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Monday 26 June 2023
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KIRK ODOMS, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 22, 2023 before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to drug and gun charges contained in an indictment previously returned against him. Specifically, he pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
The Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine charge carries a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. The Felon in Possession of a Firearm charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Sentencing for ODOMS is set for September 26, 2023.
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is handling the prosecution of this case.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DATAYNA HOWARD, age 21, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on June 22, 2023, for violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
HOWARD is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
If convicted of Count 1 HOWARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
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 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.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUANE FILYAW, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and heroin.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Filyaw operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Filyaw and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.
Filyaw was arrested on April 25, 2018. On February 13, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis 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.
Mexican National Sentenced to Serve 135 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
More than 40 Pounds of Powder Fentanyl Seized from Oklahoma Traffic Stop
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, JULIA ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ ORTEGA, 31, a Mexican national living in California at the time of her arrest, was sentenced to serve more than 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 15, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Rodriguez Ortega. Count 1 charged her with drug conspiracy and Count 2 charged her with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. On July 1, 2022, Rodriguez Ortega pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment.
At a sentencing hearing on June 20, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Scott Palk sentenced Rodriguez Ortega to serve 135 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Palk cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and Rodriguez Ortega’s repeated pattern of smuggling drugs into the United States from Mexico. Judge Palk also ordered that upon release from prison, Rodriguez Ortega must serve five years of supervised release. Rodriguez Ortega has been in federal custody since her arrest on February 9, 2022.
The United States introduced records at Rodriguez Ortega’s sentencing hearing showing that she had been documented driving cars loaded with drugs into the United States from Mexico on several occasions since 2020. However, due to Rodriguez Ortega conducting “driver swaps” she was able to evade capture. On February 9, 2022, while driving through Oklahoma, Rodriguez Ortega was stopped by Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents who eventually searched Rodriguez Ortega’s car and found over 40 pounds of powder fentanyl. The United States presented evidence at an earlier hearing that the amount of fentanyl possessed by Rodriguez Ortega equated to 9 million fatal doses and had an approximate street value of $10,000,000.
This case was the result of an investigation by the HSI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Leverett.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Madera Methamphetamine TransactionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Alberto Reyes-Parra, 31, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Reyes-Parra brought nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover drug transaction in Madera following negotiations by a third party for the sale of 50 pounds of methamphetamine for $125,000. Following a traffic stop of Reyes-Parra’s vehicle, a law enforcement officer recovered the methamphetamine and located a stolen Colt .38 caliber handgun with a loaded magazine inserted in the center console of the vehicle.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative task force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Reyes-Parra is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 10, 2023. Reyes-Parra faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, as well as a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Methamphetamine Trafficking on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Five-year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Peter J. Boyd (age: 36), formerly of Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence totaling five years following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The sentence, imposed on June 21, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by the defendant on March 30, 2023. Boyd will also face five years of supervised release once he completes his prison sentence.
An investigation revealed that on October 15, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on SE Bass Lake Road, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The warrant was based on several weeks of drug activity occurring at the house. Officers seized a total of 111 grams of methamphetamine, scales and other paraphernalia associated with the use and sale of illegal drugs, over $2,000 in cash, along with nine firearms.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crime the defendant committed and remarked upon the need to deter those who might consider similar actions to protect the community from the destructive effects of abuse of controlled substances.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee Conservation Department, and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court.
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Member of Violent Bridgeport Gang Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TYRONE MOORE, also known as “Ty Ralph Lauren,” 21, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 250 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and his role in the murder of a rival in July 2019.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Moore has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.
Moore and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
On July 5, 2022, Moore pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and specifically admitted that, on July 12, 2019, he and another East End member shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.
Moore has been detained since October 4, 2019.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
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.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
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.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court for conspiring to traffic firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Julius Clemente, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCaffery to the statutory maximum penalty of 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 9, 2023, Clemente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.
“The defendant’s criminal conduct resulted in more than two dozen firearms being illegally trafficked into Massachusetts,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The consequences of his crime led to a juvenile being armed with a weapon, a weapon that was used in multiple shootings, one of which injured another juvenile. In addition, the defendant’s crime was motivated by pure greed. The imposition of the highest possible sentence under the law sends a clear message that such conduct will result in a significant period of imprisonment.”
“Trafficking firearms results in additional crimes being committed and this sentence demonstrates ATF’s continued perseverance to stopping these crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
Clemente conspired to traffic 25 firearms, four of which have since been recovered in Massachusetts. One of the firearms was recovered from the waistband of a 14-year-old boy. That firearm was previously used in four shootings in Boston, including a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old. The defendant’s text messages indicated that he identified customers, controlled pricing, kept a substantial portion of the profits, and destroyed firearm serial numbers, making them harder for law enforcement to trace. In addition, the defendant solicited a drug customer to serve as a straw purchaser of firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Seth R. Aframe prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy in LawrenceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tremond Blakey, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on July 1, 2022, at approximately 11:39 am, Tremond Blakey entered the Walgreens at 4555 North Shadeland Avenue, approached the pharmacy counter, and presented the technician with a note that read: “I am armed and Dangerous. Give me all the Percocet, 10mg all oxy 30mg. No alarms.”
Blakey brandished a semiautomatic pistol following the presentation of the note and pointed it toward the ground. The technician passed the note to the pharmacist, who retrieved four bottles of Oxycodone and gave them to Blakey. Immediately, the pharmacist called 911 and informed a Lawrence Police Department (LPD) dispatcher of the situation.
An LPD patrol officer was in the vicinity of the Walgreens and immediately responded to the report of the robbery. As Blakey ran from the pharmacy counter towards the exit, he encountered the responding officer. Blakey initially did not comply but was eventually taken into custody.
During a search of Blakey’s person, the officer located a loaded,.45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the front pocket of his hoodie and the bag containing the four stolen bottles of prescription pills.
“Armed criminals who terrorize our people must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “I am thankful for the quick reaction of the responding Lawrence Police Department officer in preventing the defendant from getting away with his crime and further endangering the public. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates our commitment to working closely with our partners at the FBI, LPD and all of federal, state, and local law enforcement as we seek to reduce gun violence.”
“This defendant’s reckless and violent actions put law-abiding citizens in danger,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The FBI is grateful for the partnership with the Lawrence Police Department in this case, and we will continue to collaborate with all state and local law enforcements agencies to take armed criminals off the streets of our communities.”
“Due in large part to the excellent work of the first responding LPD officer, and our ongoing collaborative efforts through Project Safe Neighborhoods between LPD, FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office, another individual who was caught in the act of committing a violent crime, has been held accountable through a criminal conviction in US District Court,” said LPD Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff. “Our streets are safer due to these ongoing efforts,” Chief Woodruff concluded.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Blakey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted 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.
Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Spree of Violent, Armed Robberies of Three Indianapolis BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Alfred Cunningham, 28, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, from January 16, 2021, to February 4, 2021, Cunningham robbed three Indianapolis businesses while armed with a firearm.
On January 16, 2021, at about 8:50 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were dispatched to a Dollar General store on Rockville Road in Indianapolis for an armed robbery. During the robbery, Cunningham entered the store, pointed a handgun at employees and forced them to remove money from the safe and the registers. Cunningham also stole an employee’s cellphone and wallet, which contained identification and credit cards.
On January 20, 2021, at about 8:25 PM, IMPD officers were dispatched to the Phillips 66 located on W. Washington Street for an armed robbery. When officers arrived, an employee described the robbery, stating that Cunningham pointed a semiautomatic pistol at him and yelled “give up the money.” The employee opened the register, removed the cash, and handed it to Cunningham. Cunningham ordered him to open the safe. The employee told Cunningham that there was no safe, but Cunningham forced him into the office and again ordered him to open it. The employee again stated there was no safe and opened a file cabinet. Cunningham ran from the store with cash from the register.
On February 4, 2021, at 8:27pm, IMPD officers were dispatched to a Dollar General on Washington Street for another robbery. Cunningham approached an employee and asked her about rope, razors, and a few other items, then purchased the items and continue to browse the store. Cunningham approached the counter again with a black handgun and demanded the employees open the safe. He told the employees “I will shoot you, but I don’t want to.” Cunningham grabbed an employee by the shoulder, pushed her down, and ordered her to open the safe and the register. He again fled the scene.
That same evening, around 8:45pm, an IMPD officer found Cunningham walking near the 5600 block of Ray Street. After a brief physical struggle, Cunningham was arrested. Officers located the black handgun used in the last robbery in Cunningham’s right pant leg near the ankle, loaded with six rounds, and $235 in cash.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“The outcomes of these robberies could have been very different, even deadly, given the use of a loaded gun. No one should fear for their lives while they are simply doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “I commend IMPD and the FBI for putting an end to these robberies and ensuring that those who terrorize our communities with gun violence are held accountable.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Cunningham be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison and pay $4,435 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence T. Hilton, who prosecuted 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.
Logan County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anthony Ryan Webb, 42, of Logan County, was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Webb admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on May 3, 2021, in Ethel. At the time, Webb was an employee with the United States Postal Service. As a result of his job duties, Webb had access to packages that had been placed in the United States Mail and was responsible for sorting out packages that had been damaged in transit. Webb admitted that he stole approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine from a package which he then sold to the confidential informant.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the West Virginia State Police.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe and Alex Hamner prosecuted the case.
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-123.
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Leader of Southwest Florida Drug Ring Sentenced to More Than 11 Years Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Genaro Deleon, III (45, Lehigh Acres) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2023. Earlier, co-defendants Michael Lee Faz (44, Labelle), Abel Deleon (45, Labelle), and Genaro Deleon, Jr. (63, Labelle) were sentenced for the same offense. Faz was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison, Abel Deleon was sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in federal prison, and Genaro Deleon, Jr. was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison. Each of the four defendants had previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
According to court documents, Deleon, III was the leader of a drug ring distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Lee and Hendry Counties. To hinder law enforcement investigations into the organization, Deleon, III buried and otherwise obscured the organization’s stash of methamphetamine in multiple locations in the woods around his secluded property, which was protected by loose dogs and a network of motion sensing cameras.
Deleon, III employed his father, Deleon, Jr., and his two uncles, Abel Deleon and Faz, as dealers for the organization who typically made sales to customers and collected the drug proceeds. Over the course of a year, law enforcement made more than nine undercover purchases from the group, yielding hundreds of grams of nearly pure methamphetamine. In October 2021, law enforcement officers arrested the defendants and executed a search warrant at Deleon, III’s house resulting in the additional seizure of multiple firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Lakeview Man Going to Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daniel Fitzpatrick, 36, of Lakeview, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that in October 2021, Fitzpatrick, using the display name “back2school” and username “bttm4anon,” shared a link containing multiple images of child pornography in a public chat room on the Kik Messenger application titled “Join a boys only group.” In April 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Fitzpatrick’s residence in Lake View. Child pornography images were located on a cell phone a laptop computer, and a personal computer. A total of 148 images and 108 videos of child pornography were recovered, some of which depicted a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Improve Public Sidewalk Accessibility for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department filed a proposed stipulated order that will require the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to take critical steps towards making its public sidewalk system accessible to individuals with disabilities. The proposed order was filed jointly with the municipality and private plaintiffs and pauses the department’s lawsuit against the municipality while requiring it to conduct a comprehensive assessment of sidewalk accessibility and to begin fixing accessibility barriers. The lawsuit alleges that San Juan has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) by failing to provide people with disabilities equal access to the municipality’s sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and other pedestrian facilities.
“City sidewalks must be accessible so that people with disabilities can equally participate in community life and enjoy the many benefits that come from being able to safely navigate city streets and sidewalks,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This stipulated order puts San Juan on the path to making its public sidewalks accessible and we will continue working with San Juan to ensure it follows that path to its conclusion and achieves full program access.”
“We are heartened by San Juan’s willingness to commit significant resources to start addressing the accessibility of its public sidewalk system,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The municipality’s investment and ongoing efforts will benefit all of its citizens and will help ensure that people with disabilities who live in or visit San Juan can enjoy all that the city has to offer.”
Under the proposed order, which requires court approval, San Juan will hire an outside accessibility consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the municipality’s public sidewalk system to identify barriers to people with mobility disabilities. San Juan will also create a process for individuals to report barriers and to request installation or repair of curb ramps or sidewalks. The information gathered through the assessment and barrier reporting process will provide the basis for the parties to negotiate a final resolution of the lawsuit.
In addition, San Juan will provide training on the ADA Accessibility Standards to municipal employees who supervise construction, repair, or maintenance work related to the public sidewalk system. San Juan will retain independent licensed architects and engineers to verify that any construction or alterations related to the public sidewalk system comply with the ADA Accessibility Standards. Whenever the municipality repaves or resurfaces roads, it will provide compliant curb ramps at any intersection with a sidewalk. San Juan will also post its ADA Notice, ADA Grievance Procedure, and ADA Coordinator contact information in an accessible format on the municipality’s website.
This matter is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto.
The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report.
Investment Firm Operator Charged with Running $100 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The operator of a supposed foreign exchange trading firm has been charged with running a Ponzi scheme which obtained $100 million from investors, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
Darren Anthony Robinson, 53, a U.S. citizen who has operated out of the country of Panama, was charged in a criminal complaint with committing wire fraud. Robinson appeared today in federal court in Detroit to make his initial appearance.
According to the complaint, which was unsealed today, Robinson operated a supposed trading firm known as “QYU,” which was located in Panama and the Cayman Islands. QYU represented to investors that it was consistently generating stellar investment results. For example, in one QYU document, the firm claimed that a $100,000 investment into its fund in 2014 would have grown to over $2 million by 2021. That same document claimed the fund did not have a single losing month over that same period. QYU investors were promised guaranteed returns and told the firm was only paid on trading profits, not investor principal.
The complaint alleges that QYU was simply a Ponzi scheme. Investor funds were largely not used for trading activity. Instead, new investor funds were used to pay other investor distributions, cover QYU business expenses, compensate QYU employees, and fund Robinson’s lifestyle. QYU investors were provided with false account statements and fictious trading data. The complaint indicates that QYU obtained an estimated $100 million from investors.
“The complaint alleges a brazen investment fraud that victimized investors around the world. My office will work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who defraud others and undermine the financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
“This defendant allegedly orchestrated a large-scale, multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme with victims across the globe,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “Investment fraud can be crippling for its victims, and the FBI is committed to identifying and working with anyone impacted by this scheme.”
"Illegal activity involving the investment industry, especially Ponzi schemes, has brought financial ruin to many Americans, said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, using our financial investigative expertise to help put a stop to this and other types of white-collar crime in Michigan."
Law enforcement has identified many apparent QYU investors from southeast Michigan. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.fbi.gov/QYU_holdings_victims (Please note that the link to the website is case sensitive).
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment on the charges brought in the complaint. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The defendant faces up to twenty years in prison on the charge of wire fraud.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for its assistance in this matter.
robinson_complaint.pdfIndy Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Antwann Tigner, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers observed Tigner conduct drug transactions on multiple occasions in April 2021 at his Indianapolis residence. On April 29, 2021, IMPD officers executed a search warrant at Tigner’s residence. As officers approached the porch where Tigner was sitting, he ran inside the home and through the back door. While inside the home, officers located a camouflage bag that contained a loaded .38 Special revolver and assorted ammunition. Within feet of the revolver, officers located a digital scale, plastic baggies, and a Pyrex measuring cup with drug residue.
Investigators located Tigner in the downstairs bathroom with his hands shoved in the toilet, attempting to flush baggies of drugs. Once Tigner was placed in custody, the officers found methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in several bags in the toilet. The bags contained a total of over 49 grams of fentanyl, 229.73 grams of methamphetamine, and 37 grams of cocaine. Investigators also located a total of $50,186 in drug proceeds and a stolen, loaded firearm in the upstairs bathroom.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and IMPD Chief Randall Taylor made the announcement.
“Drug dealers do not care about the well-being of people who use controlled substances. They will lace their drugs with poisonous levels of dangerous substances to make more money at the expense of human life,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “It is our responsibility as federal law enforcement officials to attack the drug overdose epidemic head-on by identifying and prosecuting those who are funneling this poison into our communities. Our office will continue to work alongside ATF and IMPD to do just that.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Tigner be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Karwoski, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Hamden Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAWN SAMMS, 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2022, New Haven Police officers arrested Samms on state charges after he conducted a hand-to-hand drug transaction from his car and officers found him in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, distribution quantities of cocaine, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana; two digital scales; and $628 in cash.
Analysis of the seized handgun, which was not registered to Samms, revealed that it had been purchased at a pawn shop in South Carolina in November 2018, and had been used in two shots-fired incidents in Hartford in 2021.
On April 3, 2023, Samms pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Samms has been detained since that date.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, 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.
Fourth Circuit Upholds Former Tabor City Doctor's Conviction for Operating a Pill MillRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a unanimous, published opinion affirming former physician Jong Whan Kim’s conviction and sentence for operating a pill mill in Tabor City. The Fourth Circuit’s decision was the first published opinion by the Court upholding a physician’s conviction for unlawful prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances since the Supreme Court decided Ruan v. United States, 142 S. Ct. 2370 (2022), which made it more difficult for the government to convict physicians for unlawful prescribing.
“Kim abused his trust and authority as a physician by writing illegitimate prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, and in doing so, placed his patients and children at a local elementary school at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Fourth Circuit’s ruling reaffirms that doctors may not abuse their authority to write prescriptions for controlled substances by knowingly issuing prescriptions outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. Our commitment to prosecuting physicians and other prescribers who operate pill mills in Eastern North Carolina remains steadfast.”
On December 8, 2021, Kim, 76, pled guilty to conspiring with his office assistant, Tammy Thompson, to unlawfully dispense and distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, and marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; to multiple counts of unlawful dispensing and distribution of oxycodone, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841; and to distribution of marijuana and aiding and abetting, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) & 18 U.S.C. § 2. The district court sentenced Kim to 78 months in prison.
Kim’s misconduct dates to March 2017, when he was forced to resign from his medical practice due to concerns over his opioid prescribing practices. Soon thereafter, Kim opened a clinic in Tabor City. Over the next year, Kim unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to “patients” who paid $200 in cash at each appointment. The investigation revealed that Kim often failed to comply with basic standards of legitimate medical practice. He wrote controlled substance prescriptions to virtually every patient he saw, often in the face of evidence of patient misuse and diversion. A confidential informant (“CI”) obtained opioid prescriptions from Kim on twelve occasions. On one occasion, he obtained marijuana from Kim’s office manager at the same time he obtained a prescription from Kim, and paid Kim for the marijuana. On another occasion, Kim wrote the CI a prescription after the CI asked for a higher dosage so he could sell more pills on the street. On a third occasion, the office manager told the CI, in Kim’s presence, that Kim was willing to trade work for prescriptions. In total, Kim dispensed more than two million doses of addictive prescription medications.
Kim’s clinic was located just steps from Tabor City Elementary School. Patients seeking controlled substances often loitered near the school, which created safety concerns. As the Fourth Circuit noted, the school was forced to cancel recess due to activity at Kim’s clinic, and the school was locked down more than once.
In affirming Kim’s conviction and sentence, the Fourth Circuit wrote that a “mountain of circumstantial evidence le[ft] little doubt” that Kim subjectively intended to prescribe opioids and other controlled substances outside the bounds of legitimate medical practice.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the Fourth Circuit’s decision. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charlotte Tactical Diversion Squad, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, DECU investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Miller, Bryan Stephany and Tim Severo prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Bragdon and Andrew Kasper represented the United States before the Fourth Circuit.
The Fourth Circuit’s complete opinion in United States v. Kim can be found here.
A copy of this press release may be found on our website.
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Former Massachusetts Town Official Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former chairperson of the Board of Tax Assessors for the Town of Dedham, MA, pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island today to a charge of wire fraud, admitting that, while serving as a Dedham town official, real estate broker, tax preparer, and property manager for the River Island Condominium Association in Woonsocket, RI, she devised a scheme to access nearly $50,000 in Association funds for her own personal use, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Cheryl S. Sullivan, 68, of Dedham, MA, admitted that she used an Association debit card fifty-eight times to withdraw cash between January and November 2019, when she visited the Plainfield Park Casino in Plainfield, MA.
Casino records reflect that from January 4, 2019, to November 19, 2019, Sullivan gambled at the casino 176 times, almost every day. Bank records associated with the Condominium Association’s account reflect that there were sixty ATM withdrawals made from the account during the relevant time frame, of which fifty-eight of those occurred at the casino. The withdrawals occurred on multiple dates that Sullivan’s personal debit card had been used at the casino to attempt to withdraw cash from her own account but was declined. The condo association debit card was then immediately used to withdraw cash.
An investigation by the FBI, and the Plainville, MA, and Woonsocket, RI, Police Departments determined that Sullivan defrauded the Condo Association of a total of $49,156, of which, to date, nearly half has been paid back to the Association by the defendant.
Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2023. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Former Department of Energy Employee Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes from Long Island Businessman in Exchange for Nearly $1 Million in Federal ContractsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Jami Anthony, the former Small Business Program Liaison and Procurement Officer for a Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory based in Virginia, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging her with receiving bribes as a federal official in connection with a scheme to pay her more than $18,000 in exchange for more than $900,000 in DOE contracts. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields. When sentenced, Anthony faces up to 15 years in prison. As part of her guilty plea, Anthony agreed to forfeit approximately $18,800.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Teri L. Donaldson, Inspector General, DOE, announced the guilty plea.
“Motivated by greed, Anthony’s actions betrayed the Department of Energy and resulted in the purchase of electronic components that caused major fire damage to a government laboratory,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Corruption undermines the integrity of competitive bidding in the procurement process and will be aggressively prosecuted.”
Mr. Peace thanked the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, for its work on the case.
Teri L. Donaldson, the Department of Energy Inspector General said, “Bribing public officials is terrible behavior. Taking bribes when working as a public official representing the U.S government is even worse. We simply will not tolerate these betrayals of the public’s trust. We will continue to work with our partners at the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices to detect such behaviors and bring those involved to justice.”
Between approximately December 2017 and December 2020, Michael Montenes, the owner of M.S. Hi-Tech, Incorporated (MSHT), a Hauppauge-based distributor of electronic components, paid Anthony approximately $18,800 in bribes to induce her to enter into contracts for electronic components that MSHT supplied to the DOE’s Virginia laboratory. Montenes mailed these payments, which ranged from $500 to $7,200, from Long Island to Anthony in Virginia. In exchange for the bribes, Anthony awarded MSHT contracts worth more than $900,000, which represented 95% of all of MSHT’s sales to the DOE’s Virginia laboratory. In July 2021, some of the electronic components that Anthony procured from MSHT for DOE based upon Montenes’s bribes failed and caused a fire, resulting in approximately $1.8 million in repairs and other costs to DOE.
In May 2023, Montenes pleaded guilty to bribing Anthony. He also faces up to 15 years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, Montenes agreed to forfeit approximately $969,000 and to pay DOE more than $1.8 million in restitution.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
JAMI ANTHONY
Age: 47
Hayes, VirginiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-229 (JS)
Florida Attorney Deported to the United States After Being Charged with Sexually Abusing Children in CambodiaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return from Cambodia of Rugh James Cline (40, Tampa) for his first appearance after being charged in a federal indictment with five counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of possessing child sex abuse materials. If convicted, Cline faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possessing child sex abuse materials. Cline made his initial appearance in federal court on June 7, 2023, in Tampa. On June 26, 2023, a bond hearing was held, and Cline was released on GPS monitoring, home detention, and a $100,000 signature bond. Cline is also not allowed to have access to the internet or to minors while on home detention.
According to the indictment, in February and May 2019, Cline, a U.S. citizen and Florida-licensed attorney living in Tampa, traveled to Cambodia. While in Cambodia, he paid to engage in sexual conduct on multiple occasions with four minors. The indictment also charges Cline with having traveled from the Middle District of Florida to Cambodia while knowingly possessing materials depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Department of State and the Cambodian National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to an Additional 10 Years in Prison for Threatening Federal Prosecutor and U.S. District JudgeRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas– A 58-year-old federal inmate has been sentenced for threatening a federal prosecutor and United States district judge, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Kevin Dean Riedle was sentenced to an additional 120 months in federal prison for retaliating against a United States judge and a federal law enforcement officer.
According to information presented in court, Riedle was previously convicted and sentenced in the Northern District of Texas for transporting and shipping child pornography. In 2022, while serving time in federal prison in Loretto, PA, Riedle mailed multiple letters to the Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted him and to the United States district judge who sentenced him. In these letters, Riedle threatened, in gruesome detail, to violently murder the prosecutor, the judge, and their families in retaliation for his previous conviction and sentence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Taylor.
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Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced - June 2023Read the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June 2023 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Coby Dale Green. Malicious Use of Explosive Materials. Coby Dale Green, 24, is charged with malicious use of explosive materials after he, on or about Oct. 31, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into the Donut Hole donut shop located at 3305 South Peoria Avenue. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigating agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Nathan E. Michel are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-209
Lorenzo David Richey. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Lorenzo David Richey, 26, is charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender from on or about Dec. 5, 2022.The U.S. Marshals Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-210
Gerardo Alejandro Castro-Reyes. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gerardo Alejandro Castro-Reyes, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on or about June 7, 2022, at or near Laredo Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-208
Jose Luis Moreno-Yanez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Jose Luis Moreno-Yanez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported and removed therefrom on or about Dec. 13, 2021, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-211
Ex-Norman Car Dealership Executive Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – United States Attorney Robert J. Troester announced that BOBBY CHRIS MAYES, 50, of Norman, pleaded guilty last Friday to two counts of tampering with official proceedings.
Public records reflect that Mayes was the former owner of the Big Red Dealerships (Big Red Sports/Imports, Big Red Kia, Norman Yamaha, Norman Mitsubishi, and Mayes Kia). On November 19, 2021, Mayes was convicted along with two co-defendants, including Courtney Dawn Wells, by a federal jury in Western District of Oklahoma Case Number CR-20-240-F. At that nearly three-week trial, Mayes was convicted of conspiring to commit wire fraud, 12 counts of wire fraud, six counts of uttering forged securities, and aggravated identity theft. Mayes is awaiting sentencing in that case.
Mayes was later indicted based on allegations that, from April through October of 2022, he tampered with the official proceedings in Case Number CR-20-240-F. More specifically, the indictment alleged Mayes orchestrated and helped to secure the unavailability of a key participant in the proceeding, fabricated e-mails and other evidence in an effort to secure a new trial in that prior case, and sent an anonymous e-mail to the Court as part of an effort to obtain a new trial in Case Number CR-20-240-F.
On June 23, 2023, Mayes appeared before United States District Court Judge Stephen Friot and pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with official proceedings, pursuant to a plea agreement with the government. At the plea hearing, Mayes admitted he had helped to convince co-defendant Courtney Wells to flee to Mexico while they were awaiting sentencing and that he provided financial support for her flight. Wells and her companion, Brandon Landers, were later located in Mexico and returned to the United States. Landers was indicted and pleaded guilty on December 6, 2022, to conspiring to tamper with official proceedings based on his involvement in helping Wells flee to Mexico. Both Landers and Wells are awaiting sentencing in their respective cases.
At the plea hearing, Mayes also admitted he had sent an anonymous e-mail to the Court and others in early October 2022, in which he made untrue allegations about government conduct, in an effort to interfere with the ongoing proceedings. That anonymous e-mail was later used to attempt to delay certain parts of the case.
With each count of tampering with Court proceedings, Mayes faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Mayes now awaits sentencing to be set at a later date for his fraud-related convictions and for the plea to tampering with Court proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation by FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Snyder and Jacquelyn Hutzell are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Is Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Nike Apollo Perry, 30, of Mount Holly, N.C., was sentenced to 84 months in prison today for possession of a firearm by a felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Terry Burgin, United States Marshal of the United States Marshals Service for the Western District of North Carolina, and Jamaal Thompson, Chief Inspector of the United States Marshals Service, Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on May 17, 2022, the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) coordinated the arrest of Perry, who had outstanding arrest warrants for a federal supervised release violation and four felony state law violations. CRFTF members located Perry in Charlotte, and with the assistance of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Aviation Unit conducted surveillance of Perry’s vehicle. Over the course of the surveillance, court records show that law enforcement observed Perry park his vehicle at an apartment complex in Charlotte. CRFTF members approached Perry and ordered him to step out of the vehicle. Perry was arrested at the scene without incident. At the time of the arrest, Perry was wearing a bulletproof vest.
According to court records, CRFTF members conducted a search of Perry’s vehicle and located a loaded semi-automatic pistol with a round loaded in the chamber and an attached 40-round magazine. Perry has a prior federal conviction for illegal gun possession and state convictions for second-degree murder and assault inflicting seriously bodily injury. As a result of those convictions, Perry is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Perry is currently in federal custody. He will be returned to state custody to serve the remainder of his felony assault sentence and then be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the United States Marshals Service and the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force for their investigation of the case and CMPD for their assistance with Perry’s arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Connecticut Sex Offender Sentenced to 327 Months for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Feeney, age 57, of Bristol, Connecticut, was sentenced today to 327 months in prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Feeney admitted that between March and April 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with people he believed were a father and a 10-year-old child, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Feeney also admitted that on April 24, 2022, he traveled from Connecticut and arrived unannounced at a residence in Albany County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 10-year-old child. Feeney was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location. Feeney was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense; he had raped a child he had met online in 2011.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a life term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Chesapeake Man Pleads Guilty to Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking a minor.
According to court documents, in September 2022, Denzel Akeem Loftin, 32, began chatting with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 17-year-old girl living in Pennsylvania. Loftin said he was a pimp and proposed that the girl come to Virginia to work for him. The next month, he posted advertisements for her on online sex trafficking sites. Then, in October 2022, the FBI learned of a 14-year-old missing child from Colorado who had been located in sex trafficking advertisements in the Hampton Roads area. Law enforcement set up a “date” for commercial sex with the 14-year-old and another juvenile. Loftin was observed with the girl and two other female individuals immediately before the appointment. One of the other individuals was identified as a missing 17-year-old from Missouri. A review of seized electronic devices revealed that Loftin not only sex-trafficked the minor but himself engaged in a sex act with the 17-year-old.
Loftin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-44.
Chesapeake Man Pleads Guilty to Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking a minor.
According to court documents, in September 2022, Denzel Akeem Loftin, 32, began chatting with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 17-year-old girl living in Pennsylvania. Loftin said he was a pimp and proposed that the girl come to Virginia to work for him. The next month, he posted advertisements for her on online sex trafficking sites. Then, in October 2022, the FBI learned of a 14-year-old missing child from Colorado who had been located in sex trafficking advertisements in the Hampton Roads area. Law enforcement set up a “date” for commercial sex with the 14-year-old and another juvenile. Loftin was observed with the girl and two other female individuals immediately before the appointment. One of the other individuals was identified as a missing 17-year-old from Missouri. A review of seized electronic devices revealed that Loftin not only sex-trafficked the minor but himself engaged in a sex act with the 17-year-old.
Loftin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-44.
Central Valley Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for $9 Million Cow Manure Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Ray Brewer, 66, of Porterville, and Sheridan, Montana, was sentenced today to six years and nine months in prison for running a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme where he purported to turn cow manure into green energy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, from March 2014 through December 2019, Brewer stole $8,750,000 from investors by claiming to build anaerobic digesters on dairies in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, as well as other counties in California and Idaho. Anaerobic digesters are large machines that use microorganisms to break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane. The methane can then be sold on the open market as green energy. The methane also produces Renewable Energy Credits (REC), which represent the property right to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through green energy creation. RECs are commonly purchased by companies to meet green energy regulatory, contractual, and initiative requirements or commitments. Brewer’s investors were supposed to receive 66% of all net profits as well as tax incentives.
Brewer made various misrepresentations to his investors. Brewer took investors on tours of dairies where he said that he was going to build the digesters and sent them forged lease agreements with the dairy owners. He also sent the investors altered agreements with banks that made it appear as though he had obtained millions of dollars in loans to build the digesters. Moreover, he sent the investors forged contracts with multinational companies that made it appear as though he had secured revenue streams. Finally, he sent the investors fake pictures of the digesters under construction. None of this was true.
Fake digester picture sent to investors
After Brewer received the investors’ money, he transferred the funds to multiple other bank accounts that he opened in the names of different entities, his family members, and an alias. He used false descriptions for the transfers. He did so to conceal the location, source, ownership, and control of the money before using it for personal expenditures. These expenditures included two plots of land that were 10 or more acres each, a 3,700 square foot custom home, and new Dodge Ram pickup trucks.
Brewer subsequently told his investors that the digesters were progressing when that was not the case. He did so by sending them fake documents: construction schedules, invoices for project-related costs, power generation reports, RECs, and pictures.
In some instances, Brewer purported to refund investors all or some of their money. The refunds, however, came from newly received money from other investors who had not authorized Brewer to use their money in this way. When Brewer’s investors realized the fraud and obtained civil judgments against him, he moved to Montana and assumed a new identity.
Upon his arrest, Brewer told officers that they had the wrong man. He also claimed to have been in the Navy and recalled how he once saved several soldiers during a fire by blocking the flames with his body so that they could escape. Brewer has since admitted that these were both lies meant to curry favor with law enforcement.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton, Henry Z. Carbajal III, and Alyson A. Berg prosecuted the case.
Canadian Man Sentenced to Lengthy Federal Prison Sentence for Scheme to Operate Illicit Online Gift Card MarketplaceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Richard Verret, age 41, of Quebec, Canada, to 57 months in federal prison following his conviction for operating a scheme to sell more than 500,000 stolen gift card account numbers over the internet. The Court also ordered Verret to forfeit more than $810,000 in proceeds from his crime.
In March 2022, after a multi-year investigation into Verret’s online criminal activity, a federal grand jury in Baton Rouge returned a six-count indictment charging Verret with the unauthorized solicitation of access devices and trafficking counterfeit access devices. On April 7, 2022, Verret was arrested at the Orlando International Airport after arriving in the United States from Canada. He was later transported to the Middle District of Louisiana to face the charges.
In September 2022, Verret pled guilty to the unauthorized solicitation of access devices. As he admitted in connection with his guilty plea, from 2018 through early 2022, he operated a series of websites, such as the “Lux Giftcards Shop” and “Miami’s Gift Card Shop,” through which he advertised the sale of gift cards for major restaurant chains, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and other retail business chains (collectively, the “businesses”). Many of the businesses whose gift cards were advertised on Verret’s websites had locations across Louisiana.
According to admissions made during his plea, Verret would use fraudulent methods and theft to obtain large quantities of valid gift card account numbers. Then, using various means to conceal his identity and avoid detection, Verret would sell the account numbers over the internet, offering the numbers for sale at steep discounts. Upon placing an order, a purchaser would generally receive instructions via e-mail directing him or her to send payment to a PayPal account controlled by the defendant, and after doing so, the purchaser would receive an e-mail containing account numbers for the gift cards that he or she had just purchased.
As of late February 2022, Verret’s then-current website offered more than 550,000 gift cards to more than 500 different businesses, and the total stored value of all of the fraudulently obtained accounts offered for sale was more than $22 million. The site advertised that it was adding more gift cards “every week.”
At today’s sentencing, Chief Judge Dick sentenced Verret to serve 57 months in federal prison and forfeit $812,893.60. In the event that Verret is deported from the United States following the completion of his federal prison sentence, he will be barred from re-entering the United States absent advance, formal approval. In addition, in connection with this case, the United States has also seized two of the domain names used by Verret in furtherance of his criminal activity, “www.miami24k.com” and www.miami.gift.
U.S. Attorney Gathe stated, “This case is a prime example of the length criminals are prepared to go to defraud victims. This scheme, if not caught, was well on its way to surpassing record gains for the defendant and record loss that injures both the purchaser and the advertised companies. Thank you to my entire team who worked with not only our local federal, city and state partners but also international partners as well. This should be a lesson to us all to be more cautious with providing our account information online. Please protect yourself by doing your research and if something seems suspicious or questionable, please notify the local authorities.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, in close collaboration with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. The investigation received substantial assistance from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Quebec Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel, and Assistant United States Attorneys Brad Casey and Harley W. Ferguson.
CEO of Education Company Sentenced for Causing Nearly $105M in Losses to Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
An Idaho man was sentenced today to five years in prison for his role in defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit program, in the department’s largest Post-9/11 GI Bill fraud case.
According to court documents, Michael Bostock, 54, of Nampa, was the founder and CEO of California Technical Academy (CTA), a VA-approved school that offered technical training programs at three locations near Los Angeles and San Diego. From January 2012 through June 2022, Bostock and his co-conspirators made false and fraudulent representations to the VA regarding, among other things, veterans’ enrollment in approved courses of study, class attendance, and grades. Bostock and his co-conspirators also falsified course completion records to make it appear as if enrolled veterans completed their programs, when in fact, they had not. In order to conceal their scheme, Bostock and his co-conspirators falsified veterans’ contact information by substituting phone numbers that Bostock and his co-conspirators controlled to ensure that regulators could not contact the veterans. When regulators called the falsified phone numbers to obtain information about the school, Bostock and his co-conspirators impersonated students.
During the fraud scheme, the school received more than $32 million in tuition payments for approximately 1,793 veteran enrollees. During the same period, veterans enrolled in CTA’s VA-approved courses received over $72 million in education-related government benefits. In total, Bostock’s and his co-conspirators’ scheme to defraud the VA resulted in a total loss of nearly $105 million in government funds.
Co-defendants Eric Bostock and Philip Abod are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 19 for their roles in the scheme. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal made the announcement.
The VA Office of Inspector General investigated the case, with assistance from the Veterans Benefits Administration-Education Service.
Trial Attorneys Lauren Archer and Christina McGill of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
Browning man admits shooting, wounding man during argumentRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man admitted today that he shot another man during an argument in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Johnathan Charles Gifford Oldchief, 24, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Oldchief faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault crimes 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 crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 16. Oldchief was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on April 7, Oldchief spent the evening drinking heavily with others. Shortly after midnight, five persons left the house in a vehicle driven by Oldchief. After driving less than two blocks, Oldchief and the victim, identified as John Doe, got into a verbal argument. Oldchief stopped driving and another person intervened to keep the two from coming to blows. Oldchief ordered Doe out of the vehicle. Doe complied, and another person also got out. After driving a short distance, Oldchief stopped the vehicle. Removing a pistol from near the console, Oldchief got out, approached Doe, racked the pistol and shot him point blank one time. Oldchief returned to his car and left the scene. Others called emergency services. Doe was flown to a hospital in Great Falls where he underwent lifesaving surgery. Law enforcement recovered a live round and a spent shell casing from the scene. Officers also recovered a 9mm magazine in a search of the vehicle. The bullet and a description of the gun matched a 9mm pistol that Oldchief bought in February.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
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Browning man admits assaulting corrections officer at Bureau of Indian Affairs jailRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man suspected of trying to put a federal corrections officer in a chokehold while incarcerated at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ jail on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Joseph Ernest Potts, 32, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer as charged in an indictment. Potts faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 16. Potts was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 15, 2021, Potts was in custody at the Browning jail, which is a federal correctional facility operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A corrections officer, identified as John Doe, was supervising male inmates as they returned to their respective cells from the dayroom. Doe saw Potts pacing back and forth between his cell and a cell across the hallway. Potts then grabbed the officer around the neck and began struggling with him, attempting to put the officer in a chokehold. Other inmates had to intervene and pull Potts off the officer. The officer reported pain and discomfort for more than a week after the assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Brookfield Counselor Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Medicaid of More than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY C. BANKS, 50, of Brookfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Banks owned and operated North East Counseling & Trauma Services and Gregory Banks Counseling, LLC. North East Counseling & Trauma Services, which had an office in Danbury, provided counseling services to individual patients, including those with mental health and trauma issues. Banks was enrolled individually as a Behavioral Health Clinician provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”), but North East Counseling & Trauma Services and Gregory Banks Counseling LLC were never enrolled as providers in Medicaid.
Between January 2018 and July 2022, Banks submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for counseling services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients. Specifically, Banks submitted claims for dates of service when no services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.
In October 2020, the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) audited Banks and his businesses and requested documentation from Banks for six sample clients. In response, Banks made multiple false statements for the purpose of delaying the progress of DSS’s audit and to conceal his offense. For example, in February 2021, Banks sent an email to DSS in which he falsely represented that one of the files DSS requested was destroyed by a water leak above his office when, in fact, no such water leak had occurred.
Through this scheme, Banks defrauded Medicaid of $1,044,387.08. Judge Shea ordered Banks to pay full restitution.
Banks, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 8.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Avery acknowledged the valuable cooperation of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Bosque Farms Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Daniel Vincent Olguin was arraigned on an indictment charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury, domestic assault by a habitual offender, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Olguin, 36, of Bosque Farms, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Olguin on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on Aug. 9, 2022, Olguin assaulted his intimate partner, Jane Doe. As a result of the assault, Doe was diagnosed with a concussion.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Olguin faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
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Bogalusa Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS WALKER, age 33, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 20, 2023 by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 87 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $300.00 special assessment fee after pleading guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentence consisted of 27 months’ imprisonment for the felon in possession and possession with intent to distribute counts and 60 months’ imprisonment for the possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, to run consecutive to the 27-month sentence.
According to court documents, on September 24, 2021, Bogalusa Police Department officers observed a black Nissan Altima with a non-functioning headlight driving in Bogalusa, Louisiana. After stopping and approaching the vehicle, the officers saw WALKER in the front passenger seat kicking his legs as if he was shoving something under the seat. One of the officers recognized WALKER and remembered that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
After the confirming the warrant, the officers arrested and searched WALKER, locating approximately $4,000.00 in his pocket. Officers also saw a Taurus Model G2C, nine-millimeter handgun under the passenger seat and located a small clear wrap containing seventeen (17) grams of methamphetamine in the front passenger door pocket. A review of WALKER’s criminal record revealed that he had a prior felony drug conviction for drug and firearm violations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bogalusa Police Department, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman today sentenced Davon Hemphill, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a stolen firearm and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The sentence 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; Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on January 1, 2022, Baltimore Police Department officers were monitoring a closed-circuit television (“CCTV”) camera that captured the area between the intersections of Carey and Baltimore Street and Carey and Hollins Street, an area known for its high level of drug activity and violence. Officers saw Hemphill make two hand-to hand exchanges, which officers believed were drug transactions. Officers also noted that Hemphill was wearing clothing identical to clothing worn by a person of interest in a homicide that had occurred in the same area the prior week.
As detailed in the plea agreement, the officers relayed their observations to other officers in the area so they could initiate a stop. The responding officers walked north on Carey Street and saw Hemphill walking toward them. As the officers walked toward him, Hemphill fled, holding his front waistband area as if he were supporting the weight of an object, which the officers suspected was a firearm. After a short foot-chase, Hemphill was arrested. A subsequent search of his person recovered a stolen 9mm handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, approximately 65 pills of methamphetamine, one small vial containing a white rock substance, later determined to be cocaine, approximately $2,843 in cash, one clear plastic bag and one clear green flip-top container containing suspected marijuana, and a cell phone.
Hemphill admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine and cocaine with the intent to distribute them and that he knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the firearm was stolen at the time that he possessed it.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Tsuei and Patricia C. McLane, who prosecuted 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-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Baltimore Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $1.2 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act LoansRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Alexander Barabash, age 52, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 14 months in federal prison, followed by six months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release, for wire fraud relating to the submission of fraudulent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act loan applications. The CARES Act was enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Judge Bredar ordered that Barabash pay a fine of $400,000, a money judgment in the amount of $1,295,000 and pay restitution of $1,317,352.05. Barabash must forfeit $504,869.54 in funds seized from the iDesignBuild business bank account and his interest in a property in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, both of which will be applied to the money judgment.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Ross Luciano of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and participating lenders.
According to his plea agreement, between April 2020 and January 2021, Barabash submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of his construction company iDesignbuild LLC (“iDesignBuild”).
As detailed in the plea agreement, on April 9, 2020, Barabash, the CEO of iDesignBuild, submitted a PPP loan application falsely stating that the company had four employees and an average monthly payroll of $18,750. In fact, the company did not have any employees, but engaged independent contractors for work-related matters. Based on the representations made in the fraudulent application, on April 23, 2020, Barabash received $46,800 in PPP loan proceeds in the iDesignBuild bank account. On April 25, 2020, Barabash submitted a second fraudulent PPP loan application on behalf of iDesignBuild, stating that the company had seven employees and an average monthly payroll of $38,777.60. In support of the application, Barabash submitted IRS Forms 941 for each quarter of 2019 and a 2019 IRS Form 940 for iDesignBuild, signed by Barabash and his tax preparer, knowing that they had never been filed with IRS.
Barabash admitted that on January 20, 2021, he submitted a third fraudulent loan application on behalf of iDesignBuild, representing that the company had 37 employees and an average monthly payroll of $525,227. In support of the application, Barabash again submitted fraudulent IRS Forms 941 for each quarter of 2019 and a fraudulent 2019 IRS Form 940. Compared to the fraudulent forms submitted with the unsuccessful April 25, 2020 PPP loan application, the forms submitted in January 2021 reported more than six times the number of employees and nearly $1.5 million more in wages in each quarter. The forms were again signed by Barabash and his tax preparer. Barabash knew that the forms did not accurately reflect iDesignBuild’s wages or revenues, nor had they been filed with the IRS. Based on Barabash’s false representations, the bank funded a PPP loan of $1,295,000, which was credited to iDesignBuild’s bank account on February 26, 2021.
Barabash used the fraudulently obtained loans to facilitate the purchase of two properties in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, and to purchase a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. Barabash admitted that he knew those were not permissible uses of PPP funds and the transactions would not have been made without the receipt of the PPP funds.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of three strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the IRS-CI and U.S. Secret Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl L. Tarver, who is prosecuting the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber and Paralegal Specialist Juliette Frase.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Attorney and Former U.S. Congressional Candidate Indicted for Defrauding Clients of More Than $5 Million in Escrow FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An attorney and former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives was arrested today in connection with a scheme to defraud a business-to-business supply company based in India of millions of dollars and using client funds for business and personal expenses, including the purchase of a $2.7 million home in Boca Raton, Fla.
Abhijit Das, a/k/a “Beej,” 50, of North Andover, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on June 20, 2023 on 10 counts of wire fraud. Das was arrested today in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and appeared in the Southern District of Florida this afternoon. In June 2021, Das was arrested for allegedly violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and false statements.
According to the indictment, Das was an attorney and principal manager of a boutique law and advisory firm called Troca Global Advisors with offices in Boston and New York. Beginning in or about May 2020, Das began providing legal representation and escrow services to two twin brothers and their logistical supply company in India that was coordinating large shipments Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
The indictment alleges that Das diverted more than $5 million in escrow funds from his clients’ accounts to other accounts and used the funds for personal expenses – including expenses for his law firm, a yacht owned by one of his hotels, as well as $2.7 million for his Boca Raton home. . Das allegedly induced his clients to transfer funds to accounts he controlled in multi-step, layered transactions under the guise of legal advice about the risk of potential litigation and provided clients with fraudulent and forged account statements to conceal the scheme.
The indictment further alleges that Das committed nine of the 10 counts of wire fraud while on court mandated pre-trial release conditions resulting from his June 2021 indictment. That earlier indictment charged Das with campaign finance violations, embezzlement of campaign funds and making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission.
The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of Levy’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Lumberton Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More than 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Corey Wellman, 35, of Lumberton, North Carolina was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for gun and drug crimes.
In October of 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in coordination with the Lumberton Police Department initiated in investigation into Corey Wellman and his associates for drug and gun trafficking. In December and January, Law enforcement oversaw controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Wellman ranging from a quarter of an ounce to an ounce. During these transactions, Wellman was often seen possessing a firearm. The transactions took place at Wellman’s stash house at 44 Van Born Drive, which is located in an area known for criminal activity, including shootings.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Lumberton Police Department, and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Rhoades and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Labresh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-CR-184-D.
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Alliance Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Ryan Arrants, 43, of Alliance, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Arrants to 180 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Arrants will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On April 20, 2021, law enforcement in Alliance conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and a Ruger handgun from Arrants. A confidential informant went to Arrants’s residence and purchased the methamphetamine and the handgun for $450.
On August 9, 2021, officers executed a search warrant of Arrants’s Alliance residence and located approximately 115 grams of methamphetamine. Arrants was knowingly in possession of the methamphetamine and intended to distribute it.
This case was investigated by the Alliance Police Department, the Scottsbluff Police Department, the WING Drug Task Force, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Accessory to Zambia Safari Murder Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DENVER –The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Lori Milliron, 65, formerly of Paradise Valley, Arizona, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for her role as an accessory in the murder of Bianca Rudolph. Milliron had previously been convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder, obstruction, and two counts of perjury before a grand jury after a trial last summer. The jury acquitted her of three other counts of perjury.
Evidence presented at trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Lawrence Rudolph murdered his wife Bianca while the two were on a hunting trip in Zambia on October 11, 2016. Rudolph shot his wife through the heart with a 12-gauge shotgun that was enclosed in a soft-shell case on the last day of a scheduled hunt, scheming to make the murder look like an accident. Upon his return to the United States, Rudolph filed false and fraudulent claims on nine separate life insurance policies issued by seven different companies to obtain $4,877,744.93.
Lori Milliron was subpoenaed to provide information to the grand jury investigating Bianca’s death. During her appearance, on January 5, 2022, she lied and otherwise obstructed that investigation to help Rudolph avoid prosecution. Asked about the nature of her relationship with Rudolph and the purpose of cash payments Rudolph had made to her before Bianca’s death, she testified that she didn’t know why and that Rudolph was simply being generous. But it was actually because she was Rudolph’s long-time mistress. Asked about what Rudolph had told her after he found out he was under investigation by the FBI, Milliron told the grand jury that Rudolph was irritated by the investigation because he was “probably innocent;” actually, Rudolph had told her in Spring 2020 that “I killed my (expletive) wife for you.”
The Court granted an upward variance from the sentence recommended by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, referencing the underlying nature of the murder and trial evidence indicating that it was more likely than not that Milliron aided and abetted its execution by helping Rudolph obtain several vials of propofol, an anesthetic drug that is deadly at certain doses, before two of Rudolph and Bianca’s scheduled Zambian safaris. The Court also referenced Milliron’s torment of the victim’s family, and her lack of remorse. In addition to a sentence of 204 months in federal prison, the Court imposed the maximum fine of $250,000.
“Justice has arrived for Lori Milliron,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We thank our partners at the FBI, as well as our prosecutors and professional staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this Defendant would not evade responsibility for her role in this terrible murder.”
United States Senior District Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing. The sentencing for co-defendant Lawrence Rudolph was recently vacated and will be re-set at an appropriate time after the parties have consulted with one another and the Court.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the FBI Denver Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Fields, Garreth Winstead, and Bishop Grewell.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00012-WJM-2
Friday 23 June 2023
York County Man Sentenced to Probation for Theft of Federal Program FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leonard Hart, age 50, of Mount Wolf, PA was sentenced to five years of probation for obtaining by fraud and misapplying money from Lincoln Charter School (LCS) in York, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, LCS is a recipient of federal program funds because it receives grants funded by the U.S Department of Education—primarily Title I funding, which is financial assistance for schools with high numbers of children from low-income backgrounds.
From 2013 until November 2021, Hart was LCS’s Principal and CEO. LCS offers a program by which employees are able to get partial tuition reimbursement for furthering their education. Hart misrepresented that he was pursuing a Ph.D. and submitted numerous requests for reimbursement for courses that he falsely claimed he was taking from a couple of universities. He also falsified records to support these claims for tuition reimbursement and pressured a lower-level employee of the school and former LCS student to assist him in creating a forged diploma.
Hart admitted to submitting to LCS nearly 20 false and fraudulent reimbursement between 2018 and 2020. Hart was also ordered to pay $55,311 in restitution, representing the total amount of funds he received through fraudulent reimbursement requests. At sentencing, Hart presented a check for $10,000 toward his total restitution payments.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Yo Enkilpe Yon Mesye Ki Abite Coral Springs poutèt Li Tap Jere Yon Konplo Ponzi Ki Rapòte 100 Milyon Dola Atravè Konpayi Kamyon Li aRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Yo arete Sanjay Singh ki gen 43 lane e ki soti Coral Springs, Florida. Yon tribinal federal nan Sid Florid la enkilpe misye pou fròd nan yon envestisman ki rapòte 100 milyon dola ke li monte a travè yon konpayi kamyon li genyen ki rele Royal Bengal Logistics, Inc. (“RBL”).
Genyen yon rekizitwa kont Singh ki gen ladanl akizasyon ki di Singh vyole lwa federal ki penalize konplo pou komèt fwòd elektwonik, fwòd elektwonik ak patisipasyon nan tranzaksyon ki rapòte lajan ilegal.
Dapre enkilpasyon an, Singh, fondatè e prezidan RBL, te òganize epi dirije yon konplo Ponzi ak lòt konplis. Komplo a kòmanse an janvye 2020 e li te kontinye jiskaske yo arete misye. Singh ak konplis li yo te prezante RBL bay potansyèl envestisè yo tankou yon biznis kamyon ki pwospè e k ap byen mache, pandansetan antrepiz la ap pèdi lajan.
Nan mouvman sa, Singh ak akolit li yo te fè fo deklarasyon ak omisyon enpòtan sou risk ki genyen nan envesti nan RBL, rantabilite operasyon kamyon RBL yo, kijan RBL ta pral peye envestisè yo, epi kijan RBL ta pral itlize lajan envestisè yo. Atravè fo deklarasyon ak omisyon enpòtan sa yo, Singh ak konplis li yo pran plis pase 100 milyon dola nan men envestisè yo. Singh ak akolit li yo te itilize yon pati nan lajan sa a pou peye envestisè yo enterè yo te pwomèt yo.
Rekizitwa a akize Singh kòmkwa li detounen plizyè milyon dola ki soti nan lajan envestisè yo pou repare kay li, peye ipotèk li, peye pou depans pèsonèl li ak envesti nan mache bousye a.
Si yo kondane l pou tout akizasyon ki nan rekizitwa a, Singh ap fè fas ak yon maksimòm total 150 lane nan prizon.
Markenzy Lapointe, Avoka Gouvènman Ameriken nan Distri Sid Eta Florid, Jeffery B. Veltri, Ajan Espesyal an Chaj nan Biwo FBI nan Miami, Todd A. Damiani, Ajan Espesyal an Chaj nan Biwo Enspektè Jeneral Depatman Transpò (ʺDOT-OIGʺ), Rejyon Sid ak Russell Weigel III, Komisyonè Biwo Règleman Finansyè Florid (ʺOFRʺ) fè anons la.
Avoka Gouvènman Ameriken an, Lapointe, felisite efò envestigasyon FBI, DOT-OIG ak OFR sou dosye sa. Li remèsye Biwo Rejyonal Komisyon Sekirite ak Echanj Ameriken nan Miami pou asistans yo. Asistan Avoka Gouvènman Ameriken, Kiran N. Bhat, ap pouswiv ka a. Asistan Avoka Gouvènman Ameriken, Marx Calderon, ap okipe konfiskasyon byen yo.
Yon enkilpasyon se sèlman yon akizasyon, epi yon akize inosan jiskaske yo pwouve li koupab.
Si w te envesti nan RBL, si RBL dwe w lajan oswa ou te konn pale ak nenpòt moun nan RBL konsènan yon potansyèl envestisman nan RBL, silvouplè vizite https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors pou w bay FBI bon jan enfòmasyon. Ou ka vizite tou https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors-french pou w bay enfòmasyon an Fransè Ayisyen oswa https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors-haitian-creole pou bay enfòmasyon an Kreyòl.
Ou ka jwenn dokiman ak enfòmasyon ki gen rapò ak tribinal la sou sit wèb Tribinal Distri pou Distri Sid Florid la nan www.flsd.uscourts.gov oswa nan http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov chèche nan nimewo sa : 23-60117-CR (S.D.Fla.).
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Worcester Man Previously Charged with Possessing Machinegun Indicted on Additional Drug-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man who was previously charged with unlawfully possessing a machinegun has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on drug charges.
Jose Rivera, 24, was charged in a superseding indictment with possession of a machinegun, receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment for a felony, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rivera will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging documents, during a search of Rivera’s residence on March 7, 2023, three Glock switches – including one attached to a Glock .40 caliber firearm were recovered. Glock switches convert semi-automatic Glock pistols into fully automatic machineguns and are considered machineguns under federal law. It is alleged that Rivera also possessed cocaine intended for distribution. It is further alleged that Rivera received the Glock .40 caliber firearm at some point on or after Oct. 9, 2021, while he was under indictment in state court for a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of over a year.
The charge of unlawful possession of a machinegun 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. The charge of receipt of a firearm while under indictment provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, to be run consecutively with the sentence imposed on the other counts, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is also a 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wilmington Doctor to Pay $170,000 to Resolve Allegations of Unlawful Prescribing of OpioidsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dr. Mark S.T. Armitage, a physician practicing with Pelican Family Medicine in Wilmington, North Carolina, agreed to pay $170,000 to resolve alleged violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Armitage, who previously surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration to prescribe controlled substances, further agreed not to reapply for authorization to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances until April 30, 2024. The settlement was announced by Michael F. Easley, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Based on its investigation, the United States contended that from approximately 2009 until 2018, Dr. Armitage issued prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. For example, Dr. Armitage allegedly wrote prescriptions for “The Trinity”—the combination of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxer, which is frequently sought by drug abusers—on nearly 400 separate occasions between 2016 and 2018. In total, Dr. Armitage allegedly wrote nearly 9,000 prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, like oxycodone, over that two-year time-period.
The United States’ investigation followed a 2018 Consent Order entered by the North Carolina Medical Board, in which Dr. Armitage acknowledged that his multi-year prescribing of opioids and other controlled substance to one patient, who was a mother of four, “constitute[d] a departure from or a failure to conform to the standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice.” Dr. Armitage continued to prescribe the patient opioids and other controlled substances even after the patient exhibited numerous warnings signs of abuse, experienced significant weight loss, and went into acute narcotic withdrawal. The patient was ultimately involuntarily admitted for addiction detoxification.
“Doctors take an oath to, first, do no harm. Anything else is unacceptable, especially when it comes to prescribing opioids and other dangerous drugs. Irresponsible doctors endanger their patients’ lives and can put a tremendous toll on society at large,” said United States Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “This case is just one part of our our continued commitment to combat the opioid crisis by holding doctors accountable for compliance with the Controlled Substances Act.”
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Program. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Anderson and Andrew Kasper represented the United States.
The United States’ factual and legal assertions are allegations only, and there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability. The civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Dr. Armitage, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded.
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West Boylston Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Offense and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Boylston man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to possessing cocaine intended for distribution and wire fraud with respect to COVID-19 relief programs.
Augustus “Bobo” Kormah, 33, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of wire fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2023. Kormah was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021.
On Sept. 11, 2020, Kormah was arrested following a suspected drug transaction. During a search of Kormah’s apartment, approximately 26 grams of cocaine and ammunition was seized. Additionally, between approximately May and October 2020, Kromah used personal information of others to submit false claims for COVID-19 unemployment benefits and small business loans.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Levy’s Criminal Division and Danial Bennett of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
This case is a 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.Un homme de Coral Springs accusé d’avoir opéré un système de Ponzi de 100 millions de dollars par l’intermédiaire de son entreprise de camionnageRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Sanjay Singh, 43 ans, de Coral Springs, en Floride, a été arrêté et accusé devant la cour fédérale de Floride du Sud d'avoir orchestré une fraude à l'investissement (Ponzi) de 100 millions de dollars menée par son entreprise de camionnage routier, Royal Bengal Logistics, Inc. (« RBL »).
L’acte d’accusation contre Singh allègue qu’il a violé les lois fédérales criminalisant le complot pour commettre une fraude de fil et se livrer à des transactions de produits illicites.
Selon l'acte d'accusation, Singh, fondateur et président de RBL, a organisé et dirigé un important système de Ponzi avec des complices. Le complot a commencé en janvier 2020 et se poursuivait au moment de son arrestation. Singh et ses complices ont présenté RBL auprès d’investisseurs potentiels comme étant une entreprise de camionnage florissante et prospère, alors que l’entreprise réelle de camionnage de RBL perdait de l’argent. Au cours du processus, Singh et ses collaborateurs ont fait des déclarations erronées et des omissions importantes au sujet du risque d’investir dans RBL, de la rentabilité des activités de camionnage de RBL, de la façon dont RBL paierait ses investisseurs et de la façon dont RBL utiliserait les fonds des investisseurs. Par ces fausses déclarations et omissions importantes, Singh et ses complices ont recueilli plus de 100 millions de dollars auprès des investisseurs, laquelle somme a été utilisée en partie par Singh et ses complices pour payer les rendements promis aux investisseurs existants.
L'acte d'accusation allègue également que Singh a détourné des millions de dollars de fonds d'investisseurs pour rénover sa maison, effectuer des paiements hypothécaires, payer pour ses dépenses personnelles et faire du commerce des actions sur marge.
S’il est reconnu coupable de toutes les accusations portées dans l’acte d’accusation, Singh risque une peine maximale totale de 150 ans d’emprisonnement. Un juge du tribunal fédéral de district déterminera toute peine après avoir pris en considération les Lignes directrices des États-Unis statuant sur la condamnation et d'autres facteurs légaux.
Markenzy Lapointe, Procureur du district sud de la Floride aux États-Unis; Jeffrey B. Veltri, Agent spécial du FBI en charge au Bureau régional de Miami ; Todd A. Damiani, Agent spécial du Bureau de l’inspecteur général pour le département des transports (« DOT-OIG »), région sud; et Russell Weigel III, Commissaire, Office de régulation financière de Floride (« OFR »), ont fait l'annonce.
Le procureur des États Unis Lapointe a salué les efforts d'enquête du FBI, du DOT-OIG et de l'OFR dans cette affaire. Il a remercié le bureau régional de la La Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) des États-Unis à Miami pour son assistance. Le procureur adjoint des États Unis Kiran N. Bhat poursuit l'affaire. Le procureur adjoint des États Unis Marx Calderon s’occupe de la confiscation des biens.
Un acte d'accusation n'est qu'une accusation et un accusé est présumé innocent jusqu'à preuve du contraire.
Si vous avez investi dans RBL, si RBL vous doit de l’argent ou si vous avez eu des interactions avec une personne de RBL au sujet d'un investissement potentiel, veuillez consulter le site https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors pour fournir des informations pertinentes au FBI. Vous pouvez également visiter le site https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors-french pour fournir des informations en français haïtien, ou https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/rblinvestors-haitian-creole pour fournir des informations en créole haïtien.
Des documents et des informations judiciaires connexes peuvent être trouvés sur le site Web du tribunal du district sud de la Floride à www.flsd.uscourts.gov ou à http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov sous le numéro de dossier 23-60117-CR (S.D. Fla.).
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U.S. Attorney, FBI Raise Awareness on Importance of Reporting Hate CrimesRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – As part of a Department of Justice initiative, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe and FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz hosted a safety and hate crime educational training for local religious leaders and security personnel at the FBI Fairview Heights resident office on Wednesday.
“By educating the public through the United Against Hate initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working to give individuals the resources to report acts motivated by hate when witnessed, so we have the ability to prosecute offenders of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
"It is our hope that in informing our faith-based communities about hate crimes, we will empower worshipers to recognize threats and know proper actions to take to protect themselves," said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "Everyone deserves to practice their religious faith and attend religious services without fear of violence. The FBI is committed to protecting houses of worship from bias-motivated crimes."
To offer education to religious officials on protecting their houses of worship, FBI agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys led training for attendees from Belleville, Cahokia, Shiloh, O’Fallon and surrounding communities on the distinguishing factors between hate crimes versus hate incidents and protected speech under the First Amendment versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes. Attendees took away resources on how to report suspected hate crimes to the proper investigative authorities.
FBI also provided active shooter training through its Protect Houses of Worship initiative.
To expand education to students, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is accepting requests to bring the United Against Hate presentation to school districts throughout the Southern District of Illinois. For more information and to request an event, visit www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/united-against-hate.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown Announces the Appointment of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Monroe DivisionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the appointment of Catherine Semmes to serve as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This appointment is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office in the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana.
Due to the proliferation of gang and gun violence in the Monroe area, U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Ouachita Parish District Attorney Steve Tew have joined efforts in a unique way to fight violent crime in that area by adding a specially appointed federal prosecutor to work these types of cases. The goal is for Ms. Semmes to partner as a SAUSA with the district’s Project Safe Neighborhood Program and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys to improve the program’s effectiveness in the northeast corner of the district.
“We have collaboratively made some strides in fighting violent crime, but in approaching District Attorney Tew with this idea, I wanted to take our relationship with the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office to the next level,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “We are grateful that District Attorney Tew is willing to share his talent with our office to find ways to combat the violent crime epidemic our district is facing. SAUSA Semmes will assist where we need it most and we look forward to having her as a part of our office. She has developed a great working relationship with our federal agents and task force officers over the years, is a stalwart with the Metro Narcotics Unit, and is dedicated to helping us eradicate gang violence in Monroe.”
“The partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice is a powerful tool in the fight against violent crime,” said Ouachita Parish District Attorney Steve Tew. “I am committed to working with the DOJ to successfully prosecute violent offenders who bring guns and drugs into our communities. ADA Cathy Semmes is a zealous prosecutor. She, as well as the other prosecutors in our office, will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s office to focus on the worst offenders. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown and his team.”
Catherine Semmes has worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District Court in Ouachita Parish since February 2020, where she has served as the office’s liaison with Metro Narcotics and serves in the parish’s Violent Crime Repeat Offender Unit. She also tracks and maintains information concerning known gang members. Prior to practicing law, SAUSA Semmes worked as a Probation and Parole Officer for the Office of Juvenile Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
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