36, of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to informations charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Anderson and Curry admitted conspiring with others, including Eliyahu “Eli” Weinstein, whose 24-year federal prison sentence was commuted after being twice convicted of defrauding investors of a total of $230 million.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“These two defendants admitted scheming with Eli Weinstein and others to rip off investors to the tune of millions of dollars. They admitted that this scheme used phony identities and false promises of access to deals involving scarce medical supplies, baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly destined for wartime Ukraine to defraud their victims. They will now face justice for their crimes, and we will continue to pursue the other alleged conspirators.”
“Anderson and Curry are admitting they took part in a scheme that created millions of dollars in loss for the victims,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Although it's not easily understood, scams like this impact people's lives in a very real way. We're asking anyone who believes they are a victim or know of an investment that doesn't pass the smell test, to reach out to us at the Newark FBI. We will do all we can to hold those fraudsters accountable and protect the next potential victim.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Weinstein, Aryeh “Ari” Bromberg, Joel Wittels, Shlomo Erez, and Alaa Hattab were previously charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice based on allegations arising from the same scheme in which Anderson and Curry pleaded guilty today. That complaint remains pending.
Anderson and Curry admitted, among other things, to conspiring with each other, Weinstein, Bromberg, Wittels, Hattab and Erez to make materially false and misleading statements and omissions to investors and potential investors. These statements included actively concealing Weinstein’s identity, history of fraud and role in purported investments, and falsely claiming that investors funds would be used to invest in lucrative deals.
Weinstein was convicted two times in New Jersey federal court for defrauding investors. His first case involved a real estate Ponzi scheme, and his second case stemmed from additional fraud Weinstein committed while on pretrial release. For these crimes, which resulted in combined losses to investors of approximately $230 million, Weinstein was sentenced to serve 24 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 19, 2021, after Weinstein had served less than eight years in prison, the President of the United States at that time commuted Weinstein’s term to time served, leaving intact the rest of his sentence.
Conspiracy to commit securities fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Sentencing for Anderson is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024, and for Curry, Jan. 18, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges in this case. He also expressed appreciation for the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the direction of Antonia Apps, Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer and Emma Spiro of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations against Weinstein, Bromberg, Wittels, Erez, and Hattab, are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
curry.information.pdf anderson.information.pdfTwo Charlotte Businessmen Are Sentenced to Prison for Selling Fraudulently Obtained New iPhones OverseasRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Hamzeh Jamal Alasfar, 31, and Tayseer Issam Alkhayyat, 35, both of Charlotte, were each sentenced today to 46 months in prison for a multi-year scheme to buy, sell, and ship fraudulently obtained and stolen new Apple iPhones to domestic and international buyers, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The defendants were also ordered to serve three years under court supervision after they are released from prison.
Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, from 2013 through 2020, Alasfar and Alkhayyat engaged in a scheme to purchase fraudulently obtained and stolen new Apple iPhones and other electronic devices, which they then sold and shipped to buyers located in other states and foreign countries, including dozens of packages to the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.
Alasfar and Alkhayyat operated multiple businesses located in Charlotte, including Cellport International Inc. (Cellport) and D Town Wireless (D Town), which the defendants used to carry out the scheme. The defendants and their employees at D Town and Cellport purchased new iPhones, which were often still sealed in the box, at prices significantly below retail value from individuals who obtained the devices through fraud and theft. Between January 2019 and January 2020, Alasfar and Alkhayyat sold and shipped through Cellport more than 20,000 new iPhones for more than $20 million, many of which were fraudulently obtained.
On March 2, 2023, the defendants pleaded guilty to interstate and foreign transportation of stolen property. They will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving their prison terms upon designation of a federal facility.
This case was the result of the investigative efforts of CMPD and the Secret Service, which have established a fully integrated partnership to combat organized criminal groups operating in Charlotte. Through this partnership, this unit has successfully leveraged local and federal resources, personnel, expertise and authorities to identify and combat the criminals and criminal organizations that have the largest negative impact on the community.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William T. Bozin and Michael E. Savage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Three Residents of Panama Indicted on Charges of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Three residents of Panama have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The charges stem from the Department of Justice’s wide-ranging efforts to protect older adults from fraud and financial exploitation.
Stefano Zanetti, a 41-year-old citizen of Canada; Samuel David Ferrer Avila, a 22-year-old citizen of Venezuela; and Cesar Javier Chourio Morante, a 27-year-old citizen of Venezuela and Colombia, were named as defendants in separate two-count Indictments.
“Our office is committed to protecting elderly and other vulnerable victims from fraud schemes targeting residents of Western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This case demonstrates that we will use all available tools to identify and hold accountable those who steal from seniors, and we will work with our domestic and international partners to seek justice even when the evidence leads to perpetrators operating outside the United States. We encourage people to make use of the Department of Justice’s online resources to learn about these common fraud schemes and avoid falling prey to them.”
“International financial fraud investigations are at the core of HSI’s mission. As such, we take great pride in protecting our seniors who are among our most vulnerable and valuable citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “HSI will utilize every resource, both here and abroad, to ensure that the American public is kept safe from those that hide in foreign countries while attempting to defraud our citizens.”
As alleged in the Indictments, the defendants orchestrated and executed a sophisticated nationwide scheme to defraud that targeted the elderly and caused losses exceeding $1,500,000 to victims in Pittsburgh and other locations across the United States, including Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, New York, and Tennessee. As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy contacted victims and falsely claimed that a family member of the victim, usually a grandchild, had been detained in connection with a legal proceeding and needed money for bail. The victims were directed to withdraw cash and provide it to a “courier” who would visit them at their homes. In reality, the victims’ family members had not been detained, and the “courier” was actually a member of the conspiracy. From their location abroad in Panama, the defendants allegedly directed groups of “couriers,” who were tasked with picking up the victims’ money, and “safehouses,” who were tasked with collecting proceeds of the fraud and transferring it to others, including the defendants.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments in this case. They were assisted in the investigation by other domestic and international agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and National Police of Panama, Sensitive Investigation Unit.
The Indictments in this case were returned on December 6, 2022 and unsealed on August 21, 2023, following the arrests in Panama of Zanetti and Ferrer Avila on August 2, 2023, and of Chourio Morante on August 11, 2023. On August 30, 2023, all three defendants appeared in federal court in Pittsburgh, after having been extradited and transported from Panama by the Drug Enforcement Administration Airwing. The extradition of the defendants was the culmination of extraordinary cooperation among the primary investigating agencies, with valuable assistance from Panamanian authorities.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, 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 defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Las Vegas Street Gang Members Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Three members of the Las Vegas based street gang Money Makin’ Moves have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, and other related drug and gun offenses.
According to court documents, Giovani Barboza (21), Jordan Villalobos (24), and Francisco Ramirez-Sorto (21), all of Las Vegas, conspired to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. On September 15, 2021, Barboza and Villalobos sold approximately 3,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl; and on September 29, 2021, Barboza and Villalobos sold 2,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Ramirez-Sorto sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to customers he was directed to by Barboza and Villalobos.
On October 15, 2021, during the execution of a search warrant at the residence shared by Barboza, Villalobos, and Ramirez-Sorto, law enforcement seized nine firearms, over 200 rounds of various ammunition, clear plastic bags containing various counterfeit pills, and thousands of pills containing fentanyl. One of the firearms was modified with a machine gun conversion device.
Barboza, Villalobos, and Ramirez-Sorto each pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance-Fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Barboza and Villalobos were each sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 28, 2023. Ramirez-Sorto was sentenced to 60 months in prison on August 14, 2023.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Las Vegas Division Office (DEA), and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by DEA and ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
DEA has launched the public awareness campaign, One Pill Can Kill, to educate the public on dangers of counterfeit pills and how to keep Americans safe. For more information, visit www.dea.gov/onepill.
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Three Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, and Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit announced the results of three separate drug trafficking cases in Southern Idaho today involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and fluorofentanyl. Fluorofentanyl is an analogue of fentanyl.
“These cases show the unwavering commitment of my office and our law enforcement partners to remove drug traffickers from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “In each of these cases, the defendant possessed firearms, which exacerbates the danger to the public of illicit drug distribution. There should be no confusion on the streets: drug trafficking and unlawfully possessing firearms means a long stay in federal prison.”
On August 29, 2023, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Joseph Castro, 38, of Seattle, Washington, to 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. According to court records, in September 2022, Boise Police arrested Castro in connection with a narcotics investigation. While searching his backpack after arrest, officers located 2.8 pounds of fentanyl in powder and pill form, four firearms, one of which was stolen, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Castro pleaded guilty to the charge on June 5, 2023. Castro has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for burglary, domestic violence, battery, felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.
Photo of fentanyl and firearms seized in Castro case showing “LV” and “300” imprinted on the brick of fentanyl powder.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Boise Police Department, Boise Area Narcotics Drugs Interdiction Taskforce, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the charge in the Castro case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blackadar prosecuted this case.
In a separate case, Koty Dillon Cooley, 32, of Boise, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford to nine years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Cooley’s sentence was enhanced because he possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense.
According to court records, Cooley was pulled over for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, officers obtained probable cause to search the vehicle for controlled substances. During the search, they found over 400 grams of methamphetamine, over 140 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, a revolver, two loaded shotgun magazines, a loaded Glock magazine, a plastic container with 67 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and approximately $3,612 in illicit drug proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigations by the Idaho State Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the charges in the Cooley case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
In another case, Angelica Campos, 36, of Nampa, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fluorofentanyl.
According to court records, on October 18, 2022, U.S. Probation was attempting to serve a warrant. Officers contacted Campos outside of her residence. During a search of her purse, officers found 103 fluorofentanyl pills, 3.1 grams of methamphetamine, $885 in cash, and 35 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills. Officers also searched her vehicle and found a loaded .22 long rifle mini revolver, 48 rounds of .22 ammunition, a ledger with drug sales and prices, and drug paraphernalia.
Photo of evidence seized in the Campos case.
At the time she committed this offense, Campos was on supervised release with U.S. Probation because she was previously convicted in federal court for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Campos to 30 months in prison for violating her supervised release. That sentence was ordered concurrently to the 60-month sentence for the new drug crime. Judge Winmill also ordered Campos to serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Campos pleaded guilty to the charge on May 30, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of U.S. Probation and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charge in the Campos case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this case.
The Campos case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.
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Third “Project Python” man sent to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 50-year-old resident of Guanajuato, Mexico, has been ordered to prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jose Domingo Ibarra Martinez pleaded guilty April 26, 2021.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered him to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard about Martinez duties within the organization including his role in coordinating the transport of drugs with other truck drivers.
From August 2015 until March 2018, Martinez and others were engaged in the importation of large quantities of meth into the United States via the ports of entries in Laredo. The drug loads were further distributed throughout the United States.
Martinez admitted to smuggling various drug-laden items into the country, including over 150 vehicle batteries during the course of the conspiracy. The investigation revealed the batteries originated from Michoacán, Mexico with an average load of 7.5 kilos of meth.
Martinez admitted the organization had imported more than 1,000 drug-laden items.
Two others were previously sentenced - David Almanza, 43, and Eduardo Coronel-Cardoza, 35, both of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, received 198 months and 78 months, respectively.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led the Organized Crime and Drug Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Laredo Police Department and sheriff’s offices in Victoria and Williamson Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans is prosecuting the case.
It is part of Project Python, a nationwide DEA-led operation the Department of Justice announced in March 2020. The Project Python operation targeted the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación and has resulted in more than 600 arrests, 350 indictments as well as significant seizures of money and drugs across the United States.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Wayne Edwards Jr., age 49, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 35 months in prison for knowingly failing to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
On June 21, 2022, Edwards pleaded guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of SORNA.
On March 15, 2022, law enforcement apprehended Edwards for failure to register as a sex offender based on a community tip. Upon his arrest, Edwards admitted that he knew his mandated registration requirements but had nevertheless failed to register upon relocating from Wyoming to Tahlequah in July of 2021.
The charges arose from investigations by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
In 2011, Edwards received a felony conviction from the State of Wyoming for Third Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Based on this conviction, Edwards is a Tier III offender with a lifetime reporting requirement: he must appear in person to register in every jurisdiction where he lives, works, or goes to school, and he must appear in person to verify and update registration information every 3 months for life.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Edwards will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, where he will serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Genevieve A. Ozark represented the United States.
Suburban Chicago Chiropractor Charged with Fraudulently Billing for Nonexistent ServicesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago chiropractor has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly billing a private insurer for nonexistent services.
SEUNG HAN LIM owned and operated Movement Health and Rehab, also known as Motu Chiropractic and Motu Chiromassage, in Libertyville, Ill. From 2016 to 2019, Lim submitted fraudulent claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for purported health care services that Lim knew were not actually provided, according to an indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Some of the fraudulent claims were for services purportedly provided on dates when either Lim or the patient were not in Illinois, the indictment states. Other claims submitted by Lim were for services purportedly rendered by another chiropractor to Lim and Lim’s family members, even though Lim knew that those services were not actually provided by the other chiropractor and that BCBS would have denied the claims had Lim been identified as the rendering provider because the insurer prohibited claims from providers for services rendered to the provider or their immediate family members, the indictment states.
When BCBS attempted to audit Lim’s claims, he prepared false patient medical records and other documents and submitted them to BCBS, the indictment states.
As a result of the scheme, Lim and his clinic fraudulently obtained at least $430,000 from BCBS, the indictment states.
The indictment charges Lim, 40, of Lincolnshire, Ill., with 14 counts of health care fraud. Each count is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. Lim was scheduled to make an initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Nutini and Jasmina Vajzovic.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Lim indictmentStockton Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Frank Jonathan Guzman, 31, of Stockton, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between November 2018 and December 2019, Guzman and co-defendant Jose Cruz Ivan Aispuro, 38, of Stockton, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin and at least 400 grams of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing fentanyl. As part of this conspiracy, Guzman sold heroin to and undercover agent and another person on Nov. 29, 2018, Dec. 21, 2018, and Sept. 24, 2019. Guzman also sold 500 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to the undercover agent on Nov. 14, 2019. Agents executed a search warrant at Guzman’s residence in Stockton and seized approximately 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and 2.8 kilograms of heroin.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the San Joaquin Metropolitan Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Guzman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Dec. 12, 2023. Guzman faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Charges are pending against Aispuro. The charges against Aispuro are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Southern Oregon Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A southern Oregon man was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison today after he violated the terms of his supervised release by possessing a firearm and methamphetamine.
James Charles Danis, 41, of Phoenix, Oregon, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on March 20, 2020, while under an active arrest warrant for violating the terms of his federal supervised release, Danis was spotted by a deputy U.S. Marshal leaving a motel in Medford. The deputy contacted detectives from the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE) team to assist with an arrest. When the deputy and the assisting officers confronted Danis, he fled in a vehicle and led officers from the Medford and Central Point police departments on a pursuit through both cities.
Despite multiple attempts to stop Danis, the pursuit ended when he crashed his vehicle through a fence into the background of a local residence, causing extensive damage. Danis continued trying to drive his blocked vehicle away from scene until officers removed him from it and placed him under arrest. A search of Danis’ person, vehicle, and motel room returned more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, multiple pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and packing materials, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition.
On April 28, 2020, Danis was charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Later, on July 23, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Danis on the same charges.
On August 23, 2022, Danis pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with assistance from MADGE and the Medford and Central Point Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Somers Man Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that DENNIS TOMCZAK, 73, of Somers, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a false statement offense stemming from his role in a Medicaid fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tomczak, a state-licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor, offered substance abuse treatment and related counseling services through his business, Pathway to Peace, LLC. Tomczak accepted Medicaid insurance and cash payments for his services.
In 2019, a medical provider asked Tomczak to use his own provider number to bill Medicaid for patients that the provider was allegedly seeing for psychotherapy sessions. In exchange, Tomczak would retain 25 percent of the Medicaid claims paid and he would turn over 75 percent of the payments to the provider. Tomczak agreed to do so, and from approximately April 2019 through October 2022, based upon a spreadsheet provided to him by the provider, Tomczak billed Medicaid for psychotherapy and related services allegedly rendered by the provider as if Tomczak had personally rendered those services himself. Tomczak never met any of the provider’s clients and did not review records and treatment notes for any services allegedly rendered by the provider.
Through this scheme, Medicaid paid Tomczak approximately $338,427.11 for approximately 53 clients that the provider had allegedly treated. Per his agreement with the provider, Tomczak retained approximately $84,000 of the claims money received from Medicaid.
On August 21, 2023, Tomczak waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 13.
Tomczak is released on bond pending sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Sea Cucumber Smugglers Plead Guilty to Illegal Trafficking in WildlifeRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 30, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Zunyu Zhao (also known as Kathy Zhao) and Xionwei Xiao (also known as Luis Xiao) pleaded guilty in federal court this week to a two-count indictment charging them with conspiracy and illegal importation of sea cucumbers.
According to the indictment and plea agreement, starting on May 9, 2017, and through February 10, 2019, Zhao and Xiao conspired to illegally import Isostichopus Fuscus sea cucumbers, a species protected under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, without the appropriate permits and documentation.
In May 2017, Zhao was stopped at the Calexico Port of Entry, attempting to smuggle 11.50 kg of Isostichopus Fuscus sea cucumbers. In February 2019, Zhao was stopped once again at the Calexico Port of Entry with 2 kg of undeclared Isostichopus Fuscus sea cucumbers. Between 2017 and 2019, Zhao and Xiao messaged each other with texts and images of other transactions in their illegal Isostichopus Fuscus sea cucumber importation conspiracy, as Zhao confirmed for Xiao each shipment that she smuggled into the United States.
On May 23, 2023, a Grand Jury sitting in San Diego issued a sealed indictment against both Zhao and Xiao. On June 9, 2023, Xiao was arrested at the U.S. border, and Zhao was arrested four days later.
The parties agreed that the fair market value of Isostichopus Fuscus sea cucumbers is $435/kg, and the total value of the sea cucumbers trafficked during the conspiracy was $10,222.50. The defendants also agreed to pay restitution to the Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente, the Mexican governmental entity charged with protection of the environment.
Acting United States Attorney Andrew R. Haden stated, “This office is committed to upholding the twin pillars of marine biodiversity and conservation. Criminals considering poaching protected species should be aware that this office will diligently investigate, thoroughly prosecute, and seek restitution no matter the species.”
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Special-Agent-in-Charge Manisa Kung commented, “One of the highest priorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement is to investigate individuals involved in the unlawful commercial trafficking and smuggling of wildlife here and around the world.”
Xiao is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson. Zhao is scheduled to be sentenced on November 11, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., also before Judge Robinson.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Brooker and Melanie Pierson.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 23-cr-00893-TWR
Zunyu Zhao (also known as Kathy Zhao) Age: 51 Calexico, CA
Xionwei Xiao (also known as Luis Xiao) Age: 52 Mexicali, MX
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Count 2: Importation Contrary to Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545
Count 1: Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Count 2: Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Readout of United States Attorney Kevin Ritz’s Roundtable Discussions in Dyer CountyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – On Thursday, August 24, United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz traveled to Dyer County in the 29th Judicial District of West Tennessee to host a series of roundtable discussions with law enforcement, local prosecutors, and community stakeholders. Roundtable participants had an open dialogue with the U.S. Attorney, addressing their issues and concerns, and learned more about the Department’s priorities.
On Thursday morning, WTRO-101.7 FM host Bill Taylor interviewed U.S. Attorney Ritz about his goals for the roundtable discussions, Department priorities, and violent crime issues. As U.S. Attorney Ritz said during the interview, “Gun violence has many causes, and it needs to have many solutions. [Federal prosecutors are] part of the solution. With federal firearms laws, we have some aggressive tools. But we need everybody working together. We need prevention and intervention from community groups, faith leaders, and schools.”
Later that morning, U.S. Attorney Ritz met in Dyersburg with District Attorney Danny Goodman and local law enforcement leaders to discuss trends in violent crime, partner successes, and emerging concerns.
State Gazette reporter Dr. William Honeycutt interviewed U.S. Attorney Ritz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham just before lunch about crime and drug trends in Dyer County, Department priorities, and examples of sound collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
Thursday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Ritz was the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club in Dyersburg.
The district-wide visit concluded late Thursday afternoon, when U.S. Attorney Ritz facilitated a roundtable discussion with the Dyer Baptist Association at Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Below are photos from these events. U.S. Attorney Ritz will continue to schedule roundtable discussions with stakeholders throughout the Western District of Tennessee.
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United States Attorney Kevin Ritz interviewed by WTRO radio host Bill Taylor.
U.S. Attorney Ritz, along with AUSA Hillary Parham and District Attorney General Danny Goodman, facilitated roundtable discussion with Dyer County law enforcement
U.S. Attorney Ritz, along with AUSA Hillary Parham and District Attorney General Danny Goodman, facilitated roundtable discussion with Dyer County law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Ritz addressed the members of the Dyersburg Rotary Club.