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8 August 2023
Montgomery Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Used During Shooting at a FuneralRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On August 7, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 42-year-old Gerald Dyron Little, from Montgomery, Alabama, to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition he used during a shooting at a funeral, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. In addition to the ten-year sentence, the judge also ordered that Little serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented during his March 2023 trial, on June 26, 2021, Little caused a disruption during a memorial service in Fort Deposit, Alabama, and was asked to leave. Little returned later while graveside services were ongoing at a nearby cemetery and, while still in his vehicle, began arguing with family members. The argument escalated and Little fired a handgun from the open window of the vehicle. Bullets struck four funeral attendees including the brother of the deceased, who died from his injuries. Forensic evidence proved that the shell casings recovered from the scene came from ammunition possessed by Little during the shooting. Little has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. State charges related to the shooting are pending.
“It goes without saying that mourners should not have to fear gun violence when they gather to honor and remember a loved one,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “It is my hope that this prosecution will serve as a reminder that there is no place in our communities for actions like those Little took. My office is committed to ensuring that that those who possess firearms and ammunition unlawfully, especially those who do so in a way that causes harm to others, are held accountable.”
“This prohibited person showed total disregard for the law and committed an inhumane act of violence against an innocent group of grieving people,” stated Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the ATF and our valued law enforcement partners in their efforts to confront violent crime. We will continue to work collaboratively and tirelessly to keep our communities safe from people who endanger our neighborhoods.”
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Deposit Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, Joel Feil, and Stephen K. Moulton prosecuted the case.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man from Charleston, Missouri to 100 months in prison for selling methamphetamine four times.
Jonathan L. McCatrey, 32, pleaded guilty in April to four counts of distributing methamphetamine. He admitted selling the drug to an undercover Missouri State Highway Patrol sergeant on four occasions in February and March of 2022 in a parking lot in Charleston. McCatrey sold about one-quarter pound of methamphetamine on the second occasion and about one-half pound each the third and fourth time he met the sergeant, his plea agreement says.
The case was investigated by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis prosecuted the case.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 129 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, in August 2021, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department received information that Deandre Lashawn Robinson, 31, was dealing narcotics and was in possession of a firearm. Officers conducted surveillance and saw Robinson engage in numerous hand-to-hand transactions from his vehicle. On August 11, 2021, officers arrested Robinson on an outstanding warrant. Inside Robinson’s vehicle, officers found a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and MDMA pills. During the incident, Robinson was able to conceal a handful of M30 fentanyl pills. While in the backseat of the squad vehicle, Robinson swallowed the pills. Officers administered Narcan and brought him to the hospital. Robinson was treated and ultimately released.
According to court documents, officers later located Robinson as well as a vehicle he had rented. Officer obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found plastic baggies containing powder cocaine and approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills. Officers also found a privately made firearm, or “ghost gun,” between the passenger seat cushion and the seat cover.
On April 19, 2023, Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Robinson was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Steinkamp and Justin A. Wesley prosecuted the case.
Minneapolis Felon Sentenced to 57 Months for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 28, 2022, Minneapolis Police officers responded to a call that a person at 19 Bar, located near downtown Minneapolis, had pulled out a gun after being asked to leave. When officers arrived, several people pointed at a man, who was later identified as Conell Walter Harris, 29. Harris resisted arrest and tried to reach into the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. Officers recovered a stolen .45 caliber Glock model 30 pistol from Harris’ pocket. Officers spoke to bar employees and customers and learned that Harris had become upset after an employee asked to see his identification, which Harris refused to show. The employee then asked Harris to leave the bar. Harris became combative and pulled out a pistol. An employee attempted to deescalate the situation but Harris became more aggressive and made multiple threatening statements. Harris then left for a short time but returned to the bar before law enforcement arrived.
On April 26, 2023, Harris pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced earlier today by Senior Judge David S. Doty.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha H. Bates prosecuted the case.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Crack Cocaine Distribution and Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 7, 2023, Van Vincent Thomas, 41, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III to a sentence of 27 months’ imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Thomas previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court records, in January and February 2022, Van Vincent Thomas conspired with co-defendant Jonathan Arnold to distribute cocaine base in the Chittenden County, Vermont, area. In March 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) obtained and executed a search warrant at a motel in Shelburne, Vermont, where Thomas had been staying. During execution of the search warrant, HSI agents recovered a Ruger Redhawk .44 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number belonging to Thomas, along with over 70 grams of cocaine base, over $40,000 in cash, and 43 rounds of ammunition. Prior to possessing the Ruger Redhawk, Thomas was convicted in 2017 in the Chittenden District Court of Vermont for felony distribution of cocaine base.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Milton Police Department, Burlington Police Department, Vermont State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith, Joseph Perella, and Kimberly Ang. Mr. Thomas was represented by Avi Springer, Esq., and Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute More Than 20 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Johan M. Rodriguez, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 60 months in prison. On March 28, 2023, Rodriguez plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
“The defendant traveled into New Hampshire for the sole purpose of selling more than twenty pounds of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The magnitude of harm this quantity of fentanyl could have caused the citizens of New Hampshire if it had reached the streets is unfathomable, and for that the defendant will be imprisoned for a lengthy period of time. The tireless efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers safeguarded countless members of our communities from the poison the defendant was intending to pollute into our communities.”
“Johan Rodriguez headed to New Hampshire intending to sell an alarming amount of fentanyl,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Thankfully, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force stopped him before he could flood our streets with this poison. Today’s sentence removes Rodriguez from our community and sends a strong message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who seek to profit from the misery of others.”
On September 26, 2022, Rodriguez took a rideshare from Lawrence, Massachusetts to a residence in Dover to deliver approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl for a Lawrence-based drug supplier. Law enforcement surveilled Rodriguez as he removed a toolbox and tool bag from the vehicle’s trunk and carried them to the door of the residence. A search of the toolbox resulted in the seizure of approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl, which was separated into individual bundles ready for distribution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Strafford County Sheriff ‘s Office’s Problem Solving Oriented Policing Unit, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Task Force, and the Dover Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case.
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Manderson Man Indicted for MurderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Manderson, South Dakota, man for Second Degree Murder.
Sequoyah Mark West, Jr., age 29, was indicted in June of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 4, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In April of 2023, at Manderson, West killed a man by beating and strangling him.
The charge is merely an accusation and West is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth is prosecuting the case.
West was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Dozens of Kilograms of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine from Mexico into IndianapolisRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tyler Sanders, 41, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 183 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in February of 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents became aware of a large drug trafficking operation in Indianapolis that was responsible for transporting drug proceeds to Mexico. On April 5, 2019, HSI agents conducting surveillance of the residence saw Sanders load a Chevrolet Suburban with large, black, plastic trash bags. Sanders left the residence while driving the Suburban.
IMPD officers conducted a traffic stop of the Suburban for speeding along Massachusetts Avenue. Upon obtaining a positive K-9 alert on the vehicle, officers located the black plastic trash bags in the rear of the vehicle. Inside the plastic bags, officers located smaller, plastic bags containing a total of 33.51 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.98 kilograms of plastic wrapped “bricks” that tested positive for fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, R. Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Chicago, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, Indiana State Police Superintendent, Douglas Carter, and IMPD Police Chief, Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“We know that a majority of the fentanyl and meth plaguing our streets ultimately comes from international cartels operating across the southern border,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Cutting off suppliers who are responsible for selling and transporting drugs from Mexican cartels is a priority of federal law enforcement. We, alongside HSI and DEA, are committed to weeding out these offenders and making an example of their criminal behavior with serious federal prison sentences.”
Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, James R. Sweeney II. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Sanders be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison and pay a $2,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Local man flees shooting and lands in prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Falfurrias resident has been ordered to federal prison for illegally possessing firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Johnny Rey Garza pleaded guilty April 26.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Garza to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On March 10, 2022, law enforcement received multiple calls reporting theft of a firearm and shots fired at two different residences, both involving Garza. Upon responding to the shooting, they observed a man with a wound to the right foot and left arm. The victim identified Garza as the shooter and the person who stole his pickup truck.
The vehicle matching the description of the victim’s truck was involved in a accident near Falfurrias. Law enforcement arrived at that scene and observed Garza exit the truck with a handgun in his hand. He then fled. Authorities pursued but ultimately lost sight of him.
They then deployed a drone which Garza attempted to shoot as it tracked his whereabouts. A brief struggle ensued, but law enforcement was eventually able to apprehend him and take him into custody.
They soon located the firearm in a fresh dirt mound. They identified it as the stolen weapon from the calls reported earlier that evening.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law.
Garza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Falfurrias Police Department, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
Local drug dealer admits to selling “China White”Read the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 38-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On May 26, authorities executed a search warrant at Jose Pedro Garcia’s residence. At that time, they found multiple small plastic baggies, each containing various types of suspected narcotics. Authorities seized, separated, weighed and ultimately identified them as heroin, meth, cocaine base and fentanyl.
Garcia had been selling drugs for approximately 10 years and had sold meth, crack cocaine and “China White” aka fentanyl. Garcia admitted he started with cocaine, but moved on to fentanyl because it gave people a stronger high and was more popular. He had color coded the bags so he could differentiate between the drugs.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Nov. 7. At that time, Garcia faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison as well as a maximum $5 million fine. Garcia will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
The case was prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website. #OnePillCanKill
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible for Trafficking More Than 5,000 Kilograms of Cocaine Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CAMILO ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, a/k/a “Viejo,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to 25 years in prison for trafficking at least 5,000 kilograms of cocaine. ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “My Office is dedicated to holding drug kingpins like Enriquez-Nunez accountable. Thanks to our partners at the DEA and the prosecutors of this Office, more than one ton of cocaine was seized before it could hit the streets, and this top cocaine trafficker faces years in prison.”
According to the Superseding Indictment and statements made in court proceedings and filings:
From approximately 2019 through 2022, ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that transported between 5,000 and 10,000 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ laundered at least $10 million of proceeds from his drug trafficking organization and personally made millions of dollars in profits.
In September 2021, law enforcement agents seized a shipment of approximately 920 kilograms of cocaine that ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ had transported from Puerto Rico for distribution in the New York area. A photograph of the seized cocaine is below:
In July 2022, law enforcement agents arrested ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ in Puerto Rico and seized approximately 338 kilograms of cocaine, $750,000 in drug proceeds, and four assault rifles belonging to him. A photograph of those seized items is below:
ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ has a prior federal cocaine trafficking conviction and engaged in this cocaine trafficking while on federal supervised release following his prior conviction.
While imposing today's sentence, Judge Engelmayer described the conduct as drug trafficking on an “epic, steroidal level.”
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In addition to the prison term, ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, 43, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico for their assistance in the case.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel P. Rothschild, Kevin Mead, and Marguerite B. Colson are in charge of the prosecution.
Lancaster Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher Gostick, 29, of Lancaster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2023, a nine-year-old female, Minor Victim 1 (MV-1), disclosed to her family that Gostick had kissed her on the lips. MV-1’s father and Gostick’s brother confronted Gostick regarding the incident and took possession of two cellphones belonging to Gostick. A review of the cellphones recovered pictures of Gostick kissing MV-1, a video of MV-1 using a bathroom, that Gostick surreptitiously recorded, commercially available child pornography, including images involving prepubescent minors, as well as a video recording of a Snapchat conversation between a prepubescent female and an adult male user, which appears to be Gostick. During the Snapchat conversation, the male user directs the prepubescent female to send him a sexually explicit video. Gostick has a prior conviction for Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Under Age 16, and is a Level 1 registered sex offender.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Child Victim, Distributing Video of Abuse OnlineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online.
Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of producing child pornography.
By pleading guilty today, Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.
Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.
Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.
Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Georgia-Based Rental Property Owners and ManagerRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Iraj Shambayati and several other defendants alleging that Shambayati sexually harassed and retaliated against female tenants at residential properties he has owned or managed in Savannah, Georgia.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, alleges that since at least 2008, Shambayati has made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, inappropriately touched their bodies without their permission, entered their homes without their permission or knowledge, requested sexual acts from them, offered them rental benefits in exchange for sex and took retaliatory actions against female tenants who rejected his sexual advances. The complaint also alleges that his son Daniel Shambayati, Akbar Keshavarz, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC are vicariously liable for Iraj Shambayati’s discriminatory conduct, because he acted as their agent when he sexually harassed tenants at properties in which they had an ownership interest.
“Landlords and other housing providers who abuse their positions by sexually harassing tenants violate the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit sends the message that the Justice Department will take concrete action to stop this illegal conduct.”
“Tenants have a right to fair treatment – and it’s the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment or abuse.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings managed by Iraj Shambayati, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291. Select 1 for English, and select option number 2, then option number 02 to leave a message. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online.
The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 33 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
ComplaintJackson Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson woman was sentenced to 27 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Valerie Austin, 37, conspired with two other individuals to obtain bank loans through fraudulent means. Austin used false names and social security numbers that did not belong to her to obtain bank loans.
Austin was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 7, 2023 and she pled guilty on April 26, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
The Madison Police Department and HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison Related to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.
According to public court documents, and evidence presented at sentencing, William Robert Adams, 23, was identified through a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after suspected child pornography was found on the social media platform Snapchat. During the execution of a search warrant on Adams and his residence, law enforcement located numerous pictures and videos of children ranging in age from toddler to age 16. Law enforcement also found evidence that Adams was buying and selling child pornography online. Some of the images were determined to be sadistic or masochistic. In total, Adams was attributed with possessing over 5,000 child pornographic images.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Adams will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Adams was also ordered to pay restitution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2259. This section requires restitution be paid to victims in an amount determined by the court, but no less than $3,000 per victim.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Idaho Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Shooting Power Stations at the Hells Canyon and Brownlee DamsRead the Press Release
BOISE — U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that a federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment charging Randy Scott Vail, 58, of Meridian, Idaho with two counts of destruction of an energy facility, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1366(a).
The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2023, and continuing into June 9, 2023, Vail used a rifle to shoot at the Hells Canyon Dam hydroelectric power station and the Brownlee Dam hydroelectric power station, causing damage to both. The damage resulted in significant interruption and impairment of a function of the facilities. The dams are owned and operated by Idaho Power Company and produce, transmit, store, and distribute electricity to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
If convicted, Vail faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Meridian Police Department, which led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Hurwit also thanked the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in the prosecution of the defendant.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Gun Trafficker Convicted of Unlicensed Firearms Dealing and Machine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Yesterday, Johnny Matthew Battle Jr., 30, of Miami, Florida, was convicted at trial before U.S. District Court Judge Beth Bloom of dealing firearms without a license and possessing a machine gun.
Battle operated an illegal firearm dealing business since at least 2017, selling guns without a background check to persons representing themselves as having been convicted of a felony or as drug dealers. Battle’s illegal business included selling “Glock Switch” machine gun conversion devices and accepting narcotics as payment for firearms.
Law enforcement agents learned of Battle’s purchase and sale of firearms for profit and to support his criminal associates. In total, law enforcement agents have identified the purchase of at least 170 guns and have recovered many of them across the United States, including in New York City, Boston, and overseas. Battle also aided his criminal associates through acts that included a shooting at the home of his drug trafficker associates’ rival.
Sentencing has been scheduled for October 27. At sentencing, Battle faces up to 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department made the announcement.
ATF Miami Field Office and the Miami Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), the FBI, Miami Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden O’Byrne and Ignacio J. Vázquez Jr. prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture.
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.
Sample Images of Evidence Collected by Law Enforcement Agents
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-20352.
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Greece Man on Federal Supervised Release Going Back to Prison for Fraudulently Buying and Selling Sports CardsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kyle Bertrand, 35, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $33,000 restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that stated that Bertrand is currently on supervised release following 2017 federal fraud and identity theft convictions. Between October 2021, and February 2022, Bertrand advertised on various social media and online forums that he had collectible sports cards for sale, and he also attempted to purchase sports cards that were being sold by other individuals. However, Bertrand advertised sports cards for sale that he either never possessed or never intended to deliver. For instance, he advertised sports cards that were collectible in nature and valued highly, with the ads appearing legitimate and containing appropriate information and images. When contacted by an interested buyer, Bertrand negotiated a sale price, and then directed the buyer to send payment by wire through a mobile payment service. After receiving the payment, he would send the buyer confirmation that the cards had been shipped. But, instead of receiving cards, buyers received empty boxes or cards of negligible value. In other instances, Bertrand stole collectible cards by contacting sellers, negotiating a purchase price, and making payment via credit card through processing service. Sellers would then mail the cards to Bertrand, who would then dispute his credit card payment through the credit card company, revoking the payment issued to the seller.
Bertrand defrauded a total of six victims in Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and Pennsylvania out of approximately $33,360.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Four sentenced in Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking operation.
Kirk Leon Grantham, age 45, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 57 months for the distribution of controlled substances. Grantham was the leader of a drug trafficking conspiracy and worked with others in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to sell cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
Three of Grantham’s co-defendants were also sentenced, as follows:
- Julian Demont Pace, age 48, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia was sentenced to 41 months.
- Ronald Lee Jackson, age 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months.
- William Brown, age 75, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of probation.
Pace, Jackson, and Brown each have multiple prior drug trafficking convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The FBI and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Former local bakery owner sentenced to 6 years in prison for stealing identity of deceased baby & committing $1.5M in pandemic relief fraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus woman was sentenced in federal court today to 72 months in prison for committing 16 counts of wire and passport fraud. The defendant stole the identity of a baby who died as an infant and used the infant’s identity to obtain a passport, a student pilot license, a job as a flight attendant, and pandemic relief loans.
As part of her sentence, Ava Misseldine, 50, will pay more than $1.5 million in restitution and forfeit her Utah home and profits from the recent sale of her Michigan home, both of which she bought with stolen government money.
According to court documents, Misseldine stole the identity of a baby who died in 1979 and is buried in a Columbus cemetery.
In 2003, Misseldine applied for an Ohio ID and later a Social Security card and driver’s license using the stolen identity.
In 2007, Misseldine posed as the stolen identity to obtain a student pilot certificate and U.S. Passport. Misseldine submitted paperwork claiming she needed the passport to travel internationally in her occupation as a flight attendant for JetSelect. She was employed under the false identity.
Over the next 13 years, Misseldine continued to obtain identity documents in both her real and fake names. An investigation was launched in 2021 when she tried to renew the fraudulent passport.
Misseldine obtained approximately $1.5 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans in 2020 using both her real and fake identities. Her loan applications list her businesses as various bakeries and catering companies, including her former bakeries Sugar Inc. Cupcakes & Tea Salon in Dublin and Koko Tea Salon & Bakery in New Albany and at Easton. She submitted forged documents to support her loan applications.
Misseldine used the pandemic relief loan money to purchase a home for $647,500 adjacent to Zion National Park in Utah and a home for $327,500 in Michigan.
In August and September 2021, Misseldine, after relocating to Utah, obtained driver’s licenses in both names.
Misseldine was arrested in Utah in June 2022. She pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Ohio in October 2022.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson and commended the investigation by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service and Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, assisted by the U.S. Marshals, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.
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Former Middle School Health Aide Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Aaron Leon Happy was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Happy, 42, of Shiprock, New Mexico, pled guilty on February 27, 2023, to possession of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court records, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from Facebook in July 2019 about a user’s activity. Specifically, Facebook disclosed that the user, “Aaron Happ,” was engaging multiple minors in sexually explicit conversations on its platform. The tip was sent to the FBI, who identified the user as Happy, who then worked as a health aide at the Newcomb Middle School located within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.
On Dec. 15, 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant on Happy’s person, office, and residence. Investigators found a trove of videos and images of children being sexually assaulted on one of Happy’s cellular telephones which he obtained from the internet.
Upon his release from prison, Happy will be subject to supervised release for life and must register as a sex offender.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI Gallup Resident Agency, the FBI Denver - Durango Resident Agency, the San Juan County (New Mexico) Sheriff’s Office, the Cortez (Colorado) Police Department and the Montezuma County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
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23-171
Former Manager of Brockton RMV Sentenced for ExtortionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for accepting money in exchange for agreeing to issue passing learner’s permit test scores to applicants regardless of whether they actually passed at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Brockton.
Mia Cox-Johnson, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to four months in prison and one year of supervised release, with the first six months to be served under home confinement. Cox was also ordered to pay a $5,500 fine. Cox-Johnson pleaded guilty on March 30, 2023 to two counts of extortion under color of official right and one count of conspiring to commit extortion.
Cox-Johnson, a former manager of the RMV service center in Brockton, took money in exchange for passing scores on learner’s permit tests for both passenger vehicle driver’s licenses and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). Between December 2018 and October 2019, Cox-Johnson conspired to take money in exchange for agreeing to give customers passing scores on their multiple-choice learner’s permit tests even if they did not pass. Customers were told to request a paper test instead of taking the test on the RMV computer. Cox-Johnson personally graded these customers’ paper tests and gave the applicants passing scores.
On Dec. 28, 2018, Cox-Johnson accepted $1,000 in cash – delivered from a friend on behalf of another individual – in exchange for a passing score for the individual’s relative who had failed the passenger vehicle learner’s permit test six times when taking it in their native language. Cox-Johnson agreed to score the relative as having passed the permit test regardless of whether they had truly passed. Cox-Johnson did, in fact, pass the relative’s test, which was taken on paper in English.
On Oct. 21, 2019, a customer came to the Brockton RMV and took three multiple-choice tests they needed to pass in order to get a commercial learner’s permit – a prerequisite to taking the road test for a CDL. Cox-Johnson accepted $200 in cash from an individual to score the customer as having passed the tests even if they did not actually pass. In fact, the applicant failed one of the tests, but Cox-Johnson falsely gave the applicant a passing score.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). Valuable assistance was provided by the Mattapoisett Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers, Adam Deitch and Eugenia M. Carris of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Duane of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Los Lunas High School Coach Sentenced to 23 Years for Coercion and Enticement and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Johnathon Bindues was sentenced to 23 years in prison. A federal jury convicted Bindues, 32, of Los Lunas, on May 4, 2023, of coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
According to the evidence at trial and other publicly available court records, Bindues used his former position at Los Lunas High School as the coach for the girls’ basketball and track teams to gain special access to minor females. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was a freshman and a member of the teams Bindues coached. Between September 2020 and June 2021, Bindues exchanged over 17,000 text messages with the victim. Bindues requested nude images of Jane Doe, sent her explicit images of himself, and repeatedly encouraged her to delete text messages. After discovering sexually explicit messages on her daughter’s phone, Jane Doe’s mother reported the relationship to the New Mexico State Police.
Upon his release from prison, Bindues will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The FBI and New Mexico State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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23-173
Former Leader of “Clan Del Golfo” Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, known by various aliases, including “Otoniel,” a citizen of Colombia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG). Úsuga David was also sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a maritime narcotics conspiracy and 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a narcotics importation conspiracy. The sentences will run concurrently. As part of the sentence, the Court ordered Úsuga David to pay $216 million in forfeiture. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2023.
Markenzy Lapointe, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General, Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Steven A. Nigrelli, Acting Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the sentence.
“Today’s 45-year sentence of Clan de Golfo’s notoriously violent leader illustrates the United States’ tenacious approach to securing justice against those who threaten the security of our nation and communities,” stated United States Attorney Lapointe. “Cartel leaders like Úsuga David will be found, extradited, and prosecuted.”
“Otoniel led one of the largest cocaine trafficking organizations in the world, where he directed the exportation of massive amounts of cocaine to the United States and ordered the ruthless execution of Colombian law enforcement, military officials, and civilians,” stated Attorney General Garland. “This sentence sends a clear message: the Justice Department will find and hold accountable the leaders of deadly drug trafficking organizations that harm the American people, no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes.”
“The human misery caused by the defendant’s incredibly violent, vengeful, and bloody reign as leader of the Clan de Golfo drug trafficking organization may never be fully calculated due to its magnitude, but today’s lengthy sentence delivers appropriate justice and sends a message to other paramilitary and cartel leaders that the United States will seek their arrest and extradition in order to hold them accountable in our courts of law,” stated United States Attorney Peace.
Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida and Eastern District of Texas, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia and Attorneys assigned at the Special Operations Division, the United States Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates DEA’s commitment to defeating deadly criminal networks who have no regard for human life,” stated DEA Administrator Milgram. “DEA investigated Otoniel – one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world – for almost 20 years. Under Otoniel’s leadership, the Clan de Golfo shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, terrorized the Colombian people, and killed civilians, law enforcement officers, and rivals in Colombia who threatened the organization’s trafficking operations. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s sentencing.”
“Today’s sentencing of notorious Clan del Golfo leader Dairo Antonio Úsuga David is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI and our local, federal and international law enforcement partners,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “Criminals should take note of this sentencing and heed its warning; HSI remains committed to these joint efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations whose illicit activities threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of our communities.”
“When you consider the scale of Usuga David’s operations—a man with a private army who dared to place bounties on the heads of law enforcement and other government officials in Columbia–– you have to admire the tenacity and courage of team that brought him to justice, both in Columbia and the U.S.” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The NYPD is proud to have played its part in the coordinated efforts of Columbian officials, the U.S. Department of Justice, the DEA, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police.”
NYSP Acting Superintendent Nigrelli stated: “Today’s sentencing is the direct result of law enforcements dedication to stemming the tide of illegal drugs coming into our communities. This defendant smuggled tons of illegal drugs into our country and our state, putting lives in danger. We will continue to make it a priority to find, then dismantle these dangerous and deadly operations. I want to thank our members and our law enforcement partners for their work on this case and their commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”
Between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in conspiracies to distribute narcotics via maritime vessels and also to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States.
The Clan Del Golfo
Between 2012 and through his capture by Colombian military and law enforcement forces on October 23, 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of the CDG.
The CDG is one of the most violent and most powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at times, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The CDG funds its operations primarily through a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. It imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine, and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States.
To maintain control over CDG territory, Úsuga David and the CDG employed an army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the reputation and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by attempting to silence potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement.
Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for approximately10 years. During his reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities.
Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered a multi-day shutdown be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders.
Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization.
In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement.
Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit.
Asset Forfeiture
As part of the sentence, the Court ordered Úsuga David to pay a $216 million forfeiture money judgment. The forfeiture money judgment is subject to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Colombia concerning the Sharing of Forfeited Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert Emery of the Southern District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Li of the Southern District of New York led the prosecutions for their respective offices. The government’s case is being handled by the Eastern District of New York’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath are in charge of the prosecution. Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The investigation, extradition, and conviction of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 15-cr-20403.
The Defendant:
DAIRO ANTONIO USUGA DAVID (also known as “Otoniel,” “Mao,” “Gallo” and “Mauricio-Gallo”)
Age: 51
Antioquia, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 14-CR-625 (S-4) (DLI)
23-CR-021 (DLI)
23-CR-027 (DLI)###
Former Leader of “Clan Del Golfo” Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY - Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, known by various aliases, including “Otoniel,” a citizen of Colombia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG). Úsuga David was also sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a maritime narcotics conspiracy and 45 years’ imprisonment for engaging in a narcotics importation conspiracy. The sentences will run concurrently. As part of the sentence, the Court ordered Úsuga David to pay $216 million in forfeiture. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2023.
Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General, Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Markenzy Lapointe, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Steven A. Nigrelli, Acting Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the sentence.
“Otoniel led one of the largest cocaine trafficking organizations in the world, where he directed the exportation of massive amounts of cocaine to the United States and ordered the ruthless execution of Colombian law enforcement, military officials, and civilians,” stated Attorney General Garland. “This sentence sends a clear message: the Justice Department will find and hold accountable the leaders of deadly drug trafficking organizations that harm the American people, no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes.”
“The human misery caused by the defendant’s incredibly violent, vengeful, and bloody reign as leader of the Clan de Golfo drug trafficking organization may never be fully calculated due to its magnitude, but today’s lengthy sentence delivers appropriate justice and sends a message to other paramilitary and cartel leaders that the United States will seek their arrest and extradition in order to hold them accountable in our courts of law,” stated United States Attorney Peace.
Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida and Eastern District of Texas, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia and Attorneys assigned at the Special Operations Division, the United States Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant.
“Today’s 45-year sentence of Clan de Golfo’s notoriously violent leader illustrates the United States’ tenacious approach to securing justice against those who threaten the security of our nation and communities,” stated United States Attorney Lapointe. “Cartel leaders like Úsuga David will be found, extradited, and prosecuted.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates DEA’s commitment to defeating deadly criminal networks who have no regard for human life,” stated DEA Administrator Milgram. “DEA investigated Otoniel – one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world – for almost 20 years. Under Otoniel’s leadership, the Clan de Golfo shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, terrorized the Colombian people, and killed civilians, law enforcement officers, and rivals in Colombia who threatened the organization’s trafficking operations. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s sentencing.”
“Today’s sentencing of notorious Clan del Golfo leader Dairo Antonio Úsuga David is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI and our local, federal and international law enforcement partners,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “Criminals should take note of this sentencing and heed its warning; HSI remains committed to these joint efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations whose illicit activities threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of our communities.”
“When you consider the scale of Usuga David’s operations—a man with a private army who dared to place bounties on the heads of law enforcement and other government officials in Columbia–– you have to admire the tenacity and courage of team that brought him to justice, both in Columbia and the U.S.” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The NYPD is proud to have played its part in the coordinated efforts of Columbian officials, the U.S. Department of Justice, the DEA, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police.”
NYSP Acting Superintendent Nigrelli stated: “Today’s sentencing is the direct result of law enforcements dedication to stemming the tide of illegal drugs coming into our communities. This defendant smuggled tons of illegal drugs into our country and our state, putting lives in danger. We will continue to make it a priority to find, then dismantle these dangerous and deadly operations. I want to thank our members and our law enforcement partners for their work on this case and their commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”
Between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in conspiracies to distribute narcotics via maritime vessels and also to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States.
The Clan Del Golfo
Between 2012 and through his capture by Colombian military and law enforcement forces on October 23, 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of the CDG.
The CDG is one of the most violent and most powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at times, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The CDG funds its operations primarily through a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. It imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine, and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States.
To maintain control over CDG territory, Úsuga David and the CDG employed an army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the reputation and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by attempting to silence potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement.
Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for approximately10 years. During his reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities.
Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered a multi-day shutdown be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders.
Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization.
In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement.
Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit.
Asset Forfeiture
As part of the sentence, the Court ordered Úsuga David to pay a $216 million forfeiture money judgment. The forfeiture money judgment is subject to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Colombia concerning the Sharing of Forfeited Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime.
The government’s case is being handled by the Eastern District of New York’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath are in charge of the prosecution. Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Emery of the Southern District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Li of the Southern District of New York led the prosecutions for their respective offices.
The investigation, extradition, and conviction of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Defendant:
DAIRO ANTONIO USUGA DAVID (also known as “Otoniel,” “Mao,” “Gallo” and “Mauricio-Gallo”)
Age: 51
Antioquia, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 14-CR-625 (S-4) (DLI)
23-CR-021 (DLI)
23-CR-027 (DLI)Former Leader of Clan Del Golfo Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Note: To obtain copy of b-roll of the U.S. Marshals Service transporting Otoniel via NYPD helicopter on May 5, 2022 click here.
Earlier today in federal court, a citizen of Colombia was sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG).
According to court documents, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, aka Otoniel, 51, of Antioquia, Colombia, was also sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a maritime narcotics conspiracy and 45 years in prison for engaging in a narcotics importation conspiracy. The sentences will run concurrently. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay $216 million in forfeiture. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2023.
“Otoniel led one of the largest cocaine trafficking organizations in the world, where he directed the exportation of massive amounts of cocaine to the United States and ordered the ruthless execution of Colombian law enforcement, military officials, and civilians,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This sentence sends a clear message: the Justice Department will find and hold accountable the leaders of deadly drug trafficking organizations that harm the American people, no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes.”
“The FBI’s goal is to save lives by stopping the supply of deadly narcotics before they reach our borders and targeting the leadership of these criminal enterprises,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The success of this case is due to the collaborative efforts of partners who work to dismantle these dangerous drug trafficking organizations and stop these criminals from harming our communities.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates DEA’s commitment to defeating deadly criminal networks who have no regard for human life,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. “DEA investigated Otoniel – one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world – for almost 20 years. Under Otoniel’s leadership, the Clan del Golfo shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, terrorized the Colombian people, and killed civilians, law enforcement officers, and rivals in Colombia who threatened the organization’s trafficking operations. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s sentencing.”
“The human misery caused by the defendant’s incredibly violent, vengeful, and bloody reign as leader of the Clan del Golfo drug trafficking organization may never be fully calculated due to its magnitude, but today’s lengthy sentence delivers appropriate justice and sends a message to other paramilitary and cartel leaders that the United States will seek their arrest and extradition in order to hold them accountable in our courts of law,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York.
“Today’s 45-year sentence of Clan del Golfo’s notoriously violent leader illustrates the United States’ tenacious approach to securing justice against those who threaten the security of our nation and communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe. “Cartel leaders like Úsuga David will be found, extradited, and prosecuted.”
“Today’s sentencing of notorious Clan del Golfo leader Dairo Antonio Úsuga David is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI and our local, federal and international law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Criminals should take note of this sentencing and heed its warning; HSI remains committed to these joint efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations whose illicit activities threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of our communities.”
Between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in conspiracies to distribute narcotics via maritime vessels and also to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States.
The Clan Del Golfo
The CDG is one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at times, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The CDG funds its operations primarily through a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. It imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States.
To maintain control over CDG territory, Úsuga David and the CDG employed an army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the reputation and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by attempting to silence potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement.
Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for approximately 10 years. During his reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities.
Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered a multi-day shutdown be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders.
Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization.
In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement.
Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay a $216 million forfeiture money judgment. The forfeiture money judgment is subject to the agreement between the U.S. government and the Government of the Republic of Colombia concerning the sharing of forfeited proceeds and instrumentalities of crime.
The DEA, HSI, FBI, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and New York State Police (NYSP) investigated the case. The United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida and Eastern District of Texas, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia, and attorneys assigned at the Special Operations Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided valuable assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian for the Eastern District of New York is handling forfeiture matters. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Emery for the Southern District of Florida and Alexander Li for the Southern District of New York led the prosecutions for their respective offices.
The investigation, extradition, and conviction of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in West Palm Beach Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Craig Sherman, an 80-year-old retired lawyer pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of federal wire fraud charges in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Sherman admitted that from 2013 through 2020, he defrauded friends and clients through an investment scheme. Sherman was an attorney in Boca Raton, Fla., who also worked as the town attorney for the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla. Sherman solicited friends and clients to invest in real estate projects that were planned or in progress in the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. Sherman indicated that the investors would loan money for construction projects and would be paid between 6% to 8% interest annually for the loan. The principal would be returned later, usually when the construction project was completed. Instead of using the investment money to fund the construction projects–like he claimed he would—Sherman used it to pay for his personal expenses and to try to keep his law firm running. He also used investment money from some investors to cover payments due to other investors. The total fraud is close to $7 million.
The sentencing hearing will be scheduled later. Sherman faces up to 20 years in prison as to each count and will be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
FBI Miami, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurence M. Bardfeld is prosecuting it.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-80083.
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Former Erie County Deputy Sheriff Sentenced for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Adam Bess, 35, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier pleading guilty to a felony for depriving an inmate at the Erie County Jail of her constitutional rights by using excessive force. Six months of this sentence will be served as home detention. Judge Zouhary also ordered Bess to pay a $100 special assessment and be placed on supervised release for one year upon release from imprisonment.
According to court documents, on November 1, 2021, Bess was working as a sergeant at the Erie County Jail. During the booking process of a new arrestee, Bess placed his hand around the inmate’s throat in anger in a “choke hold” and caused the inmate to have difficulty breathing. Bess’ actions were without justification and in violation of both the Erie County Sheriff’s Office use of force policy as well as federal law. After being released from jail, the inmate had visible bruising on her neck, immediately reported the matter to the command staff at Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and went to the hospital for evaluation of her injuries. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office promptly reported the matter to the FBI and placed Bess on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Bess subsequently resigned.
As a result of Bess’ federal felony conviction, he can no longer work in law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, Sandusky Resident Agency, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Freeman and Tracey Tangeman.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Her Role in a Conspiracy to Sell Methamphetamine in Southern AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that a federal judge sentenced Lashana Nakiah Foreman, 37, from Crestview, Florida, to 204 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. During today’s sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Foreman serve five years of supervised release after her prison term. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
Foreman’s case was a part of a larger drug conspiracy including seven other co-defendants and spanning multiple Alabama counties, including Covington and Crenshaw. During Foreman’s October 2022 trial, federal prosecutors proved that she and another co-conspirator, Devarlos Quantrel Shanklin, from Luverne, Alabama, made a deal for Foreman to purchase five ounces of the methamphetamine in Opp, Alabama. On November 15, 2022, Shanklin received a sentence of 37 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated this case, with assistance from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Opp Police Department, the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to over Ten Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Florida man was sentenced to 127 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ricky Fernando Duckworth, 41, of Jacksonville, Florida was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court records, on March 19, 2019, investigators through an undercover agent purchased two ounces of 98% pure methamphetamine from Duckworth in Moss Point, Mississippi. On November 16, 2021, Mr. Duckworth was indicted by a federal grand jury. He pled guilty on March 28, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Federal Inmate Convicted of Producing Obscene Images of ChildrenRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal judge convicted a federal inmate yesterday on charges of producing and possessing obscene images of children.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jesse Fernando Perez, 36, is currently serving a 121-month federal sentence for possession of child pornography at the Federal Correctional Complex in Petersburg, Virginia. While incarcerated, he copied images of children from books and magazines, and then drew on the images to create depictions of the children engaged in sexually explicit activity.
Perez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison when sentenced on December 11. 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 Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young announced his verdict.
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons assisted in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Moore and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco from the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-19.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- August 2023Read the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2023 Federal Grand Jury A.
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.
Andrew Michael Sneed. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Andrew Michael Sneed, 27, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly traveled from Topeka, Kansas, to Catoosa, to engage in sex with an 11-year-old female. Catoosa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-258
Dennis Ray Thompson. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat in Indian Country; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. Dennis Ray Thompson, 64, a Choctaw Nation citizen, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse by force in Indian Country; aggravated sexual abuse by threat in Indian Country; failure to register as a sex offender; and commission of a crime of violence while failing to register as a sex offender after officers with the Tulsa Police Department caught him naked on top of the victim under a bridge in downtown Tulsa. Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-236
Dakota Dale Deckard. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Aggravated Identity Theft; Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Receipt of Stolen Property in Indian Country. Dakota Dale Deckard, 24, an Absentee-Shawnee citizen, is charged with first degree burglary in Indian Country; aggravated identity theft; four counts of second-degree burglary in Indian Country; and receipt of stolen property in Indian Country. Deckard allegedly broke into multiple locations, including a church, and stole property; was found in possession of a vehicle he knew to be stolen; and knowingly used identification and a debit card of another without their permission. The Sapulpa Police Department and FBI are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Buscemi and Michael Harder are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-254
Terrall Lamar Johnson. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Terrall Lamar Johnson, 32, is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute after allegedly being found in possession of 5 kilograms of cocaine. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-257
Juventino Hernandez-Flores. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Juventino Hernandez-Flores, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being arrested by the Tulsa Police Department on July 10, 2023, for Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Domestic, and Domestic A&B in the Presence of a Minor. He had been previously removed to Mexico on July 25, 2016, at San Ysidro, California, and was removed again to Mexico on August 02, 2022, at Laredo Columbia Bridge, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-255
Miguel Betancourt-Baltazar. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Miguel Betancourt-Baltazar, 53, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being arrested by the Tulsa Police Department on unrelated charges. He had been previously removed on or about May 4, 2018, at or near Nogales, Arizona U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-253
Elmira Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert J. Fairbanks, Jr., 58, of Lowman, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that Fairbanks was arrested on September 16, 2022, after the New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at his County Road 60 residence in Lowman. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 1,449 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, $3,961.00 in U.S. currency, a 12-gauge shotgun, and 29 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.
The conviction was the culmination of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jeffrey Tavoun Allen, 34, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in September 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) made controlled buys of fentanyl-laced heroin from Allen. When Allen was arrested in December 2020, Allen was in possession of cocaine base, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Allen also had plastic baggies used in packaging drugs and a digital scale.
In 2007, Allen was convicted in South Carolina state court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. In 2018, Allen was again convicted in state court for multiple counts of distributing heroin.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Allen to 100 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
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City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, University of Virginia Become Project Safe Neighborhoods CommunitiesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –The Department of Justice’s Executive Committee for Project Safe Neighborhoods has unanimously approved the addition of the greater Charlottesville-Albemarle County-University of Virginia region into the program.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
“Confronting gun violence in the vibrant communities of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia demands a collaborative approach that harnesses the strength of all federal, state, and local stakeholders,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “By forging a united front, we can strike at the root of this pressing issue, ensuring safer streets and fostering a resilient community where every individual can thrive, free from the shadows of violence.”
“Addressing the complex issue of gun violence requires us to not just react to crime, but to also pro-actively partner with our community and our law enforcement partners. I thank United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh for his steadfast support in addressing gun violence in our community. The safety of our residents requires a robust, thoughtful, and strategic, multi-faced approach. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all those who live, work, and visit the City of Charlottesville,” Charlottesville Police Chief Mike Kochis said today.
“The Albemarle County Police Department is committed to working with Project Safe Neighborhood partners to identify the most pressing issues impacting our community and develop comprehensive solutions to make this region a safer place for everyone,” said the Albemarle County Police Department Chief of Police Colonel Sean Reeves. “Leveraging the resources and expertise of federal, state, local, and tribal partners, will provide our entire community the best opportunity to respond to and prevent violent crime in our area.”
“We are incredibly proud to be part of a partnership that not only seeks to reduce violence in our community but fully embraces the important of community engagement, thoughtful collaboration with stakeholders, and the irrefutable importance of preserving a safe and health community,” said Tim Longo, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, and University Chief of Police.
PSN follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention, and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability.
In addition, PSN communities are eligible to apply for DOJ grant funds.
For more information about PSN, please visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn/overview.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Richard Alan Stansell, 53, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in October 2021, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began investigating CyberTip reports from Google, Instagram, and Facebook. According to the reports, several online accounts had been used to upload child pornography. ICAC’s investigation revealed that the accounts belonged to Stansell. ICAC also learned that the Idaho State Police had an active investigation involving Stansell. As part of that investigation, Stansell had communicated online with two undercover detectives posing as 13-year-old females. During the online communications, Stansell engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported children and sent them pictures of his penis and other pornographic images.
ICAC obtained a federal search warrant to seize and search Stansell’s electronic devices. In May 2022, ICAC, and other members of law enforcement, executed the search warrant and seized Stansell’s cellphone. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography and evidence that Stansell had traded files of child pornography with other individuals online. Investigators also located evidence that Stansell had been communicating with juveniles. During an interview, Stansell admitted to receiving, viewing, and distributing images of child pornography. Stansell also admitted to chatting online with underage girls and to receiving explicit images from them.
“The defendant’s illegal and harmful conduct in this case is deserving of the significant sentence imposed,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Other offenders tempted to produce, obtain, or share child pornography should know that they cannot hide. Our office and our law enforcement partners, including the ICAC Task Force, are laser-focused on prosecuting to the fullest extent anyone who would victimize children, and our collaborative efforts in these critical investigations are second to none.”
“I am proud of the work done by our office in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney, Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department. The ICAC unit has been instrumental in protecting children by putting offenders away. Furthermore, I want to thank the law enforcement professionals in the state and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the diligent work that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Stansell,” Idaho Attorney General Labrador said.
U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford also sentenced Stansell to 16 years of supervised release, which will start upon completion of his prison sentence, and entered an order forfeiting the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. Stansell was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Stansell will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction and pay a $5,100 special assessment to the Court.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC Task Force, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal 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.
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Bronx Man Receives 70 Months for Heroin and Fentanyl ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gilberto Velasquez, age 38, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for conspiring to traffic heroin and fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, and for distributing heroin.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Velasquez admitted to organizing a conspiracy that trafficked approximately 89 grams of heroin and 10 grams of fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, while he was on parole from a state prison term. Velasquez, operating out of New York City, sold quantities of heroin bags and fentanyl-laced pills to customers in the Capital Region using “runners” to transport the controlled substances via commercial bus lines.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Velasquez to serve a 3-year term of supervised release after he is released from prison.
The DEA and the Colonie Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted it.
Boston Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in Massachusetts.
Anthony Diaz, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with a United States Postal employee, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and did so by use of a deadly weapon, a firearm; and assaulting a person having lawful charge, custody and control of United States mail, money and other property of the United States, with the intent to rob, steal and purloin that mail, money and other property of the United States, and in doing so put the life of that victim in jeopardy by the use of a firearm.
USPS has seen a rise in the use of Arrow Keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An Arrow Key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These Arrow Keys are the property of USPS, and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 12 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns.
In January 2023, in Peabody, Mass., Diaz approached a USPS letter carrier and stated, “Give me the keys,” while pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. After the victim handed Diaz the USPS vehicle key, Diaz responded, “Give me the rest of the key,” and “Hurry up or I’ll shoot you.” The victim removed his keychain, which was attached to his belt, containing his USPS Arrow Key and asked if he could have his vehicle key back. Diaz did not respond, placed the firearm in his right jacket pocket and departed in a nearby vehicle.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Beloit Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Possessing Cocaine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Depronce Burnett, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This prison term will be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Burnett pleaded guilty to this charge on May 11, 2023.
In the fall of 2021, Burnett distributed cocaine and methamphetamine in Rock County, Wisconsin, primarily out of his home in Beloit. Even after his arrest by the Beloit Police Department on September 30, 2021, Burnett directed the further sale of cocaine and methamphetamine from the jail by calling his wife, Dominique Holsten. The sales continued until police executed search warrants at their Beloit home on October 27, 2021. During the search, officers found hidden stashes of illegal narcotics, including more than 900 grams of cocaine and over 500 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to $87,000 in U.S. currency.
Burnett had an extensive history of trafficking in narcotics, for which he had served short sentences in state prison. In sentencing Burnett, Judge Conley noted that Burnett had no real employment history in nearly 20 years except for selling drugs. Conley said that although Burnett had numerous opportunities to go in a different direction, Burnett escalated his dealing to a level that did damage to the entire community. Conley said that a significant sentence was necessary because Burnett was a risk to the public, as none of his prior sentences had an impact on his choice to deal narcotics.
Burnett’s wife, Dominique Holsten, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on August 15 for her role in facilitating the distribution of drugs after Burnett’s arrest.
The charge against Burnett was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Beloit and Janesville Police Departments, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Barbados Resident Who Allegedly Posed as Ivy Leaguer with Wall Street Experience Charged with Running $3.1 Million Stock ScamRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A convicted felon who allegedly posed as an experienced Wall Street stock trader has been charged with running a securities scam that caused victim investors to lose approximately $3.1 million, the Justice Department announced today.
Christopher Anthony Slaga, 50, a.k.a. “Keith Renko,” was charged with eight counts of wire fraud in an indictment filed on August 2. Slaga is currently a fugitive being sought by authorities.
According to the indictment, from at least March 2018 through this year, Slaga operated several companies, including JMC 4 Group LLC and Q4 Capital Group LLC, that purportedly trading businesses that implemented “different strategies for long-term and short-term gains” through “a bifurcated trading approach.” In addition to being the president and CEO of these companies, Slaga – using his “Keith Renko” alias – purportedly ran JMC 4 and Q4 Capital’s East Coast operations and trading desk before establishing a West Coast office and a trading desk in Newport Beach.
Using private placement memoranda (PPM) – securities disclosure forms issued by companies engaging in private securities offerings – as well as websites, emails and telephone calls, Slaga allegedly solicited individual investors to make capital commitments of at least $25,000 to his companies, falsely telling them that he was running a hedge fund for lay people.
Slaga promised victims he would use their money to invest in a broad range of securities by using a proprietary computer-based quantitative and statistical algorithm through brokerage accounts at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, the indictment alleges. His purported investment objective was to “maximize total return on capital by seeking capital appreciation,” according to the indictment.
In each of the PPMs, Slaga allegedly falsely claimed he personally made capital investments of at least $2 million into his companies, and that he was a “seasoned trader,” who previously worked at Merrill Lynch and who was a Dartmouth College graduate.
Slaga allegedly failed to disclose as required to investors that in 2003 he was convicted of wire fraud in the Southern District of Texas, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, and was ordered to pay $19,665,300 in restitution.
Slaga allegedly never invested the victim investors’ money in JMC 4 and Q4 Capital. Instead, he used it to repay other investors, pay commissions, and for his own personal expenses, such as rent, loan and credit card payments, personal stock trading, and private school payments, according to the indictment. He allegedly also produced bogus documentation purportedly from Deloitte, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs to show investors false holdings and fabricated returns.
In total, Slaga caused 13 investors to lose approximately $3.1 million, according to the indictment.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted of all charges, Slaga would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday filed a lawsuit against Slaga in connection with the alleged scheme to defraud investors.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Atlantic County Man Charged with Possessing Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was charged today with possessing destructive devices, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Robert J. Moser, 31, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with one count of possessing destructive devices. He is scheduled to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 17, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to Moser’s residence after receiving a 911 call that Moser was unconscious after a possible drug overdose. One of the officers who responded to assist Moser in his bedroom observed in plain view numerous suspicious devices covered in tape with exposed fuses. Officers secured the scene and recovered at least two destructive devices. One of the destructive devices contained explosive powder, metal ball bearings, and metal eye hooks, and a second destructive device contained explosive powder and metal dart tips.
The possession of a destructive device charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; officers of the Township of Hamilton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory K. Ciambrone; members of the Atlantic City Police Department Bomb Squad, under the direction of Chief James A. Sarkos; and personnel from the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
moser.complaint.pdfAnchorage Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A man was arrested early Saturday morning in Anchorage on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography depicting a minor under 12 years of age.
According to court documents, Benjamin Roundy, aka “Aleks” or “Alekzander Marko”, 41, of Anchorage, attempted to produce child pornography and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit actions through communications on a messaging app and text messages. He is also charged with allegedly possessing child pornography on his cell phone.
Roundy is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422(b), attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2251(a), and possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age in violation with 18 U.S.C. §2252A(a)(5)(b) and (7)(b)(2). If convicted, Roundy faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum life term in prison following conviction on all counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is actively investigating the case. If anyone has any information concerning Roundy’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Aleks” in person, via text message or on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander 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. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines 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 criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for 2022 Robbery of a Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Glen Hendersen, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced that Daniel Trujeque was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Trujeque, 30, of Albuquerque, pled guilty on March 21, 2023, to Letter Carrier Armed Robbery.
According to court documents, on January 11, 2022, a Letter Carrier delivering mail and parcels to a Neighborhood Box Unit noticed a car drive by before turning around and parking along the curb near the Neighborhood Box Unit. A young man exited the back passenger side of the vehicle. and watched the Letter Carrier finish delivering the mail, then pulled out a handgun and demanded she hand over the mail keys. The Letter Carrier complied, and the young man returned to the vehicle before it dove away from the area.
The Letter Carrier was able to give the Postal Inspectors a description of the young man, the vehicle, and a partial license plate for the vehicle. The Albuquerque Police Department assisted in the investigation and determined the vehicle had been reported stolen that day and had been involved in similar activities throughout the day. Postal Inspectors were able to obtain footage of the incident involving the Letter Carrier, as well as surveillance footage from an attempted burglary and footage of the young man and two accomplices attempting a fraudulent transaction using debit and credit cards at Walmart on the same day.
The Postal Inspection Service released a Reward Poster and received multiple tips identifying the young man as Daniel Trujeque. On April 5, 2022, Postal Inspectors interviewed Trujeque and he admitted to robbing the mail carrier.
Upon his release from prison, Trujeque will be subject to 5 years of supervised release.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito is prosecuting the case.
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7 August 2023
Virginia woman sentenced for federal firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hope Julia Clemons, age 33, of Norfolk, Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Clemons illegally purchased firearms in the Eastern Panhandle to be trafficked in the Washington, D.C. area. On at least two occasions, Clemons purchased firearms at gun dealers in Berkeley County, falsely stating on the required forms that the weapons were for her personal use. Clemons then gave the firearms to co-defendant Tyrone Greenfield to sell in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Clemons used a West Virginia state identification, secured by Greenfield, to make the purchases. Greenfield was sentenced earlier this year to 110 months in federal prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The case was investigated by the FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Read more about the initial indictment: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-maryland-and-washington-dc-residents-indicted-firearms-and-drug
Utah Resident Pleads Guilty to Animal Crushing and Posting the Torture on YouTubeRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A Davis County man pleaded guilty today to animal torture via animal crushing and posting multiple videos of the animal crushing on YouTube while in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, in October 2021, Samuel J. Webster, 20, of Farmington, Utah purposefully engaged in animal crushing by purchasing a male guinea pig from a pet supply store in Farmington, Utah. Webster purposefully subjected the guinea pig to serious bodily injury by hitting, sexually coercing, and penetrating the guinea pig and then posting it on YouTube, titling the video “Porn.” Webster further admitted, the guinea pig was obtained in interstate commerce for the purpose of creating and distributing YouTube videos around the world that he made of himself torturing and killing the guinea pig.
Webster pleaded guilty to distribution of animal crush video and animal crushing. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The FBI Salt Lake Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Melina Shiraldi of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
If you are aware of animal cruelty, please report it to law enforcement or call 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
U.S. Attorney Takes Oath of Office at Investiture CeremonyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office -District of Kansas held an investiture ceremony at the Wichita U.S. Courthouse for U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. Chief Judge Eric F. Melgren administered the oath.
U.S. Attorney Brubacher was officially sworn in to serve as the presidentially-appointed and U.S. Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney on March 10, 2023, by United States District Judge Julie Robinson. An investiture is a more formal, ceremonial event to mark Brubacher’s appointment. Judges, former U.S. Attorneys, law enforcement, and community members attended on August 4, 2023, at the federal courthouse for the occasion. Brubacher is the first woman to hold the position. Seven former U.S. Attorneys gathered to celebrate the District and mark the historic event with a photo.
“Along with expressing my gratitude for the honor of this role,” Brubacher said, “I want to assure the People of the District and this Court that fairness, equality, and impartiality are the guiding principles of the USAO in Kansas.”
Brubacher also thanked partners and the community for joining the USAO as they “protect the public in their safety and rights, and uphold the rule of law.”
United States District Chief Judge, the Honorable Eric. F. Melgren presided over the event. The ceremony also included remarks by Jon Gering, Raylene Hinz Penner and Jill Docking, who are personal and professional mentors to Brubacher. Dale Schrag gave the invocation and Brubacher’s children participated in the event as well.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Civil Complaint Against Shelby County Property Owner for Environmental Cleanup CostsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The United States today announced the filing of a civil complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee against Shelby County property owner Minor David Madison, Jr. Madison owns land tracts at 3517 and 3523 Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee — properties that housed successive dry-cleaning businesses over the years, including the former Custom Cleaners.
According to the complaint, Madison leased the property to several dry-cleaning operators beginning in 1966. Those operators are alleged to have disposed of solvents, such as perchloroethylene and trichloroethene, at the site while Madison owned the property.
In June 2013, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) received complaints about chemical vapor smells and abandoned barrels of chemicals at the property. TDEC sampling detected high concentrations of hazardous substance vapors in the subsurface, migrating soil gasses that would pose a threat to neighboring properties, and a plume of contaminated groundwater threatening the aquifer that supplies drinking water to Memphis and other local municipalities.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz said: “Clean air and safe drinking water are basic building blocks for a healthy and just Memphis. More than 20 years after the last dry cleaners on this property shuttered, residents are still living with toxic gasses in the soil and water above the level considered safe by federal standards. This is the first step in making sure those same residents don’t have to foot the bill for bringing their community back to a healthy standard.”
The lawsuit seeks recovery of all costs incurred by the Environmental Protection Agency under Section 107 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), 42 U.S.C. § 9607. CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, provides the United States with a way to recover the costs of responding to a release or threatened release of hazardous substances by imposing liability on property owners. In 2017, the EPA added Madison’s properties to the Superfund’s National Priorities List, a list of the most serious sites requiring response actions. For more about the Former Custom Cleaners Superfund site, see https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0402275.
EPA has been performing response actions since 2016 and will continue to conduct response actions in the future to abate hazards posed by the site.
This case is being handled for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Audrey Calkins and attorneys with the Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
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Two Teens Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle AK-47-Style Rifles into MexicoRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Manuel De Jesus Guzman, 19, of Rio Rico, Arizona, and Joshua Francisco Mendez, 19, of Tucson, Arizona, were sentenced on June 21, 2023, and July 26, 2023, respectively, by United States District Judge James A. Soto. Guzman was sentenced to 18 months in prison and Mendez was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison; both sentences will be followed by three years of supervised release. Guzman and Mendez pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States.
Guzman and Mendez attempted to exit the United States and enter Mexico on June 7, 2022, through the pedestrian gate at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. During a search at secondary inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers located four AK-47-style rifles taped to their bodies. Guzman and Mendez had two Romarms WASR-10 rifles, one Century Arms VSKA rifle, and one Century Arms BFT rifle.
The firearms that Guzman and Mendez intended to take across the border are prohibited from being exported from the United States into Mexico without a valid license. Neither Guzman nor Mendez had a valid license or any other lawful authority to export the firearms into Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Bolling and Micah Schmit, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01487-JAS-MSA
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-122_Mendez et al.# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Trice Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment in Wynter Cole-Smith CaseRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rashad Maleek Trice, 26, was arraigned for kidnapping two-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith, resulting in her death and kidnapping a minor. Trice was charged by criminal complaint on July 7, 2023, to secure his immediate detention, and indicted on July 26 to satisfy his constitutional right to federal indictment by a grand jury. During today’s arraignment before Magistrate Judge Ray Kent, Trice was formally read the charges against him and pleaded not guilty.
“Today’s hearing marks yet another step ahead in the judicial process, and my office is fully prepared to make our case against Mr. Trice at a fair trial,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My thoughts continue to be with the family as we seek a measure of justice following the heartbreaking loss of Wynter Cole-Smith.”
Trice is charged with two counts. The first count is kidnapping resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(1). If convicted, the statutory mandatory minimum sentence is life in prison. This offense is also death penalty eligible. The second count is kidnapping of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (g)(1). If convicted, the statutory mandatory minimum sentence is 20 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.
"The sadness for those of us working the case is outmatched by our resolve and focus on the continued, careful work supporting the prosecution. Over 30 law enforcement agencies banded together on this case, culminating in tremendous heroism by those Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores Police Officers apprehending the accused and by those FBI Agents who recovered Wynter,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Thank you to all the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and the women and men of the FBI for your relentless, courageous work. Thank you to the community for your help and support of law enforcement in this case," said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.”
The charges in an arraignment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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