Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 7 June 2023
Skaneateles Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Marc L. Leonardis, age 50, of Skaneateles, New York, was sentenced today to serve 188 months in prison for receiving child pornography within online groups designed for trading images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As a part of his earlier guilty plea, Leonardis admitted that he surreptitiously took images of a child and posted the images, more than 200 times, to three online trading groups, receiving images depicting the sexual exploitation of children in return. Leonardis also admitted chatting with members of the trading groups, including an undercover FBI agent, about his ongoing sexual abuse of the child whose pictures he shared.
In addition to the 188-month prison sentence, Hon. David N. Hurd sentenced to Leonardis to 15 years supervised release, which will commence upon his release from prison, ordered him to pay $5,000 in restitution to each of two victims of the pornography he received, and to pay a total of $5,100 in special assessments. Leonardis will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Capital Area and Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Forces, in cooperation the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.
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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Six indicted in scheme that defrauded pandemic relief programs of more than $3 millionRead the Press Release
Seattle – A wide ranging fraud scheme, led by 29-year-old Paradise Williams, of Phoenix, was detailed today in a 26-count indictment charging wire fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Two defendants were arrested Monday in Phoenix, a third was arrested in Houston, and three defendants were arrested in Washington State. Two Seattle defendants are detained at the Federal Detention Center with hearings scheduled Friday and next week.
“The participants in this fraud were relentless in exploiting pandemic relief programs that were intended to assist small businesses and people who were vulnerable to eviction,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “The need for the emergency rental assistance greatly outweighed the funds available, and we know that fraud schemes such as this one stole money that should have gone to those desperately needing help.”
According to the indictment, Paradise Williams was the hub in a wheel of fraud. She created fake documents and told her accomplices how to pose as landlords and tenants claiming to need rental assistance. Because the program would pay for back rent and future payments, the person posing as the fraudulent landlord got payments of tens of thousands of dollars for each fake tenant application. Williams received kickback payments from those who used the scheme for fraud. Williams herself received more than $740,000 in emergency funds by posing as the landlord on at least 21 different applications for rental aid. In fact, neither Williams nor her accomplices owned any rental properties and were not the tenants they impersonated.
In addition to Williams the grand jury indicted:
Rayvon Darnell Peterson, 32, of Seattle, Washington
Tia Janee Robinson, 28, of Fife, Washington
Jahari Asad Cunningham, 45, of Houston, Texas
D’arius Akim Jackson, 37, Bonney Lake, Washington
David Jesus Martinez, 32, Pacific, Washington
In addition to the rental assistance fraud, members of the group defrauded or attempted to defraud the unemployment systems in Washington, California, South Carolina, and Nevada.
Between June 2020 and August 2021, Williams and others submitted at least 35 fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) seeking more than $3.7 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Two of the loans were funded for a loss of $300,000. Williams assisted her accomplices with forging documents and fake tax statements to defraud the SBA. Williams used multiple common email addresses and a common naming convention for business names as she attempted the fraud.
Williams and others also sought to defraud a different SBA program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In April and May 2021, Williams, Jackson, and others submitted at least 13 fraudulent applications to the SBA PPP program seeking approximately $253,000. Nearly $212,000 was paid out.
According to the indictment the money was used for luxury cars, lavish trips, designer clothes, jewelry, and even plastic surgery. Williams used over $90,000 in cash and wire transferred funds, from the proceeds and kickbacks she received, to buy a 2018 Range Rover sport utility vehicle and a 2017 Lexus ES Sedan. Both vehicles were seized in Phoenix on Monday. In June 2021, Williams used funds from the frauds to travel to Miami and while there she rented a Lamborghini.
Wire fraud in connection with a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from SBA-OIG.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
Six Defendants Arrested for Multimillion-Dollar Wire Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging six defendants — SALIF NDAMA-TRAORE, KYLE EMORDI, KEITH EMORDI, AMADOU TIDIANE BA, MOHAMMED NABI ELIKPLIM AKINOTCHO, and IBRAHIM BOCOUM — with conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a business email compromise (“BEC”) scheme that used spoofing attacks to deceive victims into sending a total of approximately $5.8 million to bank accounts that had been opened using fake and stolen information. All six defendants were arrested and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in the Southern District of Texas. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Sitting behind their computer screens, the defendants and others used email spoofing to insert themselves into legitimate business transactions and deceived victims across the country into sending millions of dollars to fraudulent bank accounts. Thanks to the efforts of this Office and its law enforcement partners, the defendants now face the long arm of justice.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, the defendants engaged in a business email compromise scheme in which they induced the victims to make fraudulent payments totaling more than $5 million. Additionally, in an attempt to conceal their actions, the defendants withdrew their ill-gotten gains in a manner intended to evade federal reporting requirements. As today’s action demonstrates, the FBI remains committed to bringing those who engage in fraudulent activity to justice.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Business email compromise and money laundering schemes, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to the organizations and individuals who fall prey to them. While the network of online criminals targeting unsuspecting victims is growing every day, today’s charges should send a clear message to scammers committing fraud – wherever they are based – that they will be identified and held fully accountable. The NYPD will continue to work tirelessly with all of our law enforcement partners to address this pervasive threat head-on.”
As alleged in the Indictment:[1]
From July 2021 through February 2022, the defendants and others engaged in a fraudulent BEC scheme that involved impersonating legitimate business contacts by email to induce five victims — a hospital, a labor union, a law firm, a real estate closing company, and a logistics company — into remitting payments totaling approximately $5.8 million to fraudulent bank accounts. Each of the fraudulent bank accounts was opened shortly before the diversion of funds, and at least three accounts were opened using a fake driver’s license or stolen social security number. Internet protocol registration information also shows that the defendants logged into several of the fraudulent accounts online.
The funds were immediately moved from the fraudulent accounts to bank accounts held in the defendants’ own names or in the name of a defendant-owned company. The funds were then quickly transferred to additional savings or investment vehicles held in the defendants’ names, withdrawn in cash, or sent to co-defendants through ACH transfers or using a P2P payment service. Withdrawals were usually made in successive increments of less than $10,000 to avoid triggering federal reporting requirements. Some funds were pulled back after hitting the fraudulent accounts, resulting in the recovery of approximately $3.14 million and a total loss of approximately $2.66 million.
* * *
NDAMA-TRAORE, 39, KYLE EMORDI, 26, KEITH EMORDI, 29, and BOCOUM, 32, all of Houston, Texas; AKINOTCHO, 33, of Cypress, Texas; and BA, 35, of Sugar Land, Texas, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California; the FBI Field Offices in Columbia (Hilton Head Resident Agency), Houston, and Sacramento; and the police departments of New York City, the City of Beaufort, and Houston for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Yumi Chong is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
U.S. v. Ndama-Traore et al IndictmentSioux City, Iowa Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Antonio Thomas Sioux Baker, 27, of Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced June 7, 2023, for assault of an intimate or dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Baker to 3 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Baker will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In March of 2022, Baker assaulted the victim at a gas station on the Winnebago Reservation. The victim, who had been in a dating relationship with Baker, got into a physical altercation with another woman who was at the gas station with Baker. Baker intervened and pushed the victim to the ground. After the victim got up, Baker continued to push the victim who eventually retreated from the altercation with the other woman and with Baker. Baker pursued the victim and struck her in the mouth. The victim lost a tooth and had a large laceration to her lip, requiring stitches. The incident was caught on video by a bystander at the gas station.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Several traffickers sentenced for smuggling meth for cartelRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Four U.S. citizens and one Mexican national have been sent to prison following their convictions for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth associated with the Michoacan drug cartel, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Gerardo Martinez, 65, pleaded guilty March 9. Maria Valdez, 30, Rodrigo Sandoval, 31, both of Laredo, pleaded guilty Sept. 13, 2022, as did Jose Alfredo Cruz-Salas, 37, of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Karina Garcia, 27, Laredo, pleaded guilty Oct. 4, 2022. All admitted to conspiracy to transport a total of approximately 75 kilograms of meth into the United States from Mexico.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Martinez a 240-month term of imprisonment, while Sandoval, Garcia, and Cruz-Salas received 60, 36, and 72 months, respectively. Valdez received 188 months yesterday.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described how defendant Valdez was transporting meth in a vehicle while her five-month-old son was in an improperly-fastened infant car seat. The court admonished Valdez for putting her son at risk in such a way and costing herself the opportunity to watch him grow up.
In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo noted that high-purity Mexican meth was a dangerous and disfiguring drug wreaking havoc on the community. Not a U.S. citizen, Cruz-Salas is expected to face removal proceedings upon the completion of his sentence.
“Martinez was hiding in plain sight, maintaining a front as a taxi driver while secretly doing the bidding of the Michoacan cartel on the streets of Laredo,” said Hamdani. “My late father was a taxi driver and the actions of Martinez simply offend me. He trafficked in pure meth and recruited multiple drivers. The seized drugs could have ruined countless lives. Today’s sentencings underscore the scope of the threat transnational drug cartels pose and our efforts to combat them.”
The investigation revealed a complex conspiracy which began Feb. 1, 2017, and continued through Sept. 29, 2018. Martinez assisted drug traffickers in Mexico by finding and recruiting drivers willing to transport large quantities of high-purity meth through Laredo and further into the United States.
Martinez maintained a front as an independent taxi driver while working on behalf of the Michoacan cartel. He admitted to coordinating the distribution of meth through Laredo on five separate occasions.
Sandoval, Cruz-Salas, Valdez, and Garcia each previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to deliver and transport meth through Laredo while working for Martinez.
All but Karina Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Karina Garcia was permitted to self-surrender at a later date.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Codigo Siete with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
Several charged in coordinated action in business email compromise and money laundering schemesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 11 people in multiple states are now in custody on charges filed in two separate business email compromise prosecutions in the Southern Districts of Texas and New York, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The two-count Texas indictment charges five - Bolaji Okunnu, 29, and Philip Ogbeide Jr., 33, both of Houston; Ayodegi Okunnu, 24, Austin; and Victor Rubio Jr., 26, and Bougar Robert Linares Soto, 41, both of Los Angeles, California. Okunnu and Ogbeide made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in Houston this afternoon.
Six others – all of whom reside in the Houston area – are charged in the New York indictment and also expected to appear today. More information will be available later on this case.
All are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The charges unsealed today pertain to alleged schemes that caused millions in losses to victims who were deceived into sending money to those charged in the scheme.
The charges stem primarily from business email compromise schemes. Conspirators allegedly posed as legitimate businesses and fraudulently diverted money from victim bank accounts into accounts they controlled. According to the charges, they gained access to business email accounts and spoofed email addresses to deceive victims into believing they were making legitimate payments.
The Texas charges include an alleged scheme that fraudulently diverted payments intended for a vendor that had provided electrical and mechanical services to a township in New Jersey. The charges allege conspirators obtained access to the email account of one of the vendor’s employees. They then used that email account to request payment for services to be sent to a new bank account that did not belong to the vendor, according to the charges.
The New Jersey township was allegedly deceived into wiring $287,236 to a fraudulent bank account Rubio had opened instead of actually paying the vendor. The charges further allege conspirators laundered the funds in a manner designed to conceal the source, ownership and control of the funds by quickly transferring the money from Rubio’s account to other bank accounts they controlled. They then withdrew the fraud proceeds incrementally in cash.
If convicted, those charged in Texas each face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation with valuable assistance from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Edison Police Department in New Jersey. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Thomas Carter are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Repeat Offender Arrested for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly distributing methamphetamine.
Vincent Lambert, 40, has been indicted on three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Lambert was arrested today and appeared in federal court in Boston. Lambert was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the charging document, Lambert distributed methamphetamine in Boston on Feb. 15, 2023 and April 4, 2023, as well as in Cambridge on March 2, 2023. It is alleged that the February transaction involved five grams or more of methamphetamine, and that the March and April transactions involved 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to the charging document, Lambert was previously convicted of narcotics offenses in Massachusetts state court.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Levy’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rattan Resident Sentenced for Assault with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marci Ann Weedon, age 46, of Rattan, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
The charges arose from investigations by the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On June 16, 2022, Weedon pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Weedon admitted that on November 11, 2020, she approached a woman in the parking lot of a bar in Antlers, Oklahoma, and stabbed her twice in the chest. According to investigators, witnesses reported that Weedon stated she thought the victim was someone else before fleeing the scene on foot. Pushmataha County Sheriff’s deputies responding to the incident apprehended and arrested Weedon a short distance from the crime scene.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pushmataha County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Weedon will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Raleigh Man Involved in Gas Station Shootout Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – Marcus Antonio Williams, 36, of Raleigh was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented in court, during the early morning hours of October 3, 2020, Williams was involved in an altercation with multiple other individuals at a gas station on Trawick Road in Raleigh. Surveillance video from the gas station shows Williams, a multi-time convicted felon, with a gun in his hand. The video appears to show Williams shoot the firearm at an individual. Another man then returned fire. Williams and another individual each received gunshot wounds from the shootout. Weeks later, on November 18, 2020, police served a search warrant at Williams’s residence in Raleigh. Amongst Williams’s personal items, police found a .45 caliber handgun which had been reported stolen from Durham, NC.
“Felons are not permitted to own a gun and those who participate in violent shootings in public areas are particularly dangerous,” said. U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “My office will continue to prioritize these cases to get these violent individuals off the street. But this case should also serve as a reminder for gun owners to safely secure their firearms to keep them out of the hands of dangerous felons like Williams. Safe storage of guns is one of the best ways to prevent gun violence in the first place.”
“The Raleigh Police Department is proud to have worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by providing the necessary evidence to prosecute this case,” commented Chief Estella Patterson. “The sentencing of Mr. Williams ensures that he is no longer free to endanger the lives of innocent community members through willful and violent shootings. It is a top priority of the Raleigh Police Department to make our city the safest in the country, and we will do so by preventing violent offenders, such as Mr. Williams, from ever having the freedom to hold a firearm ever again.”
Williams was named in a single-count indictment on April 7, 2021, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm for the gun found amongst his belongings on November 18, 2020. He pleaded guilty on October 20, 2021.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan . The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon L. Boykin and Sarah E. Nokes 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. 5:21-CR-155-FL.
###
Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Former Employer of $4.4 Million in Fake Invoice SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BHASKARRAY BAROT pled guilty today to wire fraud in connection with engaging in a years-long scheme to defraud his former employer out of approximately $4.4 million. BAROT pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter on September 7, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Barot created fraudulent invoices and processed them for payment at the Manhattan-based company where he used to work as a procurement manager. Barot designed the invoices to closely resemble the invoices that the company received from real vendors and other entities owed payment from the company. But the fraudulent invoices differed in a crucial way: they directed payment into Barot’s pocket. Today’s guilty plea emphasizes that this Office will seek justice for companies that fall victim to corporate theft.”
According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:
From at least in or about July 2018, up to and including at least August 2022, BAROT engaged in a scheme to defraud his former employer (the “Company”) of approximately $4.4 million through fake invoices designed to resemble those received from legitimate vendors of the Company. BAROT used his position as a procurement manager at the Company to process the fraudulent invoices for payment. When doing so, he often affixed the fake invoices to email messages that he, in some cases, sent in the names of employees of the Company’s real vendors so that it would appear as though the real vendors were seeking payment on the fake invoices.
The fake invoices, however, stated that payment should be made to entities with names that often differed slightly from those of the real vendor companies. BAROT then incorporated companies and opened bank accounts in the names of some of the entities listed for payment on the fake invoices so that he could collect the payments that the Company made on the fake invoices.
BAROT repeated these fraudulent tactics with more than a dozen fictitious entities and caused payment from the Company on approximately 40 fake invoices, totaling approximately $4.4 million.
* * *
BAROT, 32, of Queens, New York, pled guilty to wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle is in charge of the prosecution.
Philadelphia Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA— A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a drug trafficking offense, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Fiordaliza Rodriguez Reyes, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 11, 2020, Rodriguez Reyes was arrested by troopers of the Pennsylvania State Police after she was stopped on Interstate 76 and a search of her vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 800 grams of heroin in the trunk. Rodriguez Reyes was transporting the heroin from New York City to Pittsburgh for further distribution.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted Rodriguez Reyes to remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rodriguez Reyes.
Oregon Man Convicted of Crimes Against Children OffenseRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Julian Muriera, 30 years old, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty against Muriera on the single count of the Superseding Indictment for attempting to produce child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery, with assistance of AUSA Brent Ecenbarger.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
###
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Dominique Thomas, 31, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Thomas to 90 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Thomas will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
From about July of 2016 to April of 2020, Thomas was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, in the Omaha area. Thomas was involved in the distribution of the drugs. During the conspiracy, on January 12, 2019, Thomas was stopped in Omaha with about 86 ecstasy pills. Then in August of 2019, officers intercepted THC vials that a co-defendant sent from Stockton, California, to Thomas. During a portion of the conspiracy, Thomas resided at an Omaha residence which served as a drug involved premises that the conspirators used to facilitate the drug trafficking.
Co-defendants Ty-Sean Nunn, George Buck, Willis Parker, Anthony Hill-Gaines, and Jerrell Jackson have all pled guilty to charges related to the conspiracy. They are all pending sentencing. Only co-defendant Terrance Traynham is pending trial. Traynham was previously sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for conduct related to this conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department.
Ocean County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receiving Child Pornography and Online Enticement of MinorRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised release for receiving images of child sexual abuse and inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service. David M. Frew, 42, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp on July 18, 2022, to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FURRELL JOHNSON, age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to a two-count indictment charging him with Carjacking and violating the Federal Gun Control Act.
Specifically, JOHNSON pleaded guilty to the carjacking of a Honda CRV on October 13, 2022. JOHNSON admitted that he pointed a handgun at the victim while he committed the offense.
On Count 1, the carjacking, JOHNSON faces a maximum of fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. On Count 2, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, he faces a minimum of seven years to a maximum of life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller.
Navajo Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Jameson Begaye was sentenced to 97 months in prison. Begaye, 44, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on August 26, 2022, to voluntary manslaughter.
According to the plea agreement and court records, on March 7, 2021, in Shiprock, New Mexico, Begaye killed K.B. by shooting him in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis as Begaye was trying to forcefully enter the home of K.B.’s daughter, who was also Begaye’s ex-girlfriend. After shooting and killing K.B., Begaye fled the scene. Officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department were unable to locate Begaye that night but spotted his car outside Shiprock the following day. Begaye again fled from officers. During the ensuing high-speed pursuit, which reached speeds of 112 miles per hour, officers saw Begaye throw an object from the window of his car. Begaye also fired multiple gunshots from the car toward the officers. One round struck an officer’s windshield. Begaye eventually stopped and was arrested. When officers searched the roadway near the area police observed something being thrown from the car, they located the handgun used to kill K.B.
Upon his release from prison, Begaye faces three years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones prosecuted the case.
# # #
23-123
Nash County Man Barred from Sweepstakes Scheme Targeting Senior CitizensRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina permanently enjoined Alpheus Brewer of Nashville, North Carolina, from further participation in a fraud scheme that victimized elderly Americans. The Government alleges that participants in the fraud scheme falsely claimed that individuals had won a sweepstakes or lottery, and then induced the victims to transmit money to Brewer to account for taxes and/or fees purportedly associated with, or to otherwise obtain the release of, the victims’ falsely promised winnings.
“Mr. Brewer is alleged to have taken advantage of some of the most vulnerable members of our community through his participation in a scheme that robbed them of their savings,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This action reflects our continued commitment to using every tool in our arsenal to combat elder fraud and abuse, and to ensuring justice for our community.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to investigating individuals who abuse consumer trust and target the elderly and vulnerable individuals because of greed,” said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors, along with our federal partners, are committed to holding responsible those individuals who utilize the U.S. Mail in furtherance of illicit schemes at the expense of the public.”
The United States alleged that from approximately mid-2021 to at least early 2023, Brewer assisted and facilitated this predatory mail-fraud, wire-fraud, and money-laundering scheme that was, in a nutshell, a sweepstakes or lottery scam. Brewer received the victims’ funds through the United States Postal Service or commercial mail carriers, deposited the fraudulently obtained funds into various bank accounts that Brewer owned in the United States, and then permitted individuals in Jamaica to withdraw the funds through automated teller machines.
As alleged by the Government, on at least two separate occasions, the United States Postal Inspection Service warned Brewer that he appeared to be involved in a fraudulent scheme and informed him that he should not participate further. Brewer continued participating. When approached by law enforcement, Brewer admitted his participation in the scheme, explaining that he, too, was a victim of a lottery fraud scheme and was trying to recover his own losses. All told, the United States alleged that victims of this scheme lost approximately $143,000.
The United States filed a complaint against Brewer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1345, which allows the Government to enjoin certain fraudulent behavior. Brewer cooperated with the Government’s investigation and consented to the injunction, which the Court entered on June 1, 2023.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Anderson and Andrew Kasper represented the United States.
Other than the findings in the Court’s order, the United States’ factual assertions are allegations only. The Court has, however, determined that Brewer is liable in this civil action, and has entered the injunction against him.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CV-260-FL.
Mother and Son Indicted for Drug Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment alleging that Moises Gonzalez-Rodriguez (age: 20) and Blanca E. Rodriguez (age: 52) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, conspired to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. The indictment also alleges that Blanca Rodriguez laundered the proceeds of the drug sales in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(i). Blanca Rodriguez is the mother of Moises Gonzalez-Rodriguez.
If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, each defendant faces a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment and up to a life sentence. Rodriguez also faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the money laundering offense.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
Milwaukee Felon Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and related Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Koleh B. Wilson (age: 45) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Counts One and Two of the indictment allege that Wilson was in possession of a 9 mm firearm and over 40 grams of fentanyl in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Additionally, Count Three of the indictment alleges that Wilson possessed the 9 mm firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
As a convicted felon, Wilson is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of Count One of the indictment. If convicted of dealing fentanyl, as alleged in Count Two of the indictment, Wilson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’, and up to 40 years’, imprisonment. If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, as alleged in Count Three of the indictment, Wilson would face an additional minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to a life sentence.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department and the Milwaukee Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
Massage Envy Agrees to Address Alleged Americans with Disabilities Act Violations in All Franchised Locations NationwideRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Massage Envy Franchising, LLC, and ME SPE Franchising, LLC (“Massage Envy”) have entered into a settlement agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, requiring the company to change policies at all of its franchised locations nationwide in order to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. There are approximately 1,100 Massage Envy franchised locations in 49 states, including five in Rhode Island.
The agreement follows an investigation initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island after receiving allegations that Massage Envy franchisees had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when they discriminated against individuals with disabilities who, because of their disability, needed assistance transferring to and from massage/facial tables.
“For more than thirty years, the Americans with Disabilities Act has made one thing emphatically clear: places of public accommodation have a duty to accommodate everyone, regardless of disability,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “When businesses open their doors to the public, they have an obligation to make their services accessible, and when they do not meet that obligation, we will act. I am pleased that, with today’s agreement, Massage Envy has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that customers can access these facilities not only in Rhode Island, but across the nation.”
One such complaint came from an individual who needed assistance transferring to and from a massage table, on account of vision and mobility disabilities. A manager at the Massage Envy franchise location in Providence, Rhode Island, informed her that a corporate policy prohibited employees from providing transfer assistance, and that the individual would need to bring in a third-party to assist her. The investigation revealed that Massage Envy had a policy that required all franchisees to require customers to bring in a friend, family member or other helper if they needed assistance with getting on or off the table.
Under the settlement agreement, Massage Envy will end their policy of prohibiting staff from providing transfer assistance to people with disabilities, and will develop new ADA policies, which will be included on its website and posted at all franchised locations. Massage Envy will also report any future complaints and has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure ongoing compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement. Massage Envy will also pay a settlement of $10,000 to the individual who was denied transfer assistance at the Providence location.
The matter was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill C. Solomon from the District of Arizona
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a place of public accommodation or public entity in Rhode Island is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5000 or by email at [email protected].
###
massage_envy_ada_settlement_agreement.pdfMarysville, Washington, man who ran fentanyl pill mill from his garage sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Marysville, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 15 years in prison for three federal felonies connected to the fentanyl pill manufacturing lab in his rental home, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Jose Eduardo Garnica, 34, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to conspiracy to manufacture and deliver controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “This is one of the largest fentanyl seizures in the district. Mr. Garnica had so much fentanyl a hazmat team had to be called in.”
“This case weaves together all the strands that make fentanyl trafficking such a dangerous business,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “Mr. Garnica was manufacturing fentanyl pills with deadly powders that could make each pill lethal. His activities contaminated the home he rented, and he had 27 guns – many of them high powered assault weapons – adding to the danger. This is a significant prison sentence, but appropriate due to the risk he posed to our community.”
According to records filed in the case, Garnica came to the attention of law enforcement on June 17, 2022, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Los Angeles inspected a package shipped from China to Garnica’s Marysville address. The package was labeled “furniture parts,” but in fact it contained dies for use in a pill press that would make pills that appear to have the markings of oxycodone pills. Further investigation of Garnica and Wilson revealed numerous unusual cash transactions and the purchase of 11 firearms in a three-month span of 2020. In fact, when law enforcement searched the home, agents seized 27 guns and 25 kilos of fentanyl. Law enforcement also seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition.
On July 21, 2022, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI executed search warrants at the Marysville residence and seized the pill press
and other materials for making fake oxycodone pills in the garage. Officers called a hazmat team to secure the lab due to the potentially deadly nature of fentanyl powder. Investigators determined that fentanyl residue had spread from the manufacturing location in the garage, throughout the house. The spread may have been caused by the HVAC system. Garnica has agreed to pay more than $71,000 to the owner of the home to remediate the residence.
In addition to the pill press and fentanyl powder, law enforcement found kilo sized bricks of fentanyl pills that appeared to have been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. Also of great concern, some of the pills Garnica was manufacturing also contained Xylazine – a sedative used in veterinary medicine that has been linked to more deaths. In some instances, those injected with Xylazine had had tissue damage requiring amputation.
In asking for an 18-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi cited the unique danger of fentanyl and the heavy toll of fatal overdoses in King County. “…Fentanyl overdose deaths have continued to soar in the Seattle area. Overdose deaths attributable in whole or in part to fentanyl have risen from just 22 in 2016 to 709 in 2022. As of May 26, more than 500 overdose deaths were attributable to fentanyl for 2023 to date – a pace that puts King County at more than 1,000 overdose deaths by year end.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI with assistance from the Washington State Patrol, National Guard Civil Service Team, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Custom and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, the Snohomish County Drug Task Force, and the Skagit County Drug Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Fatally Shooting StrangerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brandon Randall, 35, of Annapolis, Maryland, was sentenced on June 2, 2023, to 264 months in prison for shooting a stranger outside a Northwest Washington D.C. night club, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Randall pleaded guilty on November 22, 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of second-degree murder while armed. The Honorable Milton C. Lee, Jr. accepted the plea and sentenced Randall to 22 years’ incarceration. Following his prison term, Randall will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 24, 2019, at approximately 1:24 a.m., a fight broke out during a music event at the Safari DC Restaurant and Lounge, located in the 4300 block of Georgia Avenue Northwest. The patrons, including the victim, David Brandon, and Randall, were forced outside. Surveillance video shows that Randall and his associates were amidst a group of people who were walking away from the night club. As they were walking, Randall removed a firearm from his waistband, and one of his associates punched another individual. Randall then fired his gun towards the group of people and ran away with his associates. Randall continued to fire more rounds as he ran towards an SUV and ultimately fled the scene.
The victim, David Brandon, sustained five gunshot wounds and died a short time later. Randall was arrested on July 17, 2019. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Annapolis Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark and Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman.
Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Colleen Kukowski, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Marathon County Man Charged with Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin returned an indictment today charging Jacob L. Gould, 34, Weston, Wisconsin with drug crimes involving fentanyl and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that twice on January 6, 2023, Gould possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute, and that one of the possessions with intent to distribute involved 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment also charges that on January 6, 2023, Gould possessed a 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine, knowing he had been previously convicted of a felony offense.
If convicted, Gould faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the count alleging the possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 20 years on the second drug count, and 15 years on the gun count.
The charges against Gould are the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, comprised of investigators from the FBI, Everest Metro Police Department, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program, with the assistance of the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Manitowoc Firearm Theft Leads to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Dewane J. Mrotek (age: 45) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Mrotek stole a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer, Fleet Farm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(u).
If convicted of stealing the firearm he faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the City of Manitowoc Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
414-297-1700
Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Christopher J. Fernandez, 33, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher, sentenced Fernandez to 78 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his federal sentence is complete, Fernandez will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On March 11, 2020, an Omaha Police Department-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confidential source equipped with audio and video recording equipment purchased 58 grams of methamphetamine from Fernandez at his residence. Following this purchase, Fernandez was arrested and charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Madison Man Sentenced for Participating in Straw Purchase of FirearmsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Isaiah Phillips, 18, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 60 days in jail for aiding and abetting a false statement during a purchase of a firearm. The period of incarceration will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Phillips pled guilty to this charge on March 14, 2023.
On June 2, 2022, law enforcement in Fitchburg began an investigation into illegal purchasing of firearms, known as “straw purchasing,” involving Phillips and two others.
On February 7, 2021, an individual purchased a Glock 19X in DeForest, Wisconsin, and represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when in fact she was not. She had actually purchased the firearm for Phillips, who was a friend of her boyfriend. Phillips is under the age of 21 and cannot legally purchase a handgun.
The Glock 19X was stolen from Phillips in March. Subsequently, Phillips asked this same individual to purchase a second firearm for him and on March 22, 2021, that individual purchased a Glock 17 at the same firearms store in DeForest and gave that handgun to Phillips. She again misrepresented that she was the actual purchaser of the firearm when she was actually buying the firearm for Phillips. On July 17, 2022, Phillips was arrested during a traffic stop and found in possession of the Glock 17.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson observed that Phillips was involved in “gun culture.” The judge’s decision to impose 60 days of jail time was driven by Phillips’s non-compliance on pretrial supervision. Judge Peterson remarked that he had “never had someone as defiant on pretrial supervision” as Phillips. The judge addressed that Phillips’s actions were irresponsible and that his behaviors are both “self-destructive and dangerous to the community.”
The charge against Phillips was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg, Madison, Monona, and Middleton Police Departments, Dane County Tactical Response Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn E. Ginsberg and Corey C. Stephan 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.
Madison Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearms in Grand ChuteRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Edlando M. Watson (age: 39) of Madison, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Watson, a felon, was in possession of five firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
As a convicted felon, Watson is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of that charge.
This case was investigated by the City of Madison Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
Local woman ordered to prison after chasing down trafficked victim who tried to escapeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 30-year-old woman who resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to traffic an adult female for sex by force, fraud or coercion., announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Samaria Kearney pleaded guilty Feb. 15.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal sentenced Kearney to a total of 72 months of imprisonment. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the sentence reflected the delicate balance between Kearney being under the influence of another person, engaging in prostitution and causing others to become a victim of sex trafficking. Judge Rosenthal further noted the sentence was commensurate with the brief time Kearney was controlling this victim. Kearney will serve five years on supervised release following completion of her prison term. During that time, she will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict her access to children and the internet. Kearney will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The day before her plea, her boyfriend and co-defendant Aryion Dupree Jackson received a 324-month-prison term for his participation in this case and an additional sex trafficking case involving minor females.
Between June and July 2020, while Jackson was in custody in Harris County, Kearney controlled a victim for him. He had directed her to do so in recorded calls from the jail. The plan was to put this victim on “the blade,” an area known for prostitution, and cause her to engage in commercial sex. However, the victim escaped and called police.
Kearney was responsible for driving the victim to a hotel, taking her phone and documents, threatening the victim and her family and chasing her down when she tried to escape. During that chase, Kearney was on the phone with Jackson.
Kearney will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly Ann Leo prosecuted the case.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Leader of San Francisco MS-13 Clique Convicted by Jury of Racketeering Conspiracy, and Murder & Attempted Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal jury found Elmer Rodriguez, a/k/a Gordo, guilty of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence related to his participation in the MS-13 20th Street clique, announced Acting First Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Colthurst and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. The verdicts follow a three-week trial before the Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief United States District Judge.
“Bringing these violent criminal gang members to justice is a direct result of the partnerships between HSI SF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County Sherriff’s Office,” said Tatum King, special agent in charge, HSI San Francisco / NorCal. “HSI personnel and law enforcement partners dedicated years to this complex investigation with the ultimate goals of holding criminals accountable and prevention of additional victimization in our communities.”
The trial centered on the conduct of Elmer Rodriguez, the alleged leader of the MS-13 20th Street clique. Rodriguez was convicted of ordering the murder of Jorge Martinez near 19th and Mission Street on March 17, 2017. Martinez had been celebrating his birthday after attending a Warriors basketball game with his son. After the game, they went to a bar in the Mission District. Rodriguez and other MS-13 clique members were also present at the bar that night and identified Martinez as a possible rival Norteño gang member. Rodriguez ordered another clique associate to murder Martinez. The associate followed Martinez out of the bar and shot him to death.
Rodriguez was also convicted for ordering the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, a/k/a “P Wee,” on May 25, 2017. Alvarez was a 20th Street clique member who Rodriguez and others in the clique believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Rodriguez sanctioned Alvarez’s murder because of these suspicions. Rodriguez and his associates, including Edwin Alvarado Amaya, a/k/a “Muerte” and Kenneth Campos, a/k/a “Nesio,” lured Alvarez into a car. Campos drove the group to Bernal Heights Park where the group intended to kill him. At the park, Rodriguez gave a signal to Alvarado Amaya, who then hacked Alvarez to death by inflicting dozens of deep wounds to his face and torso with a machete. Alvarado Amaya and Campos pleaded guilty to the crime and have been sentenced for their roles in this murder.
Rodriguez was further convicted of attempted murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence following a shooting that followed an extortion attempt by Rodriguez and other MS-13 associates on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District on November 26, 2017.
Rodriguez’s trial featured evidence of the MS-13 20th Street clique’s other racketeering activities, including two other previously unsolved homicides. A member of the 20th Street clique shot German Polanco Gil to death on September 2, 2015, in the Bayview District of San Francisco after he and another member spotted Gil walking near his home. The gang member believed Gil was a rival Norteño gang member so they drove around the block, returned to where Gil was walking, and fatally shoot him on the sidewalk. Clique member Rogelio Belloso Aleman, a/k/a “Smiley,” pleaded guilty to, and admitted his role in, this murder.
Members of the 20th Street clique also murdered Gilberto Rodriguez at the Gray Whale Cove parking lot in Pacifica. Clique members including Kevin Reyes Melendez, a/k/a “Neutron,” Kevin Guatemala Zepeda, a/k/a “Mision,” and Abner Marroquin Alegria, a/k/a “Coche,” lured Gilberto Rodriguez away from San Francisco and ultimately drove him to a remote parking lot in Pacifica where multiple associates, including Reyes Melendez, murdered him by stabbing him with a machete and shooting him to death.
In addition to these murders, the trial featured evidence of additional acts of violence including:
- a September 16, 2016 shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street;
- an October 27, 2016 gang assault in the Mission District;
- a May 17, 2017 gang assault outside of a taqueria in the Mission District;
- a November 30, 2017 attempted murder at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District.
In sum, the jury convicted Rodriguez of participating in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d). In addition, the jury convicted Rodriguez of two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1), one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5), and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Rodriguez faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment. Further, additional fines, forfeitures, and restitution may be ordered; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Rodriguez is in federal custody pending sentencing. Rodriguez’s sentencing hearing is set for September 19, 2023.
In total, 14 defendants have been convicted as a part of this investigation, which has resulted in convictions relating to four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons.
Defendant Age Charges Sentence ABNER MARROQUIN ALEGRIA
a/k/a “Coche” or “Chapin” 42 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 204 months in prison ROGELIO BELLOSO ALEMAN
a/k/a “Smiley” 30 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 204 months in prison Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 EDWIN ALVARADO AMAYA
a/k/a “Muerte” 26 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 300 months in prison Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5) and 2 KENNETH CAMPOS,
a/k/a “Nesio” 33 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 204 months in prison Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (two counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 EVERT
GALDAMEZ
CISNEROS
a/k/a “Talentoso” 25 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 60 months in prison Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 OSCAR ESPINAL a/k/a “Chuy” 32 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 144 months in prison Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5) and 2 KEVIN REYES MELENDEZ, a/k/a “Neutron” 30 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 300 months in prison Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering (two counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5) and 2 MISSAEL MENDOZA 22 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 36 months in prison CHRISTIAN QUINTANILLA 22 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 36 months in prison BRIGIDO JOSUE GONZALES SALES a/k/a “Inocente” or “Kiko” 22 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 144 months in prison Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) and 2 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 ALEXIS CRUZ ZEPEDA a/k/a “Zorro” 29 Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 192 months in prison Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(5) and 2 KEVIN GUATEMALA ZEPEDA 27 Racketeering Conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 204 months in prison Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2 FERNANDO ROMERO BONILLA 25 Racketeering Conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 84 months in prison Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2This case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Strike Force of the Office of the United States Attorney. The prosecution is the result of an investigations by HSI, the San Francisco Police Department Homicide Unit and Community Violence Reduction Team, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit and Investigations Bureau, Daly City Police Department, Pinole Police Department, Redwood City Police Department Street Crimes Reduction Team, and San Pablo Police Department.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Conveying a Hoax and False Information by Sending White Powder LettersRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brent Carter, age 73, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced yesterday to time served for conveying a hoax and false information in connection with his sending white powder letters to the New York State Gaming Commission.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Carter admitted that between October 2017 and November 2018, he left numerous voicemails for employees at the New York State Gaming Commission in Schenectady, New York, in which he used threatening language. Carter also admitted that between 2019 and 2021, he mailed four letters containing white powder and other substances to the Commission. He further admitted that he sent the letters and voicemails to the Commission as revenge for suspending his license for horse racing.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Carter to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Schenectady Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Richard Belliss.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Using Skimming Devices on Gas Pumps in Nevada and Southern CaliforniaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 56 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a large gas pump skimming fraud scheme in Nevada and Southern California.
Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of use of unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, from at least June 2018 and continuing through June 2020, Sosa Tamayo, together with co-conspirators Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, Adrian Leyva Tamayo, and Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez, installed skimming devices on gas pump terminals in and around Las Vegas and Reno, Nev., and Bakersfield and Fresno, Calif., to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting customers. They subsequently recoded the stolen account information and other personal data onto counterfeit cards. Then, the defendants used the counterfeit cards to fraudulently obtain goods and to make ATM cash withdrawals. Sosa Tamayo and his co-conspirators captured at least 8,229 stolen credit and debit card numbers through the use of their skimmers, and caused a total estimated loss amount of $5,032,616.
Adrian Leyva Tamayo awaits sentencing on June 22, 2023; Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez was previously sentenced to 70 months in prison and Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez was previously sentenced to 61 months in prison for their role in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Karon Ransom for the United States Secret Service made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.
If you are a victim of identity theft, you may make a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-438-4338 or online at www.identitytheft.gov. For identity theft prevention tips and free resources visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
###
Justice Department Co-Hosts Second Meeting of the Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum in NorwayRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (State CT) co-hosted the second annual meeting of the Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum (CTLEF) with the Government of Norway in Oslo from June 6 to 7. The CTLEF, which focuses on countering the global threat of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE), brought together law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice practitioners from Europe and North and South America, as well as specialists from INTERPOL, Europol, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law and other multilateral organizations to discuss how to effectively address and counter REMVE threats.
Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division provided opening remarks with U.S. Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ian Moss and Norway’s Minster of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl. AAG Olsen noted that the United States remains committed to addressing REMVE extremism in conjunction with foreign partners. The complex challenges posed by REMVE actors require a coordinated international response that sees countries work together to understand and address REMVE recruiting, financing and attack-planning. Coordinated action by rule of law practitioners worldwide is a key strategy to degrading REMVE activities.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) and Counselor for International Affairs Bruce Swartz, along with a Norwegian counterpart, delivered closing remarks after the first day of CTLEF meetings. DAAG Swartz noted that this meeting continued the important work that began at last year’s first ever CTLEF and encouraged all participants to continue their ongoing efforts in preventing and addressing terrorism and REMVE threats.
OPDAT Director Faye Ehrenstamm, along with State CT’s Bureau and a Norwegian counterpart delivered the closing remarks at the end of the CTLEF. Director Ehrenstamm first thanked the delegations for attending and participating in this important initiative. She further emphasized the importance of international cooperation to learn about and address REMVE threats and pointed out participants had shared many important insights with each other during the forum. She concluded by emphasizing that the experiences exchanged and lessons learned at the year’s CTLEF illustrates the importance of working together on this critical threat.
The Governments of the United States and Germany co-hosted the inaugural meeting of the CTLEF in Berlin in May 2022. The initial meeting increased government’s focus, awareness and understanding about REMVE activity globally and focused on the strengthening of international cooperation to counter this terrorist threat. The June 2023 meeting built on the 2022 meeting and continued to increase international knowledge of this terrorist threat, as well as focusing on strengthening mechanisms and international cooperation to counter this threat. A more robust shared understanding and picture of REMVE global activity, including the overlap with anti-government and conspiracy theorist movements, will be critical in the years ahead as REMVE threats continue to build their transnational ties. This forum serves as a locale to begin building lines of communication between like-minded law enforcement and other partners and practitioners around the world who are working on this problem set. The CTLEF will convene again in the spring of 2024.
Officials from the U.S. Departments of State, Justice, and Treasury, as well as representatives from over 40 countries and various international and multilateral organizations, also participated in this meeting.
Please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-opdat for more information about OPDAT’s capacity building efforts around the world.
Jury Convicts St. Louis Man of Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Louis, Mo., man traveling by bus from Los Angeles, Calif., has been convicted in a federal jury trial of possessing methamphetamine to distribute after more than 31 pounds of methamphetamine was found in his luggage at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station.
Cregg L. Matthews, 56, was found guilty on Tuesday, June 6, of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Matthews has been detained in federal custody without bail since his arrest on March 9, 2019.
Law enforcement officers were conducting drug interdiction activities at a local bus station at about 10:27 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019. A bus arrived from Los Angeles en route to St. Louis, and a Kansas City, Mo., police detective used a service canine to check the luggage under the bus in the luggage bins. When all the passengers were off the bus, they also checked the luggage in the passenger compartment.
The police service canine alerted to Matthews’s suitcase, which was in the overhead bin above his seat on the bus. Matthews was carrying a black bag when he was contacted to which the police service canine also later alerted.
When investigators searched the black bag Matthews was carrying, they found 10 bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 10 pounds and some marijuana. In the suitcase retrieved from the bus, investigators found 16 bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 21.6 pounds.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., returned a guilty verdict to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, June 5.
Under federal statutes, Matthews is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant 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 United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. Foley and John Constance. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and MoWIN (the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force).
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAWN RABATHALY, age 22, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 6, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan to 46 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Judge Morgan also imposed RABATHALY’s sentence consecutive to whatever sentence that may arise from a pending case in the 24th Judicial District Court of Louisiana. In that matter, RABATHALY is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On August 5, 2021, Jefferson Parish detectives observed RABATHALY exit his residence, remove an Anderson Model AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle from his trunk, and placed it in the passenger compartment. Later that day, detectives stopped RABATHALY’S vehicle and discovered the rifle in plain view inside the vehicle. As a convicted felon, it is unlawful for RABATHALY to possess a firearm. Thereafter, detectives arrested RABATHALY.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.
Jackson County Detention Center Employee Indicted for Smuggling K2-Laced Papers to Jail InmatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An employee of the Jackson County Detention Center, along with three associates of an inmate detained at the center, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle papers laced with K2 to jail inmates.
Aaron D. Copes, 42, of Grandview, Mo., Deanna K. Clark, also known as “Nina,” 32, and Stephanie McDaniel, 31, both of Kansas City, Mo., and James A. Booker, Jr., 37, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a single-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 31, 2023. That indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests of Copes, Clark, and Booker this week.
Copes was employed as a case manager at the Jackson County Detention Center. His duties included interviewing inmates daily, providing counseling and mediation for inmates, and providing training to correctional officers. Clark and Booker were close associates of an inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center, who is identified in court documents as unindicted co-conspirator CC1. McDaniel was the girlfriend of CC1. The indictment also refers to another inmate, identified as unindicted co-conspirator CC2.
Copes, Clark, Booker, and McDaniel are charged with participating in a conspiracy from March 2020 to October 2021 to smuggle contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center.
Copes allegedly took bribe money and sexual favors in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center and delivering it to inmates, including CC1 and CC2. Conspirators allegedly smuggled in K2, a controlled substance, which was soaked onto sheets of paper that were smoked by inmates.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Iowa Woman Sentenced to More than Five Years for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced on June 7, 2023, that Anne Marie Flynn, age 45, of Luxemburg, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Flynn to 63 months’ imprisonment. She was also ordered to serve a 4-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On August 26, 2021, an officer with the Omaha Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle. In the vehicle officers located five pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms. An investigation revealed that Anne Flynn rented the vehicle and it was used to drive to Colorado to pick up loads of methamphetamine purchased from codefendant Melanie McDonald. Agents corroborated this information through rental receipts showing Flynn rented vehicles used for trips to Colorado. Agents also found Facebook messages between Flynn and McDonald where the two discussed their involvement in the conspiracy. Agents also located a phone call where Flynn admitted renting the car the methamphetamine was found in.
Codefendant McDonald is currently scheduled for trial starting July 18, 2023.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Indianapolis Felon Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Nicholas Karagianis, 38, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on October 7, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents witnessed Karagianis sell 62.2 grams of methamphetamine and 2.9 grams of fentanyl to an individual for $900. On November 1, 2021, Karagianis sold 108.7 grams of methamphetamine and 3 grams of fentanyl to the same individual in a parking lot near East Thompson Road in Indianapolis.
On December 8, 2021, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Karagianis’s home. During the search, agents located a .40 caliber handgun in the nightstand. Agents also found 38.1 grams of fentanyl on Karagianis’s person.
According to the DEA, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. Six out of ten counterfeit pills examined by the DEA in the past year contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
Karagianis is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a syringe.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
“Fentanyl is devastating our communities at an unprecedented rate. Illegally armed fentanyl dealers pose an even greater danger to the public,” said United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “We continue to work diligently with the DEA to aggressively address this epidemic and remove armed fentanyl dealers from our neighborhoods.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Karagianis be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, 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.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
###
Illinois Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Alexander Greene, 27 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Greene was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 22, 2022, the Indiana State Police responded to a vehicle crash and spoke with Greene. From Greene’s possession, a trooper recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device attached. The machinegun conversion device made the pistol capable of firing multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger. Greene’s criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and possession of a stolen vehicle, and as such, is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel L. Mathur and Kevin F. Wolff.
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.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Elijah Figg, also known as "Bang," 23, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, admitting to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 29, 2020, Figg sold 3 pounds of methamphetamine for $16,500 to an individual in Charleston. Figg admitted to using his mobile device to communicate with the individual to arrange the deal. Figg further admitted that he knew the individual was going to redistribute the methamphetamine.
After the transaction, Figg traveled with four other people to the Beckley area of Raleigh County. Law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle, and the driver attempted to flee. The pursuit ended when the vehicle struck some utility poles. Officers searched the vehicle and found $18,332 and methamphetamine residue. Figg admitted that the money found included the $16,500 he received from the methamphetamine transaction.
Figg is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Figg participated in a participated in a DTO responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Charleston area. A dozen individuals pleaded guilty in connection with this prosecution, the result of an investigation dubbed “Woo Boyz.” During the course of the nearly year-long investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 firearms, including an IMI Industries Uzi fully automatic 9mm submachine gun, and more than $375,000 in cash.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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 Nos. 2:21-cr-32 and 2:23-cr-88.
###
Houston man pleads guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year old resident of Houston has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities identified Nathan Steward Oct. 4, 2019, as the subject of a suspicious persons call. Law enforcement took him into custody and discovered a stolen firearm in his bag.
Steward admitted he possessed the Sig Sauer .380 caliber pistol.
Previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
“At the core of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) mission to reduce violent crime is investigating and brining to justice prohibited individuals that chose to possess firearms, in violation of federal law,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “These guns are disproportionately used to commit additional crimes and often threaten the public safety of our communities.”
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will impose sentencing Sept. 11. At that time, Steward faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Steward was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Tyler White are prosecuting the case.
Hickory Business Owner and Co-Conspirator Are Sentenced for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Shawn Lamont Hickman, 32, of Newton, N.C., and Amos Lamont Bruen, 47, of Valdese, N.C., to 156 months and 97 months in prison respectively for trafficking methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison terms imposed, Hickman and Bruen were each ordered to serve four years of supervised release after they are released from prison.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Reed Baer of the Hickory Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed documents and information presented in court, beginning in December 2021, law enforcement became aware that Bruen was dealing narcotics out of a business he owned in Hickory, N.C., Amos Essential Oils. An undercover officer visited Bruen’s business and arranged to purchase narcotics from Bruen. Between December 2021 and February 2022, the undercover officer met several times with Bruen at his store and conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine totaling more than 1.5 kilograms. Court records show that Hickman was present on several occasions while the undercover officer was conducting the controlled purchases, often armed with a firearm.
According to court records, on February 26, 2022, law enforcement observed Hickman engage in narcotics transactions in the parking lot of a pool hall, Corner Pocket. Hickman was arrested and officers recovered a firearm and methamphetamine from Hickman’s vehicle. On March 1, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bruen’s residence. During the search of Bruen’s home and vehicle, officers seized marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and a firearm. An additional firearm and ammunition were also seized from Bruen’s business.
On November 22, 2022, Bruen pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Hickman pleaded guilty on February 14, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The defendants are currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Boykin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Green Bay Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearms and Drug Trafficking ActivityRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Fabian J. Duarte (age: 32) of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Duarte, a felon, was in possession of two firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Duarte is also alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a) and 841(b)(1)(C).
As a convicted felon, Duarte is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of that charge. He faces an additional 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the drug charge.
This case was investigated by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
Grand Jury Indicts Knoxville Woman Previously Arrested in Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On June 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a one-count indictment against Melody Sasser, 47, of Knoxville, TN, for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958. Sasser was arrested on Thursday, May 18, 2023, pursuant to a criminal complaint. The case has been assigned to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin and District Court Judge Thomas A. Varlan. An arraignment has been scheduled for June 21, 2023 at 1:30pm.
According to documents filed with the court, it is alleged that from December 31, 2022 through April 2023, Sasser contacted a dark web hosted site known as the Online Killers Market for the purpose of hiring a hitman to murder an Alabama resident. In her communications with the site, Sasser provided photographs and location information of the victim. Sasser paid nearly $10,000 in Bitcoin to the site administrators to purchase the services of a hitman.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud and Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard made the announcement.
If convicted, Sasser faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine, restitution, and a maximum three-year term of supervised release.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by HSI Knoxville and HSI Birmingham, with the assistance of the Knoxville Police Department and the Prattville Alabama Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne-Marie Svolto will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
###
Further Charges Added Against Detroit Man Held in Murder-For-Hire PlanRead the Press Release
Among Additional Charges, Defendant Allegedly Plotted to Kill a Witness Against Him
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury has returned a Superseding Indictment against Gerald Bennett, 63, from Detroit, Michigan. In the Superseding Indictment, Bennett is charged with (1) conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death, (2) kidnapping resulting in death, (3) kidnapping of a minor victim, and (4) solicitation to commit a crime of violence. If convicted of count one or two, Bennett will be sentenced to a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A copy of the indictment is attached. A previous press release on this case, with further background, was issued in April 2023.
“The allegations in this case are tragic, grave, and compelling,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “My thoughts are very much with the victim’s family and my office looks forward to presenting the evidence against Mr. Bennett at a fair trial.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, Bennett was hired by a man named Quinn James to kill M.D., a then-16-year-old high school sophomore, who was abducted and killed in January 2018. There were initially concerns about Bennett’s competency to stand trial following his arrest on federal kidnapping charges, but a forensic psychologist from the Bureau of Prisons has determined that Bennett is competent to stand trial. A federal magistrate reviewed the psychologist’s findings and agreed.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that while the competency evaluation was pending, Bennett attempted to engage in a scheme to kill another person; Count 4 alleges that Bennett tried to hire a fellow inmate to murder an expected witness against Bennett. According to the charge, Bennett told the fellow inmate that he would fake incompetency to give the inmate time to be released from custody and complete the killing on Bennett’s behalf.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and Austin Hakes and investigated by the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and the FBI in cooperation with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Click here to view the Indictment.###
Fruitland Man Sentenced to Two Years for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Vern A. Anderson was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Anderson, 40, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 17, 2022, to involuntary manslaughter.
According to the plea agreement and court records, on Sept. 26, 2021, after hours of drinking together, Anderson got into a physical altercation with his brother, identified as John Doe in court documents, at a residence in Nenahnezad, New Mexico. Anderson stabbed his brother in the back, chest, and head a total of five times. John Doe suffered multiple defensive wounds on his hands and arms in the violent attack and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Upon his release from prison, Anderson faces three years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores prosecuted the case.
# # #
23-124
Four admit to roles in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Four Laredo residents have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and launder money, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cesar Mendiola, 57, Jose Angel Rodriguez, Jr., 60, Rafael Rodriguez, 63, and Jose Angel Rodriguez III, 34, all admitted to the felony charges as related to cocaine distribution and money laundering in Laredo.
Throughout the course of this investigation, authorities seized nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine and over $147,000 in drug proceeds.
The investigation revealed brothers Rodriguez Jr. and Rafael Rodriguez would receive kilograms of cocaine from a source in Mexico and provide that cocaine to Mendiola for further distribution in and around Laredo. Rodriguez III kept records of transactions and drug proceeds for his father, Rodriguez Jr.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Sept. 7. At that time, Mendiola and Rodriguez Jr. face up to life in federal prison. Rafael Rodriguez and Rodriguez III could receive up to 40 and 20 years, respectively.
Mendiola, Rodriguez Jr. and Rafael Rodriguez remain in custody while Rodriguez III was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the United Independent School District Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Former Texas Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Sentenced for Using Unlawful Force on an InmateRead the Press Release
A former Van Zandt County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office jail sergeant was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for violating a jail detainee’s civil rights by using unlawful force against him.
According to court documents, David Yager, 30, previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on or about Feb. 28, 2021, while he was serving in his official capacity, he repeatedly punched detainee M.H. in the chest with a taser with the trigger held down, even though M.H. did not pose a threat to anyone. Yager admitted that the detainee was confined to a restraint chair at the time Yager used unlawful force against him. Yager also admitted that his acts caused bodily injury to the detainee, and that he used force on the detainee despite knowing that there was no legitimate, law enforcement need to use force.
“This defendant abused his authority as a jail sergeant to assault and injure a fully restrained detainee,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable detention officers and others who use unlawful force against detainees.”
“As members of law enforcement, we take an oath to support and defend the Constitution and uphold our nation’s laws,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “A crime like this betrays that sacred duty and the badge with which the defendant was entrusted. When officers violate the civil rights of citizens in the Eastern District of Texas through unreasonable and unjustified violence, they will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
“Law enforcement is bound by an oath to serve all citizens with equal compassion, professionalism, dignity and respect. The defendant failed this oath by using unlawful force against someone entrusted to his custody,” said Special Agent in Charge B. Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “When law enforcement fails to fulfill its duty to protect and serve its citizens, it erodes the trust that citizens have in us. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to hold accountable any official that abuses their authority because no one is above or beyond the law.”
The FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson for the Eastern District of Texas and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Owner of Watauga Recovery Clinics Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – The former owner of a chain of buprenorphine clinics, with locations in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Abingdon on three drug charges.
Dr. Ralph Thomas Reach, 63, of Bristol, Virginia, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to three counts of causing drugs to be misbranded while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce by inducing various quantities of prescription drugs Subutex (Schedule III), Suboxone (Schedule III), clonazepam (Schedule IV controlled substance) and gabapentin to be dispensed without valid prescriptions by the actions of health care providers at Watauga Recovery Centers.
“Opioid poisoning continues to be a leading cause of death for Virginians of all ages, despite the continued efforts of law enforcement and community groups to warn of the adverse effects of misuse,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “When doctors add to this mounting problem by overprescribing these powerful drugs, they must be held accountable, and we will continue to do exactly that.”
“Virginians have suffered at the hands of pharmaceutical corporations and greedy doctors by overprescribing opioids - treating our population like a science experiment. Now, corrupt health care providers are manipulating the sale of drugs designed for opioids abuse recovery. Enough is enough. I'm proud of the role we’re playing in holding accountable bad actors who abuse the system and illegally prioritize profit over recovery,” Attorney General Jason Miyares said today
“Buprenorphine, when properly prescribed, is an important tool in battling the opioid crisis. Medical professionals who abuse their access to and power to prescribe these drugs put profits over patients,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice those involved in the illegal prescribing and distribution of these drugs.”
Reach, a physician, was the primary owner of Watauga Recovery Centers which operated substance abuse treatment clinics in Virginia and Tennessee. At his clinics, Reach and other medical providers wrote prescriptions for buprenorphine (including Suboxone and Subutex), clonazepam, gabapentin, and other drugs. The prescriptions at issue were not valid because they were dispensed without a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of professional practice.
Senior United States District Judge James P. Jones sentenced Reach to imprisonment for a term of six months to be followed by 18 months of home detention. Upon release from prison, Reach will serve a five year term of probation. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit $50,000 and pay a fine of $100,000.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General—Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Reach’s conviction and sentencing was the result of an investigation that previously led to convictions of:
- Matthew Sykes (former Watauga Recovery Centers employee);
- John Paul Linke (former Watauga Recovery Centers employee);
- Michael Dube (owner of screening laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers);
- Regan Dube (registered agent of screening laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers);
- Michael Olshavsky (sales representative of a Florida confirmation laboratory used by Watauga Recovery Centers); and
- Rakesh Kothuru (owner of a Las Vegas confirmation laboratory).
Over $9.9 million dollars in fines, forfeitures and restitution were ordered as a result of these convictions.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Virginia Assistant Attorney General Janine M. Myatt and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Pierce and Randy Ramseyer prosecuted Reach and the related cases.
Former Luzerne County Constable Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sydney Snelling, Jr., age 49, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to 18 months of imprisonment, for the unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Snelling pleaded guilty to possessing an assault rifle bearing a modified barrel of under 16” on April 7, 2022, without possessing the requisite tax stamp to possess such a firearm. At the time of the offense, Snelling was a Luzerne County Constable, but has since been removed from his position. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Mariani ordered Snelling to forfeit the modified firearm, and imposed a two-year term of supervised release, to commence upon his release from imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
# # #
Former Cincinnati city councilman pleads guilty to accepting bribesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A former Cincinnati city councilman pleaded guilty in federal court here today to honest services wire fraud.
Jeffrey Pastor, 39, of Cincinnati, admitted he deprived the citizens of Cincinnati of their right to honest services by a public official by accepting bribes in exchange for official action.
According to his plea agreement, between June 2018 and January 2019, Pastor accepted and agreed to accept things of value in exchange for favorable official action by Pastor relating to two development projects in the city.
For example, in September 2018 Pastor and his associate flew to Miami, Florida, on a private plane to meet with investors regarding a real estate development project. Pastor never paid for or disclosed the trip. During the trip, Pastor explained he would ensure favorable action on behalf of the city for the project and could receive money through his associate’s non-profit entity (which had been incorporated two weeks prior). Pastor discussed “compensation” and agreed to accept $15,000 for helping with the project. He said the purpose of his associate’s entity was to “sanitize” the money.
After flying back to Cincinnati, Pastor called the investor to “negotiate a monthly retainer” and said that $15,000 would be the retainer fee for providing official action.
On Oct. 4, 2018, Pastor accepted $15,000 in cash. After receiving the money, Pastor continued to solicit additional payment from the investor and others.
Pastor and Tyran Marshall were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020. Charges remain pending against Marshall, including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, bribery, attempted extortion and money laundering.
Pastor’s plea agreement would allow for a prison sentence of up to 24 months.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer are representing the United States in this case.
# # #