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Tuesday 25 July 2023
Michigan City Woman Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Carissa McCoy, 42 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McCoy was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, from June through mid-August 2021, McCoy conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Michigan City area. Her home, which she shared with one of her co-defendants, housed currency, firearms, and ammunition related to the conspiracy. In August 2021, McCoy and one of her co-defendants were stopped by law enforcement while traveling back to Michigan City. At that time, McCoy had over a kilogram of fentanyl pills on her person.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Chicago Field Division, the Merrillville District Office, the Amarillo Texas Resident Office and the Albuquerque New Mexico District Office) with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Joel Gabrielse.
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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Memphis Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Transporting Narcotics on a Memphis-Bound AirplaneRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Michael Jefferson, 45, of Memphis has been sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute approximately 12 kilos of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 26, 2022, officers with the Memphis Airport Police, detectives with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division, and special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration were conducting routine drug searches at the Memphis International Airport when a drug detection dog gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics inside luggage belonging to Jefferson. A search of the luggage revealed 12 kilos – or just over 26 pounds – of methamphetamine.
Jefferson pled guilty to the offense. On July 20, 2023, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Jefferson to 135 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Airport Police, the Shelby County Narcotics Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Lottery Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in an elaborate “ten-percenting” tax fraud conspiracy involving dozens of convenience stores across Massachusetts.
Mohamed Jaafar, 31, of Watertown, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six months in prison and two years of supervised release. Jaafar was also ordered to pay $964,569 in restitution. In November 2022, Jaafar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. In May 2023, Jaafar’s co-conspirators, Ali Jaffar and Yousef Jaafar, were sentenced to five years and 50 months, respectively.
Between 2011 and 2020, the defendants purchased winning lottery tickets from individuals across Massachusetts who wanted to sell their winning tickets for a cash discount instead of claiming their prizes from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. This allowed the real winners to avoid identification by the Commission, which is legally required to identify lottery winners and withhold any outstanding taxes, back taxes and child support payments before paying out prizes. The defendants recruited and paid the owners of dozens of convenience stores to facilitate the transactions. After purchasing tickets from the lottery winners at a discount, using the convenience stores as go-betweens, the defendants falsely claimed the full amount of the prize money as their own. The defendants then further profited by reporting the winnings on their income tax returns and claiming equivalent fake gambling losses as an offset, thereby avoiding federal income taxes and receiving fraudulent tax refunds.
In total, the defendants unlawfully claimed more than 14,000 winning lottery tickets and laundered over $20 million in proceeds. The result was more than $6 million in federal tax loss. As a direct result of this case, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission is in the process of revoking or suspending the licenses of more than 40 lottery agents.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting a Child on the Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,announced that Gerald “Doon” Pamaska (age: 55) received a sentence of 258 months in federal prison following a conviction for sexually assaulting a child on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The sentence, imposed on July 24, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by Pamaska on April 21, 2023. Following his prison sentence, Pamaska will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release.
According to court documents, in the summer of 2019, Pamaska, who formerly resided in Keshena, Wisconsin, sexually abused a then-9-year-old girl in a hotel room on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The abuse was disclosed in April 2022. An FBI agent and tribal detective located the defendant in a Kansas jail and interviewed him there. The defendant admitted the offense and corroborated much of what the girl said about the timing and location of the crime.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the obvious need for a significant sentence for a “horrendous offense.” Judge Griesbach based the sentence on the magnitude of the offense and noted a strong need to protect the public from the defendant. Judge Griesbach also remarked upon the need to send a strong message to deter “anyone but the undeterrable” from committing similar actions.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court in Green Bay.
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Malden Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trying to Hire Contract Killer to Murder His WifeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for attempting to hire a contract killer – who was actually an undercover federal agent – to murder his then-wife.
Massimo Marenghi, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 120 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 16, 2023, Marenghi pleaded guilty to one count of murder-for-hire.“Domestic violence is a truly haunting reality that is far too pervasive in our society. At its core, that is what the prosecution of Mr. Marenghi was all about. He was looking to engage in the most extreme form of domestic violence by plotting the murder of his wife. While the vast majority of domestic violence situations do not involve the federal criminal law, when this office has an opportunity to hold people accountable for this type of despicable conduct, we will spare no effort in prosecuting such offenders,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Massimo Marenghi plotted to kill his wife and went to great lengths not to get caught. Thankfully, his plot was thwarted because the person he thought was a contract killer was in fact an undercover FBI Special Agent,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Mr. Marenghi’s conduct in this case was truly horrific, and today’s sentence is just. It is our hope the victim in this case can rest easier knowing that he will spend the next decade behind bars.”
In January 2021, an individual reported to law enforcement that Marenghi had complained about his then-wife seeking a restraining order against him. Marenghi asked the individual for assistance in killing his wife. At the direction of federal agents, the individual introduced Marenghi to an undercover agent who posed as a contract killer. Later that month, Marenghi met with the undercover agent and sought help to “eliminate” his problem. Marenghi provided the undercover agent with a photograph of his then-wife’s residence and explained how to evade detection by cameras while approaching the residence.
On Jan. 29, 2021, Marenghi again met with the undercover agent and discussed moving forward with the killing of his wife, providing a $1,500 cash deposit for the murder. Marenghi explained that the sooner the “demolition job” took place, the sooner he would be able to pay the balance owed. He also provided a photograph of his then-wife, the color, model and license plate number of her car, the hours of operation of her place of business and a schedule indicating when he would have custody of his children, which he said would be the “best time for the construction work to start.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna made the announcement today. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Long Island Investment Advisers Indicted for Defrauding Clients of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
A 16-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging investment advisers Adam Kaplan and his brother, Daniel Kaplan, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, investment advisor fraud, and money laundering in connection with several schemes to steal millions of dollars from their clients. The defendants were arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, the Kaplans engaged in years-long schemes violating the trust that their clients, some of them elderly and vulnerable, had placed in them to manage their money safely and honestly,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The defendants lined their pockets at the victims’ expense, but with their lies and frauds exposed, they will be held to account for their conduct.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission for their assistance with the case.
“As alleged, the Kaplans engaged in multiple investment fraud schemes that victimized their clients, many of whom were elderly or disabled. This type of illegal activity is unfortunately all too common and even more egregious when vulnerable groups are targeted,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge Curtis. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who exploit their clients by misappropriating their funds for personal gain.”
As set forth in the indictment and other public filings, between May 2018 and November 2022, Adam and Daniel Kaplan acted as investment advisors for hundreds of clients. The defendants used their positions of trust to misappropriate millions of dollars from their clients, some of whom were elderly and disabled. The defendants used various schemes to misappropriate the victims’ funds, including overbilling for advisory fees, siphoning money from bank accounts through fraudulent advisory fee charges and through purported “investments” defendants never intended to make. The defendants lied to their clients about the fraudulent charges, forged their clients’ signatures on documents, and made misrepresentations to financial institutions. In total, the defendants misappropriated at least $5 million, using the funds for personal expenses and to purchase luxury goods.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.
If you were a client of Adam Kaplan or Daniel Kaplan and would like to file a complaint, please visit www.iC3.gov. Please reference “Adam Kaplan” or “Daniel Kaplan” in your complaint.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Caffarone, Paul Scotti, and Adam Toporovsky are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ADAM KAPLAN
Age: 34
Great Neck, New YorkDANIEL KAPLAN
Age: 34
Great Neck, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-293 (GRB)
Leader of drug trafficking organization faces 27-30 years in prison following guilty plea to drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and money launderingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A leader of a large-scale conspiracy involving narcotics distribution, sex trafficking, fraud, and money laundering pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today. The plea agreement includes an agreed sentencing range of 27-30 years in prison.
Patrick M. Saultz, 45, a/k/a/ “White Boy Pat” of Columbus, pleaded guilty to three violations of federal law - conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and concealment money laundering.
According to court documents, between January 2008 and 2022, the organization brought large quantities of illegal narcotics into Columbus, Ohio, and sold them in and around the Columbus area while simultaneously coercing individuals to engage in sexual activity for profit, from which the organization benefited. Members of the organization trafficked various controlled substances - including fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, oxycodone, and alprazolam - to individuals in northern Ohio, Columbus, and West Virginia.
“This organization flooded our streets with staggering amounts of illegal drugs,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Investigators calculated that the organization was selling approximately 40 grams of fentanyl per day out of each drug house they oversaw, and a conservative estimate concludes that, in addition, the organization dealt kilogram quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine during the course of its operation as well.”
Saultz acknowledged that he and a co-conspirator co-owned and operated multiple pieces of real estate on the west side. They used money from their illegal activities to buy property, launder the drug proceeds and to further their illegal activities. One of the houses they bought and used for drug-dealing was across the street from Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus.
Court documents also detail how Saultz and numerous other members of the organization ran a sex trafficking operation, coercing women with illegal drugs to engage in prostitution. The women were required to turn the money they received from their prostitution activities over to him and other organization members in return for places to stay, and for more drugs, fueling their addictions further.
The plea agreement requires Saultz to pay restitution to the victims of sex trafficking, and to forfeit his rights to all property seized during the investigation including two cars, a motorcycle, dozens of firearms, a Rolex watch and more than $1.7 million in cash in addition to the real estate.
A federal grand jury initially indicted Saultz along with 10 others in July 2022. A superseding indictment in October 2022 added 13 defendants and added 28 new charges to the narcotics conspiracy, including firearms offenses and an overdose causing serious bodily injury. Charges against the others are still pending.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker commended the investigation coordinated by The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, formed under the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team. They joined Parker in announcing the pleas entered before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
This investigation 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 OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Kingston Man Sentenced for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –Thomas O’Bryan, age 41, of Kingston, New York, was sentenced today to serve 110 months in prison for distributing and possessing of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his earlier guilty plea, O’Bryan admitted that between March and September 2020, he traded child pornography on a social media application using the screenname “irishbstrdinc.” The defendant also admitted that on September 22, 2020, he possessed child pornography, which included depictions of sadistic and masochistic conduct, as well as the sexual abuse and exploitation of toddlers.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 15 year-term of post-release supervision, ordered O’Bryan to pay $3,000 restitution to a child victimized in some of his child pornography, and ordered O’Bryan to forfeit the laptop and cell phone that he used to commit his crimes.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police, and the Colonie and Rotterdam Police Departments. Former Assistant United States Attorney Rachel L. Williams and Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department sent to the Federal Register for publication a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve web and mobile applications (apps) access for people with disabilities and clarify how public entities – primarily state and local governments – can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities shift online.
Across the United States, people routinely rely on web and mobile apps to access a variety of vital public programs and services like employment and educational resources, voting information, health and emergency services, parking, and transit schedules. The proposed rule is particularly significant in the wake of the pandemic, as public entities have significantly increased the scope of essential services and programs offered through the web and mobile apps. It is critical for these technologies to be accessible for people with disabilities.
“This marks the first time in the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act that the Justice Department has issued a proposed rule on website accessibility,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This proposed rule seeks to ensure that Americans with disabilities have equal access to the websites and apps that connect them to essential services provided by state and local governments.”
“This proposed rule, which is the culmination of years of work and collaboration, is a historic moment for the Justice Department,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “It will help enshrine the right of Americans with disabilities to access critical information needed to lead safe, productive, and prosperous lives.”
“This proposed rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice Department’s efforts to advance accessibility in the digital sphere,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This groundbreaking moment makes clear our commitment to eradicating the barriers faced by people with disabilities and affording equal access to online government programs and services that people around the country depend on every day. We will continue to use every tool available to ensure that people with disabilities are provided full access to the digital town square.”
As state and local governments continue to move more of their programs and activities online – from applying for permits to checking the status of service requests, registering vehicles, and paying taxes and fees – ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to these same services is essential. When websites and mobile apps are not accessible, they can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to use. This can block people with disabilities from readily accessing important government services and programs that others can quickly and easily obtain online.
The Department is eager to hear from the public and get input from relevant stakeholders on the regulatory proposal set forth in our forthcoming proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet that provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on www.ada.gov. The Department invites the public to submit their comments on the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for 60 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can be submitted on www.regulations.gov.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the Department’s website. For more information on the ADA, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit the ADA website.
Jury convicts Cincinnati woman of crimes related to COVID-19 relief fraudRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Southern District of Ohio today convicted Kelli Prather, 51, of Cincinnati of crimes pertaining to her request for more than $1.2 million in pandemic relief loans. She was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals after the jury returned its guilty verdicts.
According to testimony and evidence presented during the trial that began July 18, Prather applied for six Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as part of the CARES Act COVID-19 pandemic relief. She claimed to own six businesses – Enhanced Healthcare Solutions, Life Skills Enhancement, Prather Property Management, Reliable Ambulette Services, Rich Glo Management Services and Tots R Us.
Separately, Prather also applied for eight Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In three of the EIDL applications she filed in November 2020, she represented that the businesses were majority owned by her disabled nephew.
Prather sought more than $1.2 million in fraud relief and fraudulently received approximately $19,800.
The jury convicted her of six counts of bank fraud (punishable by up to 30 years in prison), one count of making false statements in connection to credit or loan applications (up to 30 years in prison), four counts of wire fraud (up to 20 years in prison), and three counts of aggravated identity theft (carrying a mandatory 2-year sentence to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed). The court will set a date for sentencing following a pre-sentence investigation.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General; and other members of the Financial Crimes Working Group Pandemic Fraud Committee announced the verdict at the conclusion of the trial before U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Springer and Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.
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Joint Statement from Mexico and the United States on Shared Efforts to Combat Illicit Fentanyl, Disrupt Arms Trafficking, and Humanely Manage MigrationRead the Press Release
On July 24, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and senior Government of Mexico officials hosted a U.S. delegation led by Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Rich Verma to further the significant cooperation that our countries already have undertaken, including on the global fight against illicit fentanyl and dual-use chemical substances, combatting arms trafficking, managing migration, and modernizing our shared border. This meeting built on previous high-level meetings led by Dr. Sherwood-Randall and Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez.
The leaders discussed our commitment to continuing joint efforts under the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities to combat drug traffickers, disrupt the supply of the chemicals used to make illicit fentanyl, prevent trafficking of these deadly narcotics across our shared border, and promote public health services to reduce harm and demand and increase treatment services. Our countries also recognize that discovering, disrupting, and dismantling firearms trafficking networks is critical to our shared efforts to combat illicit fentanyl, and we remain committed to addressing firearms trafficking that contributes to violence and destruction on both sides of our shared border.
The leaders also discussed the challenges and progress in cooperation regarding regional migration and committed to continue to forge a region-wide response, guided by the principles in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. To that end, the United States and Mexico committed to further expand the availability of legal pathways throughout the region, including to Mexico and the United States. Leaders also discussed expanding our joint development work in Central America, and maintaining strong consequences for irregular entry at our shared border.
Finally, the United States and Mexico committed to furthering ongoing work to modernize and advance infrastructure projects that support our border communities and benefits both nations and strengthens our bilateral relationship and security.
Johnstown Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison and 4 Years of Supervised Release for Conspiring to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 70 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and heroin, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Willette Cooper, age 41, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, Cooper did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Cooper. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
In separate cases, two men plead guilty to dealing fentanyl while armed with handgunsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two men – both involved with firearms and fentanyl -- pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to federal charges that carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jade Alexander Beavin, 33, of Everett will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on October 20,2023. Lavonta Austin, 30, of Seattle will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on October 17, 2023.
“Our office and our investigative partners work every day to stop the flow of fentanyl into our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “We pursue large cartel-connected drug rings that import hundreds of thousands of pills, as well as individual dealers whose criminal conduct with guns and drugs undermines the safety of our community. These two defendants who pleaded guilty this week, were caught repeatedly with drugs and guns, conduct that ultimately landed them in federal court.”
Jade Beavin was arrested by Everett Police on July 27, 2021, with three kilos of fentanyl powder in the trunk of his car. In the interior of the car was a loaded 9mm handgun. A court authorized search of the car also resulted in the seizure of a scale, ammunition, and drug ledger. Beavin was also arrested with narcotics and a revolver in January 2020 and was arrested with a third firearm in February 2022. When he is sentenced, prosecutors will recommend no more than ten years in prison and the defense has agreed to recommend no less than eight years in prison.
Lavonta Austin was first contacted by Seattle Police at 3rd Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle on August 4, 2022. After selling fentanyl pills to an undercover officer, Austin attempted to run from police when they took him into custody. Austin had methamphetamine, fentanyl, more than $2,000 in cash and a loaded 45 caliber handgun. A few months later, on October 9, 2022, Austin was arrested at a Seattle motel with fentanyl, methamphetamine, $1,770 in cash and a loaded 9mm handgun. Both the prosecutors and defense will recommend a 5-year sentence.
In both cases the judge is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.
Both men pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The drug possession charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The gun crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison that runs consecutive to the sentence imposed on the drug possession charge.
U.S. v. Beavin was investigated by the Everett Police Department and the FBI. U.S. v. Austin was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
Hocking County woman sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children as young as 3-years-oldRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Logan, Ohio, woman was sentenced in federal court here today to 480 months in prison for sexually exploiting minors as young as 3-years-old and possessing child pornography.
Carrie Daniels, 38, was charged federally in April 2022 along with her significant other, Robert Gemienhardt, 42. Gemienhardt was sentenced to 45 years’ incarceration in February 2023 for producing child pornography of a 3-year-old child and possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse, some of which depicted other minor children to whom the defendants had access.
The two defendants groomed minor victims, sexually abused the victims, and created child pornography of the abuse.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Kik messenger regarding Gemienhardt’s online child exploitation activities conducted at Daniels’s residence. The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office then began investigating the allegations and learned that four minor children lived in the home with Daniels and Gemienhardt.
Subsequent search warrants executed by the Hocking County Sherriff’s Office, in conjunction with the FBI, revealed that Daniels had produced child pornography of an approximately 3-year-old child and distributed the images she had produced to Gemienhardt. Those images were ultimately recovered on Gemienhardt’s phone. Daniels also photographed two of the minor children, who were 9 and 13 years of age at the time, nude in the bathroom. Daniels then sent those images of the minor children to Gemienhardt as well. Further evidence revealed that at times, Gemienhardt and Daniels acted together to produce child pornography through the grooming and sexual abuse of two of the minor victims to whom they had access between April and June of 2020.
Daniels and Gemienhardt, who was a registered sex offender in the state of Ohio, exchanged thousands of illicit text messages detailing their sexual fantasies about four separate minor victims.
Daniels pleaded guilty in October 2022 to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
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Hardin County Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Hardin County man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for child pornography offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, in Hardin County Kentucky, Michael Smith, 30, produced videos of his sexual abuse of a minor victim, and uploaded images and videos of child pornography to a cloud-based storage application via the internet. Smith was sentenced to 40 years in prison, followed by a 20-term of supervised release, for producing, transporting, and possessing child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.
In addition to the 40-year prison sentence, Smith was ordered to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $6,000.
“I commend the FBI and LMPD for their investigation of this case as well as AUSA McKiness for his work prosecuting Smith,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The sexual exploitation of children in the Western District is a top priority of this office. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who harm our children.”
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Hampton Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Sale of at Least 49 Firearms as a Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for selling at least 49 firearms unlawfully.
According to court documents, Anthony Gale Turner, 54, was a federally licensed dealer of firearms beginning in 2018. Turner owned and operated his firearms business, G7 Worldwide LLC, out of his residence on Pratt Street in Hampton. The investigation of Turner was launched when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced a handgun seized in Canada in 2020 back to the original purchaser. The original purchaser admitted to ATF agents that they completed the federal form required to purchase the firearm and provided Turner with their Virginia driver’s license for the transaction. However, the original purchaser told agents they never paid for the firearm nor ever took possession of it. Instead, Turner transferred the firearm to a prior convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Through the course of the investigation, ATF interviewed five other straw purchasers of firearms from G7 Worldwide who independently stated Turner completed firearms transaction with their information by similar means between 2018 and 2021. Over the span of less than two years, 46 out of the 49 firearms that were subjects of charges in Turner’s case were transferred from Turner to two known, prior-convicted felons through the five straw purchasers. Three other firearms were directly purchased by prior convicted felons themselves after informing Turner of their prohibited status. The final firearm was unlawfully sold to a known out-of-state resident in violation of Turner’s duties as a licensed firearms dealer. Eight of the firearms are in law enforcement custody after being seized in connection with criminal activity in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wilson Hanes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Osyf prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-83.
Globe Metallurgical to Pay $2.6 Million Fine, Implement Extensive Emissions Controls and Limit Sulfur Inputs to Reduce Pollution from Industrial Furnaces in OhioRead the Press Release
Globe Metallurgical, Inc. has agreed to a consent decree that would require it to pay a $2.6 million civil penalty, implement an estimated $6.5 million in new and improved air pollution emissions controls and limit the sulfur content of inputs in its metal production process to settle alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at a ferroalloy production facility in Beverly, Ohio. Emissions of air pollutants, such as the sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM) emitted from Globe’s operation of five electric arc furnaces, may cause adverse environmental and health impacts, including lung disorders such as asthma and bronchitis.
According to the six-count complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement today in the Southern District of Ohio, Globe allegedly violated CAA requirements following the expansion of one of its furnaces, including a failure to assess best available pollution control technology for the modified furnace and failure to demonstrate compliance with regulations applicable to ferroalloy production plants. The United States also alleged that Globe had a history of excessive emissions of PM from the facility in violation of its existing permits.
“The extensive measures required by today’s settlement will reduce pollution and help prevent future violations of the Clean Air Act, ensuring that the citizens of Southeast Ohio have cleaner air to breathe,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This case demonstrates that the Department of Justice will work tenaciously to hold accountable companies that violate federal environmental law.”
“This settlement requires Globe to take substantial steps to reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants from industrial furnaces at its Beverly, Ohio facility,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The result will be cleaner, healthier air for neighboring communities.”
“Compliance with regulations requiring upgrades to aging industrial facilities are critical when protecting health and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are vigilantly ensuring compliance with the Clean Air Act and other environmental laws.”
In addition to paying a penalty, Globe will now be required to utilize coal and other materials with a specified reduced-sulfur content to limit the generation of harmful SO2 emissions. Globe will also take significant steps to reduce emissions of PM, including construction of an additional pollution control baghouse, and implementation of physical improvements to equipment and changes to operational practices to reduce emissions of PM both from stacks and directly to the atmosphere from equipment. Globe will also be conducting extensive testing and implementing significantly enhanced monitoring of air pollutants to ensure ongoing compliance.
The consent decree also brings the Globe facility’s pollution control obligations up to date with environmental regulations that post-date the plant’s construction, including stricter limits on PM and carbon monoxide emissions.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day comment period and final approval by the court. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Justice Department web site at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
The Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section is prosecuting this case in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and EPA Region 5
Former University Professor Sentenced for Child Pornography and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Friday, July 21, 2023, a former professor at the University of Iowa was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine which resulted in the death of a victim, and 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, or at the same time.
According to court documents, since sometime in 2020, Dr. John Robert Muriello, 66, conspired with Eric Hojka of Iowa City, and others, to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in and around Iowa City. In May 2021, first responders went to Hojka’s apartment in Iowa City based on a report that a victim who had lost consciousness. Paramedics were unable to revive the victim and he was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed the victim ingested methamphetamine which caused his death. The investigation revealed the victim received that methamphetamine from Hojka. Hojka obtained the methamphetamine from Muriello, who had obtained the drugs from a supplier in California. When the police conducted a search at Muriello’s Iowa City residence in May 2021, they discovered methamphetamine and a large collection of child pornography.
In addition to the 25-year prison term, Muriello was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,000, a fine of $50,000, and assessments of $22,200. Muriello’s Iowa City residence was also forfeited. After his prison term, Muriello was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa City Police Department and the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office investigated the case.
Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Nine Female InmatesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee guilty today of sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 38, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was convicted of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury.
“Tony Klein used his position of authority to prey on women in custody who were in a uniquely vulnerable position. He further led his victims to believe they had no power to resist or report his abuse,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This verdict would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of these women and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division.”
“This defendant is being held accountable for sexually assaulting female inmates under his care, custody and control,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Abuses of power and authority, like this, where the defendant took advantage of his position as a medical professional to satisfy his own sexual desires, will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued. We thank the survivors of these sexual assaults for having the courage to come forward and tell their story. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously hold accountable those who abuse their authority by committing sexual assault.”
“As a state prison nurse, Mr. Klein used his position to intimidate and sexually assault multiple women. His heinous actions were only brought to light by a small group of courageous women who came forward, even despite their precarious circumstances of being incarcerated. Their willingness to report their victimization undoubtedly saved others from Mr. Klein’s predatory actions,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This verdict demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable public officials, who not only violate the public trust, but even go so far as to commit monstrous actions such as those proven at trial in this case.”
According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted or engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care.
By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults.
On March 8, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Klein with depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and perjury.
Following announcement of the jury’s verdict, Klein was remanded into the custody of U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing on October 17, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon. Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It was prosecuted by Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, and Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley assisted the trial team.
Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Nine Female InmatesRead the Press Release
Note: This release has been updated to reflect the correct number of victims.
A federal jury in Portland, Oregon, convicted a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee guilty today of sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 38, of Clackamas County, was convicted of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury.
“No woman held inside a jail or prison should be subject to sexual assault at the hands of the officials who work there,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Abuses of power and authority, like this, where the defendant took advantage of his position as a medical professional to satisfy his own sexual desires, will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued. We thank the survivors of these sexual assaults for having the courage to come forward and tell their story. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously hold prison officials accountable when they abuse their authority by committing sexual assault.”
“Tony Klein used his position of authority to prey on women in custody who were in a uniquely vulnerable position. He further led his victims to believe they had no power to resist or report his abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight for the District of Oregon. “This verdict would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of these women and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division.”
“The FBI and our partners remain committed to investigating violations of civil rights in all circumstances,” said FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the Criminal Investigative Division. “The defendant in this case exploited the trust placed in him as a corrections nurse to sexually assault women in his care, but thanks to the bravery of the women who came forward, we are able to pursue justice and prevent future victimization.”
According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted or engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care.
By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults.
Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is set for Oct. 17 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon.
This FBI Portland Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin W. Bruce for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley for the District of Oregon.
Former Obstetrician/Gynecologist Robert Hadden Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Numerous PatientsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT HADDEN was sentenced today to 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman for enticing and inducing four victims to travel interstate to engage in unlawful sexual activity. HADDEN, who practiced medicine between in or about 1987 to 2012, was convicted at trial on January 24, 2023, for inducing four victims to travel interstate to his medical offices in Manhattan so that he could sexually abuse them. The Government proved at trial that the defendant sexually abused dozens of patients over the course of more than two decades under the guise of purported medical examinations.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Under the guise of medical treatment, Robert Hadden sexually abused and assaulted numerous patients for approximately 25 years, exploiting them in vulnerable moments for his own sexual gratification. Thanks to the tireless work of the career prosecutors of this Office, Hadden will rightfully spend decades in federal prison. We thank and commend the victims who bravely came forward to share their stories and ensure that their abuser faces justice.”
According to the Indictment, evidence presented at trial, and other filings and statements made in court:
For approximately 25 years, between in or about 1987 and in or about 2012, ROBERT HADDEN sexually abused and assaulted at least dozens of female patients, some repeatedly, as an obstetrician/gynecologist employed by Columbia University Medical Center and during purported medical examinations. HADDEN used his position as a medical doctor employed by a prestigious medical institution to make or to attempt to make his victims believe that the sexual abuse he inflicted on them was appropriate and medically necessary. HADDEN encouraged victims to return to see him and directed victims to schedule follow-up visits on timelines he set. As a result, some of the victims attended many appointments with HADDEN over the course of several years, during which HADDEN sexually abused them. HADDEN caused four victims to return to Manhattan for appointments with him so that he could sexually abuse them, knowing that these victims would have to travel across state lines for their appointment.
HADDEN used sophisticated techniques to carry out his abuse, which he honed over the course of more than two decades. He exploited the power differential inherent in the doctor-patient relationship, he built rapport with victims, he asked victims invasive and unprompted questions about their sexual activity, including about sex positions and if they were able to achieve orgasm, and he provided unsolicited advice on these topics. He also used so-called breast and vaginal exams to hide his abuse, he isolated patients, and he conducted fake examinations.
HADDEN sexually abused victims in various ways, including by massaging and groping victims’ breasts for a prolonged period; groping both breasts at the same time; pinching, twisting, or otherwise manipulating a victim’s nipples; extracting colostrum from a victim’s breasts and tasting it; digitally penetrating and/or rubbing victims’ vaginas in efforts to masturbate them; touching victims’ clitorises; and licking victims’ vaginas. Each of these abusive acts was committed by HADDEN without any valid medical purpose and under the guise of legitimate medical care.
At the sentencing, Judge Berman imposed the statutory maximum penalty for each count of conviction, to run concurrently. The Court described the defendant’s conduct as “exceptional and unprecedented,” “shocking in the extreme,” “horrific,” and “depraved.” In imposing its sentence, the Court discussed, among other things, the magnitude and scope of the defendant’s serial sexual abuse, its unchecked nature, the defendant’s “skillfulness at deception,” the predatory nature of his sex crimes, and the fact that the defendant preyed on vulnerable patients who trusted him, thereby repeatedly violating a “woman’s right to decide what happens to her body.”
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In addition to the prison term, HADDEN, 64, of Englewood, New Jersey, was sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and a $400 special assessment fee.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Pomerantz, Jane Kim, and Paul Monteleoni are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Connor Hamill.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to 43 Months in Prison for Bribery Scheme and Attempting to Assault Inmate He Suspected of Cooperating with the GovernmentRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PERRY JOYNER, a former Bureau of Prisons correctional officer, was sentenced today to 43 months in prison for smuggling contraband into the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”) in exchange for over $70,000 in bribes from inmates and for attempting to have an inmate assaulted to keep that inmate from reporting JOYNER’s crimes to law enforcement. JOYNER pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. on December 14, 2022. Judge Carter imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Correctional officers are entrusted to care for and maintain custody and control over inmates. Perry Joyner violated that trust repeatedly by soliciting and receiving bribes from inmates and by attempting to coordinate the assault of an inmate whom he believed was cooperating with the Government. This sentence should send a message to correctional officers: you will be held accountable when you violate your sworn duty to ensure the care, custody, and control of our nation’s inmate population.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
From at least October 2019 through February 2020, JOYNER, a correctional officer at the MCC, received approximately $77,894 in bribe payments from MCC inmates or their associates in exchange for JOYNER smuggling to inmates drugs (including, but not limited to, oxycodone, alprazolam, Suboxone, marijuana, and K2), cellphones, cigarettes, and alcohol. MCC inmates then used, sold, or exchanged that contraband amongst themselves and resold it to other inmates.
In or about February 2020, JOYNER believed a particular inmate (“Inmate-1”), who had previously bribed JOYNER, was cooperating with the Government. In response, JOYNER requested other inmates slash or otherwise assault Inmate-1 as retribution and intimidation. Before any inmate followed through on JOYNER’s request, Inmate-1 was moved out of the MCC.
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In addition to today’s prison sentence, JOYNER, 30, of Orange, New Jersey, was sentenced to two years of supervised release ordered to forfeit $77,894.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General; Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Narcotics Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aline R. Flodr, Jonathan E. Rebold, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Christopher de Grandpre.
Former Chief Executive Officer Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 24, 2023, Joseph Nemeth (age: 53) of Germantown, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for carrying out an investment scheme that defrauded over 20 victims and caused a loss of at least $2.2 million. Nemeth had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
The information presented at sentencing showed that Nemeth partnered with another individual to form a real estate business, Wisconsin Home Buyers Network, LLC (WIHBN), of which Nemeth was the Chief Executive Officer. Between 2012 and 2018, the partners solicited and obtained from more than 20 investors approximately $2.8 million, promising little or no risk and monetary returns ranging from 12% to 36%. In return, investors received promissory notes detailing the investment terms. Some investors also received mortgages that purported to be for specific properties to be acquired and rehabilitated with the investor’s funds, although the partners failed to record all but a few of the mortgages.
Contrary to promises that the investor funds were secured by the assets of a successful and profitable business, WIHBN had business debt, delinquent tax obligations, and other financial issues that made the business unable to timely make payments on the promissory notes. Rather than being used for the promised investment purposes, investor funds were comingled with other funds and were used for Ponzi-type payments to existing investors, payroll for related businesses, debt reduction, personal draws by the partners, back taxes, and legal fees. When the partners were unable to pay as the promissory notes came due, they sought extensions, solicited additional funds from existing investors, and attempted to secure new investors. In the end, less than $400,000 of over $2.8 million in investor funds was returned to investors.
Several victims filed impact statements with the court prior to sentencing, and one victim made in-person remarks during the sentencing hearing. These victims explained to the court how the scheme caused them significant financial and emotional harm.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Scully and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol L. Kraft prosecuted the case.
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Final MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced for Role in Rival Gang Member’s MurderRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 40 years in prison for conspiring to participate in a murder in connection with his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a violent international gang commonly known as MS-13.
According to court documents, Jose Gimenez-Lobos, aka Terrible, 32, was a member and leader in an MS-13 clique in New Jersey. On the evening of Nov. 23, 2014, MS-13 members gathered at an apartment in Richmond, along with the victim, who was a member of the rival Sureño gang. Under MS-13 rules, members are not allowed to associate with rival gangs and are required to assault or murder rival gang members. When Gimenez-Lobos arrived at the apartment and realized a rival was present, Gimenez-Lobos encouraged the other MS-13 members to confront the victim based on his status as a Sureño gang member. The co-conspirators went into another room in the apartment, conferred, and decided to kill the victim. They assaulted the victim and took his knife, which Gimenez-Lobos used to stab the victim multiple times. Co-defendant Darwin Solorzano-Quintanilla then used a B-B gun to beat the victim brutally about the head. Co-defendant Francisco Lemus-Castillo used his own knife to stab the victim several more times, and the victim died from the stab wounds.
“This case is a clear example of the severe threat organized criminal gangs pose to our communities,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The normalization of petty violence—such as killing another person because of their perceived rival affiliation—is illustrative of how dangerous these organizations can be.”
“Because of the dedicated efforts of the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners, Gimenez-Lobos and his fellow MS-13 gang members will no longer be able to terrorize their communities using fear, violence, and intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to dismantling this violent criminal organization and pursuing justice for its victims.”
"Those who choose to commit violent acts will be investigated and held accountable,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate these cases as demonstrated by these sentences."
“Jose Gimenez-Lobos displayed his depravity by conspiring to stab a man to death in cold blood,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “The severity of his crime is reflected in the prison sentence he received today. HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals or groups who perpetrate violence against the residents of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities.”
Solorzano-Quintanilla, age 29, of Chesterfield, Virginia, was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 23, 2021. Lemus-Castillo, age 31, of Chesterfield, Virginia, was sentence to life imprisonment on June 26, 2023.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
This case was investigated by FBI Richmond’s RAVE Task Force with significant assistance from the City of Richmond Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Miller and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-45.
Final MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced for Role in Rival Gang Member’s MurderRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 40 years in prison for conspiring to participate in a murder in connection with his involvement in La Mara Salvatrucha, a violent international gang commonly known as MS-13.
According to court documents, Jose Gimenez-Lobos, aka Terrible, 32, was a member and leader in an MS-13 clique in New Jersey. On the evening of Nov. 23, 2014, MS-13 members gathered at an apartment in Richmond, Virginia, along with the victim, who was a member of the rival Sureño gang. Under MS-13 rules, members are not allowed to associate with rival gangs and are required to assault or murder rival gang members. When Gimenez-Lobos arrived at the apartment and realized a rival was present, Gimenez-Lobos encouraged the other MS-13 members to confront the victim based on his status as a Sureño gang member. The co-conspirators went into another room in the apartment, conferred, and decided to kill the victim. They assaulted the victim and took his knife, which Gimenez-Lobos used to stab the victim multiple times. Co-defendant Darwin Solorzano-Quintanilla then used a B-B gun to beat the victim brutally about the head. Co-defendant Francisco Lemus-Castillo used his own knife to stab the victim several more times, and the victim died from the stab wounds.
“Because of the dedicated efforts of the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners, Gimenez-Lobos and his fellow MS-13 gang members will no longer be able to terrorize their communities using fear, violence, and intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to dismantling this violent criminal organization and pursuing justice for its victims.”
“This case is a clear example of the severe threat organized criminal gangs pose to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The normalization of petty violence – such as killing another person because of their perceived rival affiliation – is illustrative of how dangerous these organizations can be.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to ensuring violent crime investigations remain a priority,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to combat the violence these gangs cause and bring them to justice.”
“Those who choose to commit violent acts will be investigated and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate these cases as demonstrated by these sentences."
“Jose Gimenez-Lobos displayed his depravity by conspiring to stab a man to death in cold blood,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “The severity of his crime is reflected in the prison sentence he received today. HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals or groups who perpetrate violence against the residents of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities.”
Solorzano-Quintanilla was sentenced to life in prison on Nov. 23, 2021. Lemus-Castillo was sentenced to life in prison on June 26, 2023.
The FBI, FBI Richmond Field Office’s RAVE Task Force, and Department of Homeland Security investigated the case, with significant assistance from the City of Richmond Police Department.
Trial Attorney Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Miller for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Multi-State Dogfighting RingRead the Press Release
The final defendant prosecuted as part of an extensive investigation into a dogfighting and drug distribution network was sentenced for his crimes in federal court.
Herman Tyrone Washington, 51, of Highland Springs, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne for the Eastern District of Virginia to serve 46 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Washington pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of a pitbull-type dog for the purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture. As a condition of his supervised release, Washington is prohibited from owning or possessing dogs or their reproductive cells.
Washington was the last of seven individuals charged in this conspiracy. Collectively, the individuals were sentenced to a total of 534 months’ imprisonment, and each will serve a multi-year period of supervised release. Like Washington, the other defendants are prohibited from owing or possessing dogs during their supervised release.
“Dogfighting is not a sport, it’s a brutal crime against animals who rarely escape death unless liberated by law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The lengthy sentences faced by Washington and others who conspired in this dogfighting ring illustrate that those who seek to profit from the suffering of animals face significant prison time.”
“The inhumane treatment of animals, especially ones bred to be companions for humans is not only strictly illegal, but deeply cruel,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We have sought significant sentences in this case because the mistreatment of animals is a serious crime born of malicious intent. These dogs deserved better.”
“Dog-fighting is an extremely violent and abhorrent activity that profits from the abuse and neglect of animals. With today’s sentence, these criminals will be served justice for profiting from this abuse,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Richmond Field Office.
“This successful prosecution is the result of a multi-year investigation and a fantastic example of long term, effective cooperation between local, state and federal resources. Dog fighting is a serious, cruel offense that often is connected to additional narcotic and gun crimes. I’m proud of my team’s role and hard work that contributed to justice being served,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.
According to information in the public record, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating several individuals in connection with a drug investigation. Through a court authorized electronic surveillance of co-conspirator’s Kenneth Otey’s phone, law enforcement officers analyzed over 400 conversations between the co-conspirators discussing their involvement and participation in dogfighting activities over two months. The ensuing investigation revealed that between December 2017 and August 2021, the conspirators organized contract matches (an agreed-upon fight negotiated by two parties for dogs of a specific weight and gender to take place on a set date, with an established purse and forfeit) and roll fights (a short fight between two dogs to test the dogs’ fighting abilities, usually for the purpose of sport and entertainment). They also transported dogs in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina to participate in dog fights; bred and trained dogs to fight; and at least one of the conspirators killed losing dogs by drowning them in buckets of water. The conspirators used private messaging applications, including Meta and Telegram, to communicate with other people including to coordinate fights and post videos of fights and training techniques. They collectively sponsored an animal in or attended at least 100 dog fights during the conspiracy.
In November and December 2020, law enforcement executed six residential search warrants and seized 93 dogs that were being used in connection with the dogfighting criminal organization. The Court found the animal fighting venture to involve extraordinary cruelty and to be of exceptional scale.
The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this prosecution:
Kenneth L. Otey, Jr., 48, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to a total term of 300 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two drug offenses, a firearm offense, and conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Connell Samuel Stukes, Sr., 49, of Rembert, South Carolina, was sentenced to a total term of 63 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of a pit bull-type dog for purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.
Raymond Johnson, 42, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to a total term of 37 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to a firearm offense and conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Jerome Donte Smith, 35, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to a total term of 37 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and sponsoring an animal in an animal fighting venture. At the time of his offense conduct, Smith was on supervised release in connection with a prior federal drug conviction.
Antonio Thomas Ruffin, 55, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to a total term of 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to transporting a pit bull-type dog for purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of an animal for the purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.
Royal Washington, 51, of Charles City, Virginia, was sentenced to a term of 15 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
The FBI, DEA, and the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia investigated the case. Special thanks go to United States Marshal Service, FBI – Baltimore Field Office, Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, Richmond Animal Care and Control, the Henrico County Police Division, Sussex Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore Animal Services and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Trial Attorneys Banumathi Rangarajan and William J. Shapiro of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony of the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Multi-State Dogfighting RingRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Yesterday the final defendant prosecuted as part of an extensive investigation into a dogfighting and drug distribution network was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
According to information in the public record, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating several individuals, including Herman Tyrone Washington, 51, of Highland Springs, in connection with a drug investigation. Through court-authorized electronic surveillance of co-conspirator Kenneth Otey’s phone, law enforcement officers analyzed over 400 conversations between the co-conspirators discussing their involvement and participation in dogfighting activities over two months. The ensuing investigation revealed that, between December 2017 and August 2021, the conspirators organized contract matches—an agreed-upon fight negotiated by two parties for dogs of a specific weight and gender to take place on a set date, with an established purse and forfeit— and roll fights—a short fight between two dogs to test the dogs’ fighting abilities, usually for the purpose of sport and entertainment. They also transported dogs in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to participate in dog fights; bred and trained dogs to fight; and at least one of the conspirators killed losing dogs by drowning them in buckets of water. The conspirators used private messaging applications, including Meta and Telegram, to communicate with other people, including to coordinate fights and post videos of fights and training techniques. They collectively sponsored an animal in or attended at least 59 dog fights during the conspiracy.
In November and December 2020, law enforcement executed five residential search warrants and seized 93 dogs that were being used in connection with the dogfighting criminal organization. The Court found the animal fighting venture to involve extraordinary cruelty and to be of exceptional scale.
“The inhumane treatment of animals, especially ones bred to be companions for humans is not only strictly illegal, but deeply cruel,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We have sought significant sentences in this case because the mistreatment of animals is a serious crime born of malicious intent. These dogs deserved better.”
“Dogfighting is not a sport, it’s a brutal crime against animals who rarely escape death unless liberated by law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The lengthy sentences faced by Washington and others who conspired in this dogfighting ring illustrate that those who seek to profit from the suffering of animals face significant prison time.”
“Dog-fighting is an extremely violent and abhorrent activity that profits from the abuse and neglect of animals,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “With today’s sentence, these criminals will be served justice for profiting from this abuse,”
“This successful prosecution is the result of a multi-year investigation and a fantastic example of long term, effective cooperation between local, state and federal resources,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. “Dog fighting is a serious, cruel offense that often is connected to additional narcotic and gun crimes. I’m proud of my team’s role and hard work that contributed to justice being served.”
Washington pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of a pitbull-type dog for the purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture. As a condition of his supervised release, Washington is prohibited from owning or possessing dogs or their reproductive cells.
Washington was the last of seven individuals charged in this conspiracy. Those individuals were collectively sentenced to a total of 534 months imprisonment and each will serve a multi-year period of supervised release. Like Washington, the other defendants are prohibited from owing or possessing dogs during their supervised release.
The following co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in this prosecution:
Kenneth L. Otey, Jr., 48, of Richmond, was sentenced to a total term of 300 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two drug offenses, a firearm offense, and conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Connell Samuel Stukes, Sr., 49, of Rembert, South Carolina, was sentenced to a total term of 63 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of a pit bull-type dog for purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.
Raymond Johnson, 42, of Richmond, was sentenced to a total term of 37 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to a firearm offense and conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Jerome Donte Smith, 35, of Richmond, was sentenced to a total term of 37 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and sponsoring an animal in an animal fighting venture. At the time of his offense conduct, Smith was on supervised release in connection with a prior federal drug conviction.
Antonio Thomas Ruffin, 55, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to a total term of 36 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to transporting a pit bull-type dog for purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture and possession of an animal for the purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.
Royal Washington, 51, of Charles City, was sentenced to a term of 15 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Todd Kim, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Washington Division; and Jason Miyares, Virginia Attorney General, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Special thanks to United States Marshal Service, FBI Baltimore Field Office, Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, Richmond Animal Care and Control, the Henrico County Police Division, Sussex Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore Animal Services and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony and Trial Attorneys Banumathi Rangarajan and William J. Shapiro of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-132.
Federal Jury Finds Armed Career Criminal Guilty of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict recently in the case of a Hardin County man facing drug and firearm charges. Patrick Dillon Butler, 30, now faces a minimum of 20 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the conviction today.
After a 4-day jury trial in July 2023, Butler was convicted of possession of firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to information presented in court, on approximately December 11, 2021, deputies with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department attempted to arrest Butler on an active arrest warrant. Butler refused to stop for the deputies and then led them on a high-speed chase that ended with him crashing into a deputy’s cruiser. Upon his capture, Butler was in possession of 2.26 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, 14 unused baggies, $353 in cash, and had a .38 pistol in the glove box of the car he was driving.
In 2017 and 2018, Butler was found guilty of felony charges of aggravated assault and possession of .5 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and is prohibited from possessing firearms. As a result of his felony convictions, Butler will face sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Adam Davis, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on July 19, 2023, charging a Jefferson County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Jonathan Rivera, 33, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On July 10, 2023, Rivera possessed a Taurus GC3, 9-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun, and ammunition. Rivera was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On September 14, 2009, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Rivera was convicted of two counts of burglary in the second degree.
The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Rivera faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fairbanks Men Indicted on Federal Charges for Wildlife Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment on July 20 charging two Fairbanks men with eight federal charges linked to an illegal big-game guide-outfitter operation.
According to court documents, Jun “Harry” Liang, 59, and Brian Phelan, 51, of Fairbanks, conspired to provide guide-outfitter services for caribou and brown bear hunts in Fairbanks, while neither were licensed by the state of Alaska to do so. Liang collected around $11,000 in 2021 and $60,000 in 2022 for guided hunts.
Liang is charged with eight counts: one count Lacey Act conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §371; two counts wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343; one count Lacey Act false labelling in violation of 18 U.S.C. §3372(d)(2); two counts illegal alien in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(5)(A); and two counts money laundering, one in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1957(a) and another in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956(a)(1)(A)(i). Phelan is charged with one count Lacey Act conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §371 and one count Lacey Act false labelling in violation of 18 U.S.C. §3372(d)(2).
Liang was arrested and made his initial court appearance on July 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Phelan is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in August. If convicted, Liang faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, and Phelan faces a maximum of five 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 made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the IRS, with the assistance of the Alaska State Troopers, Wildlife Investigations Unit, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Skrocki and Carly Vosacek are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Defendant Pleads Guilty to For-Profit Visa Fraud and Immigrant Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
This afternoon, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Haiyan Liao pleaded guilty to visa fraud and money laundering charges for her role in a multi-year scheme to illegally bring Chinese nationals into the United States for financial gain. Liao was charged in January 2021. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Deputy Assistant Director of Investigations Gregory Batman of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.
“Liao was paid thousands of dollars to help lie to the federal government to bring individuals, including unaccompanied minors, into the United States for her own selfish gain,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office stands committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our immigration process.”
“The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting human smugglers who undermine the rule of law by trying to circumvent our lawful immigration system,” stated Assistant Attorney General Polite. “As Liao’s conviction demonstrates, we will continue to hold accountable people who take advantage of vulnerable populations for personal greed.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service’s global presence enables our agency to serve as a liaison between U.S. and foreign law enforcement counterparts, assisting both in their efforts to stop human trafficking,” stated DSS Acting Deputy Assistant Director of Investigations Batman. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates how DSS’ placement around the world can stem the tide of human trafficking and target the criminals who prey on these victims.”According to court documents, Liao, a naturalized U.S. citizen and native of China, engaged in a scheme with others to assist noncitizens from China to illegally enter the United States. Liao fraudulently obtained visitor visas for those noncitizens by submitting applications containing false statements to the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. For the noncitizens whose applications were approved – including four minors – Liao facilitated their travel to the United States, including accompanying them on commercial flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The noncitizens and their families paid thousands of dollars to get to the United States. As a result of this scheme, Liao reaped at least $98,673.72 in illicit proceeds through wire transmissions from China to the United States.
Liao pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully bring unauthorized immigrants into the United States for financial gain, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
The DSS Criminal Fraud Investigations Unit Branch investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nomi Berenson for the Eastern District of New York and Rami Badawy, Acting Deputy Chief of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
The Defendant:
HAIYAN LIAO
Age: 46
Las Vegas, NevadaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-500 (DG)
Colorado Man Sentenced to Prison for “We Build the Wall” Online Fundraising Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TIMOTHY SHEA was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres to 63 months in prison for his role in carrying out a scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as “We Build The Wall” by soliciting donations using false statements and then stealing the resulting donations, as well as laundering the proceeds of the fraud scheme and attempting to obstruct the federal criminal investigation of the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Timothy Shea abused the trust of donors to ‘We Build the Wall,’ stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to line his own pockets, and attempted to obstruct the federal investigation of his criminal conduct. The defendant has now been held accountable and faces prison time for his crimes.”
According to court filings and evidence introduced during court proceedings:
Starting in approximately December 2018, TIMOTHY SHEA, his co-defendants BRIAN KOLFAGE and ANDREW BADOLATO, and others orchestrated a scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of donors, including donors in the Southern District of New York, in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign ultimately known as “We Build The Wall” that raised more than $25,000,000 to build a wall along the southern border of the United States. In particular, to induce donors to donate to the campaign, KOLFAGE repeatedly and falsely assured the public that he would “not take a penny in salary or compensation” and that “100% of the funds raised…will be used in the execution of our mission and purpose.”
Those representations were lies. In truth, KOLFAGE, BADOLATO, SHEA, and others received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donor funds from We Build the Wall, which they each used in a manner inconsistent with the organization’s public representations. For example, KOLFAGE covertly took for his personal use more than $350,000 in funds that donors had given to We Build the Wall. To conceal the payments to KOLFAGE from We Build the Wall, KOLFAGE, BADOLATO, SHEA, and others devised a scheme to route those payments through entities and bank accounts that they controlled. They took various steps to obscure or conceal these payments, including by using fake invoices and sham contracts — conduct for which SHEA was convicted at trial of obstruction of justice.
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SHEA, 52, of Castle Rock, Colorado, was convicted after trial of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice. In addition to the prison term, SHEA was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $1,801,707 and pay restitution in the amount of $1,801,707.
KOLFAGE, 41, of Miramar Beach, Florida, and BADOLATO, 58, of Cocoa, Florida, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. KOLFAGE also pled guilty to tax and wire fraud charges originally filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. KOLFAGE was sentenced to 51 months in prison, and BADOLATO was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison G. Moe, Nicolas Roos, Robert B. Sobelman, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Christopher de Grandpre and Andrea Gieseman.
Colombian National Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for His Leadership Role in Operating a Fentanyl Enterprise from a Canadian PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, along with United States Attorney Natalie K. Wight, District of Oregon, and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced that Daniel Vivas Ceron, age 42, Columbia, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Peter Welte, to 27 years imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and $11,048.43 in restitution for his role in ‘Operation Denial’.
Ceron was extradited from Panama to the United States on January 25, 2017, with significant assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
On July 12, 2019, Ceron pled guilty to Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death, and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
As part of that plea, Ceron acknowledged that he and Jason Berry led an international fentanyl and fentanyl analogue distribution operation from inside Drummond Correctional Institution in Drummondville, Quebec. Using a cell phone from inside the prison, Ceron and Berry arranged shipments of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues from China to Canada and the United States as part of this criminal enterprise. The distribution of these substances led to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in North Dakota, Oregon, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
This case is part of “Operation Denial,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues and was significantly aided by the national and international coordination led by the multi-agency Special Operations Division (S.O.D.) near Washington, DC, as part of “Operation Deadly Merchant.” The investigation started in North Dakota on January 3, 2015, with the overdose death in Grand Forks, ND, of Bailey Henke.
"The sentences announced today, and the suite of related prosecutions that preceded them, reflect the impressive cooperation and dedication of state, local, and federal law enforcement, along with our Canadian partners, to take down a pernicious and deadly network of fentanyl distributors,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those like Ceron, Berry, Nguyen, and members of their network who injected fentanyl and fentanyl analogues into American society with deadly results. Concerted efforts like Operation Denial demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to eliminating the influx of fentanyl into our communities at their points of origin."
“These defendants are responsible for fentanyl poisoning deaths in North Dakota and several other states, and today’s strong sentence ensures accountability for those crimes,” Schneider said. “This result is a credit to the tireless work and seamless cooperation exhibited by our office’s prosecution team and their law enforcement partners in North Dakota, across the country, and in Canada.”
“Disrupting large drug trafficking networks, like the Ceron Network, is vitally important to our ongoing effort to combat the fentanyl crisis in America and save innocent lives. Networks like these span jurisdictions and stopping them requires robust coordination among many domestic and international partners,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“Illicit fentanyl is one of the greatest dangers we’re facing as a country,” said Jamie Holt, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) St. Paul Special Agent in Charge. “The conviction and sentencing of Ceron highlights the strength of our international and state partnerships and the dedicated professionals who spend countless hours combatting a poison that is harmful to many communities and families. HSI St. Paul is steadfast in its efforts to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat the flow of illicit opioids into the United States.”
“This international investigation is an excellent example of the results that can be achieved when multiple law enforcement partners combine their efforts and expertise, and it has had a significant impact for our communities. Thanks to the collaboration of the various stakeholders, we have successfully neutralized a criminal network involved in major trafficking of a highly dangerous substance between Canada and the United States.” – Superintendent Karine Gagné, Acting Criminal Operations Officer, RCMP in Quebec
Operation Denial has led to thirty-one (31) defendants charged in North Dakota and three (3) defendants charged in Oregon. The investigation has resulted in nearly one million in cash and property forfeited from members of the organization. Defendants sentenced or convicted in this case include:
District of North Dakota:
- Jameson Robert Sele, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and was sentenced on July 27, 2015, to 36 months’ in federal prison.
- Ryan Jon Jensen, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on July 27, 2015, to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; two Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; and Money Laundering Conspiracy; and was sentenced on February 2, 2016, to 20 years in federal prison.
- David Todd Noye Jr., 18, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on May 4, 2015, to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and was sentenced on January 25, 2016, to serve 3 years and 3 months in federal prison.
- Joshua Tyler Fulp, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on June 23, 2015, to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death and was sentenced on January 26, 2016, to 12 years in federal prison.
- Kain Daniel Schwandt, 19, Grand Forks, ND - Pled guilty on July 24, 2015, to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and was sentenced on annuary 25, 2016, to serve 3 years and 6 months in federal prison.
- Brandon Corde Hubbard, 40, Portland, OR – Pled guilty on March 7, 2016, to charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Money Laundering Conspiracy. He was sentenced on September 14, 2021 to 264 months in federal prison.
- Braden James Foley, 28, Olympia, WA - Pled guilty on August 11, 2016, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on November 21, 2016, to serve 30 months in federal prison.
- Amanda Schneider, Port St. Lucie, FL – Pled guilty on September 17, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on January 17, 2019, to serve 15 months in federal prison.
- Danny Gamboa, 21, Pawtucket, RI - Pled guilty on September 19, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on February 27, 2019, to 25 months in federal prison.
- Keveen Nobre, 29, Providence, RI - Pled guilty on October 10, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on April 17, 2019, to serve 30 months in federal prison.
- Robinson Gomez, 35, Charlotte, NC - Pled guilty on November 8, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on April 17, 2019, to serve 15 years in federal prison.
- David Campbell, 58, Plantation, FL - Pled guilty on January 10, 2019, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on April 17, 2019, to serve 10 years in federal prison.
- Elizabeth Ton, 27, Woonsocket, RI - Pled guilty on June 18, 2018, to Money Laundering Conspiracy and was sentenced on March 8, 2019, to 41 months in federal prison.
- Louis Bell, 31, Port St. Lucie, FL – Pled guilty on November 8, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced on April 18, 2019, to serve 17 years in federal prison.
- Anthony Gomes, 34, Woonsocket, RI - Pled guilty on May 4, 2018, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance resulting in Serious Bodily injury and Death and Money Laundering conspiracy. On July 30, 2021, Gomes was sentenced to serve 30 years in federal prison.
- Jose Pinto, 64, Pawtucket, RI – Pled guilty to Tampering with Evidence and was sentence on January 20, 2022, to time served and two years supervised release.
- Eugenia Pinto, 64, Pawtucket, RI – On November 18, 2021, the parties entered into a pre-trial diversion agreement for a term of 18 months after admission to Obstruction of Justice and Evidence Tampering.
- Steven Pinto, 40, Pawtucket, RI, was found guilty of Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute and Import Controlled Substances, and Obstruction of Justice in June 2021 after a five-week trial. Pinto was sentenced on October 14, 2021, to 33 years imprisonment.
- Xuan Cahn Nguyen, age 43, Montreal, Quebec, pled guilty on March 14, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Import Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Nguyen was sentenced on July 17, 2023, to 22 years imprisonment.
- Jason Joey Berry, age 40, Cornwall, Ontario - pled guilty on July 29, 2022, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Import Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death. Berry was sentenced on July 24, 2023 to 24 years imprisonment.
- Vannek Um, age 45, Montreal Quebec – pled guilty on March 14, 2023, to Money Laundering Conspiracy. Vannek Um is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2023.
- Marie Um, age 42, Montreal Quebec, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute and Import Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death and Money Laundering Conspiracy in April 2023, after a 2 ½ week trial. Marie Um is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5, 2023.
District of Oregon:
- Channing Lacey, 30, Portland, Oregon - Pled guilty on March 28, 2017, to one Count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to three individuals and one Count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and was sentenced on August 28, 2017, to 135 months imprisonment.
- Carissa Marie Laprall, 25, Portland, Oregon - Pled guilty on March 28, 2017, to three Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and and was sentenced to time served with five years of supervised release on January 30, 2020.
- Steven Fairbanks Locke, 41, Portland, Oregon - Pled guilty on June 14, 2017, to Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Drug Offense and was sentenced on September 4, 2017, to time served and a term of supervised release.
On August 31, 2021, the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of People’s Republic of China (PRC) national Jian Zhang, a fugitive in this transnational investigation. Additional fugitives from China include:
1) Na Chu, 37, Pulandian City, Liaoning Province, China
2) Yeyou Chu, 36, Pulandian City, Liaoning Province, China
3) Cuiying Liu, 62, Dezhou City, Shangdong Province, China
4) Keping Zhang, 62, Dezhou City, Shangdong Province, China
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; IRS Criminal Investigation – Fargo Field Office; Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division, Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force; Oregon State Police; and the Grand Forks Police Department.
The prosecutors for this case were Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, District of North Dakota; Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin, District of Oregon and as a Special Assistant U.S Attorney in North Dakota; and Kaitlin Sahni, Assistant Deputy Chief, and Imani Hutty, Trial Attorney, Criminal Division Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Justice Department.
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Ages reflected are ages at the time of sentencing.
Clearwater Felon Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Deion R. Brown (27, Clearwater) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Brown to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. Brown had pleaded guilty on August 30, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2021, officers from the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) responded to reports of gunfire at the intersection of South Prospect Avenue and Turner Street in Clearwater. Multiple eyewitnesses had reported seeing a young man arguing with two other men before opening fire into the air. The shooter was seen standing near a black SUV, which was being driven by a young woman. After firing five rounds, the shooter chased the other two men on foot, then the shooter and the female driver then left the scene in the black SUV.
The next day, a CPD officer located the black SUV in Clearwater and observed the vehicle pull into an apartment complex located about one block from the scene of the shooting. A man and a woman got out of the vehicle and went inside the building. A few minutes later, the man and woman returned to the SUV, and were arrested by CPD. The man was identified as Brown.
During an interview with CPD detectives, the woman who had been with Brown admitted that she had been driving with Brown in the SUV the day prior, when the shooting had occurred. She also permitted CPD to search her SUV, where they discovered Brown’s wallet in the driver’s side door panel, as well as a Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. model EC9s pistol on the driver’s floorboard, partially underneath the seat. The firearm’s magazine did not contain any live rounds.
During an interview with law enforcement, Brown admitted that he had possessed the gun and that he had fired it. Brown also acknowledged that, as a convicted felon, he knew that he could not possess firearms.
This case was investigated by the Clearwater Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.
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.
Clay County Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charge in Online Romance SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Iona K Coates (67, Orange Park) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Coates faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case.
According to court documents, in 2020, Coates met two individuals online through a dating website. She subsequently provided both individuals with her bank account information and began receiving money into her account. Coates then facilitated the movement of the money from her account to unknown individuals. In December 2020, the United States Secret Service (USSS) met with Coates and explained she was acting as a “money mule” in an online romance scheme. As part of the scheme, criminals acting as fake suitors on dating websites developed relationships and convinced victims to send money to Coates’s bank account. Coates, in turn, sent the money to criminals.
The USSS met with Coates and advised her to cease participation in the scheme, as the criminals were using her bank account to facilitate stealing money from the victims. After the meeting and advice for her to stop, Coates continued to facilitate the criminal activity. Between December 2020 through September 2021, she received $229,376.26 into her bank accounts from victims targeted in the online romance scheme.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Clay County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing A Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Dylan Milton Jarvis (31, Orange Park) to one year and four months in federal prison for unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun). Jarvis was found guilty after a bench trial on April 25, 2023.
According to court documents, at approximately 5:30 pm on January 11, 2022, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to calls of shots fired near Blanding Boulevard, a heavily traveled road in Orange Park. Eyewitnesses in the area described an individual, later identified as Jarvis, carrying a shotgun and firing multiple rounds. Upon making contact with Jarvis in a parking lot, the deputies determined that Jarvis had fired three to four shells from a Harrington & Richardson 12-gauge shotgun, then discarded the firearm. The deputies located the shotgun in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot, along with multiple spent shotgun shells. During an interview with CCSO, Jarvis admitted to illegally modifying the shotgun. Further investigation by the CCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that Jarvis previously sawed off the barrel and the stock of the 12-gauge shotgun. A record check confirmed that this sawed-off shotgun was not registered to Jarvis in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Church Rock Man Arrested for Firearms Offenses in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Elijah I. Touchine, 23, of Church Rock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the criminal complaint, early in the morning on July 22, the Navajo Police Department (NPD) received a report that a man identified as Touchine was walking around the area near his residence shooting a gun and threatening to hurt someone. Officers from the NPD and New Mexico State Police responded to the area and came under fire from an unknown direction and an unknown assailant and took tactical action to protect themselves and each other from the incoming fire.
Officers pursued the shooter on foot up into a canyon, but due to the dark conditions, they were unable to identify where the shooter was firing from. After about twelve hours, officers discontinued the search for the shooter.
The following day, July 22, the FBI received information about Touchine’s whereabouts and located him at a local gun store in Gallup, NM with the assistance of the Gallup Police Department. Touchine was taken into custody without incident and it was determined that he had forced, through threats of violence, his grandmother to purchase a gun for him. When asked why he was purchasing a gun, Touchine replied “I don’t know, shoot up any cop I see.”
A black handgun was located in the vehicle Touchine arrived at the location in.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Touchine faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department, New Mexico State Police and Gallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Charlotte Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for $1.5 Million COVID-19 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jeannetta Blackmon, also known as Jeannetta Regan, 48, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and money laundering for obtaining more than $1.5 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Relief Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program loans for herself and her customers, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed plea documents, other court filings, and Blackmon’s admissions during the plea hearing, from April 2020 to November 2021, Blackmon executed a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA-backed lenders by obtaining fraudulent COVID-19 disaster relief funds for her businesses, J Renee Enterprises, Jeannetta Renee Girls Talk (JR Girls Talk), and Jrenee Investments (JR Investments). To obtain the relief funds, Blackmon submitted applications and supporting documents that contained false and fraudulent information regarding her businesses’ income, number of employees, gross revenues, and expenses. Blackmon also created and submitted fabricated bank statements and checks, in furtherance of the scheme. As a result of the fraudulent loan applications, Blackmon received more than $319,000 in disaster relief funds.
Blackmon also admitted to obtaining more than $300,000 in loan preparation fees from customers who paid Blackmon to prepare and submit on their behalf PPP and EIDL loan applications that contained false information, to include false employment data, inflated business income and expenses, and false tax information. Based on the fraudulent information, Blackmon’s customers received more than $1.2 million in disaster relief funds. To avoid detection, Blackmon directed her customers to pay her fees in checks or peer-to-peer payments.
Blackmon was released on bond after her plea hearing. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for the money laundering offense is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is in charge of the prosecution.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 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 www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as an illegal user of a controlled substance was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Jacques Simpson, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 7, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user and one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Simpson admitted that he knowingly possessed a firearm as a drug user. Late at night on November 9, 2021, a Cedar Rapids police officer came across a vehicle parked in a city park containing Simpson and a female. The officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, Simpson admitted he had a firearm in his sweatshirt pocket. A Glock 19 9x19mm caliber pistol was found with a loaded magazine and one round chambered. Four additional loaded magazines of various calibers were found in Simpson’s car.
On November 24, 2021, Simpson bought another gun and lied on the ATF form about being a user of marijuana. On November 25, 2021, Simpson’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Illinois. Simpson smelled of marijuana and had a BAC of .086%. During a search of Simpson, officers found the firearm purchased the day before. Nine additional loaded magazines of various calibers were found in Simpson’s car.
Simpson bought two more guns and again lied on the ATF forms about being a user of marijuana. On December 8, 2021, Simpson’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Cedar Rapids. The officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Simpson admitted being an unlawful drug user and admitted smoking marijuana earlier that day. During the traffic stop, officers recovered from Simpson’s coat pocket a loaded Glock 29 firearm with a round in the chamber, along with a loaded Glock 21 firearm with a round in the chamber near the center console in the vehicle.
Simpson also admitted in the plea agreement to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provides emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One form of such financial assistance is the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program. Simpson took out two PPP loans in March 2021 resulting in a total loss of $36,040. Simpson fraudulently claimed on the PPP loan application forms that he had viable businesses which in fact never existed, had no employees or any payroll expenses.
Simpson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Simpson was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $19,790 in restitution to Capital Plus Financial, LLC, and $16, 250 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Simpson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-21.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
California Resident Sentenced to Prison for Committing Unemployment Insurance Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Stockton, California, resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for fraudulently using unemployment insurance benefits debit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization to withdraw thousands of dollars.
Breon Dante Mims (32) pleaded guilty to illegal transaction with access devices.
According to court documents, on September 20, 2020, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stopped Mims walking along Las Vegas Boulevard after observing him smoking a marijuana blunt in public. During the stop, officers found Mims in possession of $10,080 in cash and 10 California Employment Development Department (EDD) debit cards issued in other names. He admitted that he possessed and used these EDD debit cards without authorization; and that he submitted the unemployment claims associated with the EDD debit cards without authorization. At least $261,600 of unemployment benefits were approved, and Mims withdrew at least $77,000 from various ATMs in Nevada and California using these fraudulently obtained EDD debit cards.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Western Region made the announcement.
The DOL-OIG investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.
In May 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Butler Township man sentenced to 17 years in prison for gun, drug crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Timothy Jefferson, 46, of Butler Township, was sentenced in United States District Court here today to a total of 204 months in prison for dealing cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug dealing.
Jefferson pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He received a sentence of 144 months for this crime. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, a crime that carries a mandatory sentence of five years in prison to be served consecutive to any other penalty.
According to court documents, from at least May 2021 until December 2021, Jefferson obtained bulk amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine for resale and distribution in the greater Dayton area. Jefferson and others would travel out-of-state to receive the bulk amounts of narcotics, driving the drugs back to Southern Ohio and staying in hotels along the way.
“These drugs are very dangerous and pose a great risk to the safety of those who comes in contact with it,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Jefferson’s actions of maintaining firearms to protect himself and his drugs also created a great risk to the community.”
Jefferson was also sentenced to forfeit three firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, a Chevy El Camino and more than $55,000 in cash. He will be under court supervision for five years after he completes his prison term.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); members of the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit; Kettering Police Chief Christopher N. Protsman; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, announced the guilty sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith is representing the United States.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Billings felon sentenced for illegal possession of firearm after accidental shootingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man with a felony conviction was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a gun after he accidently shot a person and fled, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, pleaded guilty in March to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents and in court that on Aug. 25, 2022, Billings Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which a witness said Olson had fled the scene. The victim had been shot in the back while in a car with Olson, who was sitting in the left rear passenger seat. Olson took off running after the gun went off. The firearm, a 9mm pistol, was recovered. Olson admitted to possessing it and to accidently shooting the victim. Olson had a previous felony drug conviction in Yellowstone County and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Olson was on supervision at the time of the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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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Alaska Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Hate Crimes, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ANCORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for two acts of hate-motivated property damage and a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, in May 2021, Luke Foster, 28, placed stickers with a swastika and the text “WE ARE EVERYWHERE” at eight locations around Anchorage, including the Alaska Jewish Museum, the University of Alaska Anchorage campus and a site associated with the LGBTQ+ community. In September 2021, Foster returned to the Alaska Jewish Museum, where he placed another sticker and carved a swastika into the door. Foster was convicted of two counts of damaging religious property in connection to this conduct.
During the investigation into the vandalism, investigators also discovered that Foster was using social media to traffic psilocybin mushrooms, a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Foster sold psilocybin to an undercover agent and boasted about his large collection of weapons and his intent to use them to protect his illegal drugs from law enforcement, if necessary.
Federal agents executed a search warrant on Foster’s residence and recovered psilocybin mushrooms, associated drug production items, multiple firearms, firearm ammunition, several thousand dollars in cash, and Nazi-inspired imagery, including a box of swastika stickers. Foster was convicted of an additional count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute for this conduct.
“Mr. Foster’s hateful acts of pro-Nazi vandalism across our city have caused significant harm to multiple communities and his trafficking of drugs put the people of Alaska in danger,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Anti-Semitic crimes and those targeting the LGBTQ+ community have no place here. Our U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute crimes that target our communities to instill fear and distrust.”
“Mr. Foster’s hate-fueled crimes were meant to threaten and intimidate entire communities, having a wide-ranging impact beyond that of property damage,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This is why civil rights investigations are among the FBI’s highest priorities. Together with our law enforcement partners, we stand ready to investigate and hold accountable those who commit civil rights violations against any person or group, and ensure justice for victims of bias-motivated crimes.”
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, with support from the Anchorage Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman prosecuted the case.
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Agoura Hills Accountant Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Officials Investigating Illegal Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An entertainment industry accountant pleaded guilty today to a felony charge for lying to federal law enforcement officials about his role in laundering illicit proceeds from an illegal gambling operation run by a former minor-league baseball player and which involved professional athletes.
William Eric Fulton, 59, of Agoura Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements.
According to his plea agreement, Fulton and his company provided bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation services for Wayne Joseph Nix, 46, of Newport Coast, a former minor-league baseball player who for nearly 20 years ran an illegal bookmaking business.
Beginning no later than 2011, Fulton was aware that Nix ran an illegal gambling business. Nonetheless, Fulton knowingly laundered Nix’s illegal gambling proceeds by continuing to provide financial services to Nix and providing access to the financial system. Specifically, Fulton continued to transfer money between accounts, issue checks and wires to Nix’s gambling clients who won large bets, and helped Nix obtain bank loans to facilitate the gambling business. Between 2010 and 2020, Fulton charged Nix approximately $336,645 in professional fees for his financial services.
Fulton also admitted in his plea agreement that on three separate occasions from March 2011 to October 2019 he provided personal loans to Nix totaling $1.25 million, which allowed Nix to pay his gambling clients when Nix needed rapid access to funds, which Fulton agreed to provide at no cost to Nix.
In addition, Fulton placed personal bets with Nix via the Sand Island Sports website. On one day, Fulton placed 14 bets, including three bets he made on a professional match of one of his company’s clients. Fulton also referred at least one of his company’s clients to Nix for the purposes of illegal gambling.
During an October 2021 interview with federal law enforcement about the Nix gambling business, Fulton falsely denied all knowledge of Nix’s involvement in sports gambling, falsely claimed to have had no knowledge that Nix was a bookmaker until learning law enforcement had searched Nix’s home in February 2020, and repeatedly made the false assertion that he had never placed a bet with Nix.
United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee scheduled a November 29 sentencing hearing, at which time Fulton will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Fulton has agreed to pay a fine of no less than $673,290.
Nix pleaded guilty in April 2022 to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2024.
Nix’s longtime partner in the gambling operation – Edon Yoshida Kagasoff, 45, of Lake Forest – pleaded guilty in April 2022 to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business. Kagasoff was sentenced on July 5 to six months of probation, was fined $1,000, and was ordered to forfeit $3,164,563 in ill-gotten gains.
Former Major League Baseball player Yasiel Puig Valdés, 32, who allegedly lied to federal law enforcement investigating Nix’s illegal gambling operation, is charged with obstruction of justice and making false statements. His trial is scheduled for January 16, 2024.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the ongoing investigation in this matter. The HSI agents are part of the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Mitchell of the Major Frauds Section and Dan Boyle of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section are prosecuting this case.
Monday 24 July 2023
‘Secretary’ to Mexican Mafia Shot Caller Found Guilty of RICO Conspiracy for Participating in Armed Robbery and ShootingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal jury today found a La Verne woman guilty of federal criminal charges related to her role as a “secretary” to an imprisoned Mexican Mafia “shot caller” who controlled Latino gangs in Pomona, including facilitating an armed robbery and shooting, as well as distribution of narcotics and extortion.
Kelly Deshannon, 42, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, one count of committing a violent crime in support of racketeering activity (VICAR), and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
According to evidence presented at a five-day trial, Deshannon served as a secretary to Seferino Gonzalez, an imprisoned shot caller of the Michael Lerma Cell of the Mexican Mafia. From prison, Gonzalez exerted control over Latino gangs, including overseeing drug trafficking and other offenses committed in Pomona. As a secretary, Deshannon helped facilitate an attempted armed robbery of car keys to a Mercedes-Benz SUV on July 14, 2013, which resulted in the shooting of a victim. Deshannon knew the victims’ address, that the victims had access to the car keys, and had spoken to the victims. On the night of the shooting, Deshannon brought the shooter and other defendants with her to the victims’ address and pointed out a victim to her accomplices. The victim, though wounded, survived the attack.
Deshannon’s other criminal conduct included broking drug sales and collecting extortionate taxes in Lerma Cell territory.
Lerma, who is this case’s lead defendant, was indicted in 2018 and has pleaded not guilty to RICO conspiracy and multiple other federal charges. His trial is scheduled for July 23, 2024. He is in federal custody.
United States District Judge George H. Wu scheduled an October 26 sentencing hearing, at which time Deshannon will face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
At the conclusion of a 10-day trial in March 2023, a federal jury found Deshannon not guilty of attempted carjacking and deadlocked on four other counts. At the request of federal prosecutors, Judge Wu on June 28 dismissed one VICAR count against Deshannon.
The FBI San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force investigated this matter. The FBI San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force was formed in 2008 and is based out of the Pomona Police Department. One of the primary missions of the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force is to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to combat, investigate, and dissuade gang violence from occurring within the Los Angeles County Jail and surrounding Los Angeles area. The Covina Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jason C. Pang of the Major Frauds Section and Varun Behl of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.
Woman Facing Federal Charges for Swindling More Than $300,000 from Her GrandmotherRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Florida woman was arraigned on an indictment in federal court on Wednesday charging her for allegedly scamming her grandmother living in Cahokia Heights out of more than $300,000.
Tanya M. Aboseada, 38, of Pompano Beach, Florida, is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud.
“Financial crimes against the elderly for personal gain are intolerable, and offenders will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz said, “The FBI remains committed to protecting the elderly in our communities from financial fraud and holding accountable those who exploit them.”
The indictment alleges Aboseada convinced her grandmother to wire money into her bank account under false pretenses on at least 12 occasions between November 2021 and August 2022. Aboseada lied about needing money in order to transfer a truck title into her name, pay money she owed to the IRS, pay attorney fees and fines for a vehicular accident she was in, and to pay the family of a child she killed in a vehicular accident to avoid going to jail.
In total, the fraudulent transactions exceeded $300,000.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Making Racially-Charged Threats Toward Black ResidentsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,
joins Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in announcing William McDonald, 45, of West Allis was sentenced on June 29, 2023, in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing.
According to court documents, McDonald vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021. McDonald then left on her car a note filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding that she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, another Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding that she get out of the building.
“Every person in the United States has the right to live in their homes and neighborhoods free from the threat of violence based on race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all residents against race-based threats like those made by this defendant. This sentence should send a strong message to others who would carry out similar acts that they will be brought to justice.”
United States Attorney Haanstad said, “The protection of citizens’ civil rights, including the right to live free from race-based discrimination and intimidation, is a top priority for the United States Attorney’s Office. We will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal resources to bear on those who violate the rights of any of our fellow citizens to live where they choose.”
“The 30-month sentence of William McDonald is a direct outcome of the unrelenting efforts and dedication of federal and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to protect the rights of every Wisconsin citizen to live in a safe and protected environment free from race-based violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “Additionally, the Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI along with all its law enforcement partners are unwavering in their joint commitment to combat any and all crimes and discrimination based on race and ethnicity with the goal to make Wisconsin a safer and more inclusive community for everyone.”
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and the West Allis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
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Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Making Racially-Charged Threats Against Black ResidentsRead the Press Release
A Wisconsin man was sentenced Thursday in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing.
According to court documents, William McDonald, 45, of West Allis, vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021. McDonald then left on her car a note filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, a Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding she get out of the building.
“Every person in the United States has the right to live in their homes and neighborhoods free from the threat of violence based on race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all residents against race-based threats like those made by this defendant. This sentence should send a strong message to others who would carry out racially motivated threats and acts of violence that they will be brought to justice.”
“The protection of citizens’ civil rights, including the right to live free from race-based discrimination and intimidation, is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “We will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal resources to bear on those who violate the rights of any of our fellow citizens to live where they choose.”
“The 30-month sentence of William McDonald is a direct outcome of the unrelenting efforts and dedication of federal and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to protect the rights of every Wisconsin citizen to live in a safe and protected environment free from race-based violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “Additionally, the Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI along with all its law enforcement partners are unwavering in their joint commitment to combat any and all crimes and discrimination based on race and ethnicity with the goal to make Wisconsin a safer and more inclusive community for everyone.”
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Haanstad and Special Agent in Charge Hensle made the announcement.
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and the West Allis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
United States Resolves ADA Case with Warwick School Department to Ensure Access to Local PlaygroundRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The Warwick School Department has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to ensure equal access for children and adults with disabilities at the Warwick Neck Elementary School playground, announced Zachary A. Cunha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.
This agreement follows an investigation that began after the U.S. Attorney’s Office received a complaint alleging that the Warwick School Department renovated the Warwick Neck Elementary playground in 2019, but in doing so, failed to make access to the renovated playground accessible to individuals with disabilities. This agreement will remedy that problem, and commits the Warwick School Department to making changes that include significant modifications and improvements that will ensure that the playground will be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Those modifications are now underway.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero, with the assistance of the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5000 or by email at [email protected].
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ada_title_ii_warwick_neck_school_playground_settlement_agreement_.pdfUnited States Attorney Breon Peace Announces Conviction Review ProcessRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today the formation of the Office’s Conviction Integrity Committee and the Office’s process to receive, evaluate, and review claims of wrongful convictions. In October 2022, Mr. Peace appointed Assistant United States Attorney Kayla Bensing to the newly created position of Conviction Integrity Coordinator to formalize the Office’s conviction integrity process and collaborate with our law enforcement partners who are undertaking similar efforts to ensure the integrity of all convictions.
“It is critical to this Office’s law enforcement mission and our sacred responsibility to seek justice and uphold the public trust that, whenever there is reason to doubt the integrity of conviction, we move quickly to evaluate the prosecution and take the necessary steps to achieve a just result,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “From my first day as U.S. Attorney, it has been my priority to pursue justice and protect the civil rights of everyone in our community, without bias and with compassion, and I am confident that the measures announced today will help accomplish that goal.”The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is committed to maintaining rigorous internal processes in investigating and prosecuting cases as well as assisting state and local partners in maintaining the integrity of our justice system.
If you have an inquiry related to the integrity of a conviction, please email [email protected]. Please provide the information requested here. Please note that decisions as to whether and how to investigate a claim are made in the U.S. Attorney’s discretion and are not reviewable by any court. There is no timeframe by which claims presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be resolved, but the Office will make every effort to expedite the resolution of each inquiry.