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3 August 2023
Choctaw County Double Homicide Guilty Pleas EnteredRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Chad Jon’Dale Voyles, age 21, and Ashlie Nicole Rose Martin, age 20, both of Fort Towson, Oklahoma, entered guilty pleas relating to a Choctaw County double homicide which occurred on December 22 and 23, 2020.
On January 6, 2023, Chad Jon’Dale Voyles pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country. The Indictment against Voyles alleged that on December 23, 2020, Voyles killed the victim willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation.
On July 26, 2023, Ashlie Nicole Rose Martin pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder. The Indictment against Martin alleged that beginning on December 22, 2020, and continuing until December 23, 2020, Martin and others agreed to murder Martin’s parents.
According to investigators, on the afternoon of December 22, 2020, Martin, Voyles, and another juvenile planned the murders of Martin’s parents, then set the plans in motion. Voyles admitted during his plea hearing that he bludgeoned Martin’s father and set him on fire. At Martin’s plea hearing, she admitted that she conspired with others to murder her parents. The crimes occurred in Choctaw County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Gerald Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, Oklahoma, accepted Martin’s plea, ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report, and remanded Martin to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, Oklahoma, accepted Voyles’ plea, ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report, and remanded Voyles to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Checotah Resident Sentenced for Crimes Including Child Exploitation, Video Voyeurism, Attempted Sexual Abuse, and BurglaryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Oklahoma man was sentenced today to 14 years and eight months in prison for cyberstalking, video voyeurism, burglary, attempted burglary, attempted sexual abuse, and coercing and enticing a minor.
According to court documents, Tyler James Stephens, 25, of Checotah and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, committed a string of crimes between May 2020 and May 2021. Stephens roamed Checotah, looking through the windows of residences, and sometimes taking photographs or videos of female victims in various states of undress within their homes. He broke into or attempted to break into the homes of some female victims of whom he had taken surreptitious images. Stephens also broke into a residence and attempted to sexually assault the resident while her minor child was in the room. In two instances, Stephens accessed a social media account belonging to someone else and used it to solicit nude or private images of minors, including by sending an obscene picture to one of the minors. Stephens also threatened to publicly post a photo of one of the minors and “ruin her life” if she did not comply with his requests.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas made the announcement.
HSI investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Checotah Police Department and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police.
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Cedar Rapids Man Who Attempted to Receive 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who retrieved a vehicle that had contained approximately 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine in a hidden compartment was sentenced July 28, 2023, to more than 14 years in federal prison.
Christopher Eric Curley, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 20, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at prior hearings and information presented at sentencing showed that in October 2020 investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Mexico seized approximately 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine from a hidden compartment in a vehicle being shipped to Curley in Iowa. Investigators removed the methamphetamine from the compartment and replaced it with a simulated substance, then re‑loaded the vehicle onto the car hauler and sent it to Iowa. When the vehicle arrived in Cedar Rapids, Curley received delivery of it. He attempted to open the hidden compartment electronically, but it did not open. Curley then pulled down the back seat and pulled the purported methamphetamine out of the compartment. Upon examining some of the packages inside the compartment Curley realized that they did not actually contain methamphetamine. He then threw the vehicle’s keys through the driver’s side window of the vehicle and walked away.
In late 2021 and 2022, Curley was still selling methamphetamine in eastern Iowa. During a wiretap investigation into a group of methamphetamine dealers in the Cedar Rapids area led by David Belton, Curley was intercepted discussing purchasing pounds of methamphetamine from the group, and also supplying pounds of methamphetamine to the group when they ran out of supply.
Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation as Curley. David Poitier Belton, Derek Michael Mims, Phillip Lanell Rogers, Robert Lee Michael Bates, Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr., Elmer Mims, and Timothy Michael Webber are all awaiting sentencing. Kiyonte Levell Sowell was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment. Albert Henry Bailey was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment. Jesus Vera was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment. Calub Joseph Storlie was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment.
Curley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Curley was sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Curley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22‑CR‑39‑CJW‑MAR.
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Career Offender Who Led Authorities on a High-Speed Chase on I-95 Sentenced to 35 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. –A Wilson-based United Blood Nation gang member was sentenced to 420 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release. Nazeer Vick, 32, was convicted by a Federal jury in April on gun and drug trafficking charges.
“Vick is a career criminal who led police on a high-speed chase exceeding 130 miles per hour on a busy interstate for nearly 26 miles,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “He endangered the lives of law enforcement and other drivers in his efforts to elude capture and continue his criminal activity. Now, he will spend the next 35 years in a federal prison.”
“I would first like to thank all of the deputies and other law enforcement that were involved in removing this career criminal from our streets,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “Not only did he put lives in danger, he showed no regard for his actions. I would also like to thank the hard work and success of the United States Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case. It takes teamwork like this to remove gangs, guns, and drugs from our community.”
“The State of North Carolina and the City of Wilson are safer places to live today because of this arrest and conviction,” said Wilson Police Chief Scott Biddle. “This case highlights the importance of our partnership with and the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to making our city and streets safer by eliminating threats to public safety like Mr. Vick and other known gang members.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Nazeer Vick, 32, was found in possession of a firearm and marijuana during a traffic stop in Wilson after a K9 unit detected the odor of marijuana. Vick was arrested but quickly bonded out of custody. Nearly six months later, on October 7, 2020, Nash County deputies encountered a car being driven by Vick that was driving erratically on Interstate 95, weaving in and out of traffic and reaching speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour. Vick fled from Nash County, into Wilson County and then into Johnston County where he crashed on I-95 after colliding with a transfer truck. Vick then crawled out of a window of the mangled car with a black bookbag and fled on foot to a nearby motel. Vick was captured by hotel security cameras running around the hotel attempting to open hotel room doors. He threw the bookbag into a trashcan and then hid in an electrical closet where he was later found by law enforcement. Officers recovered the discarded bookbag which contained cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, various pills, a digital scale, a loaded firearm, and documents associated with Vick. Vick is a validated member of the United Blood Nation street gang and has a lengthy criminal history including voluntary manslaughter, selling heroin, possession with intent to sell or deliver heroin, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Wilson Police Department, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Mount Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Robert Dodson prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00485-D.
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Career Criminal Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A career criminal was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to a total of 11 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl while still on supervised release for a previous federal drug trafficking conviction.
Ozair Pereira, 35, of Brockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In September 2022, Pereira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and four counts of distribution of fentanyl. For committing the offense while on federal supervised release, Pereira was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to an additional term of one year in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed by Judge Sorokin.
In 2018, Pereira and several other defendants were arrested as part of a wide-ranging investigation targeting drug trafficking and violence in Brockton. Pereira was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap ordering heroin from a drug supplier. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, Pereira was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
On four occasions in February and March 2021, while on federal supervised release for the drug trafficking conviction, Pereira worked with co-defendant Robert Roscoe and others to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl to cooperating witnesses and undercover agents. In October 2022, Roscoe was sentenced to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Division; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced in Utah for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in Multi-Million Dollar Telemarketing SchemeRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A California man was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and ordered by the court to pay over $48,000 in restitution after he admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud by participating in a telemarketing scheme that sold fraudulent products to the public.
According to court documents, Charles Robert Brewer, aka “Robert Brewer” or “Scott Brewer,” 59, of Manhattan Beach, California, joined a telemarketing conspiracy that spanned several states, including the District of Utah, and caused millions of dollars in losses between June 2016 to February 2017. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Brewer processed payments quickly so that he and his co-conspirators could process the victims’ credit card transactions through merchant accounts and then transfer the victims’ money to safe accounts before the victims realized they had been defrauded and thereby demand refunds, and before the credit card companies recognized the fraud and shut down the merchant accounts. The telemarketing rooms sold different fraudulent products, including but not limited to, “Amazon rooms and accompanying advertising,” “government grants,” and “business opportunities.” Additionally, Brewer helped recruit “nominees,” persons whom he used to set up the merchant accounts to run the fraudulent transactions through without the nominees’ knowledge of the fraud. Brewer helped fabricate fraudulent financial documents and bank statements to trick credit card companies into setting up the merchant accounts. He helped his co-conspirators impersonate satisfied customers to deceive auditors. Brewer also personally sent emails to a payment processor wherein he impersonated a merchant account owner to make fraudulent excuses for the high number of chargebacks to keep the merchant accounts open after the credit card companies became suspicious.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, the court ordered Mr. Brewer to serve 24 months of supervised release and to pay $48,639.86 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton of the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Bureau of Prisons Employee Charged with Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) officer with violating the civil rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to the inmate’s serious medical needs, resulting in his death.
The superseding indictment alleges that on January 10, 2021, BOP Senior Officer Specialist Yolanda Blackwell, 45, of Chester, was on duty and working in her official capacity at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Petersburg. The superseding indictment charges that Blackwell willfully failed to ensure that the inmate, a 47-year-old man identified as W.W., was provided with necessary medical care, even though she knew that W.W. had serious medical needs. W.W. died in federal custody that day.
Two other BOP officials, Lieutenant Shronda Covington and registered nurse Tonya Farley, were previously charged with civil rights and other offenses in connection with the inmate’s death in custody. Another BOP official, Lieutenant Michael Anderson, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the inmate’s death.
If convicted, Blackwell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Michael E. Horwitz, Inspector General of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General, made the announcement.
The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal 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. 23-cr-68.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Bureau of Prisons Employee Charged with Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging a federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) officer with violating the civil rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to the inmate’s serious medical needs, resulting in his death.
The superseding indictment alleges that on Jan. 10, 2021, BOP Senior Officer Specialist Yolanda Blackwell, 45, of Chester, Virginia, was on duty and working in her official capacity at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Petersburg, Virginia. The superseding indictment charges that Blackwell willfully failed to ensure that the inmate, a 47-year-old man identified as W.W., was provided with necessary medical care, even though she knew that W.W. had serious medical needs. W.W. died in federal custody that day.
Two other BOP officials, Lieutenant Shronda Covington and registered nurse Tonya Farley, were previously charged with civil rights and other offenses in connection with the inmate’s death in custody. Another BOP official, Lieutenant Michael Anderson, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the inmate’s death.
If convicted, Blackwell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia and Inspector General Michael E. Horwitz of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) made the announcement.
DOJ-OIG investigated the case.
Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Garnett for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Superseding IndictmentBoston Man Sentenced for Concealing Income and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for concealing business income and filing multiple false tax returns.
Albert Casiello, 57, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two months in prison and one year of supervised release. Casiello was also ordered to pay restitution of $315,856. In January 2023, Casiello pleaded guilty to three counts of filing false tax returns.
Between 2013 and 2015, Casiello was the president, sole shareholder and primary operator of Cassco Development Group, Inc., a Massachusetts construction business. For each of the tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015, Casiello concealed his business income by depositing customer payments in bank accounts held in the names of other entities. Casiello then filed false tax returns for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, resulting in a tax loss of $315,856.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Bitfinex Hacker and Wife Plead Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving Billions in CryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
A married couple from New York City pleaded guilty today to money laundering conspiracies arising from the hack and theft of approximately 120,000 bitcoin from Bitfinex, a global cryptocurrency exchange.
Ilya Lichtenstein, 35, and Heather Morgan, 33, were arrested in February 2022 after the government seized approximately 95,000 of those stolen bitcoin from cryptocurrency wallets in the defendants’ control. At the time of the seizure, the recovered funds were valued at approximately $3.6 billion. Since their arrests, the government has seized another approximately $475 million tied to the hack.
According to court documents, Lichtenstein used a number of advanced hacking tools and techniques to gain access to Bitfinex’s network. Once inside their systems, Lichtenstein fraudulently authorized more than 2,000 transactions in which 119,754 bitcoin was transferred from Bitfinex to a cryptocurrency wallet in Lichtenstein’s control. Lichtenstein then took steps to cover his tracks by going back into Bitfinex’s network and deleting access credentials and other log files that may have given him away to law enforcement. Following the hack, Lichtenstein enlisted the help of his wife, Morgan, in laundering the stolen funds.
Lichtenstein, at times with Morgan’s assistance, employed numerous sophisticated laundering techniques, including using fictitious identities to set up online accounts; utilizing computer programs to automate transactions; depositing the stolen funds into accounts at a variety of darknet markets and cryptocurrency exchanges and then withdrawing the funds, which obfuscates the trail of the transaction history by breaking up the fund flow; converting bitcoin to other forms of cryptocurrency, including anonymity-enhanced cryptocurrency (AEC), in a practice known as “chain hopping”; depositing a portion of the criminal proceeds into cryptocurrency mixing services, such as Bitcoin Fog, Helix, and ChipMixer; using U.S.-based business accounts to legitimize their banking activity; and exchanging a portion of the stolen funds into gold coins, which Morgan then concealed by burying them.
Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Morgan pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years of in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Consistent with standard practice in criminal forfeiture cases, there will be a formal process at the conclusion of the case pursuant to Rule 32.2 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure for third-party claimants to submit claims for any seized and forfeited property.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York made the announcement.
The IRS-CI Washington, D.C. Field Office’s Cyber Crimes Unit; FBI Chicago Field Office; FBI’s Virtual Assets Unit (VAU); and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from the Ansbach Police Department in Germany.
Trial Attorneys Jessica Peck and C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher B. Brown and Jolie Zimmerman for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Paralegal Specialists Angela De Falco and Brian Rickers and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick provided valuable assistance. Significant assistance was also provided by Trial Attorney Christen Gallagher, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Southern District of New York, HSI Philadelphia, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica C. Brooks.
Beaumont Man Guilty in Precious Metals Scam Resulting in over $1 Million Loss to VictimsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas– A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Michael James White, 34, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on August 1, 2023.
According to information presented in court, White was the owner and operator of Gold Pro, LLC, a business in Vidor, Texas that bought and sold precious metals like gold and silver. The company marketed their products as “financial security for future financial uncertainty.” Gold Pro operated by promising potential buyers from across the United States a certain number of precious metals, then obtaining payment from customers through the wire transfer of funds from the buyer’s bank account to Gold Pro’s bank account. White communicated by email, telephone, or computer chat with potential buyers about the amount of precious metals the buyer would buy and agreed on a price for the precious metals and their delivery. Starting in 2021, in multiple instances after receiving payment, White did not deliver the precious metals to the buyer, delivered a product of lesser value, or delivered fake precious metals. During an almost three-year period beginning in 2020, White defrauded numerous victims throughout the United States, resulting in a loss of more than $1 million.
White faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Michael D. Hopwood, Jr., age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 18 months in federal prison following his conviction for wire fraud. The Court further ordered Hopwood to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered restitution in the amount of $340,621.96.
Hopwood was entrusted to provide assistance with certain financial matters to a permanently disabled relative. After obtaining the victim’s personal identifiable information for the purpose of setting up automatic bill pay, Hopwood knowingly and fraudulently made unauthorized purchases, transfers, and withdrawals from the victim’s account for his personal benefit, without the victim’s knowledge, approval, or consent. This scheme was conducted from approximately November 2019 through approximately February 2020 and resulted in a loss of over $300,000.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Lyman E. Thornton III.
Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Thousands of Videos and Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Ezra P. West, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to possession of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, West faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release—which includes sex offender registration requirements.
According to admissions made during his plea, from on or about May 10, 2015, and continuing until May 10, 2019, West used web service provider accounts, mobile applications, and websites to obtain child pornography. West possessed approximately 1,869 total videos and 6,668 total images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors and toddlers.
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Baltimore County Businessman Facing Federal Charges for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $1.3 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act LoansRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging David Epstein, age 45, of Owings Mills, Maryland, for wire fraud and money laundering, relating to the submission of fraudulent COVID-19 CARES Act loan applications. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment was filed on June 24, 2023, and unsealed today at Epstein’s initial appearance.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), Eastern Region.
Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also offered an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations.
According to the eight-count indictment, Epstein was the Chief Executive Office of PEI Staffing, LLC and served as the President of Stafquik, Inc. Epstein was the sole signatory on two accounts maintained by Stafquik at SunTrust Bank. The indictment alleges that from May 2020 to August 2020, Epstein executed a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration and related financial institutions by fraudulently obtaining and attempting to obtain EIDL and PPP loan funds for his own personal use, including the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz automobile, renovations to his home, including installation of a pool, and for other unauthorized expenditures.
Specifically, on April 30, 2020, Epstein submitted a false and misleading PPP loan application in the name of PEI, seeking approximately $1,307,170 in PPP funds. The application allegedly contained false statements and omissions relating to PEI including the number of employees, the wages paid to employees, and that any funds received would be spend on expenses such as payroll, business rent and business utilities. For example, the application stated that PEI had 382 employees, when in fact, an IRS Form 941 for the second quarter of 2020 listed 79 employees for PEI. Epstein also falsely stated that he did not have common management with any other business. In fact, Epstein was a common manager of both PEI and Stafquik.
As detailed in the indictment, Epstein spoke with the representative of a financial technology company that served as the originating agent for the PPP lender regarding the status of PEI’s PPP loan application. During the call, Epstein stated that he planned to upload a February 2020 bank statement for the purported PEI bank account listed in the application. Epstein allegedly submitted a fictitious bank statement that falsely represented the bank account was in the name of PEI, when in fact, the account was one of the accounts in the name of Stafquik, to which Epstein was sole signatory.
In addition, on May 4, 2020, approximately $1,307,170 in PPP loan proceeds were disbursed to the SunTrust Stafquik account. Within four days, Epstein opened four personal bank accounts at two separate banks and subsequently transferred the PPP loan proceeds to those accounts to be used for personal and unauthorized expenses. For example, the indictment alleges that Epstein transferred $110,356.48 in PPP funds to Mercedes-Benz Financial Services in connection with his purchase of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GT53C4.
The indictment further alleges that on November 18, 2020, Epstein submitted a false application for an EIDL in the name of Stafquik to the SBA, seeing approximately $150,000 in funds. In that application, Epstein proved the SBA a bank account number into which the EIDL proceeds were to be deposited, namely the second account at SunTrust held in Stafquik’s name with Epstein as the sole signatory. On November 19, 2020, SunTrust closed that account after being notified by the lender for the PEI PPP loan that the $1,307,170 in PPP funds disbursed to the other Stafquik account was an unauthorized transaction. Epstein called SunTrust seeking to reverse the closure of the account but was unsuccessful. Because the bank account was closed, the funds sought in the EIDL application for Stafquik were ultimately not disbursed.
If convicted, Epstein faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of five counts of wire fraud and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each of three counts of money laundering. 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.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of three strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the IRS-CI and SBA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Sean R. Delaney, who are prosecuting the case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Attorney Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Filing Fraudulent Lawsuits Under the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that attorney STUART FINKELSTEIN was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to four years in prison in connection with filing hundreds of fraudulent lawsuits pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). FINKELSTEIN previously pled guilty to one count of mail fraud.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Stuart Finkelstein, a practicing attorney, filed hundreds of fraudulent lawsuits in which he brought false claims of violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is meant to protect vulnerable members of our community against discrimination. Finkelstein has now been held accountable and is facing prison time for his brazen scheme.”
According to the Indictment and statements made in court filings:
Over the course of six years, FINKELSTEIN filed or caused to be filed nearly 300 fraudulent lawsuits under the ADA. These lawsuits, which were filed in Florida and New York, falsely claimed that the purported plaintiffs (“Victim-1” and “Victim-2”) had authorized the lawsuits and had standing to sue. In reality, Victim-1 and Victim-2 had no idea that FINKELSTEIN had filed lawsuits on their behalf. As a result of FINKELSTEIN’s false representations, FINKELSTEIN caused losses to the places of public accommodation that he sued in excess of $1,500,000 and netted nearly $650,000 for himself. In addition to stealing identities and using the ADA as a vehicle for fraud, FINKELSTEIN made false statements to the courts under oath and sought to obstruct proceedings that could have exposed his scheme.
* * *
In addition to his prison term, FINKELSTEIN, 68, of Davie, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, fined $200,000, and ordered to forfeit $643,102.60. Restitution will be decided by the Court within 90 days of today’s sentencing.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rushmi Bhaskaran is in charge of the prosecution.
Armed, Violent Meth Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- David Taylor, 48, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on February 5, 2021, investigators with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) stopped Taylor for a traffic violation as he was driving south on US 31 onto North Keystone Avenue. Officers approached the vehicle and immediately observed a firearm resting on the Taylor’s lap. Taylor was also driving with a suspended license.
Officers seized the firearm and detained Taylor. An IMPD K9 sniffed the air surrounding the car and indicated the presence of illegal drugs. Officers searched the car and recovered approximately 333.54 grams of pure methamphetamine from the center console. In an interview with investigators, Taylor stated that he purchased the methamphetamine for $3,500 and would be paid $500 for delivering it to an individual in Indianapolis. Taylor further admitted to making other methamphetamine deliveries previously between South Bend and Fort Wayne.
Taylor is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions for theft, robbery, arson, and intimidation.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Chief Randal Taylor of IMPD made the announcement.
“Deadly drugs and deadly weapons—especially in the hands of criminals who have repeatedly engaged in violent crimes—are a scourge on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “The serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these offenses will not be tolerated. I commend the work of the ATF and IMPD to stem the flow of poisons into our neighborhoods and take guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals who have no business possessing them.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IMPD investigated this case, with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Taylor be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 8 years following his release from federal prison and pay an $800 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Anderson Woman Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $2 Million from her Employer over 10 YearsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Lisa Raines, 52, of Anderson, Indiana, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, from March 2006 until November 2016, Rains was a Senior Finance Technician for Seven Corners, a travel insurance business located in Carmel. During her tenure, Raines was responsible for processing claims and releasing payments for disbursement. As part of her duties, Raines had access to the company’s payments systems.
In March 2006, around the time she started her role as a Senior Finance Technician for Seven Corners, Raines opened a bank account in the name of “L & B Tape, Co.,” a business that did not exist. Raines then entered her fake business as a vendor in Seven Corners’ payment system. Between 2006 and 2016 Raines made sixty-five payments from Seven Corners to her fake business, stealing $2,129,689.86 from her employer.
Raines used the stolen money for her own personal use. For example, in November 2011, Raines used money stolen from her employer to purchase a house in Anderson Indiana for over $600,000. In November 2015, Raines used stolen money to purchase “Mardi’s Gras Too,” a restaurant in Lapel, Indiana.
“For over a decade, the defendant abused her position of trust to steal millions of dollars from her employer to satisfy her own greed,” said United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “This U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the FBI to ensure that those who commit serious financial crimes face serious criminal punishment. The prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that those who seek to profit from fraud and deceit will pay the price behind federal prison bars.”
“The defendant abused her position and took advantage of the trust and confidence placed in her by her employer.” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This sentence clearly demonstrates that those who commit fraud will be caught, prosecuted and held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Raines be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following her release from federal prison and pay $2.1 million in restitution to her former employer.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Alleged Violent Cartel Enforcer Extradited from MexicoRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 3, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Edgar Herrera Pardo, aka Caiman, an alleged violent cartel enforcer in Tijuana, Mexico, was extradited from Mexico yesterday to face federal drug trafficking charges in San Diego.
Caiman was indicted in the Southern District of California on April 10, 2019, as an alleged leader of a group known as Los Cabos, which operated in Baja California to secure control of the region for Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, commonly known as CJNG. Los Cabos employed rampant violence to ensure that CJNG maintained the ability to traffic drugs through Tijuana and into the United States.
Caiman was apprehended by authorities in Mexico on August 5, 2019, and has been in custody there since. He arrived in San Diego on August 2, 2023, and made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell D. Dembin. He is scheduled for a detention hearing before Judge Dembin on August 8, 2023 at 10 a.m.
“According to the government’s allegations, Herrera Pardo and his group of enforcers unleashed appalling violence on Tijuana on behalf of a powerful drug cartel that is responsible for moving large quantities of illicit drugs into the U.S.,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman “This extradition shows that those who put American lives at risk through trafficking of dangerous substances will be held responsible, wherever they may be. The Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the Mexican authorities in this matter. With the assistance of our law enforcement colleagues at home and around the world, we will aggressively pursue drug traffickers and bring them to justice.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their excellent work on the case.
“Drug trafficking is a violent crime,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The alleged actions of Edgar Herrera Pardo demonstrate the devastation that drug trafficking can have on a community. The DEA and its partners at the local, state, and federal level are dedicated to protecting the community from the dangerous actions of people like Herrera Pardo.”
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Mexican Attorney General, Foreign Secretariat, and prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in bringing the defendant back to the United States.
This case is part of a long-term investigation led by the Southern District of California that included a six-month period of judicially-authorized interceptions and led to the indictment of other cartel enforcers in Tijuana and drug distributors in the United States.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
DEFENDANT Case Number: Case Number: 19CR1274-BAS
Edgar Herrera Pardo aka Caiman Age: 35 Tijuana, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963
Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison; $10 million fine
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison and $10 million fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
United States Marshals Service
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
38 Members of a Violent Gang in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses, with Five Members Charged with the Firearms Murder of an Innocent WomanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 17, 2023, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 38 violent gang members from the municipality of Caguas with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Caguas Strike Force, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation with collaboration and support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), PRPB Special Arrests Unit, and Guaynabo Municipal Special Response Team (SRRT).
“With today’s arrests we move closer to bringing justice to the family of victim MRM, a woman senselessly murdered as she was caught in the crossfire during a gang shootout in May 2022, as well as others in the community harmed by drug trafficking and other related acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Federal and state authorities will continue to hold violent gang members accountable for their crimes. Although the leader of this violent gang remains a fugitive from justice, we will pursue and find him and his criminal associates, no matter where they hide or how long it takes.”
“The gang members arrested today held the Caguas region hostage through violence and intimidation. Our message today is, Puerto Rico belongs to the people and the FBI will continue to disrupt and dismantle these criminal organizations to make sure this continues to be the case,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, Joseph González. “In the FBI, we know the great courage it takes to speak up against violent gangs and do not take public cooperation lightly. Combating gang related violence is a mission that requires a whole-of-society approach, which is why we will continue to encourage anyone with information on whereabouts of fugitives associated with this organization to call 787-987-6500 or visit tips.fbi.gov.”
The indictment alleges that from 2017 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marihuana, Fentanyl, Oxycodone (Percocet), and Alprazolam (Xanax) within 1,000 feet of the Brisas del Turabo, the Raúl Castellón, the Turabo Heights, and the Juan Jiménez García Public Housing Projects; and at the Barriada Morales, Barriada La Pajilla, and Bunker Wards in Caguas, and other areas throughout Puerto Rico, all for significant financial gain and profit.
Defendant [1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, the leader of the violent drug trafficking organization charged in this Indictment, has held power over drug trafficking in the Caguas area since the early 2010s. He has been a federal fugitive since 2017 and has maintained control over the organization as a fugitive through deadly violence and intimidation, and by engaging in violent turf wars against rival drug trafficking organizations. His methods of avoiding capture while controlling his gang include limiting face-to-face contact to only the highest and most trusted leaders in his organization.
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, members of this organization have been murdered or have gone to prison, but the organization’s rules and leadership have persisted as a constant means of accomplishing its criminal goals. To that end, the rules allowed for recruitment of new lookouts and sellers, and afforded upward mobility for some within the organization. However, Torres-Delgado and the other leaders maintained the power to authorize acts of violence, including murders. As a rule, no member of the organization could kill someone without the permission of Torres-Delgado. At times, gang leadership would delegate the authority to authorize lesser violent punishments.
As part of the conspiracy, the defendants used abandoned apartments in the public housing projects to prepare the drugs for distribution at the drug points and procured access to many vehicles to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. For that purpose, the co‑conspirators would steal cars or buy stolen cars from others to use in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities.
The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include: leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts. The members of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:
[1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro/Burro/Father/Nelsito/Cuatro Patas/El Animal/El Animal de Cuatro Patas
[2] Edwin Padilla-López, a.k.a. “Play/NBA/Pliki/Biscochito/Bizcochito/Juga”
[3] Ronald Aponte-Marquez, a.k.a. “El Enano/Enano/Sepe”
[4] Eroz Rodríguez-Hernández, a.k.a. “Eros/Wason/El Joker”
[5] José Jiménez-Ramos, a.k.a. “El Mono/Mono/Joel El Mono”
[6] Lenne Carrasquillo-Serrano, a.k.a. “Taz/Leny/Lenny/Lenee/La J”
[7] Giovanny Solis-Carrasco, a.k.a. “Blanquito/Jova El Blanco/Joba El Blanco/Jova”
[8] Evaristo González-Vega, a.k.a. “Sonic/Viejo/Eva”
[9] Jariel Figueroa-Maymi, a.k.a. “Moni”
[10] José Torres-Pagán, a.k.a. “Abelino/Ave/Abe”
[11] Carlos De Jesús-García, a.k.a. “Oreja/Orejas”
[12] Gabriel Vázquez-Roldán, a.k.a. “Gordo/Gabby Gordo/Goldo/Goldito/Goldo Vázquez”
[13] José Martinez-Galvez, a.k.a. “El Chef/El Che/Chef”
[14] Armando L. Rivera-Rodríguez
[15] Jan Borges De Jesús, a.k.a. “El Man/Jan el Man/Jan El Chulo”
[16] Lester Vélez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “El Eco/El Feo/Coco”
[17] Vanessa Santiago-Cotto
[18] Diana Mimoso-Figueroa, a.k.a. “La D/Di”
[19] José de la Vega, a.k.a. “Chupi/Pablo/Pablito”
[20] Michael Rodríguez-Flores, a.k.a. “Pinki”
[21] José Gautier-Medina, a.k.a. “Tempo”
[22] Miguel González-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Miky/Mikyy/El Code”
[23] Brian Sierra-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Kobe”
[24] Eric Camacho-Castro, a.k.a. “Pali” [25] Héctor Torres-Pagán, a.k.a. “Pepo”
[26] Christian Martines-Franco, a.k.a. “El Menor/Menor/El Mynor/Mynor/Christian Menor”
[27] Edward Vázquez-Concepción, a.k.a. “Draculín/Drácula/Draco/Bestia Demon”
[28] Juan Acevedo-Ramos, a.k.a. “Tono/Tonito/Pelotero Kuker”
[29] Jean Villanueva-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Mueca/Mueka/Jan Mueca/Jean Mueca”
[30] Waldemar Pedraza-Díaz, a.k.a. “Walde”
[31] Melquiades Santana-Martínez, a.k.a. “Melki/Melqi”
[32] Juan Orellano-Díaz, a.k.a. “El Indio/Indio”
[33] Cesar Acevedo-Adorno
[34] Elimelec García-Escoda, a.k.a. “Flaco/Eli/Elimelek”
[35] Christopher Contreras-Baez, a.k.a. “Chimuelo”
[36] Luis Burgos-Ofarril, a.k.a. “Pájaro”
[37] Francisco López-Sánchez
Twenty-six defendants are charged in Count Seven with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Count Eight charges eight defendants with possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Count Nine charges defendants [15] Jan Borges De Jesús, [20] Michael Rodríguez-Flores, [21] José Gautier-Medina, [22] Miguel González-Sánchez, and [23] Brian Sierra-Feliciano for the murder of M.R.M. on May 15, 2022, in Caguas. This murder is related to a shooting that took place in Barriada Morales where a woman was killed, and a man was injured.
Count Ten charges [38] Sheila Luyando-Fuentes with wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. According to the indictment, Luyando-Fuentes, who was employed in the health care industry and had access to protected health information, acted as a facilitator and shared protected health information with gang members, including information about rival gang members hospitalized with injuries resulting from gun fights between the gangs, to assist in the gang’s efforts to locate and kill their enemies.
This investigation was led by the FBI San Juan Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, Puerto Rico Bureau of Police (PRPB), San Juan Municipal Police, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Puerto Rico Treasury Department (Hacienda), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG), Carolina Municipal Police Department, and the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections (PRDOC).
The FBI thanks the United States Marshals Service, PRPB Caguas Strike Force and PRPB Arrestos Especiales for their assistance in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs Damaré Theriot, Héctor Siaca Flores, and R. Vance Eaton are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged in Count Eight with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking face a mandatory consecutive sentence of thirty years in prison. The defendants charged in Count Nine with the firearms-related murder of M.R.M. face a potential sentence of life imprisonment and, if authorized by the Attorney General of the United States, the death penalty. The defendant charged in Count Ten faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $132,000,060.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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2 August 2023
司法部宣布涉及得克萨斯州本德堡县语言使用民权事务的最终决议Read the Press Release
注：本新闻稿已翻译成多种语言。请参阅以下附件。
华盛顿——司法部宣布已就涉及本德堡县 (Fort Bend County, FBC) 法院的民权事务做出最终决议。FBC 法院遵守了 2021 年 6 月签订的《协定备忘录 (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA)》中的所有条款，鉴于此，司法部将关闭本事务。
司法部最初立案调查的依据是，有人指控 FBC 法院以民族血统为由歧视英语水平有限 (limited English proficiency, LEP) 的人员，并对一名投诉人进行报复，这违反了 1964 年《民权法案 (Civil Rights Act)》第六章 (Title VI) 中禁止任何联邦财政援助的接受者对种族、肤色和民族血统进行歧视的条款。一起投诉指控 FBC 地区法院拒绝为一名有 LEP 的刑事被告提供他在认罪听证会上需要的越南语口译员，并称被告或其律师必须寻找一名越南语口译员并支付费用。2021 年 6 月 29 日，司法部与 FBC 签署了一项 MOA 以解决该调查问题，该 MOA 要求 FBC 对针对有 LEP 的法庭用户的语言使用政策进行重大修改。
从那以后，FBC 已做出了重大修改，以改善对有 LEP 的法庭用户的语言使用情况，并遵守第六章的要求。例如，FBC：
- 在所有民事和刑事案件中，按照法院语言援助政策规定，向任何有 LEP 的人员免费提供口译服务，无论其收入状况如何；
- 修订其语言使用计划；
- 针对法院工作人员提供语言使用培训，并编写《法官语言使用指南 (Judge’s Guide to Language Access)》；
- 维护一个公共网页，解释如何申请获取口译或笔译服务；
- 在其网站上提供多种语言版本的语言使用投诉表；和
- 为确保遵守第六章，FBC 的员工还接受了涉及第六章的报复培训。
“本德堡县法院采取的新政策和做法有助于为英语水平有限的人员提供有意义的语言使用机会，”司法部民权司助理部长克里斯汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 表示。“我希望其他法院系统以本德堡县为榜样，采取行动免费为法院使用者提供口译服务。在我们国家，诉诸司法的权利不应仅因您的英语熟练程度而受到限制或被剥夺。”
“本德堡县是得克萨斯州最多元化的县之一，几乎一半的人口来自西班牙、东亚和南亚。作为一名检察官、一名移民和印度裔工人阶级父母的儿子，我亲眼目睹了将英语作为第二语言的美国最新居民所面临的挣扎，以及他们对口译员的需求，尤其是在法庭诉讼期间，”得克萨斯州南区联邦检察官阿拉姆达尔 S. 哈姆达尼 (Alamdar S. Hamdani) 表示。“由于得克萨斯州南区联邦检察官办公室和民权司的检察官们的辛勤工作，所有居民，无论其民族血统如何，都可以充分诉诸法院系统，处理包括家庭法院事务、刑事案件和一般民事案件等所有事务。 我期待着与其他县和法院管理办公室合作，在整个得克萨斯州南区推广这些工作。”
本事务由民权司和得克萨斯州南区联邦检察官办公室的律师共同处理。
有关民权司的其他信息可造访其网站 www.justice.gov/crt 查阅，有关英语水平有限和第六章的信息可造访 www.lep.gov 网站查阅。公众可登录 civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 或得克萨斯州南区联邦检察官办公室（www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/civil-division/civil-rights-section）举报可能存在的侵犯民权行为。
司法部宣佈涉及德克薩斯州本德堡縣語言使用民權事務的最終決議Read the Press Release
注：本新聞稿已翻譯成多種語言。請參閱以下附件。
華盛頓——司法部宣佈已就涉及本德堡縣 (Fort Bend County, FBC) 法院的民權事務做出最終決議。FBC 法院遵守了 2021 年 6 月簽訂的《協定備忘錄 (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) 》中的所有條款，鑒於此，司法部將關閉本事務。
司法部最初立案調查的依據是，有人指控 FBC 法院以民族血統為由歧視英語水準有限 (limited English proficiency, LEP) 的人員，並對一名投訴人進行報復，這違反了 1964 年《民權法案 (Civil Rights Act)》第六章 (Title VI) 中禁止任何聯邦財政援助的接受者對種族、膚色和民族血統進行歧視的條款。一起投訴指控 FBC 地區法院拒絕為一名有 LEP 的刑事被告提供他在認罪聽證會上需要的越南語口譯員，並稱被告或其律師必須尋找一名越南語口譯員並支付費用。2021 年 6 月 29 日，司法部與 FBC 簽署了一項 MOA 以解決該調查問題，該 MOA 要求 FBC 對針對有 LEP 的法庭使用者的語言使用政策進行重大修改。
從那以後，FBC 已做出了重大修改，以改善對有 LEP 的法庭使用者的語言使用情況，並遵守第六章的要求。例如，FBC：
- 在所有民事和刑事案件中，按照法院語言援助政策規定，向任何有 LEP 的人員免費提供口譯服務，無論其收入狀況如何；
- 修訂其語言使用計畫；
- 針對法院工作人員提供語言使用培訓，並編寫《法官語言使用指南 (Judge’s Guide to Language Access)》；
- 維護一個公共網頁，解釋如何申請獲取口譯或筆譯服務；
- 在其網站上提供多種語言版本的語言使用投訴表；和
- 為確保遵守第六章，FBC 的員工還接受了涉及第六章的報復培訓。
「本德堡縣法院採取的新政策和做法有助於為英語水準有限的人員提供有意義的語言使用機會，」司法部民權司助理部長克裡斯汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 表示。「我希望其他法院系統以本德堡縣為榜樣，採取行動免費為法院使用者提供口譯服務。在我們國家，訴諸司法的權利不應僅因您的英語熟練程度而受到限制或被剝奪。」
「本德堡縣是德克薩斯州最多元化的縣之一，幾乎一半的人口來自西班牙、東亞和南亞。作為一名檢察官、一名移民和印度裔工人階級父母的兒子，我親眼目睹了將英語作為第二語言的美國最新居民所面臨的掙扎，以及他們對口譯員的需求，尤其是在法庭訴訟期間，」
德克薩斯州南區聯邦檢察官阿拉姆達爾 S. 哈姆達尼 (Alamdar S. Hamdani) 表示。「由於德克薩斯州南區聯邦檢察官辦公室和民權司的檢察官們的辛勤工作，所有居民，無論其民族血統如何，都可以充分訴諸法院系統，處理包括家庭法院事務、刑事案件和一般民事案件等所有事務。我期待著與其他縣和法院管理辦公室合作，在整個德克薩斯州南區推廣這些工作。」本事務由民權司和德克薩斯州南區聯邦檢察官辦公室的律師共同處理。
有關民權司的其他資訊可造訪其網站 www.justice.gov/crt 查閱，有關英語水準有限和第六章的資訊可造訪 www.lep.gov 網站查閱。公眾可登錄 civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 或德克薩斯州南區聯邦檢察官辦公室（www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/civil-division/civil-rights-section）舉報可能存在的侵犯民權行為。
ടെക്സാസിലെ ഫോർട്ട് ബെൻഡ് കൗണ്ടിയിൽ ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യതാ പൗരാവകാശ വിഷയത്തിന്റെ അന്തിമ പ്രമേയം നീതിന്യായ വകുപ്പ് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുന്നുRead the Press Release
ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക: ഈ പത്രക്കുറിപ്പ് വിവിധ ഭാഷകളിലേക്ക് വിവർത്തനം ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ട്. ചുവടെയുള്ള അറ്റാച്ചുമെന്റുകൾ കാണുക.
വാഷിംഗ്ടൺ – ഫോർട്ട് ബെൻഡ് കൗണ്ടി (Fort Bend County, FBC) കോടതികൾ ഉൾപ്പെടുന്ന പൗരാവകാശ വിഷയത്തിൽ അന്തിമ പരിഹാരം നേടിയതായി നീതിന്യായ വകുപ്പ് അറിയിച്ചു. 2021 ജൂണിലെ മെമ്മോറാണ്ടം ഓഫ് എഗ്രിമെന്റിന്റെ (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) എല്ലാ നിബന്ധനകളും FBC പാലിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്, തൽഫലമായി, വകുപ്പ് വിഷയം അവസാനിപ്പിക്കുകയാണ്.
പരിമിതമായ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പ്രാവീണ്യം (limited English proficiency, LEP) ഉള്ളവരോട് അവരുടെ മാതൃരാജ്യത്തെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കി FBC കോടതികൾ വിവേചനം കാണിക്കുന്നു എന്നും, ഫെഡറൽ സാമ്പത്തിക സഹായം സ്വീകരിക്കുന്ന ഏതൊരു വ്യക്തിയും വംശം, നിറം, മാതൃരാജ്യം എന്നിവയുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലുള്ള വിവേചനം കാട്ടുന്നത് നിരോധിക്കുന്നതായ 1964 ലെ പൗരാവകാശ നിയമത്തിന്റെ ടൈറ്റിൽ VI (ടൈറ്റിൽ VI) ലംഘിച്ച് പരാതിക്കാരനോട് പ്രതികാരം ചെയ്യുകയും ചെയ്തുവെന്നുമുള്ള ആരോപണങ്ങളുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലാണ് വകുപ്പ് ആദ്യം വിഷയം തുറന്നത്. LEP ഉള്ളവരോട് അവരുടെ മാതൃരാജ്യത്തെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കി FBC കോടതികൾ വിവേചനം കാണിക്കുകയും 1964 ലെ പൗരാവകാശ നിയമത്തിന്റെ ടൈറ്റിൽ VI) (ടൈറ്റിൽ VI) ലംഘിച്ച് പരാതിക്കാരനോട് പ്രതികാരം ചെയ്യുകയും ചെയ്തുവെന്ന ആരോപണത്തിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലാണ് ഡിപ്പാർട്ട്മെന്റ് ആദ്യം വിഷയം തുറന്നത്. ഫെഡറൽ സാമ്പത്തിക സഹായം ലഭിക്കുന്ന ഏതൊരു വ്യക്തിയുടെയും വംശം, നിറം, മാതൃരാജ്യ വിവേചനം. 2021 ജൂൺ 29-ന്, LEP ഉള്ള കോടതി ഉപയോക്താക്കൾക്കായി FBCയുടെ ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യതാ നയങ്ങളിൽ ഗണ്യമായ മാറ്റങ്ങൾ ആവശ്യമായ ഒരു MOA ഉപയോഗിച്ച് വകുപ്പും FBCയും അന്വേഷണം ഉപസംഹരിച്ചു.
അതിനുശേഷം, LEP ഉള്ള കോടതി ഉപയോക്താക്കൾക്കുള്ള പ്രാപ്യത മെച്ചപ്പെടുത്തുന്നതിനും ടൈറ്റിൽ VI ആവശ്യകതകൾ പാലിക്കുന്നതിനും FBC കാര്യമായ മാറ്റങ്ങൾ വരുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഉദാഹരണത്തിന്, FBC:
- കോടതിയുടെ ഭാഷാ സഹായ നയത്തിൽ വിവരിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നതുപോലെ, എല്ലാ സിവിൽ, ക്രിമിനൽ കേസുകളിലും, LEP ഉള്ള ആർക്കും അവരുടെ വരുമാനം കണക്കിലെടുക്കാതെ തന്നെ, ഒരു ചെലവും കൂടാതെ ഇന്റർപ്രെട്ടർ സേവനങ്ങൾ നൽകുന്നു;
- അതിന്റെ ഭാഷാ പ്രവേശന പദ്ധതി പരിഷ്കരിച്ചു;
- കോടതി ജീവനക്കാർക്കായി ഒരു ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യതാ പരിശീലനവും ജഡ്ജിയുടെ ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യതയ്ക്കുള്ള ഗൈഡും സൃഷ്ടിച്ചു;
- വ്യാഖ്യാനം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ വിവർത്തന സേവനങ്ങൾ എങ്ങനെ അഭ്യർത്ഥിക്കണമെന്ന് വിശദീകരിക്കുന്ന ഒരു പൊതു വെബ്പേജ് പരിപാലിക്കുന്നു;
- അതിന്റെ വെബ്സൈറ്റിൽ നിരവധി ഭാഷകളിൽ ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യതാ പരാതി ഫോം നൽകുന്നു; കൂടാതെ
- ടൈറ്റിൽ VI അനുവർത്തിക്കുണ്ടെന്ന്, FBC ജീവനക്കാർക്ക് ടൈറ്റിൽ VI പ്രതിക്രിയാ പരിശീലനവും ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടെന്ന് ഉറപ്പാക്കാൻ.
“ഫോർട്ട് ബെൻഡ് കൗണ്ടി കോടതികൾ സ്വീകരിച്ച പുതിയ നയങ്ങളും സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങളും LEP ഉള്ള ആളുകൾക്ക് അർത്ഥപൂർണ്ണമായ ഭാഷാ പ്രാപ്യത നൽകാൻ സഹായിക്കുന്നു,” നീതിന്യായ വകുപ്പിന്റെ പൗരാവകാശ വിഭാഗത്തിലെ അസിസ്റ്റന്റ് അറ്റോർണി ജനറൽ ക്രിസ്റ്റൻ ക്ലാർക്ക് പറഞ്ഞു. “മറ്റ് കോടതി സംവിധാനങ്ങൾ ഫോർട്ട് ബെൻഡ് കൗണ്ടി മാതൃക പിന്തുടരുകയും കോടതി ഉപയോക്താക്കൾക്ക് യാതൊരു ചെലവും കൂടാതെ ഇന്റർപ്രെറ്റർ സേവനങ്ങൾ നൽകുന്നതിന് നടപടി സ്വീകരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് ഞാൻ പ്രത്യാശിക്കുന്നു. ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലുള്ള നിങ്ങളുടെ പ്രാവീണ്യത്തെ അടിസ്ഥാനപ്പെടുത്തിയ നമ്മുടെ രാജ്യത്ത് നീതിയിലേക്കുള്ള പ്രാപ്യത പരിമിതപ്പെടുത്തുകയോ നിഷേധിക്കുകയോ ചെയ്യരുത്.”
“ഫോർട്ട് ബെൻഡ് കൗണ്ടി ടെക്സസിലെ ഏറ്റവും വൈവിധ്യമാർന്ന കൗണ്ടികളിലൊന്നാണ്, അവിടുത്തെ ജനസംഖ്യയുടെ പകുതിയോളം സ്പാനിഷ്, കിഴക്കൻ ഏഷ്യൻ, ദക്ഷിണേഷ്യൻ വംശജരാണ്. ഒരു പ്രോസിക്യൂട്ടർ, കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരൻ, ഇന്ത്യയിൽ ജനിച്ച, തൊഴിലാളിവർഗ മാതാപിതാക്കളുടെ മകൻ എന്നീ നിലകളിൽ, രണ്ടാം ഭാഷയായി ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് സംസാരിക്കുന്ന അമേരിക്കയിലെ ഏറ്റവും പുതിയ താമസക്കാരുടെ പോരാട്ടങ്ങളും, കോടതി നടപടിക്രമങ്ങളിൽ വ്യാഖ്യാതാക്കളുടെ ആവശ്യകതയും ഞാൻ നേരിട്ട് കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്,” ടെക്സാസിലെ സതേൺ ഡിസ്ട്രിക്റ്റിന് വേണ്ടിയുള്ള യു.എസ് അറ്റോർണി അലംദാർ എസ്. ഹംദാനി പറഞ്ഞു. “യുണൈറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റേറ്റ്സ് അറ്റോർണി ഓഫീസ് ഓഫ് ടെക്സാസിലെ സതേൺ ഡിസ്ട്രിക്റ്റിലെയും സിവിൽ റൈറ്റ് ഡിവിഷനിലെയും പ്രോസിക്യൂട്ടർമാരുടെ കഠിനാധ്വാനത്തിന്റെ ഫലമായി, കുടുംബ കോടതി കാര്യങ്ങൾ, ക്രിമിനൽ, പൊതു സിവിൽ കാര്യങ്ങൾ. എന്നിവയെല്ലാം കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യുന്നതിനായി എല്ലാ താമസക്കാർക്കും, മാതൃരാജ്യം പരിഗണിക്കാതെ, കോടതി സംവിധാനത്തിലേക്ക് പൂർണ്ണമായ പ്രാപ്യത ഉണ്ടായിരിക്കും. ടെക്സാസിലെ സതേൺ ഡിസ്ട്രിക്റ്റിലുടനീളം ഈ ശ്രമങ്ങൾ ആവർത്തിക്കാൻ മറ്റ് കൗണ്ടികളുമായും ഓഫീസ് ഓഫ് കോർട്ട് അഡ്മിനിസ്ട്രേഷനുമായും ചേർന്നു പ്രവർത്തിക്കാൻ ഞാൻ പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു.”
ഈ വിഷയം സിവിൽ റൈറ്റ്സ് ഡിവിഷനിലെയും ടെക്സാസിലെ സതേൺ ഡിസ്ട്രിക്റ്റിനുള്ള യു.എസ്. അറ്റോർണി ഓഫീസിലെയും അഭിഭാഷകർ സംയുക്തമായാണ് കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്തത്.
സിവിൽ റൈറ്റ്സ് ഡിവിഷനെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള കൂടുതൽ വിവരങ്ങൾ അതിന്റെ വെബ്സൈറ്റായ www.justice.gov/crt ലും പരിമിതമായ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പ്രാവീണ്യം, ടൈറ്റിൽ VI എന്നിവയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള വിവരങ്ങൾ www.lep.gov ലും ലഭ്യമാണ്. പൊതുജനങ്ങൾക്ക് സാധ്യതയുള്ള പൗരാവകാശ ലംഘനങ്ങൾ civilrights.justice.gov/report/ ൽ അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ടെക്സാസിലെ സതേൺ ഡിസ്ട്രിക്റ്റിന് വേണ്ടിയുള്ള യു.എസ്. അറ്റോർണി ഓഫീസുമൊത്ത് www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/civil-division/civil-rights-section ൽ റിപ്പോർട്ട് ചെയ്യാം.
જસ્ટિસ ડિપાર્ટમેન્ટે ફોર્ટ બેન્ડ કાઉન્ટી, ટેક્સાસમાં ભાષા ઍક્સેસ નાગરિક અધિકાર બાબતના અંતિમ ઠરાવની જાહેરાત કરીRead the Press Release
નોંધ: આ પ્રેસ રિલીઝનો વિવિધ ભાષાઓમાં અનુવાદ કરવામાં આવ્યો છે. નીચે જોડાણો જુઓ.
વોશિંગ્ટન – ન્યાય વિભાગે જાહેરાત કરી કે તેણે ફોર્ટ બેન્ડ કાઉન્ટી (Fort Bend County, FBC) કોર્ટને સંડોવતા તેના નાગરિક અધિકારોના મામલે અંતિમ ઠરાવ મેળવ્યો છે. FBC એ જૂન 2021ના કરાર મેમોરેન્ડમ (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) ના તમામ શરતોનું પાલન કર્યું છે અને પરિણામે, વિભાગ આ બાબતને બંધ કરી રહ્યું છે.
ડિપાર્ટમેન્ટે શરૂઆતમાં આ મામલો એવા આરોપોના આધારે ખોલ્યો હતો કે FBC કોર્ટ મર્યાદિત અંગ્રેજી પ્રાવીણ્ય (limited English proficiency, LEP) ધરાવતા લોકો સાથે તેમના રાષ્ટ્રીય મૂળના આધારે ભેદભાવ કરે છે અને 1964 ના નાગરિક અધિકાર અધિનિયમ (શીર્ષક VI) ના શીર્ષક VI ના ઉલ્લંઘનમાં ફરિયાદી સામે બદલો લીધો જે ફેડરલ નાણાકીય સહાયના કોઈપણ પ્રાપ્તકર્તા દ્વારા જાતિ, રંગ અને રાષ્ટ્રીય મૂળના ભેદભાવને પ્રતિબંધિત કરે છે. એક ફરિયાદમાં આરોપ છે કે FBC ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ કોર્ટે વિયેતનામીસના દુભાષિયાના LEP સાથેના ફોજદારી પ્રતિવાદીને અરજીની સુનાવણી માટે જરૂરી હોવાનો ઇનકાર કર્યો હતો અને કહ્યું હતું કે પ્રતિવાદી અથવા તેના વકીલે વિયેતનામીસ દુભાષિયાને શોધીને તેના માટે ચૂકવણી કરવી પડશે. 29 જૂન, 2021ના રોજ, વિભાગ અને FBC એ MOA સાથે તપાસનું નિરાકરણ કર્યું જેમાં LEP સાથે કોર્ટના વપરાશકર્તાઓ માટે FBC ની ભાષા ઍક્સેસ નીતિઓમાં નોંધપાત્ર ફેરફારોની જરૂર હતી.
ત્યારથી, FBC એ LEP સાથે કોર્ટના વપરાશકર્તાઓ માટે ઍક્સેસ સુધારવા અને શીર્ષક VI ની આવશ્યકતાઓનુંપાલન કરવા માટે નોંધપાત્ર ફેરફારો કર્યા છે. ઉદાહરણ તરીકે, FBC:
- કોર્ટની ભાષા સહાયતા નીતિમાં વર્ણવ્યા મુજબ તમામ સિવિલ અને ફોજદારી કેસોમાં, આવકને ધ્યાનમાં લીધા વિના, LEP ધરાવતા કોઈપણને કોઈ પણ કિંમતે દુભાષિયાની સેવાઓ પૂરી પાડે છે;
- તેની ભાષા એક્સેસ પ્લાનને સુધાર્યો;
- કોર્ટના કર્મચારીઓ માટે ભાષા ઍક્સેસ તાલીમ અને ભાષા ઍક્સેસ માટે ન્યાયાધીશની માર્ગદર્શિકા બનાવી;
- સાર્વજનિક વેબપેજ જાળવી રાખે છે જે સમજાવે છે કે અર્થઘટન અથવા અનુવાદ સેવાઓની વિનંતી કેવી રીતે કરવી;
- તેની વેબસાઇટ પર ઘણી ભાષાઓમાં ભાષા ઍક્સેસ ફરિયાદ ફોર્મ પ્રદાન કરે છે; અને
- શીર્ષક VI નું પાલન સુનિશ્ચિત કરવા માટે, FBC સ્ટાફે પણ શીર્ષક VI પ્રતિશોધની તાલીમ પ્રાપ્ત કરી છે.
ન્યાય વિભાગના નાગરિક અધિકાર વિભાગના આસિસ્ટન્ટ એટર્ની જનરલ ક્રિસ્ટન ક્લાર્કે જણાવ્યું હતું કે “ફોર્ટ બેન્ડ કાઉન્ટી કોર્ટ દ્વારા અપનાવવામાં આવેલી નવી નીતિઓ અને પ્રથાઓ મર્યાદિત અંગ્રેજી પ્રાવીણ્ય ધરાવતા લોકો માટે અર્થપૂર્ણ ભાષા ઍક્સેસ પ્રદાન કરવામાં મદદ કરી રહી છે. હું આશા રાખું છું કે અન્ય કોર્ટ સિસ્ટમ ફોર્ટ બેન્ડ કાઉન્ટીના ઉદાહરણને અનુસરે અને કોર્ટના વપરાશકર્તાઓને કોઈ પણ ખર્ચ વિના દુભાષિયા સેવાઓ પ્રદાન કરવા પગલાં લે. આપણા દેશમાં ન્યાયની પહોંચ ફક્ત તમારી અંગ્રેજીમાં પ્રાવીણ્યને કારણે મર્યાદિત અથવા નકારી ન હોવી જોઈએ.”
ટેક્સાસના સધર્ન ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ માટે યુએસ એટર્ની અલમદાર એસ. હમદાનીએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે “ફોર્ટ બેન્ડ કાઉન્ટી ટેક્સાસમાં સૌથી વધુ વૈવિધ્યસભર કાઉન્ટીઓમાંની એક છે જ્યાં લગભગ અડધી વસ્તી સ્પેનિશ, પૂર્વ એશિયન અને દક્ષિણ એશિયન મૂળની છે. વકીલ, ઇમિગ્રન્ટ અને ભારતીય મૂળના, શ્રમિક વર્ગના માતાપિતાના પુત્ર તરીકે, મેં, પ્રથમ હાથે, અમેરિકાના નવા નિવાસીઓ કે જેઓ બીજી ભાષા તરીકે અંગ્રેજી બોલે છે, અને ખાસ કરીને કોર્ટની કાર્યવાહી દરમિયાન દુભાષિયાઓની જરૂરિયાત માટેના સંઘર્ષ જોયા છે. ટેક્સાસના સધર્ન ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ માટે યુનાઇટેડ સ્ટેટ્સ એટર્ની ઑફિસમાં અને સિવિલ રાઇટ ડિવિઝનમાં વકીલઓની સખત મહેનતને કારણે, તમામ રહેવાસીઓ, રાષ્ટ્રીય મૂળને ધ્યાનમાં લીધા વિના, ફેમિલી કોર્ટની બાબતો, ફોજદારી અને સામાન્ય સિવિલ બાબતોથી માંડીને બધું જ હેન્ડલ કરવા માટે કોર્ટ સિસ્ટમની સંપૂર્ણ ઍક્સેસ હશે. હું અન્ય કાઉન્ટીઓ અને ઑફિસ ઑફ કોર્ટ એડમિનિસ્ટ્રેશન સાથે કામ કરવા આતુર છું જેથી ટેક્સાસના સમગ્ર દક્ષિણ ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટમાં આ પ્રયાસોની નકલ કરવામાં આવે."
આ બાબત સિવિલ રાઇટ્સ ડિવિઝનના એટર્ની અને ટેક્સાસના સધર્ન ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ માટે યુએસ એટર્ની ઑફિસ દ્વારા સંયુક્ત રીતે હાથ ધરવામાં આવી હતી.
નાગરિક અધિકાર વિભાગ વિશે વધારાની માહિતી તેની વેબસાઇટ www.justice.gov/crt પર ઉપલબ્ધ છે, અને મર્યાદિત અંગ્રેજી પ્રાવીણ્ય અને શીર્ષક VI વિશેની માહિતી www.lep.gov પર ઉપલબ્ધ છે. જનતાના સભ્યો નાગરિક અધિકારોના સંભવિત ઉલ્લંઘનની જાણ civilrights.justice.gov/report/ પર કરી શકે છે અથવા ટેક્સાસના સધર્ન ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ માટે યુએસ એટર્ની ઑફિસને www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/civil-division/civil-rights-section પર જાણ કરી શકે છે.
न्याय विभाग द्वारा फोर्ट बेन्ड काउंटी, टेक्सास में भाषा पहुँच नागरिक अधिकार मामले के अंतिम समाधान की घोषणाRead the Press Release
नोट: इस प्रेस विज्ञप्ति का विभिन्न भाषाओं में अनुवाद किया गया है। नीचे अनुलग्नक देखें।
वॉशिंगटन – न्याय विभाग ने घोषणा की है कि उन्होंने फोर्ट बेन्ड काउंटी (Fort Bend County, FBC) की अदालतों से जुड़े अपने नागरिक अधिकार मामले का अंतिम समाधान हासिल कर लिया है। FBC ने जून 2021 के समझौते का ज्ञापन )Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) की सभी शर्तों का अनुपालन किया है और इसके परिणामस्वरूप, विभाग इस मामले को बंद कर रहा है।
शुरुआत में विभाग ने इन आरोपों के आधार पर मामला शुरू किया था कि FBC की अदालतों ने अंग्रेज़ी में सीमित दक्षता (limited English proficiency, LEP) वाले लोगों के राष्ट्रीय मूल के आधार पर उनके साथ भेदभाव किया तथा संघीय वित्तीय सहायता के किसी भी प्राप्तकर्ता द्वारा नस्ल, रंग और राष्ट्रीय मूल के भेदभाव पर रोक लगाने वाले, 1964 के नागरिक अधिकार अधिनियम (शीर्षक VI) के शीर्षक VI के उल्लंघन में एक शिकायतकर्ता के खिलाफ़ जवाबी कार्रवाई की। एक शिकायतकर्ता ने यह आरोप लगाया था कि FBC ज़िला अदालत ने LEP वाले एक आपराधिक प्रतिवादी को एक याचिका की सुनवाई के लिए ज़रूरी वियतनामी दुभाषिया प्रदान करने से इनकार कर दिया था और यह कहा था कि प्रतिवादी या उसके वकील को एक वियतनामी दुभाषिया ढूँढना होगा और उसके लिए भुगतान करना होगा। 29 जून, 2021 को, विभाग और FBC ने एक ऐसे MOA के साथ जाँच का समाधान किया जिसके लिए LEP वाले अदालत के उपयोगकर्ताओं के लिए FBC की भाषा पहुँच नीतियों में महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता थी।
तब से, FBC ने LEP वाले अदालत के उपयोगकर्ताओं के लिए पहुँच में सुधार और शीर्षक VI की शर्तों का अनुपालन करने के लिए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन किए हैं। उदाहरण के लिए, FBC:
- LEP वाले किसी भी व्यक्ति को उन सभी दीवानी और फौजदारी मामलों में, आय की परवाह किए बिना, मुफ़्त दुभाषिया सेवाएं प्रदान करती है जो अदालत की भाषा सहायता नीति में वर्णित हैं;
- ने अपनी भाषा पहुँच योजना को संशोधित किया है;
- ने अदालत के कर्मचारियों के लिए भाषा पहुँच प्रशिक्षण और भाषा पहुँच के लिए न्यायाधीशों की मार्गदर्शिका तैयार की है;
- एक सार्वजनिक वेबपेज को कायम रखती है जो यह बताता है कि दुभाषिया या अनुवाद सेवाओं के लिए अनुरोध कैसे करें;
- अपनी वेबसाइट पर कई भाषाओं में एक भाषा पहुँच शिकायत फ़ॉर्म प्रदान करती है; और
- शीर्षक VI का अनुपालन सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, FBC के कर्मचारियों को शीर्षक VI प्रतिशोध प्रशिक्षण भी प्राप्त हुआ है।
न्याय विभाग के नागरिक अधिकार प्रभाग के सहायक अटॉर्नी जनरल क्रिस्टन क्लार्क ने कहा, “फोर्ट बेन्ड काउंटी की अदालतों द्वारा अपनाई गई नई नीतियाँ और कार्यप्रणालियाँ अंग्रेज़ी में सीमित दक्षता वाले लोगों के लिए सार्थक भाषा पहुँच प्रदान करने में सहायता कर रही हैं।” “मुझे उम्मीद है कि अन्य अदालत प्रणालियाँ फोर्ट बेन्ड काउंटी के उदाहरण का अनुसरण करेंगी और अदालत के उपयोगकर्ताओं को मुफ़्त दुभाषिया सेवाएं प्रदान करने के लिए कदम उठाएंगी। हमारे देश में न्याय तक पहुँच केवल अंग्रेज़ी में आपकी दक्षता के कारण सीमित नहीं होनी चाहिए या उससे इनकार नहीं किया जाना चाहिए।”
टेक्सास के दक्षिणी ज़िले के लिए अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी आलमदार एस. हमदानी ने कहा, “फोर्ट बेन्ड काउंटी टेक्सास में सबसे विविध काउंटियों में से एक है जहाँ लगभग आधी आबादी स्पेनिश, पूर्वी एशियाई और दक्षिण एशियाई मूल की है। एक अभियोक्ता, एक आप्रवासी और भारतीय मूल के, कामकाजी वर्ग के, माता-पिता के बेटे के रूप में, मैंने दूसरी भाषा के रूप में अंग्रेजी बोलने वाले अमेरिका के नवीनतम निवासियों के संघर्षों, और, विशेष रूप से अदालत की कार्रवाई के दौरान, दुभाषियों की आवश्यकता को प्रत्यक्ष रूप से देखा है। टेक्सास के दक्षिणी ज़िले के लिए अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी कार्यालय और नागरिक अधिकार प्रभाग में अभियोक्ताओं के परिश्रम के कारण, सभी निवासियों को, चाहे वे किसी भी राष्ट्रीय मूल के हों, पारिवारिक अदालतों के मामलों से लेकर फौजदारी और सामान्य दीवानी मामलों तक हर पहलू का प्रबंधन करने के लिए अदालत प्रणाली तक पूरी पहुँच होगी। मैं टेक्सास के पूरे दक्षिणी ज़िले में इन प्रयासों को दोहराने के लिए अन्य काउंटियों और न्यायालय प्रशासन कार्यालय के साथ काम करने की आशा करता हूँ।”
इस मामले को नागरिक अधिकार प्रभाग और टेक्सास के दक्षिणी ज़िले के लिए अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी कार्यालय के वकीलों द्वारा संयुक्त रूप से प्रबंधित किया गया था।
नागरिक अधिकार प्रभाग के बारे में अतिरिक्त जानकारी www.justice.gov/crt पर उनकी वेबसाइट पर उपलब्ध है, तथा अंग्रेज़ी में सीमित दक्षता और शीर्षक VI के बारे में जानकारी www.lep.gov पर उपलब्ध है। आम लोग civilrights.justice.gov/report/ या www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/civil-division/civil-rights-section पर टेक्सास के दक्षिणी ज़िले के लिए अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी कार्यालय में नागरिक अधिकारों के संभावित उल्लंघनों की रिपोर्ट कर सकते हैं।
محکمہ انصاف نے فورٹ بینڈ کاؤنٹی، ٹیکساس میں زبان کے حوالے سے رسائی سے متعلق شہری حقوق کے معاملے کے حتمی تصفیہ کا اعلان کر دیاRead the Press Release
نوٹ: اس پریس ریلیز کا مختلف زبانوں میں ترجمہ کیا گیا ہے۔ ذیل میں منسلکات دیکھیں۔
واشنگٹن - محکمہ انصاف نے اعلان کیا کہ اس نے فورٹ بینڈ کاؤنٹی (Fort Bend County, FBC) کی عدالتوں سے متعلق اپنے شہری حقوق کے معاملے میں ایک حتمی تصفیہ حاصل کر لیا ہے۔ FBC نے جون 2021 کے یادداشت کے معاہدے (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) کی تمام شرائط کی تعمیل کی ہے اور اس کے نتیجے میں محکمہ اس معاملے کو بند کر رہا ہے۔
محکمے نے ابتدائی طور پر ان الزامات کی بنیاد پر معاملہ دیکھنا شروع کیا کہ FBC عدالتوں نے انگریزی زبان کی محدود صلاحیت (limited English proficiency, LEP) رکھنے والے لوگوں کے ساتھ ان کی آبائی قومیت کی بنیاد پر امتیازی سلوک کیا اور 1964 کے سِول رائٹس ایکٹ (ٹائٹل VI) کے ٹائٹل VI کی خلاف ورزی کرتے ہوئے شکایت کنندہ کے خلاف جوابی کارروائی کی جو وفاقی مالی معاونت کے کسی وصول کنندہ کی جانب سے نسل، رنگ یا آبائی قومیت کی بُنیاد پرتفریق کیے جانے کی مُمانعت کرتا ہے۔ ایک شکایت میں الزام لگایا گیا کہ FBC ڈسٹرکٹ عدالت نے LEP کے حامل ایک فوجداری مدعا علیہ کو ویتنامی مترجم کی فراہمی سے انکار کر دیا جس کی اسے درخواست کی سماعت کے لیے ضرورت تھی اور کہا کہ مدعا علیہ یا اس کے وکیل کو ایک ویتنامی مترجم کو تلاش کرنا اور اس کے لیے ادائیگی کرنا چاہیے۔ 29 جون 2021 کو، محکمہ اور FBC نے ایک MOA کے ذریعے تحقیقات کو حل کیا جس میں LEP کے حامل عدالتی صارفین کے لیے FBC کی زبان تک رسائی کی پالیسیوں میں اہم تبدیلیاں درکار کی گئیں۔
اس کے بعد سے، FBC نے LEP کے حامل عدالتی صارفین کی رسائی کو بہتر بنانے اور ٹائٹل VI کے تقاضوں کی تعمیل کرنے کے لیے اہم تبدیلیاں کی ہیں۔ مثال کے طور پر، FBC:
- تمام دیوانی اور فوجداری مقدمات میں، جیسا کہ عدالت کی زبان کی مدد کی پالیسی میں بیان کیا گیا ہے، آمدنی سے قطع نظر، LEP کے حامل فرد کو بھی بغیر کسی قیمت کے مترجم کی خدمات فراہم کرتی ہے؛
- نے اپنے زبان تک رسائی کے منصوبے پر نظر ثانی کی ہے؛
- نے عدالتی عملے کے لیے زبان تک رسائی کی تربیت اور زبان تک رسائی کے لیے جج کی رہنمائی تشکیل دی ہے؛
- نے ایک عوامی ویب پیج بنایا ہے جو وضاحت کرتا ہے کہ تشریح یا ترجمے کی خدمات کی درخواست کیسے کی جائے؛
- اپنی ویب سائٹ پر کئی زبانوں میں زبان تک رسائی کا شکایتی فارم فراہم کرتی ہے؛ اور
- ٹائٹل VI کی تعمیل کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے، FBC کے عملے نے ٹائٹل VI کی جوابی کارروائی کی تربیت بھی حاصل کی ہے۔
محکمہ انصاف کے سِول رائٹس ڈویژن کے اسسٹنٹ اٹارنی جنرل Kristen Clarke نے کہا، "فورٹ بینڈ کاؤنٹی کی عدالتوں کی طرف سے اختیار کی گئی نئی پالیسیاں اور طرز عمل انگریزی کی محدود صلاحیت رکھنے والے لوگوں کے لیے زبان تک بامعنی رسائی فراہم کرنے میں مدد کر رہے ہیں۔" "مجھے امید ہے کہ دیگر عدالتی نظام فورٹ بینڈ کاؤنٹی کی مثال کی پیروی کریں گے اور عدالتی صارفین کو بغیر کسی قیمت کے مترجم کی خدمات فراہم کرنے کے لیے اقدام اٹھائیں گے۔ ہمارے ملک میں انصاف تک رسائی کو صرف انگریزی میں آپ کی مہارت کی وجہ سے محدود یا انکار نہیں کیا جانا چاہیے۔"
"فورٹ بینڈ کاؤنٹی ٹیکساس کی متنوع ترین کاؤنٹیوں میں سے ایک ہے جہاں تقریباً نصف آبادی ہسپانوی، مشرقی ایشیائی اور جنوبی ایشیائی نژاد ہے۔ ایک پراسیکیوٹر، ایک تارک وطن اور ہندوستانی نژاد، محنت کش طبقے کے والدین کے بیٹے کے طور پر، میں نے امریکہ کے نئے باشندوں کی جدوجہد کو خود دیکھا ہے جو انگریزی کو دوسری زبان کے طور پر بولتے ہیں، اور انہیں مترجم کی ضرورت، خاص طور پر عدالت کی کارروائی کے دوران، ہوتی ہے،" ٹیکساس کے جنوبی ضلع کے لیے امریکی اٹارنی Alamdar S. Hamdani نے کہا۔ "امریکہ کے اٹارنی دفتر برائے جنوبی ضلع ٹیکساس اور سِول رائٹس ڈویژن میں پراسیکیوٹرز کی انتھک محنت کی وجہ سے تمام رہائشیوں کو، قطع نظر آبائی قومیت کے، فیملی کورٹ کے معاملات، فوجداری اور عمومی سول معاملات ہینڈل کرنے کے لیے عدالتی نظام تک مکمل رسائی حاصل ہو گی۔ میں ٹیکساس کے جنوبی ضلع بھر میں ان کاوشوں کے لیے دیگر کاؤنٹیز اور آفس آف کورٹ ایڈمنسٹریشن کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا منتظر ہوں۔"
یہ معاملہ سِول رائٹس ڈویژن اور ٹیکساس کے جنوبی ضلع کے لیے امریکی اٹارنی کے دفتر کے وکلاء کے ذریعے مشترکہ طور پر ہینڈل کیا گیا۔
سِول رائٹس ڈویژن کے بارے میں اضافی معلومات اس کی ویب سائٹ www.justice.gov/crt پر دستیاب ہیں، اور انگریزی کی محدود صلاحیت اور ٹائٹل VI کے بارے میں معلومات www.lep.gov پر دستیاب ہیں۔ عوام کے اراکین شہری حقوق کی ممکنہ خلاف ورزیوں کی اطلاع civilrights.justice.gov/report پر یا امریکی اٹارنی کے دفتر برائے جنوبی ضلع ٹیکساس
إعلان وزارة العدل عن التوصل إلى قرار نهائي مع مقاطعة "فورت بيند" بولاية تكساس بشأن توفير الخدمات اللغوية في ضوء قانون الحقوق المدنيةRead the Press Release
ملحوظة: تُرجم هذا البيان الصحفي إلى لغات مختلفة. انظر المرفقات الواردة أدناه.
واشنطن - أعلنت وزارة العدل عن التوصل إلى قرار نهائي مع محاكم مقاطعة فورت بيند (Fort Bend County, FBC) في ضوء قانون الحقوق المدنية. التزمت محاكم FBC بجميع شروط مذكرة الاتفاق (Memorandum of Agreement, MOA) الموقَّعة في يونيو 2021، وعليه تؤكد وزارة العدل أنه تم حسم هذا الأمر.
فتحت وزارة العدل هذا الأمر في الأصل بناءً على الادعاءات التي تفيد بممارسة محاكم FBC التمييز ضد محدودي إجادة اللغة الإنجليزية (limited English proficiency, LEP) على أساس أصلهم القومي، وممارسة أنشطة انتقامية ضد المشتكين بما يخالف أحكام الباب السادس من قانون الحقوق المدنية لعام 1964 الذي يمنع التمييز بين متلقي المساعدة المالية الفيدرالية على أساس العرق أو اللون أو الأصل القومي. نصت إحدى الشكاوى على أن محكمة مقاطعة FBC رفضت توفير مترجم فوري فيتنامي لجلسة استماع أحد المتهمين الجنائيين ممن ينتمون إلى LEP، وذكرت أنه يجب على المتهم أو محاميه البحث عن مترجم فوري فيتنامي ودفع أتعابه. في 29 يونيو 2021، أجرت الوزارة بالتعاون مع محاكم FBC تحقيقًا وتم التوصل إلى مذكرة الاتفاق التي ألزمت هذه المحاكم بإجراء تغييرات جوهرية في سياساتها الخاصة بتوفير خدمات لغوية لمن ينتمون إلى LEP.
منذ ذلك الحين، قامت محاكم FBC بإجراء تغييرات جوهرية لتحسين توفير الخدمات اللغوية لعملائها الذين ينتمون إلى LEP والامتثال لمتطلبات الباب السادس. فعلى سبيل المثال، قامت محاكم FBC بما يأتي:
- توفير خدمات الترجمة الفورية مجانًا لأي شخص ينتمي إلى LEP، بغض النظر عن دخله، في جميع القضايا المدنية والجنائية كما هو موضح في سياسة المساعدة اللغوية للمحكمة؛
- مراجعة خطتها الخاصة بتوفير الخدمات اللغوية؛
- توفير تدريب على الخدمات اللغوية لموظفي المحكمة وإعداد دليل للقاضي خاص بتوفير الخدمات اللغوية؛
- إنشاء صفحة عامة على الويب تشرح كيفية طلب خدمات الترجمة الفورية أو التحريرية؛
- توفير استمارة شكاوى خاصة بتوفير الخدمات اللغوية بعدة لغات على موقعها الإلكتروني؛ و
- تلقى موظفو محاكم FBC أيضًا تدريبًا لمعرفة الأنشطة الانتقامية التي يحرمها الباب السادس من القانون وضمان الامتثال لأحكام هذا الباب.
وصرَّحت كريستين كلارك، مساعدة النائب العام لدائرة الحقوق المدنية في وزارة العدل قائلةً: "تساعد السياسات والممارسات الجديدة التي اعتمدتها محاكم مقاطعة "فورت بيند" على توفير الخدمات اللغوية بشكل موثوق لمحدودي إجادة اللغة الإنجليزية". واستكملت حديثها "آمل أن تحذو أنظمة المحاكم الأخرى حذو مقاطعة "فورت بيند" وأن تتخذ إجراءات لتوفير خدمات الترجمة الفورية لعملائها مجانًا. يجب ألا تمثل إجادة اللغة الإنجليزية حاجزًا يعرقل أو يحول دون الوصول إلى عدالة حقيقية في بلدنا".
من جانبه صرح ألامدار إس حمداني، المدعي العام للولايات المتحدة في المقاطعة الجنوبية بتكساس قائلاً: "إن مقاطعة فورت بيند إحدى أكثر المقاطعات تنوعًا في تكساس؛ إذ ينحدر نصف سكانها تقريبًا من أصل إسباني وشرق آسيوي وجنوب آسيوي. وبصفتي مدعيًا عامًّا ومهاجرًا وابنًا لأبوين من أصول هندية وينتميان إلى الطبقة العاملة، فقد لمست بنفسي معاناة المهاجرين مؤخرًا إلى أمريكا الذين يتحدثون الإنجليزية لغةً ثانيةً، وحاجتهم إلى مترجمين فوريين، خاصةً في أثناء جلسات المحاكمة". وأردف قائلاً: "بفضل العمل الشاق الذي يبذله المدعون العامون في مكتب النائب العام للولايات المتحدة في المقاطعة الجنوبية بتكساس وفي دائرة الحقوق المدنية، سيتمتع جميع السكان، بغض النظر عن أصلهم القومي، بجميع مزايا نظام المحاكم من أجل تسوية جميع قضايا محكمة الأسرة والمسائل الجنائية والمدنية العامة. أتطلع إلى العمل مع المقاطعات الأخرى ومكتب إدارة المحاكم ليسيروا على نهج جميع محاكم المقاطعة الجنوبية بتكساس".
تعاون محامون من دائرة الحقوق المدنية ومكتب النائب العام للولايات المتحدة في المقاطعة الجنوبية بتكساس لبحث هذه المسألة.
تتوفر معلومات إضافية عن "دائرة الحقوق المدنية" على موقعها الإلكتروني على هذا الرابط www.justice.gov/crt، كما تتوفر معلومات عن محدودي إجادة اللغة الإنجليزية والباب السادس من القانون علىwww.lep.gov . يمكن للعامة الإبلاغ عن الانتهاكات المحتملة للحقوق المدنية علىcivilrights.justice.gov/report/ أو التواصل مع مكتب النائب العام للولايات المتحدة في المقاطعة الجنوبية
Von Ormy Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Kidnap and Transport Non-U.S. CitizenRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Von Ormy man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio on Tuesday to 220 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, Andrew Carrillo, 30, was an accomplice to Rosalio Cano Jr. in the smuggling and kidnapping of an undocumented noncitizen in September 2021. After meeting at Cano’s residence, where the kidnapped migrant had been held, Carrillo and Cano drove separately to an Econo Lodge in San Antonio. Carrillo had designated the motel’s parking lot as the location where he and Cano would hand the kidnapped migrant over to the migrant’s family in exchange for cash. Unbeknownst to Carrillo, he and another codefendant, Veronica Ortega, had been communicating and negotiating the migrant’s release with an undercover officer who had accompanied the migrant’s family member to the exchange. After the undercover officer handed Carrillo and Ortega the $9,000 in U.S. currency, Homeland Security Investigations agents moved in to arrest the three defendants. Carrillo and Ortega were taken into custody, while Cano fled and was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service on Oct. 14, 2021.
Carrillo pleaded guilty to both counts on Feb. 7, 2023. In addition to the prison sentence, Carrillo was ordered to pay $7,025.78 in restitution.
“The penalties in this case reflect the grave dangers of human smuggling,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “While restitution cannot erase the trauma kidnapping victims endure, we hope it will provide some measure of relief. We will not stop working to protect the vulnerable people who are targeted for human smuggling and will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders.”
“Not only did these human smugglers conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws, but they also used intimidation and violence for their own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division. “If you enter into an agreement with a human smuggler, your loved one will not be treated with respect, they will simply be seen as a commodity, and will be placed in extreme danger.”
Cano was sentenced on Dec. 29, 2022 to 190 months in prison and ordered to pay $7,025.78 in restitution. On Jan. 3, 2023, Ortega was sentenced to 60 months of probation and was also ordered to pay $7,025.78 in restitution.
HSI investigated the case with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Hail prosecuted the case.
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United States Attorney's Office Releases 2023 Second Quarter Immigration Enforcement StatisticsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office announced its immigration enforcement statistics for April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the Tucson and Yuma Sectors of the Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the three-month period ending June 30, 2023, the United States brought criminal charges in Arizona against 1,552 individuals who illegally entered or re-entered the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 275 cases against individuals responsible for smuggling undocumented noncitizens to and within the District of Arizona. In this time period, the United States also prosecuted 90 reactive drug cases arising out of immigration ports of entry and checkpoints.
Reducing migrant smuggling and mitigating the risk to communities impacted by these offenses continues to be a priority for the Office and its law enforcement partners. Some of these prosecutions are directed against leaders and coordinators of alien smuggling organizations. Other prosecutions are aimed at deterring young adult drivers, often recruited over social media platforms, from engaging in this dangerous activity. Prosecutions against young drivers include three cases brought against juvenile smugglers during this time period.
These statistics represent United States Attorney’s Office prosecutions only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-117_2023 Second Quarter Immigration Enforcement Statistics
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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.United States Attorney Kavanaugh Announces Creation of Civil Rights Enforcement Online PortalRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia has a new tool to help protect the civil rights of those living in the western portion of the Commonwealth.
Earlier this year, United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh launched a Civil Rights Enforcement landing page as part of the Western District’s main website. The civil rights webpage is intended to serve as a one-stop shop where people may learn about their federal civil rights and report if they believe their rights have been violated.
“So often, when someone feels they have been the victim of discrimination or their civil rights have otherwise been violated, they are unsure of what to do. Who do they turn to? Do they contact the local police? The FBI? And if so, what number do they call?” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said. “Our hope is that this online portal will educate the public about their individual civil rights, how to safeguard them, and who to contact if they believe their rights have been violated in the 52 counties and 17 cities that comprise the Western District of Virginia.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal civil rights through civil litigation and criminal prosecution and, in all cases, represents the interests of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Kavanaugh has appointed two, full-time Assistant United States Attorneys to his civil rights team, and he is hiring a third to lead the district’s civil enforcement unit through civil litigation. These individuals vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws throughout the Western District of Virginia. These laws prohibit discrimination, protect the constitutional rights of residents, and affirm equal opportunity for all.
The public can reach the USAO Civil Rights Team and report potential violations of civil rights at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/civil-rights-enforcement.
U.S. Attorney urges religious leaders to remain vigilant against attacks on places of worship & their congregantsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, is urging religious leaders to watch for signs of extremism and learn how to report violent threats or incidents against places of worship and their members.
In recent months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted a man who set fire to a church in Baltimore, Ohio, and a man who made antisemitic and violent statements online while employed to provide security services at Columbus synagogues and Jewish schools.
Parker and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies recently met with church, mosque, temple and synagogue leaders in Columbus and Cincinnati to discuss best practices for protecting places of worship and their congregants, and how federal and state laws are used to prosecute people who threaten or damage those institutions and engage in other acts of religious violence.
“We want to assist the communities we serve by providing information about best practices for preventing targeted violence and guidance for how houses of worship can protect themselves against acts of vandalism and arson,” Parker told the assembled religious leaders.
Parker was joined at the outreach events by J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division, Darryck Dean with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, and investigators with the U.S. Secret Service at both meetings. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers and Anthony Pierson with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as intelligence officers with the police departments in Cincinnati and Columbus participated.
If you have information about a possible threat to a place of worship or believe you are a victim of or a witness to a hate crime, you can contact your local law enforcement agency, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI- or submit a tip to [email protected]. You can also report these or any other potential civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office using a referral form available at the office’s main website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh, or by leaving a voicemail on our Civil Rights Tip Line at 513-684-2055.
“I will continue to meet with groups concerned about hate-motivated attacks and am dedicated to providing faith-based leaders and congregations with resources like threat assessments and safety plans to help protect our places of sanctuary and blessedness from unjust and unprovoked attacks,” said Parker.
Additional resources:
- Safety for faith-based events and houses of worship resource guide
- DHS security self-assessment
- FBI active shooter resources
- Protecting Places of Worship Forum Facilitator Guide for Community Leaders
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Two New York Men Sentenced for Operating Mass Mailing Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly and Vulnerable VictimsRead the Press Release
Two New York men were sentenced today for participating in a 12-year scheme to mail fraudulent prize notices that tricked elderly and vulnerable consumers into paying fees for falsely promised cash prizes.
Sean Novis, 53, and Gary Denkberg, 59, both of Long Island, were sentenced to 90 and 66 months in prison, respectively. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack, who also ordered Novis to forfeit $60 million and Denkberg to forfeit $19 million.
In August 2020, Novis and Denkberg were charged with operating mass mailing fraud schemes that tricked thousands of victims, many of whom were elderly, into providing the defendants with money by falsely promising prizes. Evidence presented at trial showed that, from January 2003 to September 2016, Novis and Denkberg mailed millions of prize notices that falsely represented that the victims had been specifically chosen to receive a large cash prize and would receive the prize if they paid a fee. Victims who paid the requested fee, however, did not receive the promised cash prize. Although the notices appeared to be personalized correspondence, they were merely mass-produced, boilerplate documents that were bulk mailed to recipients whose names and addresses were on mailing lists. During 12 years of perpetrating these mail fraud schemes, Novis and Denkberg stole more than $90 million from thousands of victims.
In May 2022, a federal jury in Central Islip, New York, convicted both men of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, fraudulent use of fictitious names, and aiding and abetting other mail fraud schemes.
“Today’s sentencing is an important step in delivering justice for the thousands of victims who had more than $90 million stolen from them by the defendants in this case,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is accelerating our efforts to investigate and prevent scams that target seniors, to return stolen funds to the victims, and to hold accountable the criminals who prey on vulnerable Americans.”
“Those who commit fraud that targets America’s seniors face serious penalties,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to pursuing these prosecutions and is thankful for the Postal Inspection Service’s assistance with this matter.”
“Today’s sentence clearly demonstrates that defrauding Americans has serious consequences,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Postal Inspectors are committed to investigating fraud targeting our customers and bringing those responsible to justice.”
The trial resulted from a multi-year investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Consumer Protection Branch Trial Attorneys Charles Dunn and Carolyn Rice and Assistant Director J. Matt Williams are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha Payne for the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Twelve Defendants Charged in Federal Drug Trafficking Probe Targeting Fentanyl-Laced Heroin and Cocaine Sales in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges against a dozen individuals for allegedly trafficking fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, or other drugs on the South Side of Chicago.
The multi-year investigation, led by the FBI Chicago Field Office, utilized numerous controlled narcotics purchases, covert surveillance operations, and wiretapped communications to shut down two separate drug trafficking operations. Some of the defendants allegedly supplied or sought to supply drugs to customers in other states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio. One of the defendants allegedly possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun while engaged in his drug trafficking activities.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized nearly $400,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, distribution quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and a custom-built motorcycle.
Most of the defendants were arrested Friday or early this week and have begun making initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Law enforcement also recently executed court-authorized searches of multiple locations in Chicago.
The charges and arrests were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Rock County (Wisc.) Sheriff's Office, and the Indiana State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saurish Appleby-Bhattacharjee and Thomas P. Peabody of the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Gerald A.A. Collins of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.
Criminal complaints unsealed in federal court in Chicago charge two separate drug trafficking organizations, as well as an individual who allegedly distributed cocaine.
U.S. v. Johnson, et al, 23 CR 412
Charged in this federal drug conspiracy are RONALD JOHNSON, 57, of Darien, Ill., SULSTINE BROWN ROBINSON, 69, of Chicago, CHARLES LAWRENCE, 48, of Chicago, and DARRELL JONES, 58, of Chicago. Lawrence is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.
TROY BONAPARTE, 58, of Chicago, is charged with possessing cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute.
The charges allege that Johnson is a large-scale supplier of multiple narcotics, including cocaine and marijuana. Law enforcement observed Johnson making several cocaine sales in the summer and fall of 2022, the complaint states. The conspirators allegedly utilized an apartment in Chicago’s Oakland neighborhood as a “stash house” to store narcotics and cash. During a meeting outside the stash house in December 2022, Johnson allegedly provided a woman with approximately $300,500 in suspected drug proceeds. The cash was stuffed into a duffel bag that law enforcement later seized from the woman, the complaint states.
In January 2023, law enforcement in Rock County, Wisc., stopped a vehicle Robinson was driving and discovered that she had transported approximately seven kilograms of suspected cocaine from Chicago. Law enforcement seized the drugs, which were packaged in six individual bricks and wrapped in green cellophane, the complaint states.
U.S. v. Donley, et al, 23 CR 413
Charged in this federal drug conspiracy are DEREK DONLEY, 29, KENDALL BANKS, 31, NIGER GRAY, 25, JAMARI MC NEAL, 29, and APRIL THOMAS, 60, all of Chicago.
BYRON MURPHY, 39, of Chicago, is charged with distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.
According to the charges, the conspirators distributed and intended to distribute fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, and marijuana on the South Side of Chicago. Donley allegedly conducted several drug deals in the 7700 block of South Yates Boulevard in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. One of the alleged deals occurred in April 2022 and involved the distribution by Donley to Mc Neal of approximately 100 grams of substances that later tested positive for fentanyl, the complaint states.
U.S. v. Toney, 23 CR 424
Charged with distributing cocaine is CHANTELL TONEY, 37, of Chicago. Toney allegedly sold crack cocaine on the South Side of Chicago on several occasions in 2022 and 2023. One of the deals occurred last month in an apartment in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, the complaint states.
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The public is reminded that complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Johnson et al complaint Donley et al complaint Toney complaintTwelve Defendants Charged for Trafficking Fentanyl-Laced Heroin, Cocaine, and Other DrugsRead the Press Release
Twelve defendants were arrested on complaints in a multi-year, multi-state investigation for trafficking fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, and other drugs in Chicago, Illinois, and surrounding states.
Most of the defendants were arrested on July 28 and have begun making initial appearances in Chicago.
The FBI Chicago Field Office led the investigation, which utilized numerous controlled narcotics purchases, covert surveillance operations, and wiretapped communications to shut down two separate drug trafficking operations. Some of the defendants allegedly supplied or sought to supply drugs to customers in other states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio. One of the defendants allegedly possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun while engaged in his drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement seized nearly $400,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and a custom-built motorcycle.
The criminal complaints charge two separate drug trafficking organizations, as well as an individual who allegedly distributed cocaine:
United States v. Johnson, et al.
The first complaint charges Ronald Johnson, 57, of Darien, Illinois; Sulstine Brown Robinson, 69, of Chicago; Charles Lawrence, 48, of Chicago; and Darrell Jones, 58, of Chicago, with federal drug conspiracy. Lawrence is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. Troy Bonaparte, 58, of Chicago, is charged with possessing cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Johnson is allegedly a large-scale supplier of multiple narcotics, including cocaine and marijuana. His co-conspirators allegedly utilized an apartment in Chicago’s Oakland neighborhood as a “stash house” to store narcotics and cash. In December 2022, during a meeting outside the stash house, Johnson allegedly supplied a woman with a duffel bag that contained approximately $300,500 in suspected drug proceeds. Law enforcement later seized the cash and duffel bag from the woman.
In January 2023, law enforcement in Rock County, Wisconsin, stopped a vehicle Robinson was driving and discovered that she had transported approximately seven kilograms of cocaine from Chicago. Law enforcement seized the drugs, which were packaged in six individual bricks and wrapped in green cellophane.
United States v. Donley, et al.
The second complaint charges Derek Donley, 29; Kendall Banks, 31; Niger Gray, 25; Jamari Mc Neal, 29; and April Thomas, 60, all of Chicago, with federal drug conspiracy. The complaint also charges Byron Murphy, 39, also of Chicago, with distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.
According to court documents, the defendants distributed and intended to distribute fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, and marijuana in the South Side of Chicago. Donley allegedly conducted several drug deals in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. One of the alleged deals occurred in April 2022 and involved Donley’s distribution of approximately 100 grams of substances containing fentanyl to Mc Neal.
United States v. Toney
A third complaint charges Chantell Toney, 37, of Chicago, with distribution of cocaine on April 6. According to court documents, Toney allegedly sold crack cocaine on the South Side of Chicago on several occasions in 2022 and 2023. One of the deals allegedly occurred as recently as July in an apartment in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. of the FBI Chicago Field Office, and Interim Superintendent Fred Waller of the Chicago Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI Chicago Field Office and Chicago Police Department are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Rock County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police.
Trial Attorney Gerald A.A. Collins of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saurish Appleby-Bhattacharjee and Thomas P. Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 18 Years for MurderRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. - A homeless man from Tulsa was sentenced Tuesday, Aug. 1 to 18 years in federal prison for second degree murder in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Terry Danell Limose, 38, to 18 years in the United States Bureau of Prisons for second degree murder in Indian Country, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“The victim in this case was stalked, brutally assaulted and strangled to death,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Crimes occurring within the homeless community often have additional investigative challenges. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their diligent work on this case.”
According to court documents, on Nov. 13, 2021, Limose, stalked and chased the victim, a Muscogee Nation citizen, who was also homeless. While following the victim, Limose threw rocks and chunks of pavement striking the victim. Later Limose started a physical altercation, forced the victim to the ground, and then beat and strangled him to death.
Limose has been and will remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly prosecuted the case.
Stolen Check Scheme Leads to Bank Fraud Sentence for Georgia ManRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Atlanta, Georgia man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Mantavious Jones, 35, to 16 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty on March 23, 2023.
According to court records, in March 2022, Jones and coconspirators stole checks out of the mailboxes of local businesses then used the stolen checks to create counterfeit checks. The counterfeit checks were made payable to unhoused individuals Jones and others recruited to cash them. Jones and his coconspirators netted just under $70,000 from the cashed counterfeit checks.
The New England Cyber Fraud Task Force and Kennebunk Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Saco and Scarborough police departments.
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St. Louis County Man Admits $149,900 Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted fraudulently applying for and receiving a $149,900 pandemic loan.
Cecil Jones, 41, pleaded guilty to unlawful transfer of an identification document and admitted submitting a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration. The July 25, 2020 online application contained Jones’ name but a Social Security number that was not assigned to him. The application also included a photograph of Jones holding a counterfeit Missouri driver’s license that showed Jones’ picture and name, spelled as “Cecill.” Based upon this fraudulent application, the SBA deposited $149,900 into a Regions Bank account owned and controlled by Jones.
At his November 6 sentencing, Jones could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. He will also be ordered to repay the money.
The case was investigated by Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.
St. Lawrence County Man Sentenced for Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - John Arthur Nolan, III, age 48, of Norfolk, New York, was sentenced today to serve 15 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for failing to update his sex offender registration.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York.
As part of his previously entered plea, Nolan admitted that he was previously convicted of Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors in Florida, which required him to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Nolan further admitted that he moved from Pennsylvania to New York in July of 2022 and failed to notify either Pennsylvania or New York of his change in residence from that time until his arrest in October of 2022.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service Sex Offender Investigation Branch and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Parrionte H. Wallace, 22, of the 2000 block of South 12th Street, was sentenced on August 1, 2023, to 41 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents and representations in open court, on June 23, 2022, law enforcement officers from the Menard County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office stopped Wallace while he was traveling in a car in Menard County and discovered a loaded, semi-automatic firearm with an extended magazine. The defendant told officers he had illegally purchased the firearm in Chicago. The Athens, Illinois, Police Department assisted with the stop.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that Wallace had possessed a stolen, loaded weapon with one round in the chamber and an extended magazine while out at 12:30am in a car with a young child. Judge Lawless further found that the defendant’s prior criminal conviction was a crime of violence.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Wallace in July 2022. Wallace pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught in March 2023.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person at the time of Wallace’s offense were up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release. Congress raised the penalty for the offense of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person to 15 years’ imprisonment as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act just a few days after this offense occurred.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Illinois State Police; Menard County Sheriff’s Office; and the Athens Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Wallace 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.
Security Subcontractor Sentenced to Prison for Threatening to Bomb Local Democratic Campaign OfficeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former security subcontractor working at the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Party coordinated campaign office was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for sending a threatening message to bomb their local headquarters the day before the U.S. Senators from Georgia were in town for campaign events.
Jessica Diane Higginbotham aka Jessica Harriod aka Jessica Jones, 35, of Elberton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on July 31. Higginbotham pleaded guilty to one count of communicating a bomb threat on May 16. There is no parole in federal prison.
“Threats of violence intended to disturb the peace and disrupt the democratic process are taken seriously in the Middle District of Georgia and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I commend the many local and federal law enforcement agents whose collaboration in this case ensured a safe outcome for our community.”
“The FBI and our partners take each threat seriously and will always fully investigate and analyze each threat to determine its credibility,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “Higginbotham’s threat, although a hoax, diverted precious law enforcement resources and wasted taxpayer dollars, and for that she will be held accountable by spending time behind bars.”
“The ACCPD takes threats of violence seriously. Once we learned of these threats our officers and detectives worked alongside state and federal partners to identify and arrest the offender,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “I appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work, and we will continue to work together to keep our community safe.”
According to court documents, on Dec. 3, 2022, at 6:01 p.m., an employee of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) in Athens received a text message: “Hello, I am writing this message to you to let you know that I am coming by either tonight or in the morning to set a bomb up. So I can blow all the Democrats up. I have other people going to other offices also. If I can’t stop you by breaking in and destroying the property then I will blow every one up. So be ready to be blown up. This is going to either happen tonight or in the morning. Hope you like being on the wrong team.”
The FBI began investigating the threat immediately, and officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) responded to the area of the threat. The U.S. Senate runoff election was scheduled to take place on Dec. 6, and elected officials were in Athens participating in campaign events, including both U.S. Senators from Georgia on Dec. 4. Using a series of emergency disclosure requests (EDRs), FBI agents discovered the cell phone belonged to the defendant, who was also working as a contract security officer for a firm employed by the local Democratic coordinated campaign. The U.S. Capitol Police were also investigating the bomb threat, and independently determined that the bomb threat was sent from Higginbotham’s cell phone.
On Dec. 4, FBI task force officers located Higginbotham at a coffee shop in Athens with the cell phone in her hands. When she saw the agents approach her, she vomited. At first, she denied sending the bomb threat. A federal search warrant was executed on her cell phone, which linked the email account used in the bomb threat to her. While investigating the bomb threat, agents learned that there had been a break-in at the local Democratic campaign building in Athens on Nov. 27, and a laptop belonging to the campaign was stolen. At the time of the burglary, investigators noted that it appeared to be staged as tables were turned over, but the building was locked with no evidence of a forced entry. Investigators later recovered the stolen laptop with Higginbotham’s personal items. Higginbotham now admits that she used a cell phone to willfully threaten to kill or injure people and unlawfully destroy a building with an explosive.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will R. Keyes prosecuted the case.
Russell Laffitte Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Russell Lucius Laffitte, 53, of Estill, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.
“Russell Laffitte used his position of power and trust to steal from unusually vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “His crimes undermine the public’s trust in the judicial and banking systems, and we are grateful to the FBI, South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for their partnership in ensuring he is held accountable.”
“This sentencing is the culmination of an exhaustive investigation by South Carolina law enforcement, the diligent efforts of the prosecutors, and the unwavering resolve of the victims,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “This outcome sends a clear message that the FBI and its partners will continue to pursue justice and protect the rights of innocent victims of complex financial crimes.”
Laffitte was convicted following a nearly three-week jury trial in November 2022. Evidence introduced at trial showed that Laffitte conspired with Hampton personal injury attorney Alex Murdaugh to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. During the conspiracy, Laffitte was an officer of Palmetto State Bank (“PSB”), and Murdaugh was a customer of the bank.
Laffitte—while serving as conservator for Murdaugh’s personal injury clients—extended $355,000 in personal loans to himself and $990,000 in personal loans to Murdaugh from funds held at PSB and belonging to the personal injury clients. Laffitte knew that the funds loaned to Murdaugh were used to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in overdraft on Murdaugh’s personal account. Laffitte also knew that Murdaugh used funds stolen from other personal injury clients to pay back the loans. Laffitte misapplied PSB funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be used for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.
Laffitte, as conservator or personal representative for Murdaugh’s personal injury clients, received disbursement checks from Murdaugh’s law firm, then negotiated and distributed the funds according to and at Murdaugh’s direction. Laffitte transferred the disbursed settlement funds into bank money orders, cash, and other wire transfers for Murdaugh’s benefit. He collected nearly $400,000 in fees for serving as conservator and personal representative for Murdaugh’s clients.
On two other occasions, Laffitte, as an officer and director of PSB, willfully misapplied bank funds. Specifically, on July 15, 2021, Laffitte willfully misapplied $750,000 of PSB funds by extending a commercial loan to Murdaugh knowing that the loan was essentially unsecured and that the loan proceeds would be and were used to pay an attorney and to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in Murdaugh’s overdraft. And October 28, 2021, when Murdaugh’s law firm discovered that Laffitte had negotiated checks Murdaugh stole from a client, Laffitte paid the law firm $680,000 of PSB funds without notice to or consent from PSB in an attempt to settle the matter with the firm.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the trial and imposed an 84-month sentence, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Gergel imposed a restitution judgment totaling $3,555,884.80 and ordered Laffitte to forfeit $85,854.73 in illegal proceeds.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting this case.
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Robbery Crew Charged with Perpetrating $1.1 Million Jewelry HeistRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The Office of the United States Attorney has charged five defendants—Sunia Mafileo Faavesi, Ryan Kentrell Montgomery, Paul Christopher Tonga, John Ioane Tupou, and Kyle Vehikite—with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce for their roles in the March 17, 2023, robbery of Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, Calif., announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. All the defendants except Tupou made their initial federal court appearance on July 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse to face the charges. Tupou remains at large.
According to a federal criminal complaint, filed July 21, 2023, and unsealed at the initial appearance, Faavesi, 30, Montgomery, 35, Tonga, 33, Tupou, 30, and Vehikite, 34, planned and executed the armed heist, which involved at least eleven individuals, some armed, taking approximately $1.1 million in stolen watches and jewelry from the family-owned San Ramon jewelry store. The complaint alleges that while some of the participants were inside the store or immediately outside it during the armed robbery, others acted as lookouts and get-away drivers of at least four waiting vehicles. The robbery took place at a bustling mall in San Ramon in the middle of the afternoon and resulted in multiple bystanders, including children, fleeing the masked and armed robbers.
The complaint affidavit provides details regarding how the defendants originally cased the location a week prior to the robbery and then returned on March 17, 2023, with co-conspirators to execute the robbery. The complaint alleges investigators were able to identify one of the defendants by evaluating GPS information emitted from a stolen Rolex watch. Law enforcement investigators thereafter conducted a covert investigation that ultimately enabled them to identify each of the five defendants and to piece together the movements of the defendants on the day of the robbery.
Faavesi, Montgomery, Tonga, and Vehikite all were arrested on July 26, 2023. The government has filed a motion asking that they be detained pretrial. Defendants’ next scheduled appearances are on August 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, for their respective detention hearings.
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. As part of any sentence, the court also may order defendants to pay restitution, if appropriate, and to serve an additional period of supervised release to begin after a prison term. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alethea M. Sargent is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Ramon Police Department and the ATF, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the IRS, and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Traffic “Ghost Guns” and to Laundering MoneyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT ALCANTARA pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to traffic firearms and conspiracy to launder money from his firearms trafficking. ALCANTARA conspired to sell more than 100 “ghost guns” to individuals in the Dominican Republic.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Robert Alcantara built untraceable ghost guns and conspired to sell more than 100 of them to individuals in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, his brazen gun trafficking scheme has been stopped.”
According to the Indictment and statements made in court proceedings and filings:
On November 20, 2021, ALCANTARA was stopped in his vehicle in possession of kits to build approximately 45 ghost guns. ALCANTARA was interviewed by law enforcement agents and stated that he was planning to turn the 45 kits into working firearms and that he had 50 additional similar ghost guns at his home. A photograph of the 45 seized ghost gun kits is below:
ALCANTARA used his Rhode Island home as a factory to machine ghost gun kits into working firearms. Below is a photograph of his home factory:
After ALCANTARA purchased ghost gun kits and machined them into working firearms, he sold those working firearms in the Dominican Republic. Below are photographs of firearms ALCANTARA sent to buyers in the Dominican Republic to advertise the firearms he had available for sale:
ALCANTARA received payments for the guns he sold in the Dominican Republic and laundered those funds.
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ALCANTARA, 36, of Providence, Rhode Island, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiring to launder money, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. ALCANTARA is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Broderick on November 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Department of Commerce. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the Providence Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island for their assistance in the case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mead is in charge of the prosecution.
Resident of Tacoma hotel indicted for drug and gun crimesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 43-year-old Tacoma man, who was taken into custody in February 2023, was indicted today by a grand jury for three federal felonies: Unlawful Possession of Firearms; Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cesar Leonel Contreras-Arias will be arraigned on the indictment next week.
“This defendant was being sought on a Washington Department of Corrections warrant for escape, when he was found to have multi-pound quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Equally concerning was his possession of firearms – many of them reported stolen from across the Puget Sound region. Prosecuting armed drug traffickers remains a top priority for federal law enforcement.”
According to records filed in the case, Contreras-Arias was arrested February 2, 2023, outside Tacoma’s Clarion Inn on Tacoma Mall Blvd.. Contreras-Arias had been living at the hotel for about a year, and law enforcement had received information that he was dealing drugs from that location. When approached by law enforcement, Contreras-Arias tried to flee, smashing his truck into a police vehicle that had parked behind him. When law enforcement searched Contreras-Arias, they found two cell phones, $7,000 in cash and keys to three rooms at the Clarion Inn. Inside Contreras-Arias’ truck, officers found a .22 caliber Ruger handgun which had been reported stolen in Grays Harbor County.
Law enforcement searched the three rooms at the hotel and found 90 pounds of methamphetamine and five pounds of fentanyl powder. They also found eleven passports – some of them reported stolen. There were four firearms in one of the hotel rooms: a 9 mm Sig Sauer handgun that had been reported stolen in Tukwila; a tactical shotgun; a 9mm semi-automatic Glock; and a Springfield Hellcat 9mm handgun.
Law enforcement also searched a storage unit that Contreras-Arias and his companion had rented. Inside was another stolen handgun – a Colt Model Anaconda 44 magnum revolver. The Colt had been reported as lost and suspected stolen in Kitsap County. Two firearm magazines were in the storage unit, an extended 9mm magazine, and a polymer rifle magazine containing 30 rounds of 7.62x39 ammunition.
Contreras-Arias is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 conviction in Benton County for violating a protection order.
Illegal possession of firearms is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Due to the drug quantities involved, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory five years in prison to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other counts of conviction.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the South Sound Gang Task Force, composed of agents and officers from the FBI, Washington Department of Corrections, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tacoma Police Department, among others. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) assisted with the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marci Ellsworth.
contreras-arias_indictment.pdfProperty Manager for Senior Residential Buildings Pleads Guilty to Financial Exploitation of Two Elderly District ResidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nicole Freeman Smith, 51, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in Superior Court to one felony count and one misdemeanor count of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person (FEVA) for stealing more than $133,000 from two elderly District residents suffering from cognitive impairment. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice, of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
According to court documents, Smith, who worked as a property manager at several residential buildings for seniors in Washington, D.C., targeted vulnerable building residents to steal thousands of dollars from their accounts and other sources of income after befriending them and gaining their trust. After unduly influencing one victim to provide Smith with access to her financial account information, Smith stole over $94,000 from the victim’s accounts, and attempted to steal $25,000 more. Smith used the stolen funds to pay for personal expenses, including paying off credit card and utility bills, back taxes, and multiple auto loans. Smith further stole more than $38,000 from a second victim, depositing two of the victim’s personal injury settlement checks in Smith’s bank account and keeping the money for herself.
The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz accepted Smith’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2023. As part of her plea, Smith agreed to pay restitution to the victims and will be prohibited from working or volunteering with elderly or vulnerable adults.
This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors and vulnerable adults. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia simultaneously launched initiatives to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across the Office, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General to prosecute cases of this kind.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, D.C. Attorney General Schwalb, and Special Agent in Charge Rice commended the work of those who investigated the case from HUD-OIG. They also cited the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Bleiberg, and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Torabzadeh, on detail from the Office of the Attorney General to prosecute financial crimes cases involving elderly victims, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Prince George’s County Felon Convicted After Two-Day Federal Trial for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – After a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted Antjoun Riddick, age 45, of Accokeek, Maryland, late on August 1, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and U.S. Marshal Robert Anthony Dixon for the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 21, 2022, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Deputies were conducting surveillance on Riddick’s residence in Accokeek, Maryland to serve an outstanding arrest warrant for him issued by the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. When they saw Riddick exit the residence and walk toward his vehicle, they activated the emergency equipment on their vehicles and approached Riddick, telling him to step away from the car and show his hands. As detailed in trial testimony, Deputies saw Riddick quickly raise his left hand, but his right hand hesitated near his waist area before he was handcuffed. After his arrest, Riddick admitted that he had a gun in his waistband and Deputies recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber.
Riddick knew he had been previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. As detailed in court documents, at the time of his arrest Riddick was on supervised probation for a 2015 conviction in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for second degree murder.
Riddick faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for November 3, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the USMS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Rosenthal, who are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Barron also thanked Paralegal Specialists Andrew Branigan, Derek Harwerth and Mark Phares for their assistance.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Nicholas County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shawn K. Bever, 45, of Craigsville, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 17, 2021, law enforcement officers investigating the illegal shooting of a bear encountered Bever outside his Craigsville residence. Officers saw an ATI .22-caliber pistol in Bever’s side-by-side all-terrain vehicle, parked on the property. Winchester .22-caliber ammunition was recovered from Bever’s pants pocket. Bever admitted to possessing the firearm and ammunition.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Bever was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in Nicholas County Circuit Court on November 14, 2011.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police and the assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-164.
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Missouri Man Sentenced for Setting Fire to Islamic CenterRead the Press Release
A Missouri man was sentenced today for the arson of the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Nicholas John Proffitt, 44, was sentenced to 191 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $551,217.91 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2022, to using fire to damage religious property and to using fire in the commission of a federal felony.
According to court documents and statements made during the plea and sentencing hearings, Proffitt intentionally set fire to the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center on April 24, 2020, which was the first morning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, because of the building’s religious character. The fire resulted in significant damage to the Islamic Center.
“This defendant has now been held accountable for setting fire to an Islamic center that served as a meeting place for Muslim community members in Cape Girardeau, Missouri,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Attacks on mosques in our country are attacks on people of faith that undermine the fundamental right to practice one’s religion free from fear or violence. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all houses of worship, regardless of denomination.”
“This is the third time Nicholas Proffitt has attacked Islamic institutions, in Missouri and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “He has now been sentenced to a significant prison term that will protect the community from further persecution for a long time.”
“The right to pray as you wish is at the core of our nation’s ideals,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “When someone attacks a house of worship, they attack that American right, and they need to be help accountable. I commend the work of the ATF and all our federal partners in bringing this defendant to Justice.”
“Nicholas Proffitt destroyed a religious building, but he couldn’t take away the constitutional right to religious freedom,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis Field Office. “The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the U.S. Constitution.”
The FBI St. Louis Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Perryville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn for the Eastern District of Missouri prosecuted the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
Michoacan trafficker captured in Panama sent to U.S. prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 48-year-old Mexican national has been sent to prison following his conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth for Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Homero Guerra-Moreno pleaded guilty Dec. 6, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Guerra-Moreno to serve 324 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Guerra-Moreno is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described how, from 2013 to 2018, Guerra-Moreno was responsible for monthly transportation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of crystal meth into the United States from Mexico.
“Today we dealt a blow to the Mexican cartels. Guerra-Moreno trafficked drugs into local communities like Laredo, Texas, for years, trafficking about 15,000 kilograms of meth for the CJNG, a ruthless Mexican cartel,” said Hamdani. “He tried to run and hide abroad, but the prosecutors and investigators of the Southern district of Texas are relentless; law enforcement located and detained him before he could escape. Guerra-Moreno’s capture and sentence sends a message to those who work with the cartels, you can run, but you cannot hide.”
“Reaching the source of supply is crucial in stopping the flow of devastating drugs into our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Houston Division. “The exemplary collective and persistent efforts between DEA and its federal partners brought down one of CJNG’s most significant meth source of suppliers in South Texas."
The investigation revealed a complex conspiracy which began in 2014. Authorities identified Guerra-Moreno as the source of supply for several drug trafficking organizations importing “ice” from Mexico through the United States. Guerra-Moreno worked in association with the CJNG and personally recruited traffickers to transport meth into Laredo.
Guerra-Moreno resided in Mexico and evaded capture for years. On May 26, 2022, law enforcement detained Guerra-Moreno at Tocuman International Airport as he was attempting to depart for Mexico. He was subsequently deported to Texas to face conspiracy charges.
Guerra-Moreno will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The DEA conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, Laredo Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia State Patrol, U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Immigration, Panama National Police Interpol Unit and the Panamanian government.
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, mutlti-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Found Guilty of Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that a federal jury has convicted Jonathan Craig Otuel, 36, of Stallings, N.C., of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Otuel previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, on November 19, 2019, officers with the Pineville Police Department responded to a call for service at a hotel room, where they located Otuel and three other individuals. Officers also located methamphetamine. Trial evidence established that a search warrant for the hotel room was issued. During the search, law enforcement recovered multiple bags of methamphetamine, and a firearm. Law enforcement also recovered from the hotel parking lot an additional firearm, which the defendant had thrown over the balcony. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Otuel was responsible for trafficking significant amounts of methamphetamine in Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties.
Otuel remains in federal custody. A sentencing date has not been set. The charges of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime each carry a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pineville Police Department and the Gaston County Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Regina Pack and Timothy Sielaff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Marion County Man to be Sentenced in Federal Court for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Murder of 80-Year-Old VictimRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Dominique Brand, 31, of Marion, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Thursday, August 3, for kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death, and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in a manner constituting murder.
Brand was convicted following a multi-day bench trial in September 2022. Evidence presented at trial established that on Sunday, March 28, 2021, Brand entered Mary Ann Elvington’s home in Nichols, South Carolina. At about 6:11 p.m. that Sunday, Brand forced Ms. Elvington to drive him from her house to Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, and back into South Carolina. During this trip, Mr. Brand sat behind Ms. Elvington with the shotgun.
Later that evening, Brand drove Ms. Elvington to a remote crossroads in Marion County and walked her behind the abandoned Zion Grocery store. He held the shotgun to the back of her head and pulled the trigger, executing her. Brand then drove Ms. Elvington’s car to Marion, where he hid it behind an abandoned club. Ms. Elvington’s body was located the following evening, March 29, 2021. After learning he was a suspect, Brand turned himself in to authorities on March 31, 2021.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon presided over the trial and will impose the sentence. Brand faces a penalty of life imprisonment on each count.
WHEN: Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 1:00 pm
WHERE: McMillan Federal Building
Courtroom 1
401 West Evans Street
Florence, South Carolina
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