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Friday 14 July 2023
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Friday sentenced a convicted felon from Jefferson County, Missouri who was caught twice with guns to seven years, four months in prison.
The charges against Kentrez Robinson, now 31, of Festus, stem from two incidents in 2020.
On Aug. 11, 2020, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department surveillance cameras alerted officers that a silver Pontiac Solstice was driving down Natural Bridge Avenue bearing a license plate belonging to a Chevy truck. Officers were also aware that a silver Pontiac Solstice had recently been reported stolen.
Detectives found the Solstice, parked and unoccupied, in the 1100 block of St. Louis Avenue, and then saw Robinson, who is a convicted felon, removing items from the car. Robinson had a loaded 9mm Beretta pistol in his pocket, along with fentanyl in two plastic bags.
On Oct. 5, 2020, a man reported being robbed of a gun and money on the parking lot of a market in the 3900 block of South Broadway. The vehicle driven by the robber was spotted by a license plate recognition camera near Page Boulevard and Walton Avenue and officers tried to pull it over. Robinson, who was driving, sped away, ignoring stop signs and traffic signals, and eventually reached speeds exceeding 100 m.p.h. on Interstate 70. After he left the interstate, Robinson’s vehicle hit a curb, flattening a front tire. But he kept going onto Interstate 55. Police were later able to disable the vehicle with a tire deflation device in the 5100 block of Vermont Avenue. Robinson got out and ran, climbing over at least two fences before he was arrested. He was caught with a satchel carrying the stolen gun and another pistol, as well as fentanyl.
Robinson pleaded guilty in December to two felony counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski prosecuted the case.
International Tax Advisor Arrested for Helping to Conceal over $100 Million of Income for High-Net-Worth U.S. TaxpayersRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced the indictment of FRANK BUTSELAAR for participating in a conspiracy to engage in tax fraud over the course of over seven years. BUTSELAAR was an advisor to high-net-worth DJs and fashion industry clients who earned income all over the world (the “Clients”). The Clients earned millions of dollars every year. In certain years, these Clients became U.S. tax residents, meaning they had a legal obligation to pay U.S. taxes on their worldwide income. BUTSELAAR, working with other professionals, devised a strategy to unlawfully conceal from the U.S. Government millions of dollars of income the Clients were earning outside the United States during years they were U.S. tax residents. After having been arrested earlier this year following a request from the United States to Italy for provisional arrest for purposes of extradition, BUTSELAAR was taken back into custody earlier this week in Italy following a favorable ruling on the U.S. extradition request.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, this defendant and his co-conspirators devised strategies to file false and fraudulent returns with the IRS for U.S. taxpayers of incredible means. Butselaar, as a tax advisor to many wealthy clients, knew intimately the responsibility his clients had to pay U.S. taxes on their income but ignored this obligation, opting instead to deceptively hide this income from the IRS. Our Office will continue to pursue those who use their expertise to unlawfully conceal income.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “Butselaar thought he was above the law. It’s alleged he operated this international fraud scheme to conceal millions of dollars in income earned by his high-profile clients around the world. This wasn’t just a get rich quick scheme, but rather Butselaar sought to play the long game and used a variety of sophisticated techniques to perpetuate this tax fraud over the course of several years. IRS-CI has a global reach, and we thank our J5 collaborators for their valuable partnership on this case. For Butselaar, it’s time to pay the tab.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed in White Plains federal court:[1]
FRANK BUTSELAAR conspired to defraud the United States and to conceal from the IRS through fraudulent, deceitful, and dishonest means the existence of millions of dollars of worldwide income generated by various clients, including Client-1 and Client-2, who are internationally renowned DJs (the “DJ Clients”). The DJ Clients, in particular, utilized offshore entities that at all relevant times BUTSELAAR and his co-conspirators knew the DJ Clients beneficially owned and effectively controlled. These entities were, in turn, held by trusts that the DJ Clients established on the advice of BUTSELAAR and others (the “Offshore Structures”). As part of their efforts to conceal the DJ Clients’ worldwide income, BUTSELAAR and his co-conspirators created and implemented a fraudulent scheme to use straw beneficiaries to conceal the income held within the DJ Clients’ Offshore Structures from the IRS.
In addition, FRANK BUTSELAAR and his co-conspirators devised and implemented similar fraudulent schemes for certain fashion industry clients (the “Fashion Industry Clients”) that involved fraudulent transfers of the Fashion Industry Clients’ overseas companies to family members, knowing that the Fashion Industry Clients would maintain beneficial ownership of the overseas companies and the income therefrom.
The tax evasion schemes, created and implemented by FRANK BUTSELAAR and his co-conspirators, caused to be filed Forms 1040 for the DJ Clients and the Fashion Industry Clients (during the time those Clients were U.S. tax residents) that fraudulently omitted over $100 million in worldwide income earned by those Clients.
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BUTSELAAR, 63, of Naarden, Netherlands, was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and five counts of aiding and abetting the filing of false tax returns, each of which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS-CI and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (“J5”). Mr. Williams also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Italy’s Ministero della Giustizia, Arma dei Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza for their assistance.
The J5 works together to gather information, share intelligence, and conduct coordinated operations against transnational financial crimes. The J5 includes the Australian Taxation Office, the Canadian Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the United Kingdom, and the IRS-CI from the U.S.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah and Nicholas S. Bradley are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
U.S. v. Butselaar IndictmentInscription House Man Sentenced to over 24 Years for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Eric Lee Kinney, 37, of Inscription House, Arizona, was sentenced on June 26, 2023, by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 292 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Kinney pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.
On or about November 5, 2022, Kinney, a member of the Navajo Nation, stabbed the victim to death and later fled from law enforcement. Upon his arrest, Kinney directed law enforcement agents to where he had hidden the murder weapon.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-08132-PCT-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-108_Kinney# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Idaho Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Edward Baker Harrington, age 59, of Idaho Springs, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering. Harrington was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,078,033.50.
According to the plea agreement, from April 2020 through September 2021, the defendant submitted a number of fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications to seven banks and one lender on behalf of business entities that he purportedly controlled. These PPP applications contained a number of false and fraudulent certifications and representations. The defendant obtained more than $1,000,000 in PPP loans as a result of the scheme. He falsely represented that all PPP funds would be used to pay eligible business expenses, when, in fact, the proceeds were used for his personal benefit to purchase goods and property, including real estate and vehicles. The defendant submitted PPP loan forgiveness applications in which he made more false representations and certifications regarding his businesses and his compliance with the PPP program rules, including rules related to the eligible uses of PPP loan proceeds.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules.
“The defendant enriched himself with taxpayer funds meant to help workers and businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. "Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners at the IRS, he will face the consequences of his fraud.”
“Harrington used the Paycheck Protection Program as his personal ATM. He brazenly stole over one million dollars with no regard for the hard-working American business owners and families this program was intended to support,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “IRS-CI has investigated over 1000 instances of Covid-19 relief fraud since the CARES Act was introduced, and this sentence should send a clear message that we will continue to hold those accountable who abused the system for their personal benefit.”
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cassidy and Martha Paluch.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Case Number: 22-cr-00324
Idaho Falls Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Stephen Carston Wells, 27, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on August 18, 2022, Idaho Falls Police responded to a welfare check in Idaho Falls and found Wells passed out in his vehicle. Wells informed law enforcement that he had “a little bit of weed,” in his vehicle. Law enforcement then searched the Wells vehicle. While searching Wells vehicle law enforcement found 459 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of cocaine, 7.7 grams of marijuana, 13.9 grams of THC oil, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, a loaded AR‑15 rifle, and additional loaded AR-15 magazines.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill imposed the sentence and also ordered Wells to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Wells pleaded guilty to the charge on April 24, 2023
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the Idaho Falls Police Department for their work on the case.
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High-Level Member of ISIS Sentenced to Life in Prison for Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
A New York man was sentenced today to life in prison on one count of conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and five substantive counts of providing material support to ISIS in the forms of personnel, including himself, Australian citizen Jake Bilardi and others, as well as services, weapons, property and equipment, and false documentation and identification, all between January 2013 and June 2017, when the defendant was arrested in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to court documents, Mirsad Kandic, 41, of Brooklyn and Kosovo, was convicted by a federal jury in May 2022 following a three-week trial in Brooklyn.
“Serving ISIS’s deadly terror campaign, this defendant fought on the battlefield, spread propaganda, smuggled weapons, and radicalized Western recruits,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The National Security Division was created to counter foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and, with our partners, we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who provide support to such terrorist groups.”
“Kandic was a high-ranking member of ISIS who relished the death and destruction he wrought while providing every conceivable form of material support to a terrorist organization, including the recruitment of countless others to ISIS’s bloody campaigns in Syria and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his conduct and ensures that he will never again pose a threat to the United States or any of our allies. This office will remain relentless in prosecuting terrorists who threaten the safety and security of the United States and U.S. interests around the world.”
“The defendant in this case provided numerous forms of material support to ISIS for years, and today, he was brought to justice for his actions,” said Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This sentencing demonstrates the serious commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners around the world to investigating and holding accountable terrorists who threaten the safety and security of American interests, and those of our allies.”
After several failed attempts to travel from the United States to Istanbul, Turkey, Kandic took a two-day Greyhound bus ride from New York City to Monterrey, Mexico, in November 2013, and flew through Panama, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Kosovo, and Turkey before arriving in Syria at the end of 2013. Once in Syria, the defendant joined ISIS and became a fighter for the group in Haritan, an ISIS stronghold in the outskirts of Aleppo, wielding Russian-made PK machine guns and AK-47 assault rifles.
ISIS leadership then sent the defendant to Turkey to take up the role of smuggling foreign fighters and weapons into Syria from abroad, and to serve as an emir for ISIS media. Kandic disseminated ISIS recruitment messages and gruesome propaganda using more than 120 Twitter accounts. For example, the defendant sent out an ISIS-produced “documentary” titled “Flames of War.” This video celebrated ISIS conquests and macabre executions of ISIS captives, including instances where victims were forced to dig their own graves before being summarily executed by gunshot. The defendant tweeted that this video was the “best thing ever seen on screen.”
Kandic was a prolific recruiter of foreign fighters for ISIS. He sent thousands of radicalized ISIS volunteer fighters from Western countries into ISIS-controlled territories in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East. This included a fellow New Yorker, Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, who became an ISIS sniper and sniper trainer, and another individual who became an emir for ISIS safehouses in the Idlib province of Syria. Asainov was convicted after trial in February 2023 of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, two substantive counts of providing material support to ISIS, one count of receiving military-type training from ISIS, and obstruction of justice. He is awaiting sentencing.
A foreign fighter recruited by the defendant was Jake Bilardi of Australia. Bilardi contacted the defendant in June 2014 for assistance in traveling to Syria to join ISIS. Kandic provided Bilardi – who had just turned 18 years old and had never traveled internationally before – with instructions and guidance for reaching Istanbul, Turkey. Kandic then arranged for Bilardi to be picked up at the airport in Istanbul and smuggled him into Syria. Kandic maintained contact with Bilardi as he became an ISIS fighter and ISIS suicide bomber. Bilardi went on to commit a suicide truck attack with fellow ISIS members on March 11, 2015, in Ramadi Iraq, killing himself, more than 30 Iraqi soldiers and an Iraqi policeman. Prior to the attack, the defendant wished Bilardi well and stated, “May Allah make there [sic] inner organs implode.” Bilardi’s attack was coordinated with others committed at the same time; 30 members of the Iraqi military were killed, 61 were injured, and 25 were missing, whose bodies were never found, all as a result of this coordinated series of attacks. After the attack, the defendant celebrated Bilardi’s service to ISIS, on Twitter and to a co-conspirator. A member of the Iraqi Army general staff testified at trial that the March 11, 2015, attack paved the way for ISIS’s takeover of Ramadi and the Anbar Province of Iraq several weeks later.
Kandic also provided battlefield intelligence to top ISIS leadership. He also shaped the information environment in which ISIS operated by enforcing ISIS media and publicity discipline. For example, the defendant directed other ISIS supporters to refrain from posting any information about the success (or failure) of ISIS recruitment efforts as well as to minimize any reporting about ISIS military action in specific military actions. Kandic managed money for ISIS fighters in Syria, including two ISIS fighters who gave the defendant their bank cards, from which bank records showed more than $40,000 was transacted. Kandic smuggled weapons to ISIS in Syria, including a night vision scope for an ISIS sniper. Kandic operated a private market via Telegram – called “Khilafah (Caliphate) Market” – for which he was the group administrator with authority to restrict access to the group. Members posted firearms and military equipment for sale, including mortars and suicide belts (i.e., improvised explosive devices). Among the members of Kandic’s private Telegram market was Abu Luqman, who, at the time, was the ISIS governor for the Raqqa province, ISIS’s de facto capital in Syria.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy and J. Matthew Haggans for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Huda Abouchaer and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attachés abroad and foreign authorities in multiple countries on three continents provided critical assistance in this case. The Bosnian and Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Bosnian and Herzegovina State Intelligence and Security Agency, the Bosnian and Herzegovina Foreigners’ Affairs Service, the Bosnian and Herzegovina State Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Australian Federal Police, the Victoria Police (Australia), the Australian Border Force, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Joint Operations Command in Iraq, and the FBI Legal Attaché Offices in Sarajevo, Canberra, Nur-Sultan, and Baghdad, provided extraordinary assistance in the investigation and prosecution. The Ministry of Justice for the Republic of Finland, and Federal Office of Justice in the Federal Republic of Germany, the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development in the Republic of South Africa and the central authorities responsible for mutual legal assistance in Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Ukraine; and the FBI’s Legal Attaché Offices in those countries provided valuable support in the investigation.
High Level Member of ISIS Sentenced to Life in Prison for Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Mirsad Kandic was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to life imprisonment following his May 2022 trial conviction on one count of conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and five substantive counts of providing material support to ISIS in the forms of personnel, including himself, Australian citizen Jake Bilardi, and others, as well as services, weapons, property, and equipment, and false documentation and identification, all between January 2013 and June 2017, when the defendant was arrested in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kandic was convicted by a federal jury in May 2022 following a three-week trial in federal court in Brooklyn.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Edward A. Caban, Acting Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“Kandic was a high-ranking member of ISIS who relished the death and destruction he wrought while providing every conceivable form of material support to a terrorist organization, including the recruitment of countless others to ISIS’s bloody campaigns in Syria and elsewhere,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his conduct and ensures that he will never again pose a threat to the United States or any of our allies. This Office will remain relentless in prosecuting terrorists who threaten the safety and security of the United States and U.S. interests around the world.”
“Serving ISIS’s deadly terror campaign, this defendant fought on the battlefield, spread propaganda, smuggled weapons, and radicalized Western recruits,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The National Security Division was created to counter foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and, with our partners, we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who provide support to such terrorist groups.”
“Let this sentence affirm that HSI will not abide any individual or organization that threatens the national security of the United States,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “Mirsad Kandic’s steadfast physical and material support of ISIS brought untold additional members into the organization, sowing death and destruction throughout ISIS territory and the world. This investigation and successful prosecution were only possible through the close collaboration of U.S. and international partners working together to track down those who provide support to foreign terrorist organizations and bring them to justice.”
As proven at trial, Kandic had multiple responsibilities within ISIS, including recruiting foreign fighters, trafficking foreign fighters from the West through Turkey and into Syria, and obtaining weapons, military equipment, maps, money, and false identifications for ISIS fighters. In carrying out these responsibilities, Kandic worked directly with ISIS emirs and battlefield commanders, including Bajro Ikanovic, who commanded an ISIS training camp in Syria beginning in or around 2014. Ikanovic, in turn, reported to Omar Shishani, then the top military commander for ISIS, and a key advisor to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, at the time the leader of ISIS and the self-declared Caliph of the Islamic State.
After several failed attempts to travel from the United States to Istanbul, Turkey, Kandic took a two-day Greyhound bus ride from New York City to Monterrey, Mexico, in November 2013, and flew through Panama, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Kosovo, and Turkey before arriving in Syria at the end of 2013. Once in Syria, the defendant joined ISIS and became a fighter for the group in Haritan, an ISIS stronghold in the outskirts of Aleppo, wielding Russian-made PK machine guns and AK-47 assault rifles.
ISIS leadership then sent the defendant to Turkey to take up the role of smuggling foreign fighters and weapons into Syria from abroad, and to serve as an emir for ISIS media. Kandic disseminated ISIS recruitment messages and gruesome propaganda using more than 120 Twitter accounts. For example, the defendant sent out an ISIS-produced “documentary” titled the “Flames of War.” This video celebrated ISIS atrocities and macabre executions of ISIS captives, including instances where victims were forced to dig their own graves before being summarily executed by gunshot. The defendant tweeted that this video was the “best thing ever seen on screen.”
Kandic was a prolific recruiter of foreign fighters for ISIS. He sent thousands of radicalized ISIS volunteer fighters from Western countries into ISIS-controlled territories in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East. This included a fellow New Yorker, Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, who became an ISIS sniper and sniper trainer, and another individual who became an emir for ISIS safehouses in the Idlib province of Syria. Asainov was convicted after trial in February 2023 of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, two substantive counts of providing material support to ISIS, one count of receiving military-type training from ISIS, and obstruction of justice. He is awaiting sentencing.
A foreign fighter recruited by the defendant was Jake Bilardi of Australia. Bilardi contacted the defendant in June 2014 for assistance in traveling to Syria to join ISIS. Kandic provided Bilardi—who had just turned 18 years old and had never traveled internationally before—with instructions and guidance for reaching Istanbul, Turkey. Kandic then arranged for Bilardi to be picked up at the airport in Istanbul and smuggled him into Syria. Kandic maintained contact with Bilardi as he became an ISIS fighter and ISIS suicide bomber. Bilardi went on to commit a suicide truck attack with fellow ISIS members on March 11, 2015, in Ramadi Iraq, killing himself, more than 30 Iraqi soldiers, and an Iraqi policeman. Prior to the attack, the defendant wished Bilardi well and stated, “May Allah make there [sic] inner organs implode.” Bilardi’s attack was coordinated with others committed at the same time; 30 members of the Iraqi military were killed, 61 were injured, and 25 were missing, whose bodies were never found, all as a result of this coordinated series of attacks. After the attack, the defendant celebrated Bilardi’s service to ISIS, on Twitter and to a co-conspirator. A member of the Iraqi Army general staff testified at trial that the March 11, 2015 attack paved the way for ISIS’s takeover of Ramadi and the Anbar Province of Iraq several weeks later.
Kandic also provided battlefield intelligence to top ISIS leadership. He also shaped the information environment in which ISIS operated by enforcing ISIS media and publicity discipline. For example, the defendant directed other ISIS supporters to refrain from posting any information about the success (or failure) of ISIS recruitment efforts as well as to minimize any reporting about ISIS military action in specific military actions. Kandic managed money for ISIS fighters in Syria, including two ISIS fighters who gave the defendant their bank cards, from which bank records showed more than $40,000 was transacted. Kandic smuggled weapons to ISIS in Syria, including a night vision scope for an ISIS sniper. Kandic operated a private market via Telegram—called “Khilafah (Caliphate) Market”—for which the he was the group administrator with authority to restrict access to the group. Members posted firearms and military equipment for sale, including mortars and suicide belts, i.e., improvised explosive devices. Among the members of Kandic’s private Telegram market was Abu Luqman, who, at the time, was the ISIS governor for the Raqqa province, ISIS’s de facto capital in Syria.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy and J. Matthew Haggans are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Huda Abouchaer, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attachés abroad, and foreign authorities in multiple countries on three continents provided critical assistance in this case. The Department of State’s Regional Security Office in Sarajevo provided critical assistance in this case. In addition, the Office extends its appreciation to the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Bosnian State Intelligence and Security Agency, the Bosnian Foreigner’s Affairs Service, the Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office, the Australian Federal Police, the Victoria Police (Australia), the Australian Border Force, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Joint Operations Command in Iraq, and the FBI Legal Attaché Offices in Sarajevo, Canberra, Nur-Sultan, and Baghdad, for their extraordinary assistance in the investigation and prosecution. The Office also thanks the Ministry of Justice for the Republic of Finland, the Stuttgart Police Department and Federal Office of Justice in the Federal Republic of Germany, the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development in the Republic of South Africa, and the central authorities responsible for mutual legal assistance in Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Ukraine; and the FBI’s Legal Attaché Offices in those countries for their assistance in the investigation.
The Defendant:
MIRSAD KANDIC
Age: 41
Brooklyn, New York; KosovoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-449 (NGG)
Related Defendants:
RUSLAN MARATOVICH ASAINOV
Age: 46
Syria and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-402 (NGG)
Harrisburg Man Charged with Hobbs Act RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Clarence Bernard Mitchell, age 33, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery).
According to United States Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on June 5, 2023, Mitchell entered the Agate Smoke Shop in Dauphin County, approached the cash register, pointed a paper bag at the employee in a manner indicating Mitchell had a gun in the bag, instructed the employee to open the register, and took money by means of threatened force. The indictment further alleges that on June 8, 2023, Mitchell returned to the Agate Smoke Shop and robbed the store in a similar manner as on June 5, 2023. The indictment also alleges that on June 14, 2023, Mitchell entered a Cricket Wireless, LLC authorized retailer in Dauphin County, approached the sales counter, pointed a paper bag at the employee in a manner indicating Mitchell had a gun in the bag, and took money by means of threatened force.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the charged offense is up to 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Gainesville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Possessing Firearms as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (23, Gainesville) to three years and one month in federal prison for possessing counterfeit access devices with the intent to defraud and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Grant had pleaded guilty on May 2, 2023.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2022, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol pulled over a Maserati owned and operated by Grant for driving on a suspended license. After troopers smelled marijuana, they searched the vehicle and discovered 61 fraudulent debit and credit cards, a forged identification card bearing Grant’s photograph, numerous fraudulent checks, electronic devices used to facilitate fraud (including a laptop computer and laser printer), two loaded firearms, and more than $14,000 in cash. Grant has prior state felony convictions for possession of a forged driver’s license, possession of oxycodone, and grand theft. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
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.
Fort Myers Couple Indicted for $3.4 Million COVID Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Timothy Craig Jolloff (46, Fort Myers) and Lisa Ann Jolloff (56, Fort Myers) with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and illegal monetary transactions. Timothy Jolloff is also charged with multiple counts of bank fraud. The chart below summarizes the indictment charges and maximum penalties as to each defendant.
Defendant
Charge
Maximum Penalty per Count
Timothy Craig Jolloff
Wire Fraud (11 Counts)
20 years in federal prison
Bank Fraud (7 Counts)
30 years in federal prison
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
10 years in federal prison
Illegal Monetary Transactions (4 Counts)
10 years in federal prison
Lisa Ann Jolloff
Wire Fraud
20 years in federal prison
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
10 years in federal prison
Illegal Monetary Transactions (4 counts)
10 years in federal prison
The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit a 2019 GMC truck and approximately $3,403,265, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment and other court documents, between April and March 2021, Timothy Jolloff and his wife, Lisa Jolloff, submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to the Small Business Administration, as well as PPP approved lenders. In the PPP loan applications, the Jolloffs falsely represented the number of employees and average monthly payroll for the applicant businesses. The Jolloffs also falsely represented and certified that PPP funds would be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. In EIDL applications, Timothy Jolloff misrepresented the gross revenue and cost of goods sold for the applicant businesses for which he sought EIDL funds. He also misrepresented the number of employees of the EIDL applicant businesses. Moreover, in loan documents signed and submitted by Timothy Jolloff for EIDL loans, he mispresented that EIDL proceeds would be used solely for working capital and to alleviate economic injury.
The Jolloffs’ false and fraudulent representations caused the Small Business Administration and PPP lenders to approve and fund 11 EIDLs and 8 PPP loans, as well as EIDL Advances, totaling approximately $3,403,265. The Jolloffs then conspired to unlawfully use PPP and EIDL funds to purchase three pontoon boats totaling more than $300,000, real estate in Fort Myers, Florida and Angola, Indiana, home furnishings, outdoor kitchens for their homes, a 2019 GMC truck, a 2020 Polaris UTV, as well as jewelry, and two dogs. The Jolloffs also fraudulently used more than $600,000 in EIDL funds to purchase a furniture business in Indiana and a landscaping business in Sarasota, Florida, which had no connection to the businesses for which the Jolloffs had obtained COVID relief money.
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 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.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.
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.
Former Woonsocket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Woonsocket man who, according to court documents, operated a significant drug dealing business in the Woonsocket area has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
David Kennedy, 33, pleaded guilty on October 1, 2019, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, admitting that, on at least three occasions while under law enforcement surveillance, he supplied a total of 44.25 grams of crack cocaine to customers brought to him by an individual who acted as a “broker.”
At the time of his arrest in July 2019, Kennedy was found by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force to be in possession of 119 grams of crack cocaine, 895 grams of powder cocaine, and $3,000 in cash.
At sentencing on Tuesday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Kennedy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.
Christian Nieves, 37, formerly of Woonsocket, identified during the investigation as the “broker” working with Kennedy, pleaded guilty on October 1, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. He was sentenced by Chief Judge McConnell, Jr., in January 2020 to five years in federal prison to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Christine D. Lowell.
The Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, United States Marshals Service, Central Falls Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Providence Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and Rhode Island State Police.
This was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Former Virginia Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Minor VictimRead the Press Release
A former police officer pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia to violating the civil rights of a minor victim by forcibly sexually assaulting her.
According to court documents, Cleshaun A. Cox, 31, admitted that on or about May 27, 2019, while he was in uniform and working in his official capacity as an officer with the Portsmouth Police Department in Portsmouth, Virginia, he encountered Victim 1, a 17-year-old female, during a call for a noise complaint. After another, more senior officer told Victim 1 to drive home, Cox followed Victim 1 to her home in his marked police vehicle. Cox instructed Victim 1 to drive to a parking lot, where he then instructed her to get into his vehicle. Cox then drove Victim 1 to an isolated area. There, he forced Victim 1 to have vaginal sex with him against her will. Cox admitted that he knew that Victim 1 was only 17 years old and that he knew that she did not want to have sex with him. Cox also admitted to lying to state investigators about his actions that night.
“The defendant violated his oath and abused his power to sexually assault a child,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The federal government will not tolerate law enforcement officials who commit acts of sexual assault and abuse, and we will continue to seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.”
“Police officers are entrusted to safeguard and protect our community, especially vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Police officers are not above the law. Those who abuse their position to commit such abhorrent acts must and will be held accountable.”
“Our communities trust police officers to keep their members safe, and the defendant violated that trust when he sexually assaulted a child while on duty,” said FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI is committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers who abuse their authority are held accountable for their crimes.”
Sentencing has been set for Nov. 28. With his guilty plea, Cox faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and registration as a sex offender under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In August 2021, Cox pleaded guilty to state level charges of carnal knowledge and abduction and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 10 years of which was later suspended by the court.
The FBI Norfolk Field Office investigated the case.
Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing and Selling FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Maisha K. Daniels (46, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to selling a stolen firearm. Daniels faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to the plea agreement, Daniels worked for the U.S. Postal Service at various times, beginning in 1998. In April 2022, she was assigned to a distribution center in Jacksonville. While it was passing through that particular facility, a Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol was stolen from a parcel that a licensed firearms dealer had shipped from Nevada to Florida. Daniels worked on the day that the pistol went missing. The Nevada firearms dealer reported the pistol stolen, and one week later, Daniels sold it to a firearms dealer in Jacksonville for $250. While conducting the transaction, Daniels provided her name, address, and cellphone number. A security camera captured an image of her during the sale.
Daniels later agreed to be interviewed by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. She initially denied any knowledge about particular items being stolen from the postal distribution center and ever owning a firearm. When shown a picture of her at the Jacksonville gun dealer, Daniels eventually admitted that she had stolen a pistol at work. She also admitted stealing three Coach brand clutch purses.
When the agents searched Daniels’s belongings at work, they found four bags of THC edibles; a sealed letter bearing postal stamps that was addressed neither to nor from Daniels; a gift box and card, which was also not addressed to her, but instead to a third party; a Coach hat in its packaging; four gift cards; a Coach watch with its original box, and a Coach scarf and its packaging. Daniels denied stealing the Coach items and claimed that they were gifts from other postal employees.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Portsmouth Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Minor VictimRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former police officer pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia to violating the civil rights of a minor victim by forcibly sexually assaulting her.
According to court documents, Cleshaun A. Cox, 31, admitted that on or about May 27, 2019, while he was in uniform and working in his official capacity as an officer with the Portsmouth Police Department in Portsmouth, Virginia, he encountered Victim 1, a 17-year-old high school student, during a call for a noise complaint. After another, more senior officer told Victim 1 to drive home, Cox—unbeknownst to the other officer— followed Victim 1 to her home in his marked police vehicle. Cox instructed Victim 1 to drive to a parking lot, where he then instructed her to get into his vehicle. Cox then drove Victim 1 to an isolated area. There, he forced Victim 1 to have vaginal sex with him against her will. Cox admitted that he knew that Victim 1 was only 17 years old and that he knew that she did not want to have sex with him. Cox also admitted to lying to state investigators about his actions that night, including by falsely stating he did not know Victim 1’s true age and by falsely stating that it was Victim 1 who had proposed a sexual act to him.
“Police officers are entrusted to safeguard and protect our community, especially vulnerable children,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Police officers are not above the law. Those who abuse their position to commit such abhorrent acts must and will be held accountable.”
“The defendant violated his oath and abused his power to sexually assault a child,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The federal government will not tolerate law enforcement officials who commit acts of sexual assault and abuse, and we will continue to seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.”
“Our sworn police officers have a duty to uphold the constitution and are entrusted with protecting the safety and quality of life of the communities they serve,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “Cleshaun Cox broke that trust when he, while acting under color of law, physically assaulted a teenage girl and violated her rights to bodily integrity. Cox’s conduct is not reflective of the honor and professionalism with which Portsmouth Police officers perform their duties, and I am grateful for the department’s collaboration in this investigation.”
Sentencing is scheduled for November 28. Under the plea agreement, Cox faces at least 15 years and up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and registration as a sex offender under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In August 2021, Cox pleaded guilty in Portsmouth Circuit Court to charges of carnal knowledge and abduction and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 10 years of which was later suspended by the court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wilson Hanes accepted the plea.
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. 2:23-cr-84.
Former Oklahoma Undersheriff Sentenced for Using Excessive Force and Violating Civil Rights of DetaineeRead the Press Release
A former Oklahoma undersheriff was sentenced to 22 months in prison and three months of supervised release for violating the civil rights of a handcuffed detainee by using excessive force.
On Nov. 8, 2022, Kendall Bryan Morgan, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. At the plea hearing, Morgan, the former undersheriff in the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Department, admitted that on Jan. 25, 2017, he repeatedly struck a person under arrest and in handcuffs, causing the victim bodily injury. At the time of the assault, the individual was not resisting arrest and posed no threat to officers or the public. Morgan’s excessive force furthered no legitimate law enforcement purpose and violated the victim’s constitutional right to be free from unreasonable force by law enforcement.
“This defendant abused his authority as a law enforcement officer and violated the public’s trust by repeatedly assaulting and injuring a handcuffed arrestee,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those officers who abuse their authority, wherever such abuses occur.”
“The reputation of the entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The sentencing of Mr. Morgan sends a clear message that the FBI will not tolerate anyone who dishonors the badge by using excessive force.”
“Law enforcement officers are bound by oath to serve and protect all citizens equally – this requires consistency, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The defendant violated that oath, and justice demands he pay the price for blatantly disregarding the law and the civil rights of others.”
Morgan will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Wilson and Special Agent in Charge Gray made the announcement.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarrod Leaman for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Head of Boro Park Shomrim Society Pleads Guilty to Transporting a 15-Year-Old Girl to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jacob Daskal pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. As part of his guilty plea, the defendant agreed to a sentence within the range of approximately 14 to 17 ½ years’ imprisonment. As part of the plea Daskal is required to register as a sex offender.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant has admitted he abused his power, trust and position in the community by committing deplorable acts against a child in his care,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We want victims everywhere to hear this guilty plea as our Office’s continued declaration that no one is above the law and we will bring those who violate our children to justice.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department.
As set forth in court filings, the defendant was the head of the Boro Park Shomrim Society (the “Shomrim”), a private, Orthodox Jewish crime-patrol group associated with the New York Police Department. In the spring of 2017, as a result of his position with the Shomrim, the defendant was connected to a 15-year-old girl, whom he took into his home and groomed for sex. Between August and November 2017, the defendant, then 58 years-old, subjected the 15-year-old victim to sexual acts.
During the summer of 2017, the sexual conduct occurred primarily at Daskal’s house in Brooklyn, New York and at his summer house in South Fallsburg, New York. The defendant frequently transported the victim between those locations by way of New Jersey. At the end of August, the defendant, his family and the victim returned full-time to his house in Brooklyn, where the abuse continued. As the school year started, the defendant helped the victim find a new school in Chicago, Illinois, and, in October 2017, she moved there to attend that school and live with another family. While the victim was in Chicago, the defendant communicated with the victim via text message and over Skype video chat. On or about November 5, 2017, the defendant traveled to Chicago for a day trip to visit the victim. The defendant booked a hotel room in Chicago, and he brought the victim to the hotel for sexual intercourse and oral sex. He flew back to New York that evening.
Throughout the abuse, the defendant instructed the victim to delete their communications and warned her not to tell anyone about their sexual relationship. The defendant also used his position as a leader in their community to quiet the victim, bragging about his connections to law enforcement and warning her that it would ruin her life if she told anyone about their relationship.
The government’s case is being handled by the office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid and Genny Ngai are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Litigation Analyst Ryan Costley.
The Defendant:
JACOB DASKAL
Age: 64
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-110 (NGG)
Former Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Controlled Substances into the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections Detention FacilityRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Former Prince George’s County Department of Corrections correctional officer Danielle Dominique Smith, age 34, of Waldorf, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in connection with her smuggling drugs to a prisoner with whom she had an intimate relationship.
The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; Director Corenne D. Labbe of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to her guilty plea, from November 23, 2009 through April 15, 2022, Smith was employed as a correctional officer at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (“PGDOC”) detention facility. During her employment, Smith developed a romantic and sexual relationship with an inmate at PGDOC, discussing their relationship on recorded jail calls beginning on at least June 3, 2021 and continuing until March 2, 2022.
As detailed in the plea agreement, from August 29, 2021 and March 2, 2022, Smith conspired with her inmate boyfriend and other co-conspirators to distribute Suboxone, and the synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as K2. Specifically, Smith obtained the controlled substances from co-conspirators outside PGDOC, then smuggled the drugs into PGDOC where she concealed them on special diet food trays designated for her inmate boyfriend. Once the inmate received the food tray, he distributed the controlled substances to other inmates within PGDOC. Other inmates, or relative and friends of inmates then sent Smith money for the controlled substances.
Smith and the inmate discussed the distribution of the controlled substances on recorded jail calls, referring to the controlled substances as food products in an effort to conceal the nature of the conversation. On September 24, 2021, PGDOC Special Investigations and Intelligence Section conducted a targeted cell search of Smith’s boyfriend’s cell for contraband and recovered white paper that was found to contain K2. On February 16, 2022, PGDOC Special Investigations and Intelligence Section conducted a targeted cell search of another PGDOC inmate for suspected contraband and found a bottle containing 395 strips that were found to contain Suboxone. The K2 and Suboxone were smuggled into PGDOC by Smith.
According to the plea agreement, at the end of February 2022, Smith took pre-approved leave from work. Smith continued to speak to her inmate boyfriend on jail calls during that time. On a March 2, 2022 jail call, the day Smith was scheduled to return to work, the inmate asked Smith if she was bringing the “meals,” and Smith said she was. Concerned that Smith was going to smuggle additional controlled substances, PGDOC administratively suspended Smith when she arrived at work that same day.
Smith and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Smith will be sentenced to six months of home detention. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA, the PGDOC, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Leah B. Grossi, who is prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Federal Jury Convicts Orlando Man of Attempting to Entice and Meet A 13-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that a federal jury has found Gabriel Almenas Carrasquillo (35, Orlando) guilty of using the internet and his cellphone to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Almenas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Almenas was ordered detained after the return of the verdict. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2023.
According to evidence and testimony introduced during the three-day trial, on August 11, 2022, an undercover agent (UC) with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation was posing online on a social media application (app) as a 13-year-old child seeking to identify individuals with a sexual interest in children. Almenas initiated a conversation with the UC, typing “You r really beautiful.” When Almenas asked if “he” was 18, the UC advised that “he” was “a little younger,” and stated, “I’ll be fourteen in a few months …” Almenas responded, “Oh wow you look really quite develop,” and “… I’m down to keep getting to know you more …” The two discussed meeting and Almenas confirmed that the “child” would be alone without adult supervision that entire evening. At Almenas’s suggestion, their online conversation moved to another social media app. Almenas then described the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child,” and he sent the UC a video depicting Almenas’s genitalia. A short time later, Almenas drove to a pre-determined location in Orlando where he believed that the “child” was staying and was subsequently arrested. In an interview, Almenas stated, among other things, that he knew that the “child” was underage when he came to meet “him,” and agreed that he “took a chance and showed up for the 13-year-old.” He also admitted that he brought the lubricant found in his backpack to engage in sexual acts with the “child.”
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Orlando. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
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.justice.gov/psc.
FCI Schuylkill Inmate Indicted for Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 11, 2023, Deondray LuRon Crayton, age 36, a federal inmate incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution at Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of possessing contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on June 21, 2023, Crayton was found in possession of a homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Charged with Possessing ContrabandRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 11, 2023, Charles Epps, age 26, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), Pennsylvania, was charged by the grand jury with possessing contraband.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on May 11, 2023, Epps was found in possession of a six-inch piece of plastic sharpened to a point with a cloth handle, commonly referred to as a “shank.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Gallagher is prosecuting the case.
Epps faces a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Electronic Health Records Vendor NextGen Healthcare, Inc. to Pay $31 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (NextGen), an electronic health record (“EHR”) technology vendor, has agreed to pay $31 million to resolve allegations that NextGen violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting the capabilities of certain versions of its EHR software and providing unlawful remuneration to its users to induce them to recommend NextGen’s software.
“Electronic health records are an essential part of our healthcare system” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Every day, millions of patients and healthcare providers across the country rely on such records to accurately identify and transmit vital health information. The Civil Division is committed to protecting the integrity of the electronic health records software that is available to providers and the process by which they decide which software to select.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 established the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program to encourage healthcare providers to adopt and demonstrate their “meaningful use” of EHR technology. Under the program, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made incentive payments to eligible healthcare providers that adopted certified EHR technology and met certain requirements relating to their use of the technology. To obtain certification for their product, companies that develop and market EHR technology are required to demonstrate that their product(s) satisfies all applicable HHS-adopted certification criteria; the company must also identify any software components on which their EHR relies to perform the criteria. Developers must first pass testing performed by an independent, accredited testing laboratory authorized by HHS, and then obtain and maintain certification by an independent, accredited certification body authorized by HHS.
In a complaint filed in conjunction with the settlement, the United States contends that NextGen falsely obtained certification for its software in connection with the 2014 Edition certification criteria published by HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator. Specifically, the government alleges that NextGen relied on an auxiliary product designed only to perform the certification test scripts, which concealed from the certifying entity that NextGen’s EHR lacked critical functionality. The government alleges that, consequently, the EHR that NextGen ultimately released to its users lacked certain required functionalities, including the ability to record vital sign data, translate data into required medical vocabularies, and create complete clinical summaries.
In its complaint, the government also alleges that NextGen violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. In its complaint, the government contends that, notwithstanding this prohibition, NextGen knowingly gave credits, often worth as much as $10,000, to current customers whose recommendation of NextGen’s EHR software led to a new sale. The government alleges that other remuneration, including tickets to sporting events and entertainment, was also provided to induce purchases and referrals.
“Electronic health records play a pivotal role in the provision of safe, effective healthcare, and the testing and certification process of the EHR Incentive Program was intended to provide assurances to providers that their EHR can perform certain important functions,” said United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Nikolas P. Kerest. “With this settlement, our office has now resolved five investigations into misconduct by EHR companies, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that EHR companies are held responsible for their misrepresentations.”
“Medical providers must be able to rely on electronic health records systems to correctly document and process important health data for continuity of patient care,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our valuable law enforcement partners to evaluate allegations brought under the False Claims Act and ensure the integrity of Medicare programs.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Toby Markowitz and Elizabeth Ringold, healthcare professionals at a facility that used NextGen’s software. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers in this case will receive $5,580,000. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Markowitz et al. v. NextGen Healthcare, Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-195 (D. Vt.).
The investigation and pursuit of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud, including in the healthcare technology arena. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support and assistance was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and OIG Office of Investigations.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Almquist Lively and Fraud Section Attorneys Christelle Klovers and Kelley Hauser.
The claims in the Relators’ and the government’s complaints are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
nextgen_complaint_in_intervention.pdf nextgen_settlement_agreement.pdfElectronic Health Records Vendor NextGen Healthcare Inc. to Pay $31 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
NextGen Healthcare Inc. (NextGen), an electronic health record (EHR) technology vendor, has agreed to pay $31 million to resolve allegations that NextGen violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by misrepresenting the capabilities of certain versions of its EHR software and providing unlawful remuneration to its users to induce them to recommend NextGen’s software.
“Electronic health records are an essential part of our health care system” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Every day, millions of patients and health care providers across the country rely on such records to accurately identify and transmit vital health information. The Civil Division is committed to protecting the integrity of the electronic health records software that is available to providers and the process by which they decide which software to select.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 established the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program to encourage health care providers to adopt and demonstrate their “meaningful use” of EHR technology. Under the program, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made incentive payments to eligible health care providers that adopted certified EHR technology and met certain requirements relating to their use of the technology. To obtain certification for their product, companies that develop and market EHR technology are required to demonstrate that their product(s) satisfies all applicable HHS-adopted certification criteria; the company must also identify any software components on which their EHR relies to perform the criteria. Developers must first pass testing performed by an independent, accredited testing laboratory authorized by HHS, and then obtain and maintain certification by an independent, accredited certification body authorized by HHS.
In a complaint filed in conjunction with the settlement, the United States contends that NextGen falsely obtained certification for its software in connection with the 2014 Edition certification criteria published by HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator. Specifically, the government alleges that NextGen relied on an auxiliary product designed only to perform the certification test scripts, which concealed from the certifying entity that NextGen’s EHR lacked critical functionality. The government alleges that, consequently, the EHR that NextGen ultimately released to its users lacked certain required functionalities, including the ability to record vital sign data, translate data into required medical vocabularies, and create complete clinical summaries.
In its complaint, the government also alleges that NextGen violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. In its complaint, the government contends that, notwithstanding this prohibition, NextGen knowingly gave credits, often worth as much as $10,000, to current customers whose recommendation of NextGen’s EHR software led to a new sale. The government alleges that other remuneration, including tickets to sporting events and entertainment, was also provided to induce purchases and referrals.
“Electronic health records play a pivotal role in the provision of safe, effective health care, and the testing and certification process of the EHR Incentive Program was intended to provide assurances to providers that their EHR can perform certain important functions,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “With this settlement, our office has now resolved five investigations into misconduct by EHR companies, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that EHR companies are held responsible for their misrepresentations.”
“Medical providers must be able to rely on electronic health records systems to correctly document and process important health data for continuity of patient care,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon for the HHS, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work with our valuable law enforcement partners to evaluate allegations brought under the False Claims Act and ensure the integrity of Medicare programs.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Toby Markowitz and Elizabeth Ringold, health care professionals at a facility that used NextGen’s software. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers in this case will receive $5,580,000. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Markowitz et al. v. NextGen Healthcare Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-195 (D. Vt.).
The investigation and pursuit of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud, including in the health care technology arena. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support and assistance was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and OIG Office of Investigations.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Christelle Klovers and Kelley Hauser and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Almquist Lively for the District of Vermont.
The claims in the relators’ and the government’s complaints are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Settlement ComplaintEast St. Louis Drug Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to spend 16 years in federal prison on drug distribution and firearm charges.
Mosezell Jones, 43, pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“Illicit drugs and firearms result in fear and destruction to a neighborhood, and families in East St. Louis are better off with one less criminal infecting the community,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud the officers for apprehending this defendant.”
“Illinois State Police special agents are committed to seeking out and holding accountable those individuals pushing life-destroying meth into our communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
According to court documents, undercover agents with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois of ISP conducted several controlled buys of a total of approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine from Jones at his home in East St. Louis in June 2021. Following the operation, officers executed a search warrant on Jones’s home and detained him.
From the search, officers recovered approximately 140 grams of methamphetamine, an AK-47-style rifle, 12-guage shotgun, a revolver, ammunition and drug paraphernalia. Due to prior felony convictions, Jones is unable to legally possess firearms.
During the investigation, officers discovered Jones was using a pill press machine to disguise methamphetamine, an addictive and deadly stimulant, as multi-colored tablets that appeared similar to candy or vitamins.
ISP led the investigation with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).Dominican National Extradited to Face International Narcotics Trafficking Charges in MilwaukeeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the successful extradition of Rafael Dario Gonzalez-Amparo (a/k/a “Rafa,” a/k/a “Sisi”) from the Dominican Republic based on a superseding indictment returned in Milwaukee. On July 14, 2023, Gonzalez-Amparo had his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gonzalez-Amparo was ordered temporarily detained. His detention hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2023.
On November 8, 2022, a grand jury had returned a superseding indictment against Gonzalez-Amparo, alleging one count of international drug trafficking conspiracy and one substantive count of international drug trafficking. According to the superseding indictment, from approximately February 2019 through March 22, 2022, Gonzalez-Amparo conspired with Jean Eliobert Jasme (a/k/a “ED1,” “Eddy One,” and “Tio Loco”), Gabriel Zuñiga (a/k/a “Ito,” a/k/a “Hito,” a/k/a “Captain Ito,” a/k/a Capi”), and others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The indictment also alleges that on or about April 19, 2020, Gonzalez-Amparo distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
The DEA Port-au-Prince Country Office and the DEA Milwaukee Field Office investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Dominican government, including the National Counterdrug Directorate (DNCD), and the U.S. Marshals Service, provided substantial assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Gail J. Hoffman of the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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District Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Following and Fatally Shooting Man in AlleywayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Keith Hudson, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 19 years in prison for second degree murder while armed in the February 6, 2021, shooting death of Isaiah Glover. Superior Court Judge Anthony C. Epstein also ordered five years of supervised release. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the government’s evidence, around 2:40 p.m. on February 6, 2021, the victim was walking on Hunt Place NE, when he turned south onto the 800 block of 42nd Street and encountered the defendant. Hudson was driving a white Buick LeSabre. He drove north on 42nd Street NE past Mr. Glover, then intentionally made a U-turn and drove back south on 42nd Street past Mr. Glover again. Mr. Glover took a right onto Hunt Place SE and headed towards Minnesota Ave. NE. After passing Mr. Glover twice, the defendant drove to Gault Street NE and 42nd Street NE where he parked the vehicle. The defendant got out of his car and walked towards Hunt Place SE and Minnesota Ave., and followed Mr. Glover into the alley behind 4147 Minnesota Ave, NE. Mr. Glover was unaware that he was being followed. The defendant quickly caught up to Mr. Glover. He drew a .40 caliber firearm out of his front hoodie pocket and, just as soon as Mr. Glover realized that the was being followed, the defendant shot Mr. Glover twice. Mr. Glover sustained a life ending injury to his brain. The defendant then ran through a perpendicular alley, back to his car, and fled. Law enforcement and paramedics arrived at the alley and pronounced Isaiah Glover dead at 2:53 pm.
“This sentence will remove a dangerous person from our District’s streets for a substantial period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Our office is grateful for the detectives who doggedly pursued this case and offers our sincerest condolences to Isaiah Glover’s family on this tragic loss.”
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Hudson on February 9, 2021 and has been in custody since. Hudson pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Kelly Blakeney, Victim/Witness Advocate Latrice Washington-Williams.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Dayton man sentenced to 2 years in prison for stealing checks from U.S. MailRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Keith Dujuan Calahan, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 24 months in prison for receiving and unlawfully possessing materials stolen from the U.S. Mail, including approximately 250 checks. Callahan intended to use the stolen mail matter to perpetrate more than $250,000 in fraud.
Local law enforcement began placing GPS tracking devices inside “dummy” packages in collection boxes outside the Dabel Post Office in Kettering, and, in May 2022, three such packages were stolen.
According to court documents, law enforcement tracked the GPS locations of the stolen packages and set up surveillance around an apartment complex Dayton. Three individuals were subsequently arrested, including Calahan. Calahan had two trash bags full of stolen mail matter, including two of the dummy packages.
While executing a search warrant at Calahan’s apartment, investigators discovered 250 stolen checks, nearly $1,700 in cash, a $1,000 money order and two firearms. Two weeks prior to his arrest, Calahan had fraudulently deposited a $6,100 check, which had been stolen from the U.S. Mail and altered to reflect a different payee.
Calahan pleaded guilty in February 2023 to receipt and possession of stolen mail.
“The theft of mail can be hugely disruptive to the lives of those whose private communications are stolen, opened, and exploited,” said United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This sentence should be a warning to anyone tempted to break into a collection box in search of easy money that doing so comes with considerable consequences.”
Parker and Lesley C. Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the judgment issued on July 13 by U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter is representing the United States in this case.
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DOJ and UW Medical Center - Northwest resolve allegations the medical center violated the Americans with Disabilities Act in caring for patients who are deafRead the Press Release
Seattle – University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest (UWMC-NW) will reform its policies and procedures for providing sign-language interpreters, and other assistive devices for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing following a complaint from a patient that such services were not provided during a hospitalization in 2021. UWMC-NW will pay the patient $40,000 in addition to the changes in training, policies, and procedures.
“Ensuring effective communication in medical settings has been a top priority in our civil rights work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Before and after surgery, a patient must be able to understand the medical staff and communicate their level of pain, their concerns, and any questions they have about ongoing care. This settlement clearly lays out the steps for UWMC-NW to comply with the ADA and provide best practices for their patients.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public entities, including healthcare providers, provide auxiliary aids and services free of charge to patients who need them in order to communicate effectively. An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, determined that UWMC-NW failed to provide the complainant with a qualified sign language interpreter necessary to communicate effectively with her on several occasions during her hospital stay in April 2021 including pre-surgical consultation, surgery, and post-surgical care. The hospital did attempt to use a Video Relay Interpreter (VRI) service, but it was ineffective.
The settlement requires the hospital to make a number of changes including:
- UWMC-NW will have a designated ADA Coordinator on duty at all times that the hospital is open to the public. That person will coordinate services and assistive devices for patients who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
- The UWMC-NW will enter into contracts with three interpreter services so that they are able to obtain an interpreter in a reasonable period of time.
- Video Remote Interpreting will be used only if it meets certain guidelines, and will not be used for certain complex or lengthy appointments where in-person interpretation is critical.
- All staff will be trained on the new procedures including the initial evaluation of whether a patient needs assistive services for communication.
- The hospital will log the use of assistive devices and services and provide that log to the U.S. Attorney’s Office every six months for review. The hospital will also provide any complaints regarding provision of assistive services.
- The review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue for the next three years. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office believes the terms of this settlement have been violated it can file suit in U.S. District Court.
The investigation and settlement were negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Waldrop.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Girls in the Philippines to Produce Sexually Explicit ImagesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for enticing at least nine girls in the Philippines to produce sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and send them to him.
KARL QUILTER, 58, pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall imposed the 30-year sentence after a hearing July 7, 2023, in federal court in Chicago.
Quilter admitted in a plea agreement that he communicated with the girls via Facebook, Viber, and Skype from 2017 to 2020. Quilter referred to the minor victims as his “girlfriends” to manipulate and pressure them into sending specific types of photos and videos that he demanded. Quilter also preyed on the victims’ financial difficulties, using money transfers to the victims’ families to entice the girls to take the sexually explicit images. In a message to one 16-year-old victim in 2020, Quilter promised to send money to her family for medicine and food if she complied with his demands. “If u do what I tell you… I will make sure u can buy food for 2 weeks and your medication,” Quilter said in the message. “Think of your little sister that she can e[a]t for 2 weeks everyday 3 meals a day and u get well.”
Quilter traveled to the Philippines in 2017 and 2018 and explicitly referenced his plans to have sex with several of the minors when he next visited the country in December 2020. Law enforcement arrested Quilter in Chicago in November 2020.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.
“Victim by victim, and message by message, defendant used social media and the internet to target and groom young Filipino girls,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “This was not a one-time aberration, but rather a years-long pattern of predatory abuse and exploitation of minors.”
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chicago Man Sentenced 46 Months for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Elijah A. Johnson, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford imposed the sentence and also ordered Johnson to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, from March 2019 through March 2022, Johnson was part a bank fraud conspiracy that obtained victim bank account information, impersonated account holders, and created and cashed counterfeit checks to obtain money. On part of the conspiracy, Johnson recruited check cashers, drove check cashers, and organized counterfeit check-cashing trips to other states. He has travelled to numerous states to facilitate the conspiracy, including Idaho, Minnesota, Ohio, California, Tennessee, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Johnson traveled with at least six-co-conspirators to Idaho on May 5, 2020. Johnson drove and assisted other co-conspirators in cashing and attempting to cash counterfeit checks in Idaho between May 6 and 8, 2020. On May 6, Johnson assisted co-conspirators in successfully cashing nine counterfeit checks, totaling $47,054.41. On May 8, the Defendant assisted two co‑conspirators in attempting to cash checks and successfully cashing a third check at another bank, totaling $13,710.96.
Johnson’s six co-conspirators have been charged in two related cases. Four co-conspirators were previously charged and sentenced in another case. Johnson’s co-conspirator Billy A. Guidry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and is set for sentencing on August 8, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the collective efforts of a geographically-diverse set of law enforcement agencies for this successful investigation: in Idaho, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Garden City Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, and the Nampa Police Department; and outside of Idaho, the Chicago Police Department, the Ellisville Police Department, the Fort Atkinson Police Department, the Gahanna Police Department, the Johnson Creek Police Department, the Montgomery Township Police Department, the Normal Police Department, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, the Redwood City Police Department, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Stockton Police Department, the Waltham Police Department, and the Wellesley Police Department.
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Brooklyn, NY, consultant for Amazon sellers sentenced to home detention and fine for role in bribery schemeRead the Press Release
Seattle – A successful consultant to Amazon third-party selling partners (3P Sellers) was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for his participation in an international bribery scheme used to aid his clients, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Ephraim Rosenberg, 48, was sentenced to two years of probation, including a year of home confinement, and a $100,000 fine. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones noted that Rosenberg “participated in the scheme for a period of three years. You stopped because you got caught by law enforcement.”
“Mr. Rosenberg participated in a scheme to bribe Amazon employees for confidential information and improper benefits – and he didn’t just funnel bribes through his co-conspirators to workers in India -- he paid a Seattle Amazon employee more than $18,000 for confidential information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “After first attacking the federal indictment brought in this case, Mr. Rosenberg has now admitted his crimes and has publicized his regret about his criminal conduct as a warning to others who scheme to illegally manipulate the marketplace.”
According to records filed in the case, between July 2017 and September 2020, Rosenberg and his coconspirators used a number of illegal tactics to steal internal and confidential data from Amazon. Rosenberg paid bribes to obtain confidential notes and information as to why certain clients, 3P Sellers, had been suspended by Amazon. The clients could then use that information to craft their appeals to be reinstated. Rosenberg also purchased forged documents to act as proof that certain products had been purchased from approved suppliers. In fact, the use of the forged documents could allow counterfeit or even unsafe products to enter the marketplace and harm consumers.
While Rosenberg used bribery and fraud to assist his clients, there is no evidence that he engaged in negative attacks on other 3P sellers. Other conspirators in the scheme made false complaints to Amazon, posted sham negative reviews and even defaced sellers’ product listings. Those defendants who attacked other Amazon sellers have faced more significant prison sentences.
Hadis Nuhanovic, 32, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced in February 2023, to 20 months in prison, forfeiture of $100,000 and $160,453 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Rohit Kadimisetty, was sentenced last year to ten months in prison and a $50,000 fine. Kristen Leccese and Joseph Nilsen have pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on September 8, 2023.
In her sentencing memo, Assistant United States Attorney Miriam Hinman wrote, “Rosenberg committed a serious crime when he corrupted Amazon employees, stole from Amazon, and gained access to internal systems and controls—all to the disadvantage of Amazon, small businesses, and consumers. Rosenberg and his co-conspirators used their insider knowledge of Amazon to break its rules and abuse Amazon’s platform. They stole Amazon’s confidential information to line their own pockets… These activities resulted in deceiving customers and unfairly disadvantaging small businesses that followed the rules. This long running, global conspiracy caused significant harm.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Miriam R. Hinman.
Booneville Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Booneville man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Justin Williams, 34, of Booneville, Mississippi, pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Williams was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson to 180 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. He was further sentenced to 5 years of supervised release following his release from prison. In addition, the court ordered Williams to forfeit more than $100,000 and various jewelry items that were identified as drug proceeds.
Williams was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from Texas and distributing it throughout the Northern District of Mississippi and elsewhere. Williams participated in the conspiracy by being a source of supply for large quantities of methamphetamine distributed throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. Williams arranged to have the controlled substances shipped through commercial package delivery services into Mississippi, where he would then distribute the controlled substance throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned more than a year. Williams was indicted along with sixteen other individuals, including Chuckie Leach and Gary Ricks. Leach was recently sentenced to 151 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release while Ricks was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.
“The distribution and use of methamphetamine has devastating consequences for communities across our Country, and many towns throughout our District have felt its harsh effects,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The arrest and prosecution of those who contribute to this problem is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, and we will continue to work together to hold accountable those who distribute dangerous drugs like methamphetamine in the Northern District of Mississippi.”
"Justin Williams's sentencing sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Mississippi,” remarked Bradford L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA. “Methamphetamine is an addictive drug with devastating consequences for individuals and families. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities.”
Ada Resident Sentenced for Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jimmy Louis Northcutt, Jr., age 45, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 222 months for his role in a Pontotoc County homicide.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On April 7, 2022, Northcutt pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree. According to investigators, on July 18, 2019, Northcutt broke into a commercial marijuana grow operation and shot the victim three times, killing him. The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Northcutt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of sentencing. He will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug and Firearm Offenses
Ryan Jase Harkins, age 42, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, to 71 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included three years of supervised release, $500 community restitution, and a $200 special assessment.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) executed a search warrant for a camera system at Harkins’ residence in Casper, Wyoming, where he lived with his minor children. During the search, agents saw illegal drugs in plain view and applied for and received a second search warrant for drugs. Agents then found fentanyl, methamphetamine, Harkins’ state ID, and a firearm in a safe in Harkins’ bedroom.
This crime was investigated by DCI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.
Drug Trafficking
Co-conspirators George Daniel Nitchman, age 50, of Worland, Wyoming, Jeffrey Johnson, age 33, Michael Shae Kelli, age 23, both of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Joseph Raymond Stone, age 44 of Porterville, California, were recently sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking ring. A fifth co-conspirator, Anthony Rodriguez, age 51, of Porterville, California, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2023.
According to court documents, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents were briefed on an influx of methamphetamine being distributed in the Lovell, Wyoming area in October of 2021. After conducting interviews with known and unknown drug distributors in the area, and executing search warrants obtained from Wyoming state courts, agents were able to identify key players distributing methamphetamine in and around Lovell. The methamphetamine was transported from California to Wyoming via rental cars, a Greyhound bus, and through the U.S. Postal Service.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the following sentences:
- George Nitchman received 110 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release, $500 for community restitution, and a $100 special assessment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jeffrey Johnson received 110 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release, $500 for community restitution, and a $100 special assessment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Michael Kelli received 70 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release, $500 for community restitution, and a $100 special assessment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Joseph Stone received 95 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release, $400 for community restitution, and a $100 special assessment for distribution of methamphetamine.
This crime was investigated by DCI, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys T.J. Forwood and Michael Elmore.
Fugitive/Failure to Register Crimes
Leonard Dale Van Dam, age 73, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 12, 2023, to 30 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment for escape from custody and for possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold.
Randolph Paul Duran, Jr. age 34, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 13, 2023, to 24 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence which will run consecutive to the sentence she imposed in case number 20-CR-184-F. In that case, the court imposed 6 months’ imprisonment for violation of supervised release terms. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Gist.
Delray Quiver, age 45, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 13, 2023, to 12 months and 1 day in prison for failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence which includes five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Gist.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
14 Defendants, Including Leaders of the Colombo Organized Crime Family, Plead Guilty to Various Felony ChargesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Vincent Ricciardo, also known as “Vinny Unions,” a captain in the Colombo crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pleaded guilty to racketeering related to his extortion of a high-ranking official of a Queens-based labor union (the “Labor Union”), loansharking, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ricciardo is the last of the defendants indicted in 2021 and 2022 in connection with various offenses committed by members and associates of the Colombo crime family involving extortion, money laundering conspiracy, drug-trafficking, fraud and loansharking offenses. Previously, Benjamin Castellazzo, the Colombo family underboss, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and Ralph DiMatteo, the Colombo consigliere, pleaded guilty to racketeering involving extortion and money laundering conspiracy. Colombo family captains Theodore Persico, Jr., who was slated to become the crime family’s next boss, and Richard Ferrara also pleaded guilty to racketeering. Other defendants convicted of racketeering included Colombo family soldier Michael Uvino and associates Thomas Costa and Dominick Ricciardo.
In addition, various employee welfare benefit plan brokers and providers, including Albert Alimena, Joseph Bellantoni, and Erin Thompkins, pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy stemming from their agreement with Colombo family members to divert benefit funds to the Mafia family. The guilty pleas took place before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty pleas.
“Today, there can be no doubt that the Colombo crime family has been decapitated as a result of the guilty pleas by its leadership and other facilitators of lucrative schemes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office, and the outstanding prosecutors, Special Agents, and detectives responsible for this significant blow are nevertheless mindful of the resilience of organized crime and we will not relent in our efforts to dismantle, disrupt, and disable this destructive menace in our communities.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and Office of the Inspector General, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York City Department of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.
According to earlier court filings and facts presented during the guilty plea proceedings, the defendants and their co-conspirators committed a variety of crimes – including extortion, loansharking, fraud, and drug-trafficking – to enrich themselves and to promote the continued operation of the Colombo organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra. The Colombo family’s administration, including boss Andrew Russo (who passed away during the pendency of the case), underboss Castellazzo and consigliere DiMatteo, as well captains Persico, Ferrara, and Vincent Ricciardo, agreed to use extortionate means, including threats of bodily harm, to force the official to give over a portion of his salary and, eventually, to take decisions at the Labor Union and with its affiliated healthcare benefit fund (the “Health Fund”) that would enrich the Colombo crime family’s administration, including attempts to force the trustees of the Health Fund to select vendors who were associated with the Colombo crime family and handpicked by some of the defendants. The crime family’s administration sought to divert more than $10,000 per month from the Health Fund’s assets to the Mafia.
In addition, Castellazzo, DiMatteo, Persico, Ferrara, Ricciardo, and Uvino joined with defendants Alimena, Thompkins, and Bellantoni to devise a scheme to launder money from Health Fund contracts and vendor payments. These defendants attempted to re-bid Health Fund vendor contracts for claims administration, pharmaceuticals, and other health services to persons and companies affiliated with Bellantoni, and to select a company run by Alimena as the Health Fund’s third-party administrator.
Bonanno crime family soldier John Ragano, who was also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac,” also led a scheme to issue fraudulent workplace safety training certifications from two occupational safety schools he purported to operate in Long Island. Rather than provide workplace safety trainings required to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, Ragano along with John Glover and Domenick Ricciardo, falsified paperwork submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor and other government agencies which represented that hundreds of workers had completed construction safety training courses when they had not. Instead, various defendants used Ragano’s schools to conduct meetings involving members of La Cosa Nostra and to store illegal drugs and fireworks. In November 2022, Ragano pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a means of identification. He was sentenced in April 2023 to 57 months’ imprisonment. In December 2022, Domenick Ricciardo pleaded guilty to racketeering and was sentenced in June 2023 to 28 months’ imprisonment.
When sentenced, Castellazzo, DiMatteo, Ferrara, Martino, Persico, Vincent Ricciardo, and Uvino each face up to 20 years in prison. Costa faces up to 30 years in prison. Glover faces up to 15 years in prison. Alimena, Bellantoni, and Thompkins face up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys James P. McDonald, Devon Lash, Michael W. Gibaldi, and Andrew Reich are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ALBERT ALIMENA
Age: 69
Pompano Beach, FloridaJOSEPH BELLANTONI
Age: 41
Massapequa, New YorkBENJAMIN CASTELLAZZO (also known as “Benji”)
Age: 85
Manahawkin, New JerseyTHOMAS COSTA
Age: 54
West Islip, New YorkRALPH DIMATTEO
Age: 68
Merrick, New YorkRICHARD FERRARA
Age: 61
Brooklyn, New YorkJOHN GLOVER
Age: 64
Queens, New YorkVINCENT MARTINO
Age: 45
Medford, New YorkTHEODORE PERSICO, JR. (also known as “Teddy”)
Age: 59
Brooklyn, New YorkJOHN RAGANO (also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac”)
Age: 61
Franklin Square, New YorkDOMENICK RICCIARDO
Age: 57
Franklin Square, New YorkVINCENT RICCIARDO (also known as “Vinny Unions”)
Age: 77
Franklin Square, New YorkERIN THOMPKINS
Age: 55
Franklin Square, New YorkMICHAEL UVINO
Age: 57
Garden City, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-466 (S-1) (HG)
Thursday 13 July 2023
Wheeling man admits to sale of fentanyl pillsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia, man has admitted to the distribution of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Rashun Rafael Suncar, also known as “Blackie,” 36, pled guilty today to the distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, Suncar sold pills stamped as the prescription medication Percocet that contained fentanyl near the Elks Playground in East Wheeling. Agents obtained a search warrant for Suncar’s residence where they recovered additional drugs along with a 9mm Taurus pistol.
Suncar faces a up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking a sentencing enhancement against Suncar because of the firearm found in his home.
The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
West Roxbury Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Physical Therapy Clinic Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Roxbury man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud multiple insurance providers for physical therapy services that were not provided to patients.
Slava Pride, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years in prison and two years of supervised release. Pride was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,301,645. In November 2022, Pride pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Pride was indicted in February 2021 along with co-defendants Anna Barenboym, Gyulnara Bayryshova and Raya Bagardi. Pride pleaded guilty in November 2022.
Pride was a physical therapy assistant at Brighton Physical Therapy (BPT), a Brighton-based physical therapy clinic owned by Bayryshova. Barenboym and Bagardi were also employed at BPT as a licensed physical therapist and a licensed physical therapist assistant, respectively. According to the charging documents, from October 2018 through June 2020, Pride and his co-defendants conspired to cause multiple insurance companies to reimburse them for physical therapy services that were not actually provided and/or were not medically necessary and, in some cases, were provided by individuals not licensed to provide the services. Specifically, Pride and, allegedly, his co-defendants falsely billed for services purportedly rendered to patients injured in automobile accidents when the services were not actually provided. It is further alleged that BPT paid patients for referrals, referred patients to attorneys to assist with patients’ insurance settlements and accepted kickbacks from those attorneys in return.
Pride was one of three defendants to plead guilty in the case. Barenboym and Bagardi previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2023 and July 19, 2023, respectively.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Vancouver Man Extradited to the United States for Role in Penny Stock FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Vancouver man has been extradited from Canada to the United States for his alleged role in a market manipulation scheme intended to defraud investors in the Boston-based company Endeavor Power Corp.
Marco G. Babini, 62, was arrested in April 2020 and was extradited to the United States on July 7, 2023. Babini made his initial appearance in federal court on July 10, 2023 and was arraigned on July 12, 2023, at which time a federal magistrate judge took his pretrial detention under advisement. Babini was indicted in September 2015 on one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud; one count of securities fraud; and two counts of wire fraud.
According to the charging documents, between approximately July 2012 and March 2013, Babini allegedly conspired to manipulate the securities of Endeavor. Specifically, it is alleged that Babini and others executed a scheme in which Babini secretly controlled and accumulated a significant portion of the purportedly unrestricted shares of Endeavor without making the legally mandated disclosures to the public. While doing so, Babini and others allegedly engaged in manipulative stock trading transactions and then orchestrated a promotional campaign for the purpose of facilitating the fraudulent dump of their shares into the market, a course of conduct commonly known as a “pump-and-dump.”
Babini’s alleged co-conspirators Edward Withrow III and Samuel Brown were previously charged with and convicted of federal offenses. In May 2018, Withrow pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). Brown separately pleaded guilty in July 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud and one count of making false statements to the SEC. Withrow and Brown were sentenced in December 2018 and January 2019, respectively.
The charges or conspiracy and securities fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Department of Justice Canada provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, Community Partners to Host National Night Out Event in East St. LouisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – To encourage stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois, event organizers and officials are inviting the East St. Louis community to a free event with activities for attendees of all ages to celebrate National Night Out.
The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Lincoln Park in East St. Louis, located at 606 S. 15th St.
Community partners will give out school supplies to students and will offer an array of activities like competitive games and more.
Ameren Illinois, the City of East St. Louis, Community Development Sustainable Solutions (CDSS), Community Life Line, the East St. Louis Police & Fire Departments, Illinois State Police, Family & Community Engagement Center, Fathers & Families Support Center, Indivisible Metro East, Kaskaskia Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are partnering to host the event.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Arrest and Indictment of a Canadian Man for Destruction of an Energy Facility and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BISMARCK –United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Cameron Monte Smith, a citizen of Canada, with 1) Destruction of an Energy Facility; 2) Possession of Firearm by an Illegal Alien; and 3) Possession of Ammunition by an Illegal Alien.
As stated in the indictment, Smith is alleged to have damaged the Wheelock Substation in an amount exceeding $100,000.00 in May of 2023. The substation, located near Ray, North Dakota, is operated by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
Smith is also alleged to have illegally possessed a .450 Bushmaster rifle and 9mm Sig Sauer pistol knowing that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States.
The charge of destruction of an energy facility is punishable by a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The firearm offenses are each punishable by a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years and a $250,000 fine.
On July 12, 2023, Smith appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter for an initial appearance and arraignment where he entered a not guilty plea to these charges. Judge Hochhalter ordered that Smith be detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. A trial has been scheduled for September 12, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in Bismarck, ND.
An indictment is an accusation and notice of charges. The defendant is presumed innocent under the law unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Williams County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David D. Hagler and Jonathan J. O’Konek with the assistance of Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Summer Law Camp Introduces High School Students to A Career in the LawRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This week, 22 high school students attended the U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp, for an introduction to the American Criminal Justice System and to learn more about what it takes to pursue a career in the law. The three-day program wrapped up on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with the students participating in mock trials at the federal courthouse in Charlotte. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the mock trials.
“Our Summer Law Camp is a great way to introduce young people to our criminal justice system and the diverse career paths available to them within the legal field,” said U.S. Attorney King. “The mock trials also give students an opportunity to better understand legal proceedings and trial advocacy, and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a lawyer in an interesting, fun, and interactive format.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp is free of charge, and it is available to students in 9th through 12th grades who are interested in learning more about the legal profession. The program is taught by career federal prosecutors and it is designed to help students explore the justice system, learn about the Federal Rules of Evidence, gain basic advocacy skills, and encourage students to think as lawyers. In addition, participating students receive instruction on evidence collection, and have an opportunity to hear from guest speakers representing law enforcement agencies and the defense bar. During the mock trials, students actively participate in the court proceedings, with assigned roles as prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses, tasked with delivering opening and closing statements, providing testimony, and conducting cross examinations.
“Our law camp provides students of all socio-economic backgrounds with an opportunity to be exposed to the legal profession, understand the legal process, and learn more about career options in the legal field,” said U.S. Attorney King. “But ultimately, the law camp is more than a lesson in civics or career preparation. The goal is to help young people gain a greater understanding of the power and responsibility they hold as citizens and the important role they play in ensuring that the criminal justice system is a place where they can make a difference for themselves, for their community, and, ultimately, for justice,” King added.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp can be found here.
Two Queens Men Sentenced for Armed Robbery at Aqueduct RacetrackRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Lamel Miller was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 108 months’ imprisonment following his conviction at trial in connection with the March 7, 2020 armed robbery of over $280,000 in cash from the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Last month, on June 14, 2023, Miller’s co-defendant, Lafayette Morrison, who was a racetrack security guard acting as an “inside man” during the robbery, was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), and Edward A. Caban, Acting Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentences.
“These sentences are the finale to the armed robbery that played out like a Hollywood movie heist,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Miller and Morrison made the wrong bet in robbing the Aqueduct Racetrack and have been justly punished for their violent crimes.”
“This sentencing clearly demonstrates that serious violent crime such as the armed robbery committed by the defendants; will be met with a corresponding response from law enforcement.” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John DeVito. “The men and women of ATF SPARTA investigate and arrest those who believe they can prey on New Yorkers without fear of consequences. They can’t! Thanks to the NYPD’s Queens Robbery Squad and U.S. Attorney's office for the outcome of this case.”
“The criminals involved in this ill-conceived robbery plot have earned meaningful prison sentences for their roles in its planning and execution,” stated NYPD Acting Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “I commend and thank the NYPD detectives and ATF agents on our Joint Robbery Task Force, and the prosecutors in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, for their critical work on this important case.”
On October 21, 2022, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Morrison of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery in connection with the March 7, 2020 armed robbery of more than $280,000 in cash from Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens. Morrison and Miller were also convicted of brandishing a firearm in connection with the robbery. Additionally, Morrison was convicted of obstruction of justice. Miller previously pled guilty to the robbery in September 2022.
As proven at trial, at approximately 10 p.m. following the Gotham Day stakes races at Aqueduct, Miller and a co-conspirator, the third charged defendant, held up at gunpoint several racetrack employees – including Morrison, who was employed as a racetrack security guard – as they were transporting more than $284,000 in cash earnings to a vault. Miller and the co-conspirator emerged from their hiding spot in a stairwell and confronted the employees at gunpoint, taking the cash and employees’ cell phones, and forcing the employees into a closet. Miller and the co-conspirator then went to a hotel where they divided up the robbery proceeds; they each took $100,000 and gave the remaining $84,000 to Morrison, who had falsely posed as a victim during the robbery. In reality, Morrison had served as the robbery crew’s “inside man,” providing information in advance about where and when the money would be transported to the Aqueduct Racetrack’s vault. When interviewed by federal law enforcement officers after the robbery, Morrison repeatedly lied to officers, including by claiming to be a victim of the crime and misidentifying a photograph of his childhood friend, Miller.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti and Rachel A. Bennek, with the assistance of paralegal specialist Anna November. Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is in charge of asset forfeiture.
The Defendants:
LAMEL MILLER
Age: 41
Queens, New YorkLAFAYETTE MORRISON
Age: 41
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-216 (AMD)
Two People Convicted of Conspiring to Sell Methamphetamine in East AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On July 11, 2023, a federal jury in Opelika, Alabama convicted Andre Tremayne Franklin, 38, from Columbus, Georgia, and Kahlia Nichelle Washington, 27, from Phenix City, Alabama, for their roles in an east Alabama drug trafficking operation, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the DEA began an investigation of a suspected drug trafficking operation in 2020. The investigation eventually revealed that a Columbus, Georgia man, Justin Garrett, 30, was supplying methamphetamine and cocaine to Franklin and others to be resold. The jury heard evidence that Franklin would commonly store and sell the illegal drugs in a “stash house” in Phenix City. Washington helped Franklin run the stash house and would contact Franklin when customers would arrive. Garrett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute on June 22, 2023, and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2023. A sentencing date for Franklin and Washington will be set in the coming months. At sentencing, Franklin and Garrett each face a sentence of up to life in prison. Washington could receive a sentence of anywhere from 5 to 40 years. The following provides more detail on the statuses of five additional defendants involved in the operation:
- On June 22, 2023, Xavier Toombs, 35, a resident of Phenix City, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- Also on June 22, 2023, Ryan Brown, 33, another resident of Phenix City, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- On June 23, 2023, Torrez Jenkins, 28, a resident of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to the charge on March 6, 2023.
- On June 27, 2023, Lorenzo Miles, 34, a resident of Columbus, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
- On June 28, 2023, Khourtney Jakeith Brown, 34, another resident of Phenix City, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
United States Attorney Stewart thanks all of the agencies involved in this investigation, including the DEA; the FBI; the United States Marshals Service; the Auburn Police Division; the Eufaula Police Department; the Phenix City Police Department; the Henry County Sheriff’s Office; the Russell County Sheriff’s Office; the Columbus, Georgia Police Department; and the Muscogee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Davidson and Brett J. Talley are prosecuting the case.
Two More Dublin Federal Correctional Officers Plead Guilty to Sexually Abusing Multiple Female InmatesRead the Press Release
As part of its ongoing investigation into Bureau of Prisons (BOP) officials at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, two more federal prison correctional officers were charged for sexually abusing multiple female inmates.
Nakie Nunley, 48, of Fairfield, California, and Andrew Jones, 35, of Pleasanton, California, were each charged by information with multiple counts of sexually abusing female inmates and then lying about the abuse to federal investigators. Both Nunley and Jones were employed as federal correctional officers at the time of the abuse. Both have agreed to plead guilty in written plea agreements, which were filed concurrently with the charging documents.
“The sexual abuse charges and guilty pleas announced today are the result of the Department of Justice’s sustained commitment to rooting out sexual misconduct at the Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “As these guilty pleas reflect, we will continue to hold accountable correctional officers who abuse their positions of trust and fail to humanely care for those in their custody.”
“The FBI is unrelenting in its protection of the civil rights of all individuals, including those who are incarcerated,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “No matter where these crimes occur, violence of any type destroys the safety and protection that every person deserves. We will continue to pursue investigations into any Bureau of Prisons official who abuses their position and assaults those in their care.”
“This office’s ongoing investigation into the conditions at FCI Dublin has revealed significant wrongdoing by multiple correctional officers at that facility,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate misconduct in the care of incarcerated persons. Correctional officers have an obligation to ensure the safety of incarcerated persons, and all Bureau of Prisons employees should view these latest two prosecutions as confirmation that the Department of Justice will do its part to ensure that those who stray from these obligations are held accountable.”
“Nunley and Jones are the seventh and eighth individuals charged with sexually abusing inmates at FCI Dublin. Five individuals, including the Warden and Chaplain, have been convicted of sexual abuse of inmates,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) is continuing to investigate these heinous allegations at FCI Dublin and is aggressively pursuing justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of rogue BOP employees.”
“Incarcerated individuals should be able to serve their sentences without fear of being sexually assaulted by correctional institution staff,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp of FBI San Francisco Field Office. “Nakie Nunley and Andrew Jones abused their positions and will be held accountable. Protecting civil rights stands among the FBI’s highest priorities, and we will continue to investigate such claims as they come to light.”
Nunley was charged with engaging in sexual acts and sexual contacts with five women who were serving prison sentences at FCI Dublin at the time of the abuse. He was also charged with lying to federal investigators about the sexual abuse and writing sexually explicit notes with one of his victims. Jones was charged with engaging in sexual acts with three women who were serving prison sentences at FCI Dublin, as well as lying to federal investigators about sexually abusing one of these victims.
Nakie Nunley
Nunley was employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin where he supervised prisoners who worked in UNICOR, a trade name for the federal prison industries. All of Nunley’s victims worked at the UNICOR call center at the time of his abuse. According to his plea agreement, Nunley admits that between March 2020 and November 2021, he engaged in sexual acts with two prisoners, including having oral and vaginal sex with one victim and digitally penetrating another victim on multiple occasions. He also admitted that he engaged in illegal sexual contacts with three other prisoners and that he lied to federal investigators about sexually abusing his victims and about sending one of his victims sexually explicit notes.
In addition to the five victims, Nunley also admitted in his plea agreement that he sexually abused two other prisoners who worked at UNICOR. Nunley admitted that he digitally penetrated one victim’s vagina and caused her to touch his penis under his pants, resulting in him ejaculating in her hand. Nunley admitted that he caused another victim to perform oral sex on him.
Nunley also admitted that he engaged in other inappropriate behavior. For example, Nunley agreed that he wrote sexual notes to one of his victims and made sexual comments to multiple victims. Moreover, when one of his victims approached him about his conduct towards another victim, Nunley threatened her by raising with her the potential that she could be transferred to another facility and that she could lose her job. Similarly, Nunley admitted that he told another victim that if she wanted to keep her job at UNICOR, she needed to pull down her underwear and bend over. When she complied, Nunley slapped her buttocks several times.
Andrew Jones
Jones was employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin where he supervised prisoners who worked in the Food Services Department. According to his plea agreement, between July 2020 and June 2021, Jones admitted that he received oral sex from, or had sexual intercourse with, three female prisoners who worked for him in the FCI Dublin kitchen. Jones admitted that he sexually abused these prisoners in multiple places near the FCI Dublin kitchen, including a staff bathroom, a warehouse, and a room where kitchen utensils were kept. In addition, like Nunley, Jones admitted in his plea agreement that he engaged in improper conduct in addition to the conduct for which he was charged in the Information. Specifically, Jones admitted that he also had sexual intercourse and received oral sex from an additional victim on multiple other occasions between July and December 2020, and that he had sexual intercourse with yet another victim multiple times between March and June 2021.
FCI Dublin Investigation
As part of the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into FCI Dublin, eight FCI Dublin correctional officers, including the former Warden, have been charged with crimes related to the sexual abuse of the female prisoners at the facility. In December 2022, former Warden Ray J. Garcia was convicted by a jury of sexually abusive conduct against three female victims and was sentenced to 70 months in prison for his crimes. To date, the tally of correctional officers charged with misconduct as part of the Justice Department’s investigation are as follows:
NAME
CASE NUMBER
STATUS
Warden Ray J. Garcia
4:21-cr-00429-YGR
Convicted on all counts by jury on Dec. 8, 2022; sentenced to 70 months in prison
CO John Bellhouse
4:22-cr-00066-YGR
Convicted on all counts by jury on June 5; sentencing scheduled for Oct. 27
Chaplain James Highhouse
4:22-cr-00016-HSG
Pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2022; sentenced to 84 months in prison
CO Enrique Chavez
4:22-cr-00104-YGR
Pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2022; sentenced to 20 months in prison
CO Ross Klinger
4:22-cr-00031-YGR
Pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2022; sentencing scheduled for Dec. 13
CO Darrel Smith (aka “Dirty Dick Smith”)
4:22-cr-00110-YGR
Indicted on April 13; status conference scheduled for Aug. 3
CO Nakie Nunley
4:23-cr-00213-HSG
Information and Plea Agreement filed on July 13
CO Andrew Jones
4:23-cr-00212-HSG
Information and Plea Agreement filed on July 13
DOJ-OIG and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, Christine Tian, Claudia Hyslop, Leeya Kekona, and Kay Konopaske, are prosecuting the case.
Two Bronx Men Charged in Connection with Shooting of Five-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Edward Caban, the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and John DeVito, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), announced charges against AUSTIN MORRISHOW and CURTIS WHITE for possessing ammunition after conviction of a felony. MORRISHOW and WHITE were congregated outside on a busy sidewalk in the Bronx the Friday before the July Fourth holiday weekend when they fired multiple shots at three cars in the Bronx, New York, hitting and seriously injuring a five-year-old child sitting in the backseat of one of the cars. WHITE was arrested this morning in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, pursuant to a criminal Complaint and was presented earlier today in the Southern District of New York before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. MORRISHOW remains at large.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants fired two guns — with ammunition that they were not allowed to possess — multiple times at three fleeing cars with innocent passengers inside, including a five-year-old girl, who was shot in the back. These senseless acts of violence occurred in front of a memorial of someone shot and killed in the area just the day before. Let this be a message to those who plague our streets with gun violence: We will work tirelessly, swiftly, and unceasingly in coordination with our law enforcement partners to find you, wherever you are and whenever it may be, and we will bring you to justice.”
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban said: “We promised this little girl and her family that we would not rest until the criminals involved in her shooting were identified, located, and held accountable. True to our word, we vow that the actions of any repeat violent offender who uses an illegal gun on our streets will never be tolerated – there will always be consequences.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John DeVito said: “Today’s arrest sends a clear message that violent criminals will be met with swift justice for their blatant criminal acts. Any shootings carried out on the streets of NYC are reprehensible let alone one that caused harm to innocent bystanders and a child. This callous disregard for life has no place in our communities, and ATF will work hand in hand with all our partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[[1]]
On June 30, 2023, the victim — a five-year-old girl — was sitting in the backseat of her father’s tan sedan, which was double-parked in front of a residential building in the Bronx near a group of individuals who were gathered outside at a makeshift memorial for an individual who had been shot and killed just the day prior. The victim’s father, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the car, was waiting for two friends to arrive to attend a car show in Queens. The two friends arrived at approximately 7:00 p.m. — one driving a silver sedan and the other driving a red minivan. A still image from surveillance footage is below with the three cars circled in red and the gathering circled in yellow:
As the driver of the silver sedan pulled next to the victim’s father, the driver of the silver sedan revved his engine. The victim’s father cautioned his friend not to accelerate the car to avoid the vehicle backfiring and the sound being mistaken for gunshots. But it was too late. The silver sedan backfired, causing the group of individuals — including MORRISHOW and WHITE — to scatter.
MORRISHOW took cover behind a parked vehicle and fired a .40 caliber pistol multiple times at the three cars, which began fleeing from the gunfire. A still image from surveillance video footage is below with MORRISHOW circled in red:
WHITE ran down the street after the fleeing cars, firing a .380 caliber pistol. A still image from surveillance video footage is below with WHITE circled in red:
After the victim’s father drove his daughter to safety a couple blocks away, he got out of his car to check on his daughter. Realizing that she had been shot in his back, he held her in his arms and yelled for somebody to call an ambulance. The driver of the silver car called 911. Minutes later, NYPD officers arrived and transported the victim to the hospital.
In the wake of the shooting, the NYPD recovered a .380 caliber firearm from an apartment unit that WHITE entered immediately after the shooting before exiting shortly thereafter. A photograph of the .380 caliber firearm recovered by the NYPD is below:
The NYPD also recovered seven .40 caliber shell casings from the vicinity of the parked car near where MORRISHOW fired his gun, as well as two .380 caliber shell casings from the street near where WHITE fired his gun. MORRISHOW was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition because of his prior federal conviction for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a narcotics conspiracy, and WHITE was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition because of his prior state conviction for attempted first-degree assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon.
* * *
MORRISHOW, 25, and WHITE, 26, both of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and the ATF and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry J. Fang is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
U.S. v. Morrishow and White ComplaintThree Indicted for Publisher’s Clearing House Imposter Scam Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Jowayne C. Godfrey, 24 years old, of Margate, Florida, Vinmar Y.A. Mitchell, 25 years old, of Roosevelt, New York, and Ariel S. Bagalue, 31 years old, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, were arrested and charged by indictment with conspiracy to money launder for a group of schemers that was targeting elderly victims throughout the United States in a Publisher’s Clearing House scam. The indictment alleges that the participants in this scheme duped their victims into believing they had won a large prize, preyed on their elderly victims’ trust and false hopes of collecting millions of dollars, and persuaded their victims to deplete their life savings and go into debt to pay supposed sweepstakes taxes and fees, which the schemers, including defendants Godfrey, Mitchell, and Bagalue, stole for themselves.
According to the indictment, from approximately February 2020 through February 2023, imposters posing as Publisher’s Clearing House representatives called elderly Americans and informed them they had won millions of dollars and new cars in the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. The imposters convinced the victims that in order to collect their significant winnings, they had to pay up-front taxes and fees. The imposters directed the victims about how to make the payments, including making direct deposits to bank accounts belonging to schemers, buying gift cards and mailing them to the schemers or providing the card numbers and PIN codes over the phone to the schemers, and mailing checks and cash to the schemers. If a victim made one bogus tax or fee payment, the schemers called back and requested more tax and fee payments, falsely claiming that the additional payments were needed in order for the victim to claim the sweepstakes prize. According to the indictment, defendants Godfrey, Mitchell, and Bagalue laundered and attempted to launder approximately $400,000 of victim funds from the scheme. The indictment sets forth how the defendants received the victim funds and then moved the money around in smaller transactions designed to conceal the source, location, and control of the funds, kept some for themselves and passed the remainder on to other schemers.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Philadelphia, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy E. Potts.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Cuban Nationals Sentenced for Sex Trafficking and Related Crimes in Texas Strip ClubsRead the Press Release
Three Cuban nationals were sentenced for sex trafficking and related crimes in strip clubs in the Houston area.
Rasiel Gutierrez Moreno, 38, Hendry Jimenez Milanes, 39, and Rafael Mendoza Labrada, 29, were each sentenced to 210 months in prison and to pay $451,298 in restitution, 120 months and $359,108 in restitution, and time served of 34 months, respectively.
Gutierrez Moreno pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and interstate travel in aid of racketeering Oct. 28, 2021. As part of his plea agreement, Gutierrez Moreno admitted to bringing women from Cuba to the United States and imposing on them inflated smuggling debts as high as $30,000. Gutierrez Moreno forced the women to work in Houston-area strip clubs, such as Michaels’ International, where they danced and engaged in commercial sex acts with club patrons, providing all the proceeds to Gutierrez Moreno to pay down their debt. The defendant further acknowledged smuggling and imposing debts to coerce approximately 20 other women in this manner.
Gutierrez Moreno admitted that, to keep Victim 1 under his control while she worked for him, he bragged about his acts of violence against other women and their families. On one occasion, Gutierrez Moreno beat another woman shortly before Victim 1 arrived at his home and ensured that Victim 1 observed that woman’s injuries. When Victim 1 escaped Gutierrez Moreno, the defendant contacted her family in both Miami and Cuba to demand that she return to work and finish paying her debt to him.
Jimenez Milanes pleaded guilty on Jan. 10, 2022, to coercion and enticement, and Mendoza Labrada pleaded guilty on April 30, 2021, to interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
“These defendants cruelly used violence, threats of violence, and false debts to force vulnerable victims to engage in commercial sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This kind of sex trafficking scheme is unlawful, dehumanizing and terrorizing to the women unable to break free. The Justice Department is committed to the vigorous prosecution of those who prey upon, abuse and exploit others for their own financial benefit.”
“These human smugglers terrorized female migrants, using Houston’s strip clubs combined with psychological threats and sexual violence for their personal financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “The victims came to the United States in search of a new life, were especially vulnerable, and the defendants took advantage of that. The sentences imposed today send a strong message that the Southern District of Texas will not tolerate those who smuggle, threaten and abuse the vulnerable.”
“The court’s sentence today sends a strong message: The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who commit sex trafficking face consequences for their criminal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge John Keith of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Houston Field Office. “DSS’ strong relationship with the Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies around the world continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will always remain dedicated and focused on the identification and recovery of the victims of human trafficking. We prioritize not only the safe rescue of these victims, but work with our partners to provide them with resources necessary to help them deal and cope with their experience,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of HSI Miami. “We are committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to put any human trafficker who soullessly preys on victims of this crime to put them behind bars.”
The DSS investigated the case as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), with the assistance of HSI Miami and the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those survivors who the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack for the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Kate Hill of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
If you believe you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call local law enforcement or the 24/7 confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Advertising Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to advertising child pornography on the dark web.
Neal Grubert, 35, of Bertram, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of advertising child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Nathanial M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2023. Grubert was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.
In May 2020, Swedish law enforcement authorities determined that a Swedish citizen was producing images and videos of himself sexually abusing his three-year-old niece and distributing them on various dark websites. The investigation identified Grubert as an administrator of one of the websites. Following the Swedish individual’s arrest, a forensic examination of their phone revealed several images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including images and videos in which Grubert’s face could be seen watching the exploitation as it happened via webcam while logged onto this dark website. Specifically, Grubert was masturbating while directing the Swedish individual how to molest his niece. A subsequent undercover investigation by federal law enforcement located images and a video uploaded and published by Grubert in his role as an administrator on the dark website.
The other individual pleaded guilty to charges in Sweden and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The charge of advertising child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Swedish Police Authority; Swedish National Operations Department; Swedish National IT Crime Centre; Swedish Prosecution Authority; Swedish National Public Prosecution Department; and Swedish National Unit against Organized Crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and Benjamin Tolkoff of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.Tampa Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Attempting to Provide Material Support to IsisRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari (26, Tampa) to 18 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The court also ordered Al-Azhari to forfeit certain assets that are traceable to proceeds of the offense, as well as various items of property, including gear, that were involved in, or intended to be used to commit, the offense. Al-Azhari had pleaded guilty on February 23, 2023.
According to court documents, Al-Azhari pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2023. Al-Azhari is a United States citizen who spent most of his life abroad and came to embrace dogmatic, Islamist/Salafist beliefs. In 2018, Al-Azhari was released from prison in Saudi Arabia following a conviction and sentence for supporting terrorism in Syria, after which he was removed to the United States.
Upon Al-Azhari’s arrival to the United States in or around December 2018, the FBI began investigating him for potentially providing material support to ISIS, which, at all relevant times, was designated as a foreign terrorist organization under federal law. In or around April 2020, Al-Azhari began to plan to carry out an attack in support of ISIS. Around the same time, Al-Azhari began to acquire multiple firearms. Al-Azhari also researched and scouted potential locations for an attack in the Tampa Bay area. Since at least May 2019, Al-Azhari also consumed ISIS propaganda and spoke favorably about ISIS, to whom he eventually pledged his allegiance through a bay’ah (an Islamic oath of allegiance). Furthermore, Al-Azhari spoke about avenging the United States’ imprisonment of Muslims, including ISIS fighters, and the United States’ military actions in the Middle East. In addition, Al-Azhari rehearsed parts of the plan described above, including practicing statements that he would make during, or in connection with, the plans described above in support of ISIS.
Al-Azhari had multiple, recorded interactions with an FBI undercover employee (UCE) and a confidential human source (CHS) in April and May 2020. Al-Azhari was in the process of trying to buy guns from the undercover employee, including a fully automatic rifle, when he was arrested on state charges for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. After his release from state custody, Al-Azhari continued to try to buy firearms from the UCE. Al-Azhari also met with the CHS, attempted to “convert” the CHS to Islam, and Al-Azhari confided in the CHS about Al-Azhari’s affiliation with ISIS and the plans described above to provide material support to ISIS, as well as to send money to ISIS. Al-Azhari also recruited the CHS to help him in connection with the plans described above in support of ISIS, as well as robberies, and he asked the CHS to obtain a Glock pistol and an unregistered silencer. Agents arrested Al-Azhari when he took possession of the gun and silencer on May 24, 2020.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, and Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Risha Asokan and Cherie Krigsman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case, with assistance from Joshua Champagne and Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Starke Man Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Connor Lee Austin (28, Starke) has pleaded guilty to theft of mail. Austin faces up to five years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. No sentencing date has been set.
According to court documents and public records, in late April 2022, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received multiple reports of mail being stolen from mail boxes in the Keystone Heights area. Surveillance footage from homes in that area captured a truck driving down roads with the passenger, later identified as Austin, and his co-defendant, Maranda Ann Stewart (26, Starke), stealing mail from mailboxes. On May 6, 2022, the Baker County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) arrested Austin and Stewart for their involvement with a fraudulent check. During the arrest, the BCSO conducted an inventory search of the truck used by them and located over 100 pieces of mail that had been stolen from various addresses in Clay County.
Further investigation determined that after stealing mail, Austin and Stewart used Austin’s phone in an effort to deposit stolen checks into their bank accounts through mobile deposit. Law enforcement recovered mail that had been stolen by Austin and Stewart from Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, and Putnam counties.
Austin appeared in federal court on April 19, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from Florida State Prison where he is serving a prison sentence of 36 months for grand theft, grand theft from a dwelling, and burglary. He was ordered detained.
On June 27, 2023, Stewart pled guilty to one count of theft of mail. She faces up to five years’ imprisonment and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. No sentencing date has been set.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with valuable assistance from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
St. Bernard Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 12, 2023, United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DAWAYNE BOUTAIN, age 29, a resident of Violet, to a statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, BOUTAIN arrived at an apartment in Violet as St. Bernard Parish officers were about to execute a search warrant. BOUTAIN was found in possession of a Ruger magazine with 10 live rounds. He had previously been convicted of four separate felonies and was federally prohibited from possessing guns or ammunition.
Judge Africk also ordered that BOUTAIN serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison and pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Bernard Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.