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14 August 2023
Cherokee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ralph Gene Carloss, age 71, of Welling, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on April 11, 2023, Carloss was in possession of a 7.62x39 mm Norinco SKS rifle and 16 rounds of ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. At the time of the offense, Carloss had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and knew of such conviction.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The Honorable Judge D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kevin Gerard Denson, 36, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired on Leon Sullivan Way in Charleston. Officers encountered Denson exiting a vehicle in an alley near Jet Life Apparel. Officers found two firearms in the vehicle, a Dickinson, model XXPA, 12-gauge shotgun and a Smith & Wesson, model M&P 15, 5.56-caliber rifle. Each firearm was loaded with a high-capacity drum magazine.
Officers also found a bullet hole at the entrance to Jet Life Apparel, and obtained a search warrant for the store’s video surveillance system. The footage showed Denson carrying the two firearms and Jonathan Kennedy, 41, of St. Albans, running across the store while holding the shotgun following an apparent altercation outside.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Denson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for delivery of cocaine in Kanawha Circuit Court on June 12, 2013.
The video surveillance footage showed Kennedy and Denson possessed the firearms after Jamon L. Woodson fired a pistol in the direction of Jet Life Apparel following an apparent verbal argument. Officers recovered a spent 9mm casing from the street near where the pistol was fired.
Woodson was sentenced to five years in prison on July 20, 2023, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition. Kennedy was sentenced to three years in prison on August 1, 2023, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“On a day when huge crowds were heading to the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, Mr. Denson and Mr. Kennedy brandished firearms with large-capacity magazines after Mr. Woodson fired a pistol outside a downtown business in broad daylight. It is a miracle that no one was hurt,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department, and the quick law enforcement response that prevented this disturbing incident from escalating.”
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-145.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathan Levi Rider, 19, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession of prepubescent child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 17, 2022, Rider possessed videos on his cell phone depicting minors subjected to sexually explicit conduct. Rider admitted that he had downloaded the videos to his phone and further admitted that one of the videos depicted an adult male sexually abusing a prepubescent girl.
Rider is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Rider must also register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-24.
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Cecily Aguilar Receives Maximum Sentence for Role in Vanessa Guillen MurderRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Killeen woman was sentenced in federal court in Waco today to 30 years in prison for her connection to the murder of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen.
According to court documents, Cecily Aguilar, 25, assisted Army Specialist Aaron Robinson in corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating and concealing evidence—that is, the body of Vanessa Guillen—in order to prevent Robinson from being charged with and prosecuted for any crime. Aguilar also altered and destroyed information contained in a Google account of Robinson. During the investigation into the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen, Aguilar made four materially false statements to federal investigators.
On Nov. 29, 2022, Aguilar pleaded guilty to one count of accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of false statement or representation.
“Our hope is that today’s sentence brings a sense of relief and justice to the Guillen family, who have endured such pain throughout these past few years,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Ms. Aguilar’s actions were indefensible, and she will now face the maximum penalty for the choices she made. I’m grateful for our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly on this case, as their dedication was essential in bringing this defendant to justice.”
The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Rangers; Bell County Sheriff’s Office; Killeen Police Department; Texas Parks and Wildlife; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; and the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification Forensic Anthropology Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Frazier and Greg Gloff prosecuted the case.
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Bronx Man Charged with Shooting on Webster AvenueRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a complaint charging MALCOLM HOGUE with firing four shots in the middle of a crowded street, wounding one victim in the ankle. HOGUE was arrested this morning and presented before United States Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker this afternoon.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Malcolm Hogue—who was previously convicted of attempted murder—fired four bullets in the middle of an unsuspecting crowd on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. One of those bullets struck an innocent bystander. Thanks to the swift action of our law enforcement partners, Hogue is now being held accountable for his alleged violent actions.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “As alleged, Hogue recklessly exposed our community to senseless gunfire, putting the lives of multiple innocent people in danger. The charges today serve as a reminder to anyone who threatens the safety of our neighborhoods with violence – the FBI and our law enforcement partners will ensure you face the consequences in the criminal justice system.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “Today’s arrest for shooting a gun on a busy Bronx street confirms that this repeat violent offender was a continued threat to the community. Anyone who allegedly commits such acts in New York City will be held fully accountable – there will always be consequences. I commend the work of the NYPD and FBI investigators who removed this criminal from our streets, and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District for its ongoing work in prosecuting this case.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint:[[1]]
On June 18, 2023, a group of at least 20 people, including HOGUE, were gathered on Webster Avenue in the Bronx.
While walking along Webster Avenue, HOGUE was holding what appears to be a firearm in his right hand. Surveillance video captured HOGUE racking the firearm as he walked along the street in the direction of a nearby Blink Fitness gym. Still images from surveillance footage are below:
HOGUE then fired four shots. After the first gunshot, bystanders began fleeing, running down Webster Avenue away from the Blink Fitness. HOGUE continued firing. Below are still images of HOGUE, as captured by surveillance video, showing HOGUE as he fired a second gunshot.
HOGUE later returned to Webster Avenue, where surveillance video captured him canvassing the ground for bullet fragments and/or shell casings left behind after the shooting.
NYPD officers arrived on the scene where they found a man standing in front of the Blink Fitness who had been shot in his left ankle. The officers recovered a bullet fragment from the victim’s ankle, as well as a 9mm FC Luger shell casing from the sidewalk in front of the Blink Fitness. Below is a photograph of the recovered shell casing:
HOGUE was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions, one of which was a conviction for attempted murder.
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HOGUE, 31, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is 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 FBI and the NYPD and thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin M. Burkett is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. vs Malcolm Hogue Complaint
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Bronx Man Admits to 2009 and 2012 MurdersRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SHAREEF LANDSMARK pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute narcotics in connection with his involvement in the June 29, 2009 murder of Warren Wilbourne and the September 17, 2012 murder of Michael Perez. As part of his guilty plea, LANDSMARK admitted to murdering both Wilbourne and Perez in the Bronx, New York. LANDSMARK pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “On June 29, 2009, Shareef Landsmark shot and killed Warren Wilbourne. Three years later, Landsmark shot and killed Michael Perez. Today’s guilty plea reaffirms the commitment of my Office to pursing justice and holding accountable those who commit acts of violence in our communities. I commend the New York City Police Department and the career prosecutors of my office for their continued efforts in investigating these murders.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Information and other documents filed in federal court as well as statements made in public court proceedings:
From at least June 2009 through May 2014, LANDSMARK agreed with others to sell cocaine in the Bronx, New York. In furtherance of his participation in this narcotics conspiracy, LANDSMARK shot and killed Warren Wilbourne on June 29, 2009, and Michael Perez on September 17, 2012.
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LANDSMARK, 38, from the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. LANDSMARK will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield later this year.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the NYPD. He also thanked the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hobson, Alexandra Rothman, and Christy Slavik are in charge of the prosecution.
Billings man admits trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement seized approximately four pounds of the drug from a workshop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gary Michael Byrd, 52, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Byrd faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Byrd was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that early this year, the Billings Police Department received information that Byrd was trafficking meth from his residence. Law enforcement pulled over Byrd and arrested him on an outstanding warrant. During a search, officers found more than $5,600 cash in his pocket. Officers also executed a search warrant at a workshop where Byrd was suspected of storing drugs and recovered approximately four pounds of meth from a toolbox. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of 14,496 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Discharge of a Weapon Resulting in Death Related to a Murder-For-HireRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Tyrik Braxton, a/k/a “Son-Son,” age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department (“HCPD”); and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson.
According to the plea agreement, on October 4, 2020, Howard County Police responded to a shooting in the area of Basket Ring Road in Columbia. Victim Juan Ross was found shot and killed at the scene. Braxton admitted that he accepted money and assisted the co-conspirators who shot the victim, knowing that the victim was going to be killed.
As detailed in the plea agreement, a co-conspirator accused Juan Ross, age 23, of Columbia, Maryland, of cooperating with law enforcement, including on a live social media conversation on September 9, 2020, and in text messages. Juan Ross was arrested on drug and weapon charges on September 5, 2020, but was released on bail after being interviewed by police.
Braxton admitted that a co-conspirator solicited him to kill Juan Ross and that he accepted payment from the co-conspirator to commit the murder. As detailed in the plea agreement, the defendant used interstate commerce facilities, specifically cellular telephones and a vehicle, in the commission of the murder-for-hire.
According to court documents, on October 4, 2020, after a text message exchange about the address where they could find the victim, Braxton, co-defendant Daquante Thomas and another co-conspirator drove to the area of Basket Ring Road in Columbia to locate Juan Ross. After locating the victim, they drove to a drug store nearby, where Braxton got out of the car. As detailed in Daquante Thomas’s plea agreement, he and the other co-conspirator then returned to the area of Basket Ring Court, shot and killed Juan Ross and drove away together.
On November 20, 2020, HCPD executed a series of search warrants, including at Braxton’s residence, where Braxton was arrested. Law enforcement recovered a .45-caliber handgun with magazine and ammunition under the mattress in Braxton’s bedroom; a blue backpack containing $2,134 in cash, located under the bed and Braxton’s iPhone, located next to the bed. The phone contained photos of Braxton and his co-conspirators and Braxton admitted that they were his co-conspirators in the murder-for-hire of Juan Ross.
Braxton and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Braxton will be sentenced to between 20 and 25 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin has scheduled sentencing for November 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
On January 11, 2023, Judge Rubin sentenced co-defendant Daquante Thomas, age 20, of Baltimore, to 35 years in federal prison for discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Thomas admitted that he was one of the shooters.
Co-defendant Jourdain Larose, a/k/a “JBlacc,” age 27, of Ellicott City, Maryland, is charged with a federal murder-for-hire conspiracy, use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for hire and use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. He remains detained while he awaits trial. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the Howard County Police Department, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution and thanked the FBI, the Maryland State Police, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Hagan, 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/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Atlantic, Iowa Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On August 11, 2023, an Atlantic man was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to public court documents, law enforcement completed several controlled buys from Edward Allen Davenport, 54, in May, June, and August 2022 involving pure methamphetamine. In August 2022, a search warrant was executed at Davenport’s Atlantic residence. Law enforcement seized additional pure methamphetamine, a scale, pipes, syringes, and bags with residue from Davenport’s residence.
Upon completion of his prison sentence, Davenport must serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Atlantic Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and Division of Narcotic Enforcement investigated the case.
Ashland Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. — An Ashland man, Adam Fonso Childers, 71, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge David Bunning for distributing and possessing child pornography.
The evidence presented at trial established that, between October 5-6, 2020, Childers was found to have distributed multiple files of child pornography, using a peer-to-peer file sharing network. A search warrant was then obtained and revealed that, over a period of decades, Childers had acquired multiple forms of media found to contain child pornography. This media included magazines he acquired in the 1970s, binders of printed materials, multiple disks, seven external hard drives, and a desktop computer. In total, Childers possessed hundreds of thousands of images and videos of child pornography, that included depictions of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit activity. He was also identified as being one of the top ten individuals for sharing child pornography in Kentucky, via this particular file sharing program.
A federal jury sitting in Ashland convicted Childers in January 2023.
“This case involved an enormous amount of child sexual abuse material, collected over many years, and involved countless victims,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Protecting our children from this despicable sexual abuse is a core priority for our office and is essential to the safety of our communities. I want to commend our law enforcement partners, whose dedicated and difficult work made this prosecution and sentence possible – and made our children safer.”
“The exploitation of innocent children is one of the most heinous crimes the FBI investigates,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office. “Today’s sentence reinforces that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey upon our most vulnerable victims and will stop at nothing to hold them accountable.”
Under federal law, Childers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. He was also ordered to pay more than $175,000 in restitution and financial assessments.
U.S. Attorney Shier; FBI Special Agent in Charge Cohen; Col. Phillip Burnett, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police; and Chief W. Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, KSP, and the Ashland Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton.
This case was prosecuted 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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Samuel Coleman, age 51, of Albany, pled guilty on Friday to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Coleman admitted that between March 2020 and January 2021, he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute at least 1,613 grams of methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Coleman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Colonie Police Department, and New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Aiken Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Scheme to Defraud TRICARERead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Travis Anthony Mason, 52, of Aiken, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to health care fraud.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Mason, through his company M3 Medical LLC, was involved in the marketing and sale of prescription compounded medications, which included various pain creams. Compounded medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient because, for example, the patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient or requires the medication in a different form.
Mason and his coconspirators would target individuals with federally funded health insurance plans, including TRICARE, that provided benefits for the compounded prescriptions. They would obtain prescriptions for compounded medications, many of which were medically unnecessary, from a physician. They would then direct that these prescriptions be filled by specific compounding pharmacies.
Mason and his coconspirators knew that the compounded medication would yield a high reimbursement. For every compounded prescription that was filled, Mason was paid a percentage of the reimbursement amount. Over two years, Mason and his coconspirators caused $1,966,194.00 in loss to TRICARE.
“Fraud of healthcare programs steals resources from people who need care and, in this case, from men and women who have bravely served our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We appreciate the hard work of our agency partners in the investigation of this scheme, and we stand ready to prosecute those who steal from government programs to enrich themselves.”
“Travis Mason thought TRICARE and other Federal healthcare programs were easy targets for fraud; he was sorely mistaken,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Nationwide fraud schemes like this degrade our healthcare system. They also put the public and the military at risk. DCIS stands resolute with its Federal law enforcement partners to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute perpetrators of these schemes.”
"Mason’s criminal acts jeopardized the health and well-being of unsuspecting victims, many of whom have served or continue to serve our country in the military,” Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office said. “Healthcare fraud remains a top priority for the FBI to investigate. We, along with our law enforcement partners, will take every measure available to unravel such schemes and bring perpetrators to justice."
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced Mason to 31 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered him to pay the restitution in the amount of $1,966,194.00.
The case was investigated by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
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Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Kyeren Dillon Tillman, age 32, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced on August 8, 2023, to 13 months’ imprisonment for failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence which included five years of supervised release. The special assessment in this matter was remitted by the Court. According to court documents, Tillman is a convicted sex offender who had not checked in with the Wind River Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) office since July 2022. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal Service with assistance from the Wind River SORNA office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Case No. 22-CR-00139-ABJ
Child Pornography
Nathan Lucas Heibeck, age 26, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced on August 10, 2023, to 38 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence which included five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and $48,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) initiated a peer-to-peer investigation of the defendant sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) via the BitTorrent network. A search warrant was executed on Heibeck’s residence and an analysis of the evidence seized identified over 50 videos and over 2,200 images of CSAM on the defendant’s devices. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. Case No. 22-CR-00144-SWS
Tyelure Schroeder, age 33, of Fort Bridger, Wyoming, was sentenced on August 11, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography, second or subsequent conviction. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence which included 10 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and $36,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, received a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that an individual had uploaded 42 files of apparent child pornography to their Google account. Agents were able to track the account and determine it belonged to Schroeder and confirmed the account contained child pornography. Pursuant to a search warrant, agents later seized a laptop belonging to the defendant which contained approximately 1,000 images and numerous videos of child pornography. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. Case No. 23-CR-00006
13 August 2023
Two Nigerian Men Extradited to the United States After Being Indicted for International Sexual Extortion RingRead the Press Release
Initial appearance Monday, defendants previously indicted for causing death of Marquette teen
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, of Lagos, Nigeria, have been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution after being indicted in May 2023, for sexually extorting numerous young men and teenage boys in the Western District of Michigan and across the United States. Samuel Ogoshi was also charged with causing the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, of Marquette, Michigan, who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022.
“Sextortion is a horrible crime,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “To those who commit these crimes: we will pursue you around the world. And to those who are victims: please know we stand ready to help you.” U.S. Attorney Totten continued: “I am extremely pleased with how swiftly extradition efforts moved forward and am grateful to the FBI and our Nigerian law enforcement partners for their unyielding work to secure justice in this international sexual exploitation investigation.”
“Financial sextortion is a global crisis that impacts teens in our country and around the world,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “As this case demonstrates, the FBI is committed to working closely with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to prevent young men and women from becoming victims of this tragic crime.”
It’s anticipated that the extradited defendants’ initial appearance will take place Monday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids at a time to be determined by the court. Nigerian authorities arrested Samuel and Samson Ogoshi in Nigeria in January 2023, at the request of the United States. Nigerian prosecutors managed the extradition proceedings, on behalf of the United States. On July 20, the Honorable Justice B.F.M. Nyako ordered both Ogoshis to be turned over to the United States to face the charges in the indictment. On August 3, B.E. Jedy Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Nigerian Federation, signed the final surrender order, authorizing the United States to bring the Ogoshis to West Michigan.
Overview of Federal Charges
Click here for a copy of the May 2023 indictment
In May 2023, Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi were charged in a four-count indictment: Count 1 charges Samuel Ogoshi with Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Resulting in Death in association with the death of Jordan DeMay. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a statutory mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison. Count 2 charges both men with Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Minors by causing the minors to produce child pornographic images that the defendants then used to blackmail the minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. Count 3 charges both men with Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography for sending the child pornography images to the minors, as well as their families and friends. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison. Count 4 charges both men with Conspiracy to Commit Stalking Through the Internet for engaging in this sextortion scheme as it relates to both minors and young adults. The charge has a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All charges have provisions for fines, restitution, and supervised release after their release from prison.
The grand jury alleges that the defendants bought hacked social media accounts and used the accounts to pose as young women to lure teenage and young adult males into sexual chats. One of the accounts used was an Instagram account bearing the username “dani.robertts”, which communicated with Jordan DeMay shortly before his death. After initiating chat conversations with the victims, the defendants simultaneously used Google and other online applications to research information about the victims, including where the victims lived, where they went to school or worked, and who their family and friends were.
The grand jury alleges that the defendants then solicited their victims to produce and send sexually explicit images of themselves. Once the defendants received sexually explicit images, they created collages that included the sexually explicit image alongside other images of the victims from social media, including images of the victims’ school, family, and friends. The defendants then threatened to disclose the collages to others, including the family, friends, and classmates, of their victims via social media unless the victims paid money. The grand jury alleges the defendants engaged in this extortion and attempted extortion of more than 100 people.
The extradition of the third defendant, Ezekial Ejehem Robert, is still pending.
Coordination with Nigerian Law Enforcement
Earlier this year, agents from FBI Michigan travelled to Nigeria to conduct a cooperative investigation with Nigerian law enforcement officials. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prepare a request for provisional arrest, with a view toward extradition, of Samuel Ogoshi, Samson Ogoshi and Ezekiel Robert. OIA, together with the U.S. Department of State, transmitted the request to Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a Nigerian law enforcement agency, arrested the Ogoshis and Robert. OIA and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, coordinated with the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation Department of the Nigerian Office of the Attorney General - Ministry of Justice during their extradition proceedings. Additionally, the FBI referred information to the EFCC regarding three additional Nigerian males involved in this same sextortion ring. These individuals were arrested by the EFCC on domestic Nigerian changes based on the information that was shared. The EFCC is one of Nigeria’s national investigative agencies and is responsible for the investigation of all financial crimes, including extortion, fraud, money laundering, and corruption. The cooperation and assistance of the EFCC was essential in apprehending the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Totten and Acting SAC Kowalski extends their appreciation and thanks to the EFCC, the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice, and all other involved Nigerian authorities for their important partnership in this case. Specifically, U.S. Attorney Totten and SAC Kowalski thanked the following Nigerian partners and institutions for their assistance with this case: Acting Executive Chairman Abdulkarim Chukkol, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Assistant Director Antoinette Oche-Obe, Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation Department, Office of the Attorney General - Ministry of Justice; Principal State Counsel Pius Akutah, Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation Department, Office of the Attorney General - Ministry of Justice; Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria’s EFCC; and the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation Department of the Nigerian Office of the Attorney General – Ministry of Justice.
Law Enforcement Coordination
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and Davin Reust, and investigated by the FBI, the Marquette Sheriff’s Department, and the Michigan State Police Cybercrimes Unit in Marquette with the cooperation and assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State provided critical assistance in seeking the extradition of the defendants.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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MEDIA NOTE: U.S. Attorney Totten addressed these latest developments during Sunday’s press conference and the office will not offer further comment after Monday’s hearing.
11 August 2023
Zaquikon T. Roy Arrested in Lewiston, Maine, on Vermont Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Zaquikon T. Roy, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested yesterday in Lewiston, Maine, on a criminal complaint issued in the District of Vermont, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Zaquikon made his initial appearance today on the Vermont complaint in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Frink Wolf detained Roy and ordered him to be transferred to the District of Vermont for further proceedings.
According to court documents, in April 2021, the Vermont State Police recovered a firearm during the execution of a search warrant of a vehicle in Fair Haven, Vermont. This gun was traced back to Roy and it was determined that Roy possessed the firearm in connection with the distribution of cocaine. At the time Roy possessed the firearm, Roy had prior felony convictions.
If convicted of this offense, Roy faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment on the count alleged in the criminal complaint and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Violent Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Stolen HandgunRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Kyree Bryce Harris, 25, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after being found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as an armed career criminal following a 2-day jury trial in May 2023.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on the morning of June 17, 2022, IMPD officers were called to Ethel Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana on a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in front of the Twenty Fifth Street Baptist church all night. When officers arrived, they encountered Harris asleep in the vehicle with a handgun tucked next to his leg, between the driver’s seat and center console. The gun had previously been reported stolen. On scene and at trial, Harris admitted he carried the gun for protection.
Because Harris was a convicted felon, federal law prohibited him from possessing firearms. His felony convictions stemmed from a string of six armed robberies of Indianapolis-area convenience stores and Family Dollar stores that he committed in January 2017, for which he was also convicted federally.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Randal Taylor, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department made the announcement.
“Armed career criminals like this defendant fuel the gun violence plaguing too many of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Six prior convictions for armed robbery were not enough to disarm this criminal, but the serious sentence imposed here will protect the public from the danger he poses. I commend the officers who intervened and helped ensure that this defendant was held accountable for his actions.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Harris be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison and be subject to a $200 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy C. Fugate and Michelle P. Brady, who prosecuted this case.
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Ventura Man on Parole After Manslaughter Conviction Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A convicted killer who admitted to illegally possessing a loaded firearm and threatening to shoot rival gang members at a public park in Ventura County despite the presence of children was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
Jose Alcaraz Guerrero, 34, a.k.a. “Kruz,” of Ventura, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha.
Guerrero pleaded guilty on March 24 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Guerrero admitted in court that he illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition at Moranda Park in Port Hueneme in May 2020 and that he illegally possessed another firearm during the following month.
Guerrero was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his 2011 conviction in Ventura County Superior Court of voluntary manslaughter. Guerrero served nine years in California state prison for this conviction before being paroled in early 2020.
Guerrero’s reason for possessing a loaded firearm at a public park was “to shoot at rival gang members, notwithstanding the presence of innocent civilians who would be caught in the crossfire,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. Some of the bystanders in the park included children.
Guerrero has been in federal custody since July 2022.
The FBI investigated this matter, with substantial assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Port Hueneme Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Fatal Jump from D.C. Building RooftopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against a sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was involved in the February 2023 fatality of B.B., a 35-year-old District resident who died after running off the rooftop of an apartment building in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian eyewitness accounts, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD.
According to the evidence, at about 4:53 a.m. on February 28, 2023, B.B. was on an apartment building rooftop in the 4500 block of MacArthur Boulevard, Northwest, yelling suicidal thoughts. A 911 call brought MPD officers, including Sergeant Travis Maguire, to the rooftop. As documented on their BWC footage, Sgt. Maguire and others spoke with B.B. and attempted to get him away from the edge of the building, ultimately luring B.B. toward them with a cigarette. In an attempt to incapacitate B.B., Sgt. Maguire discharged his ECD (taser) but it failed to take effect. B.B. then ran off the roof.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Sergeant Maguire used excessive force under the circumstances or otherwise willfully violated B.B.’s rights.
Use-of-force investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.
Three Sentenced in Conspiracy that Brought Methamphetamine to St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Friday sentenced two of the final three defendants in a conspiracy that brought methamphetamine from California to St. Louis.
Judge Fleissig on Wednesday sentenced Darius McCullum, 33, to 10 years in prison. McCullum was the Los-Angeles based supplier of some of the methamphetamine.
McCullum pleaded guilty in April to a felony charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted obtaining pounds of methamphetamine in California and then shipping it to Eric Williams in Detroit, Michigan, who mailed the resulting proceeds back to McCullum.
Williams then sold the drug to others around the country. Lethem Thompson-Bey obtained methamphetamine from Williams via Ashley D. Gibson in Lexington, Kentucky and then sold it to Steven L. Bell and others in St. Louis.
The group transported and distributed illegal narcotics in numerous states including California, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky and Texas and used “stash” houses in Detroit, Lexington, St. Louis, and elsewhere to store drugs.
Investigators seized about 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine on April 21, 2021, another 8 kilograms on methamphetamine on May 4, 2021 and 3.5 kilograms on May 24, 2021. On August 23, 2021, investigators executed a court-approved search warrant at McCullum’s home in Los Angeles and found several pounds of marijuana and three guns, including one that had been stolen in Little Rock, Arkansas two years earlier, his plea agreement says.
"Drug trafficking organizations, like this one involving McCullum, will use every method they can to get their poison distributed," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey, lead of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in Eastern Missouri. "DEA and our partners have shut down this operation of shipping methamphetamine from Los Angeles to the Midwest and to the network of street dealers who then distributed it into our neighborhoods. Fortunately, this is one drug dealership that we can call closed for business.”
On Friday, Judge Fleissig sentenced Jasmine C. Taylor, 35, to two years in prison and Haley B. Mason, 21 to the time she’d already served behind bars. Taylor transported money and drugs for Williams and Gibson. Mason was a courier who was caught with $65,250 cash in a suitcase at the on April 22, 2021.
Bell, 31, of St. Louis County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June. Williams, 32 of Jackson, Tenn., was sentenced to 186 months in prison in May. Gibson, 26, of Lexington, was sentenced to 78 months in prison in April. Thompson-Bey, 28, of St. Louis, received a 126-month sentence last August. All 20 defendants in the case pleaded guilty.
Defendants agreed to forfeit $181,000 cash seized during the investigation, as well as jewelry, ammunition, three pistols, two AR-15-style rifles and an AR-15-style pistol.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Three Arrested for Sex Trafficking Five VictimsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals have been arrested and charged with sex trafficking and the interstate transportation of five separate victims for the purposes of prostitution.
Jermall Anderson, 43, of Tewksbury, was charged with five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and one count of coercion and enticement. Jennifer Fortier, 49, of New Haven, Conn., was charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and one count of knowingly transporting any individual in interstate or foreign commerce, with intent that such individual engage in prostitution. Latasha Anderson, 37, of Lynn, was charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
The defendants were arrested on Aug. 9, 2023. Following a hearing yesterday, Jermall Anderson was detained pending a final detention determination, and Latasha Anderson was released under conditions. Fortier will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
“This case is yet another manifestation of the opioid crisis plaguing our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Here these defendants are alleged to have exploited women’s addiction, lack of housing and economic stability to coerce them into the sex trafficking trade. Opioids and sex trafficking go hand in hand – and so does the destruction and trauma they inflict on our communities. This office and our law enforcement partners will spare no resource to ensure that harmful, exploitative traffickers are removed from our streets and held accountable.”
“These three are alleged to have specifically targeted vulnerable female victims — women going through substance abuse rehabilitation or facing homelessness. Human traffickers often seek out victims in unstable situations, using force, fraud and coercion to control their every move, making them feel that they are solely reliant on the trafficker,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Bringing those who prey on the vulnerable to justice is one of our core missions at HSI, but our work to support and seek care for those victimized is of equal importance.”
According to the charging documents, from 2012 through 2016, the defendants used physical violence, threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine to force five different victims to prostitute on their behalf. The defendants allegedly targeted vulnerable victims, specifically those struggling from drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources and coerced them into providing commercial sex for the defendants’ benefit. The defendants are alleged to have trafficked these victims all over New England and into New York and New Jersey.
The charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of coercion and enticement provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of knowingly transporting any individual in interstate or foreign commerce, with intent that such individual engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI Acting SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the HSI Office in New Haven, Connecticut, the Lynn and Tewksbury Police Departments in Massachusetts and the Hampden, Connecticut Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Leah B. Foley of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to Serve 157 Months for Possessing Fentanyl for Distribution and for Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tramond G. Wallace, Jr., age 28, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 157 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.
In his earlier guilty plea, Wallace admitted that at his apartment in the Town of DeWitt, he possessed a parcel containing 1,024 grams of pills containing fentanyl, which had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. Wallace admitted that he intended to distribute these pills, and other quantities of fentanyl that he possessed in his apartment, to others. Wallace further admitted that in the same apartment, he possessed two Glock .40 caliber pistols, one with an extended magazine inserted, which he possessed in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered that Wallace serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
DEA and USPIS investigated the case, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rodney Sumlin, 37, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Sumlin admitted that on November 8, 2022, he knowingly possessed 108 grams of cocaine at his residence in Syracuse, which he intended to distribute to others. Sumlin further admitted that at his residence he also possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol, which he possessed in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.
At sentencing, Sumlin faces up to life in federal prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
DEA investigated the case, with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
Sutton Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sutton man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Oliver Smith, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 66 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In March 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In November 2020, after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Swedish law enforcement authorities, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s Sutton residence, and several devices were seized. A forensic review of devices seized revealed images and videos depicting CSAM found on a memory card stored in Smith’s backpack. In addition to the images saved to the memory card, Smith had access to an email account which contained images of CSAM, and in July 2019, while Smith resided in Sweden, he had emailed CSAM from his email account to a separate account he also controlled.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Sutton Police Chief Dennis J. Towle made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office and William Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted 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.
Sudbury Man Sentenced to more than Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sudbury man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for child pornography charges.
Tyson Tu, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 65 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In May 2023, Tu pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
In May 2020, Tu was identified as the subscriber of an IP address downloading child pornography from a peer-to-peer file sharing network. During an April 2021 search of Tu’s residence, multiple electronic devices were seized – one of which was actively downloading and sharing child pornographic files at the time. Three of the seized devices were found to contain approximately 1,000 child pornographic images and approximately 95 child pornographic videos, which Lu downloaded between approximately February through April 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted 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.
Starkville Man to Serve 5 Years in Prison for Possessing a Glock SwitchRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – A Starkville man was sentenced on Thursday to 5 years in prison for possession of a Glock handgun with a fully automatic conversion device.
According to court documents, Tyquerius Doss, 20, previously pled guilty to possession of a machinegun, that is, a Glock, model 19C, 9mm handgun with a fully automatic conversion device commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.” On August 10, U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Doss to 60 months imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
“Federal law prohibits anyone from possessing an unlicensed machine gun, which is what a Glock with a switch becomes,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The potential for deadly violence increases exponentially when criminals possess automatic weapons, and we will continue to do all we can to remove the criminals and the illegal machine guns from the street. We commend the FBI, ATF, and the Starkville Police Department for their joint efforts to make our streets safer.”
“The FBI is committed to ensuring the safety of the public,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “When individuals, like Mr. Doss, deliberately alter the firing ability of otherwise-legal firearms to change their intended use, this becomes a danger to society. It is imperative the FBI partners with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our local partners to investigate and prosecute these violations to the fullest extent of the law.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Starkville Police Department. AUSA Robert Mims prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Southern California Resident Indicted for Trafficking 150,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment Thursday against Pantalion Lopez-Zavala, 30, of Hesperia, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on July 12, 2023, Lopez-Zavala traveled from Southern California to the Central Valley to deliver 150,000 fentanyl pills to a buyer, who was in fact an undercover officer. The undercover officer negotiated the deal with two individuals who used Mexican telephone numbers. One of those individuals connected the undercover officer with Lopez-Zavala for completion of the deal. Lopez-Zavala arrived at the meeting with the fentanyl pills and was arrested shortly after delivering them.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez-Zavala faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
San Diego Man Charged with $4 Million Covid-Related Loan Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 11, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Denny Bhakta of San Diego was arraigned in federal court today on additional charges that he fraudulently obtained $4 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans through several entities he managed and controlled. Bhakta was first indicted in December 2021 for defrauding investors in his companies; a grand jury returned a superseding indictment this week that includes additional charges.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program known as PPP, under which banks would make forgivable loans to small businesses, so that those businesses could keep their doors open and employees on their payroll. If a business used the money for payroll and other eligible business expenses, the loans would be forgiven, and the federal government’s Small Business Administration would pay back the bank.
According to court documents, Bhakta applied for and received at least 18 PPP loans on behalf of four entities he managed and controlled, including Fusion Hotel Management, LLC; Fusion Hospitality Corporation; True Vine Hospitality LLC; and Manu Bhakta Foundation. According to charging documents, his loan applications contained lies and false promises. He misrepresented the entities’ number of employees and average monthly payroll expense, his ownership of other businesses, and whether the PPP loan funds would be used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Bhakta did not use the money as promised; instead, he used the funds to make credit card payments, pay large expenses at casinos, and make cash withdrawals, according to the superseding indictment. He also allegedly used some of the money to perpetuate an investment fraud scheme.
Bhakta was originally charged with securities fraud and money laundering for running an investment fraud scheme that took in at least $28 million from investors since 2016. According to court documents and statements made in court, Bhakta solicited investments in his companies, Fusion Hotel Management, LLC and Fusion Hospitality Corporation. Bhakta falsely told investors that Fusion routinely acquired discounted blocks of hotel rooms from Hilton, which Fusion then sold to United Airlines at a higher price for a significant profit. Instead of buying blocks of hotel rooms with investors’ funds, however, Bhakta used the money for personal expenses and to make payments to other investors.
“The Paycheck Protection Program served as a lifeline to many businesses desperately trying to stay afloat during the pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “Anyone who abused this critical program will be held accountable.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-CR-3352-JLS
Denny Bhakta Age: 41 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Securities Fraud – Title 15, U.S.C., Sections 78j(b), 78ff, and Title 17, C.F.R., Section 240.10b-5
Bank Fraud – Tile 18, U.S.C. Section 1344(2)
Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957
Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Securities and Exchange Commission
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Saint Bernard Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Yesterday, a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a two-count indictment charging a man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, ROBERT C. METZLER, age 59, is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carisoprodol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. In Count 2, METZLER is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).
If convicted of Count 1, METZLER faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, METZLER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspectors Office, and the Saint Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearm LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
On July 8, 2021 and on April 27, 2022, Gerald Harrison, age 23, intentionally made false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms in order to deceive the federally licensed firearms dealers into believing that Mr. Harrison was purchasing these firearms for himself when, in fact, Mr. Harrison was purchasing these firearms for other persons.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not more than (10) ten years, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
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.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 14 years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Second-Degree Murder – Aiding and Abetting. The sentencing took place on August 11, 2023.
Lance Wahokiza Red Cloud, 28, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Red Cloud was indicted for Second Degree Murder – Aiding and Abetting by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2023.
The charge related to Red Cloud and two other individuals beating Robert Lynn Jumping Eagle to death in November of 2021 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Red Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Bribery of Public Official, COVID-19 Fraud, and Enticement of ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Nabil Dajani (57, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to bribe a public official, submit a false claim, commit theft of government property, and commit wire fraud; submission of a false claim; and enticement of another to travel for prostitution. Dajani pleaded guilty to these offenses on May 23, 2023.
According to court documents, Dajani conspired with an employee of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and paid the SBA employee bribes and kickbacks in order to get the fraudulent EIDL loans approved. As a part of this scheme, Dajani submitted fraudulent loan applications for two ineligible businesses and recruited others, including former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, to also submit false applications for EIDL loans and to pay the SBA employee bribes and kickbacks.
Additionally, between September 2016 and October 2016, Dajani aided and abetted another individual in persuading, inducing, and enticing two adult victims to travel in interstate commerce, specifically between North Carolina and the Middle District of Florida, to engage in prostitution.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels and Chauncey A. Bratt.
Orange County Felon Convicted of Kidnapping at Gunpoint Girlfriend from a Port St. Lucie Group HomeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal jury has convicted Marques Deon Jones, 41, of Orange County, of kidnapping, and two felon in possession of a firearm charges, after a three-day trial before U.S. District Court Senior Judge James I. Cohn, sitting in Fort Pierce.
On August 14, 2022, Jones pistol-whipped his girlfriend, an employee of a Port St. Lucie group home located near SE Walton Road and forced her to leave with him in her vehicle. A group home supervisor, who witnessed the kidnapping, notified Port St. Lucie Police Department, who was able to identify Jones.
The following day the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force located Jones outside a private residence in Fort Pierce and arrested him. During the trial, witnesses testified that as task force officers approached Jones, he retrieved a firearm from a parked car and attempted to flee. The jury watched footage from a body worn camera showing Jones admitting that he retrieved the firearm because he wanted officers to shoot and kill him.
Jones is scheduled for sentencing on October 2 before U.S. District Court Senior Judge Cohn. He faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), made the announcement.
ATF Fort Pierce Field Office and USMS investigated the case, with assistance from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Lucie Police Department, and the Fort Pierce Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Breezye Telfair and Justin Hoover are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-14069.
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Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Danielle Simonson, age 51, of Fort Ann, New York, pled guilty today to distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations.
Simonson admitted that from at least January 2020 through October 2022, she unlawfully prescribed controlled substances to a total of 54 patients. These included prescriptions for the opioids hydrocodone and oxycodone, benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam), and amphetamine (e.g. Adderall). For instance, Simonson admitted that she issued a total of 63 oxycodone prescriptions to two residents of Suffolk County, New York, without treating either of them for a medical condition. The Suffolk County residents usually paid Simonson by mailing her packages of cash.
In the civil settlement agreement, Simonson admitted that she improperly prescribed controlled substances to 105 patients (including the 54 listed in her criminal plea agreement), often without ever examining patients and maintaining medical records justifying her decision to prescribe controlled substances. Simonson agreed to pay $200,000 to settle claims that the United States could have brought against her pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.
In the criminal case, sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2023 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Simonson faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Simonson’s plea agreement requires that she immediately surrender her nurse practitioner and nursing licenses to the State of New York. On December 8, 2022, Simonson surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).
The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the criminal case, with assistance from the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.
Mississippi Man Charged with Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AVERY FREEL (“FREEL”), age 21, of Ocean Springs, MS, was charged on August 10, 2023 in a two-count indictment for Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2) and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, FREEL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years up to a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. If convicted of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, FREEL faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, FREEL faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ENRIQUE MORALES-RODELO, age 27, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty on August 3, 3023, to illegal reentry of a deported alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, MORALES-RODELO was encountered in the United States on or about January 10, 2023, after having been previously deported on or about July 4, 2019.
At sentencing, MORALES-RODELO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for November 9, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Troy Bell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization IndictedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of a 17-count indictment charging Clemente Betancourt (27), Estevan Betancourt (18), Larry Lee Woodard, Jr. (28), Adonis Bonilla (28), Omar Mejia (28), Jesse Leahy (47), and Alexander Perez (29), all residents of Bradenton, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any and all property, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to the indictment, between March 2022 and May 2023, the above-named individuals were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Bradenton and throughout Manatee County. In addition to the conspiracy charges, the defendants are charged with narcotics transactions on specific dates.
At the time of the arrests, a search warrant was executed at Clemente and Estevan Betancourt’s house in Bradenton. As a result of that search, three firearms, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 22 cellphones, cocaine, and marijuana were seized.
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 a joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Central Florida Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which includes the Bradenton Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the North Port Police Department, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Palmetto Police Department, the Sarasota Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with the investigation. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Guzman, David Sullivan, and Suzanne Nebesky.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
McCurtain County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cedric Jamara Cherry, of Idabel, Oklahoma, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on March 15, 2023, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Cherry possessed a firearm and ammunition, in and affecting interstate commerce, despite having been previously convicted of a felony. Under federal law, individuals previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Cherry was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Fatal Stabbing Inside Local D.C. NightclubRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Dolson, 37, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for the March 14, 2022 stabbing death of Kenneth Thomas, Jr., 42, of Silver Spring Maryland, announced United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Mr. Thomas was a Howard University graduate with a Masters of Divinity and a licensed Minister.
Dolson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on March 24, 2023, in Superior Court in the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sunday, March 13, 2022, Dolson and his companion went to the Cloud Lounge at 1919 9th St., NW. The couple was seated at the back of the establishment, away from other patrons, ordered cocktails and smoked marijuana, despite the club’s rule against the consumption of marijuana on the property. Kenneth Thomas, Jr., approached the couple and asked to sit at the table with them, which he did for an hour and a half. As the evening wore on, Dolson became annoyed with the victim and gestured for Thomas to sit elsewhere. Thomas did not oblige so Dolson slashed Thomas on the face with a hidden knife he brought into the nightclub. Thomas stood up and Dolson lunged at him, stabbing him in the chest. Dolson and his companion then left the club. Thomas was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. Dolson was later arrested on April 5, 2022, and has remained in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark and Victim Witness Service Coordinator, Katina Adams-Washington. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah C. Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man and Woman Found Guilty of Serious Felony Crimes Which Occurred Within the Boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned verdicts on August 11, 2023 following the trial of Sundron Larsell Miller (age 37) and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez (age 27), of White Swan, Washington. Miller was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with intent to commit murder. Cantu Lopez was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Evidence introduced at trial established that Miller and Cantu-Lopez were romantically involved. On December 28, 2021, the victim was with both Miller and Cantu-Lopez, driving in the area of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation. The victim was driving her pickup, and Miller began assaulting Cantu-Lopez. When the victim tried to intervene, both Miller and Cantu-Lopez turned and assaulted the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation.
During the assault, the victim was pulled out of her own truck, and Miller attempted to shoot the victim with her own rifle, which had been on the backseat of the truck. Miller pointed the rifle at the victim’s face, and the victim saw Miller pull the trigger and heard a “clicking” sound. Fortunately, the rifle was unloaded. After attempting to kill the victim, Miller and Cantu-Lopez beat the victim, threw her in the back of the truck, and transported her to a residence in White Swan. Miller then got into the driver’s seat of the victim’s truck, and while Miller drove away, Cantu-Lopez sat in the back seat and held the victim by her hair. After arriving at a residence, the victim was again beaten by Miller and Cantu-Lopez.
Ultimately, and with an incredible amount of bravery, the victim was able to break away and run for her life. Officers with the Yakama Nation Police Department quickly responded to the scene and collected evidence of the crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the investigation.
Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on August 7, 2023. Sentencing in this matter is set for November 15, 2023.
“I am incredibly grateful for the courage of victims – many of whom have suffered generations of trauma – who are willing to engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The agents, officers, and prosecutors, who investigated and tried this case have dedicated their careers to protecting members of our community. Today’s result would not be possible but for the joint efforts of the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office and the community. By working together, we can continue to build trust and keep our communities safe and strong.”
“The sudden violence displayed in this case is horrifying,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The subjects assaulted the victim multiple times, took her truck, and attempted to use her own firearm against her. The FBI and our tribal partners are committed to combatting violent crime and holding those responsible accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy and Christopher Bridger, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
1:22-CR-02041-SAB
Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Bomb Threat to Arizona State Election OfficialRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
“Americans who serve the public by administering our voting systems should not have to fear for their lives simply for doing their jobs,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As this case demonstrates, the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law against election officials and election workers. Only by protecting those who administer the election process can we ensure that the right to vote, itself, is protected.”
According to court documents, on or about Feb. 14, 2021, James W. Clark, 38, of Falmouth, sent a message via the website contact form of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, Election Division, addressed to the election official, and warned her that she needed to “resign by Tuesday February 16th by 9 am or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.”
“Threatening public officials is a serious matter, never warranted by the situation no matter how heated or politically charged,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Cases like this are important in protecting not only the public official victimized by the conduct, but also the integrity of our election processes as a whole.”
Shortly after transmitting the message, Clark conducted online searches that included the full name of the election official in conjunction with the words “how to kill” and “address.” Additionally, on or about Feb. 18, 2021, Clark conducted online searches involving the Boston Marathon bombing.
“Defending the rights of Americans, particularly the right to vote, is a fundamental part of the FBI’s mission to protect the American people and uphold the constitution,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Election workers are dedicated members of our community who have the solemn responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the U.S. voting process. The FBI will fiercely protect election officials from threats of violence and intimidation, and in doing so, protect the fidelity of U.S. elections.”
Clark pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office joined in the announcement.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Division.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ offices and FBI field offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Man Charged with Making Threat to Michigan Election WorkerRead the Press Release
An Indiana man will make his initial appearance at the federal district court in Detroit today for allegedly sending a threatening communication to an election worker in Michigan.
According to court documents, on or about Nov. 10, 2020, Andrew Nickels, 37, of Carmel, allegedly called the victim, who was the clerk of a local municipality, and left a voicemail in which Nickels stated, in part, “We’re watching your…mouth talk about how you think that there’s no irregularities…[Y]ou frauded out America of a real election…Guess what, you’re gonna pay for it, you will pay for it...[T]en million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it, and your little infantile Deep State security agency has no time to protect you because they’ll be bought out and we’ll [expletive] kill you…[Y]ou will [expletive] pay for your [expletive] lying ass remarks…We will [expletive] take you out. [Expletive] your family, [expletive] your life, and you deserve a [expletive] throat to the knife…Watch your [expletive] back…watch your [expletive] back.”
Nickels is charged with one count of making a threatening interstate communication. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski of the FBI Detroit Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson for the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the Task Force has begun.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the Task Force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lincoln Man Found Guilty of Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard E. Tripp, 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was found guilty today by a jury in federal court in Lincoln. Tripp was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Sentencing has been set for November 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. before Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Tripp faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison for the distribution count. For the possession count, Tripp faces a minimum of 10 year and up to 20 years in prison.
Imgur, LLC reported uploads of 38 suspected child pornography image files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In turn, NCMEC issued Cybertipline Reports to investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, an investigative unit of the Nebraska State Patrol. Based upon information provided in the Cybertipline Reports, investigators were able to determine that the images were uploaded to the Internet from Tripp’s residence in Lincoln, where he was living with two registered sex offenders. After examining his devices, investigators found more than 1,400 files containing child pornography involving prepubescent children, toddlers, and infants. Some of the children depicted in the image files were subjected to bondage, and some were subjected to bestiality.
Tripp is a registered sex offender, convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child in the first degree in 2007. There were two victims involved in the 2007 case.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lakeland Check Casher Sentenced for Role in Construction-Related Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Raju Gandhi (60, Lakeland) to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of the Treasury, to commit wire fraud, and to submit false statements and reports to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The court also entered an order of forfeiture for more than $3.6 million, the estimated proceeds of this multi-pronged fraud conspiracy. Gandhi had pleaded guilty on September 23, 2021.
According to court documents, Gandhi owned and operated a money service and check cashing business in Polk County. Gandhi cashed large numbers of checks made payable to a number of shell construction companies which purported to supply construction services and labor for construction contractors and subcontractors. In order to comply with Florida law, these shell construction companies were required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. These shell companies had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be their employees at construction sites, but these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors themselves. These shell construction companies regularly received “payroll checks” from the contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay the purported “employees” of these shell construction companies.
During the time period charged, the owners of these shell construction companies falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that their companies had a very limited payroll and a limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. They also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that their companies’ employees had full worker’s compensation coverage. In reality, these shell construction companies provided no real labor force at all but received and cashed more than $147 million at and through Gandhi’s check cashing business in Lakeland. Gandhi was aware of this scheme and hid his activity by falsely under-reporting to the Department of Treasury the fees that he had collected for cashing those contractor checks. These checks were made payable to the shell construction companies from various construction contractors who, in fact, actually supplied the labor force for the jobs. As a result, these employees, performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the worker’s compensation insurance companies lost the higher premiums they could have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover.
Due to these misrepresentations, the shell construction company owners disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and for paying the required state and federal payroll taxes on these workers’ wages. The contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were thus also able to avoid responsibility for paying those taxes as well.
“Money Service Businesses are a critical component to the nation’s financial system particularly amongst the unbanked and underbanked population, MSB owners and operators have a responsibility to the community to provide fair and transparent services to their customers” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “HSI, alongside our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and support the successful prosecution of those who operate outside of, or turn a blind eye to the law for their own personal enrichment.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a broader investigation by those agencies into the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Kern County Man Indicted for Assaulting a Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one count indictment Thursday against Marco Pergis, 41, of Wasco, charging him with assault on a federal employee inflicting bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on June 21, 2023, Pergis assaulted a postal carrier while the carrier was delivering mail in Wasco. Pergis approached the postal carrier, struck the carrier in the face, and caused injury requiring medical attention.
The case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katrina Brownson is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Pergis faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider several variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 11 was:
Erik Joseph Perlberg, 48, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a machine gun. If convicted of the most serious crime, Perlberg faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Perlberg was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-90.
Appearing on Aug. 10 was:
Caeland Delmon Ackerman, 22, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ackerman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-81.
Appearing on Aug. 8 was:
Joseph Simpson, 49, of Lame Deer, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Simpson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release, on the firearm charge. Simpson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-91.
Anatoliy Samoyednyy, 46, of Sparta, Missouri, on charges of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Samoyednyy faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Samoyednyy was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-83.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnson and pleading not guilty on Aug. 8 was:
Jarek William Hahn, 30, of Helena, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and drug user in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hahn faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Hahn was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-16.
Henry Gabryl Youpee, Jr., 20, of Poplar, on charges of burglary. If convicted of the most serious crime, Youpee faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Youpee was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Tribes’ Department of Law and Justice investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-68.
Patricia Wells, 58, of Heart Butte, on obstruction of justice by witness tampering, obstruction of justice by evidence tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding as charged in a superseding indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wells faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wells was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47.
Timothy Edward Gonser, 55, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonser faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gonser was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-75.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 11 was:
Adrian Anthony Aragon, 52, of Butte, on charges of wire fraud, theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aragon faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised released on the wire fraud charge, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release, on the aggravated identity theft charge. Aragon was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-7.
Appearing on Aug. 7 was:
Jesse Trujillo, 27, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Trujillo faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Trujillo was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-13.
Agatha Noriz Carranza, 33, of Whitehall, on charges conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. Appearing on July 27 on the same charges were co-defendants Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, 25, of Anaheim, California; Martin Topete Garcia, 32, of Mira Loma, California; Johnathan Topete, 27, of Mira Loma, California; and Anthony Wayne Johnson II, 46, of Santa Ana, California. Martin Garcia, Johnathan Topete and Anthony Johnson II face an additional charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charge, all defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges. If convicted of the firearm charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-10.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE TIRADO, also known as “Joselito” and “Leet,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and firearm possession by members of Los Solidos. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Luis Feliciano, also known as “Louminaty,” distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack to customers and other distributors in the Hartford area, including Tirado, and also to individuals in New York and Maine. Tirado further distributed fentanyl to other distributors and his own customer. During the investigation, Tirado also brokered a gun transaction between a codefendant, Devin Texira, and another individual.
Tirado’s criminal history includes five felony drug convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On June 8, 2022, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Tirado, Feliciano, Texira, and 13 others with various narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Tirado was arrested on June 9, 2022. On February 23, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He has been detained since his arrest.
Feliciano and Texira pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff. through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Grand jury indicts 2 more Central Ohio men for 4 new armed robberies of Postal carriersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A grand jury has indicted two more Central Ohio men for crimes related to four new, separate armed robberies against U.S. Postal carriers.
Cameron D. Newton, 19, of Westerville, and Thierno S. Bah, 20, of Columbus, were each charged in a superseding indictment returned on Aug. 10.
Their case is the most recent of a handful of similar prosecutions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbus. In August 2022, Brandon J. Campbell was sentenced to 78 months in prison for two previous armed Postal carrier robberies. Mahad S. Jama, Da’Mon D. May and Cody N. Beasley have charges pending against them for an April 2023 armed Postal robbery in Dublin.
According to the superseding indictment in this case, Newton and Bah used firearms and robbed Postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys on four occasions between December 2022 and May 2023.
The alleged thefts occurred in Central Ohio on:
- Dec. 29, 2022
- Jan. 3, 2023 (two separate robberies on this date)
- May 11, 2023
When federal agents executed a search warrant at Newton’s residence in May 2023, they discovered the USPS key that had been stolen on May 11. During that robbery, the Postal employee was pistol-whipped with a handgun.
Investigators also discovered more than 100 pieces of mail, several Visa money cards in different names, a scanner and small printer with printed checks next to it, a large box containing more than 100 checks, numerous checks stuffed inside bathroom toilet bowls, and a handgun.
Bah, who is also known as “Wopo” and “Wopoonese,” was arrested today.
Newton was originally charged by criminal complaint in May 2023. If convicted, Newton will forfeit approximately $22,000 in proceeds from the alleged miscreant conduct.
Robbery is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Using a firearm during a crime of violence carries a penalty of at least five years and up to life in prison. Possessing a stolen Postal Service key is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.
Charging documents merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Grand Rapids Man Accused of Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Grand Jury Alleges Sex Trafficking of a Child and Child Exploitation
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury has charged a man from Grand Rapids with federal human trafficking and child exploitation crimes. Torey Franklin, 29, is accused of sex trafficking a minor in the spring and summer of 2022, and producing, receiving, and distributing child pornography during the same time period as part of his trafficking business.
“Trafficking in any form is inherently cruel, but the sex trafficking of minors is particularly troubling because of the unique vulnerability of the victims,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “My office is committed to protecting our most vulnerable and holding traffickers legally accountable for their offenses.”
According to the indictment, Franklin provided a 17-year-old minor for commercial sex work in Kent County, even though he knew the minor was under the age of 18. The indictment also alleges that Franklin enticed the same minor to take sexually explicit pictures, which he then distributed. Sex trafficking of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison. If Franklin is convicted of this offense, the sentencing judge will have discretion to impose up to a lifetime term of imprisonment. The penalty range for the sexual exploitation of a minor charge is 15 to 30 years, and the range for the child pornography charges is 5 to 20 years.
“Combating sex trafficking and violence in our communities is of the highest priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners across the State of Michigan,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “These types of crimes have a lasting impact on the victim and those who harm the most vulnerable members of our society will be held accountable.”
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Torey Franklin Indictment###
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Frankfort man, Charles Crawford, 53, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, Crawford admitted that, on March 19, 2022, he was pulled over in a traffic stop because he was observed to have a minor sitting on his lap. During the stop, it was discovered that Crawford had a sexual device strapped to his leg and that he was under the influence of methamphetamine. A search of the car was then performed, which revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a digital camera. A search of the camera revealed three videos of Crawford sexually assaulting a minor victim.
Crawford pleaded guilty in January 2023.
Under federal law, Crawford must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. He was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department; and Sheriff Chris Quire, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
This case was prosecuted 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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
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Four South Louisiana Men Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the resolution of several cases involving the illegal possession of firearms. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following individuals:
Devin Blake Badon, 31, of Cameron, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Badon pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A complaint was received by the Johnson Bayou Police Department about a female whose vehicle was being followed by Badon. Deputies arrived on the scene and contacted Badon, who was non-compliant with their commands and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Inside Badon’s vehicle, deputies located three firearms. At the time of his arrest, Badon had three felony convictions, including simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, negligent homicide and criminal damage to property. As a convicted felon, Badon was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Johnson Bayou Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.
Demetrius Jerone Davis, 39, of Abbeville, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022 to possession of a stolen firearm. On January 29, 2021, deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop a vehicle being driven by Davis. Davis advised deputies that he had a firearm under the driver’s seat. The firearm was seized and identified as a SCCY Model CPX-9 9mm pistol which contained 15 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen. Davis admitted to knowing the firearm was stolen and that he possessed the firearm in connection with a felony level controlled substance offense. Davis also admitted to committing the offense after having been previously convicted of felony offenses for distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, both in 2005, and distribution of cocaine in 2008.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.
Mark Edward Fee, 43, of Sulphur, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On October 8, 2021, investigators with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Fee’s residence where he was the sole occupant. Deputies found a Hi-Point Model C9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, along with several rounds of ammunition inside the residence. Law enforcement officers learned that the firearm had been reported stolen. Agents with the ATF analyzed the seized firearm and found it be a functioning firearm which had traveled in or affected interstate and foreign commerce. Fee was arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted to agents that he was aware that the firearm and ammunition were in his residence and knew he was prohibited from possessing them. Fee pleaded guilty to the chare on April 19, 2023.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker.
Javeon Jaron Green, 22, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In November 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Green based on information investigators with the Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office had learned through their investigative efforts. On November 28, 2020, officers located Green and other associates in a hotel in Lake Charles. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the hotel rooms rented by Green and his associates. Law enforcement agents found a loaded FNX .45 caliber pistol, a loaded 9mm Glock Model 19 with extended magazine, and a loaded .45 caliber Glock Model 23C pistol. Other evidence was obtained by agents revealing photos and videos of Green possessing the handguns recovered from the hotel room and the metadata indicated they were taken on a date after Green’s prior felony conviction. Green was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2019 in Calcasieu Parish.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Lake Charles Police Department, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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