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Friday 2 June 2023
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Issues Statement Regarding West Virginia State Police Sergeant Fatally Shot in the Line of DutyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson issued the following statement regarding West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, who was shot and fatally wounded in the line of duty on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Mingo County.
We join with all West Virginians in grief at the loss of State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, who was shot and fatally wounded in the line of duty earlier today. Throughout this district, our state and our nation, the men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of us all. Today’s tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in that sacred task. Sgt. Maynard proved himself an outstanding example of selfless service and dedication to his community, and we mourn alongside our state and the law enforcement community.
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.
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Truro Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling at Least 23 Firearms on Cape CodRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Truro man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to illegally selling firearms.
James McNulty, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2023. McNulty was arrested in February 2022.
Between around January 2021 to April 2021, McNulty offered for sale and sold at least 23 firearms that did not belong to him. McNulty personally sold the firearms to other individuals from his residence in Truro in exchange for cash. McNulty does not possess a license to import, manufacture, or deal firearms.
The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Truro and Provincetown Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno and David G. Tobin of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Trafficking of Fentanyl, Heroin and Methamphetamine Results in Sentences Totaling 30+ Years in Federal Prison for Two Louisiana MenRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Two men involved in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine have been sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Robert Joseph Gant, 57, of Jennings, and Randall Tyler, 38, of Lake Charles as follows:
Robert Joseph Gant was sentenced to 210 months (17 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Gant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Randall Tyler was sentenced to 162 months (13 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by5 years of supervised release. Tyler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The charges in this case stem from an investigation by agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which began in 2018 and continued through 2020, into the drug trafficking activities of Gant and Tyler, along with other co-conspirators. Law enforcement agents conducted surveillance and received approval to intercept wire communications to and from a co-defendant’s telephone. Through their monitoring of calls and messages sent from that telephone, as well as surveillance and other investigative techniques, agents learned that both Gant and Tyler, as well as other co-conspirators, were selling and distributing narcotics in the south Louisiana area.
Through their further investigation, law enforcement agents obtained evidence that Gant and Tyler were communicating with other co-conspirators regarding the type and quantity of narcotics that would be delivered to Gant and Tyler after this co-conspirator returned to Louisiana from Mexico. Agents were able to track the shipment of these narcotics and obtained search warrants for Gant’s residence and other stash houses. Upon execution of these search warrants, agents recovered approximately 1,017 grams of fentanyl, 260 grams of heroin and 320 grams of methamphetamine. Tyler and Gant were charged along with 14 others, in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation named “Inspired Wrath.”
The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, Eunice Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.
This effort is part of an ongoing OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Three sent to prison for Pearland bank robberyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three Houston men have been ordered to federal prison for aiding and abetting bank robbery and brandishing a firearm for the 2021 robbery of a local Woodforest Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Alex Dwayne Thomas, 20, and Rafael Fernandez, 29, pleaded guilty Feb. 24 and Jan. 26, respectively.
Today, Judge Alfred H. Bennett sentenced Thomas and Fernandez to 24 and 18 months in prison, respectively, for the bank robbery. They each also received an additional 84 months for the firearms charges which must be served consecutively. The respective 108 and 102-month prison terms will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Accomplice Lorenzo Lewis Smith, 20, Houston, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 108 months April 20.
“These men put innocent lives at risk – first when they terrorized bank employees at gunpoint, then by engaging in a reckless escape,” said Hamdani. “Thankfully, authorities were on their heels and put them in custody in short order. This sentence shows our vigilance in combatting violent crime and how we partner with law enforcement to ensure these criminals are off the streets of Houston.”
The charges stem from a violent take-over style robbery of a Pearland area Woodforest Bank Nov. 5, 2021. During the robbery, Thomas jumped over the teller counter while brandishing a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine. Smith then used a crowbar to pry open the cash drawers and stole U.S. currency.
Both then fled to an awaiting get-away car that Fernandez was driving. Authorities pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase before safely apprehending all three men.
All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Task Force officers and the Pearland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Peneguy and John M. Lewis prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Gets 57 Months in Prison for Drug Transportation ChargeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a man from Texas to 57 months in federal prison after he admitted to transporting a kilogram of cocaine to Illinois.
In addition to the prison sentence, Henry Garcia-Blanco, 28, of Irving, Texas, will serve three years of supervised release.
“Increased accessibility to illicit drugs creates significant health risks for communities in southern Illinois, and the individuals found responsible for transporting large quantities of dangerous narcotics across our state lines will face time in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the efforts by the DEA to investigate and arrest offenders and help improve public safety.”
In late 2021, DEA agents began an investigation after learning significant quantities of cocaine were being transported from Texas, through Illinois, and on to St. Louis, Missouri. On Dec. 10, 2021, a confidential source informed agents a drug courier was stuck in Effingham, Illinois. The courier was identified as Garcia-Blanco, and the agents arranged a ride to facilitate his travel.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the truck and identified the defendant as a passenger. Upon questioning from law enforcement, a positive alert from a trained narcotics K-9 and a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located a vacuum-sealed brick of what was later confirmed by laboratory testing to be just over a kilogram of cocaine. Garcia-Blanco admitted that he was transporting the cocaine from Texas.
DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
Steelton Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leron Harris, age 30, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 31, 2023, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment states that Harris distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine on multiple occasions between August 2022 and March 2023 in Harrisburg and Steelton. The indictment further states that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Salvadoran Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Jose Rodriguez, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 15 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Rodriguez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On March 28, 2023, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Rodriguez was deported from the United States in April 2018 after serving a three-to-five-year prison sentence for a child rape conviction out of Suffolk County. Sometime after his April 2018 removal, Rodriguez illegally reentered the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Sallisaw Resident Sentenced for Arson in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Felicia Nicholl Bargar, age 35, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500.00 in restitution for committing Arson in Indian Country.
The charges arose from investigations by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On May 6, 2022, Bargar pleaded guilty to willfully and maliciously setting fire to and burning a dwelling. According to investigators, in October 2020, Bargar intentionally set fire to a trailer house she was renting after receiving an eviction notice.
“I am thankful for the cooperative investigative work of law enforcement which resulted in the defendant being brought to justice for her senseless and malicious acts," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Bargar 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 Kevin Gross represented the United States.
Salem Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute over Four Kilograms of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute large amounts of fentanyl.
Jose Esmerlin Diaz, 38, of Salem, was sentenced on May 23, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 52 months in prison and two years of supervised release. In April 2021, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In January 2020, Diaz was arrested and charged with co-defendant Manuel E. Tejeda.
On Jan. 17, 2020, Diaz delivered an estimated 13,770 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms) disguised as 30mg Percocet pills to a cooperating source at a price of $6 per pill. Is it alleged that shortly thereafter, Tejeda and another man arrived in the vicinity of the drug transaction to deliver additional pills, and were found in possession of an estimated 29,742 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately three kilograms). Those additional pills were consistent in appearance with the pills delivered by Diaz and packaged in a similar manner.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno, Craig Estes and Kunal Pasricha of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rochester Man Charged with Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stephen Nicot, 60, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2022, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received information that Nicot had cameras hidden in a bathroom of his residence. The Sheriff’s office subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a USB drive, cell phones, an SD card, and a laptop. A forensic review of the items seized recovered numerous photographs and videos depicting young boys and adult men nude. Some of the videos depicted young boys and adult men showering. Investigators believe some of the videos were taken by the camera hidden in Nicot’s bathroom. In addition, investigators have identified videos that they believe were taken by a camera that Nicot hid in a bathroom, that included a shower, in an Orleans County, NY, church. The investigation has identified five victims.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-585-546-2220.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Jesus Santiago, 32, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on June 23, 2022, Santiago was on supervised release. U.S. Probation officers searched his residence on Glide Street in Rochester, and recovered a loaded 9mm, semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, approximately 362 grams of marijuana, and drug packaging material. In 2016, Santiago was convicted in Erie County, NY Court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. In 2019, he was convicted in the Western District of New York of being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a result, Santiago is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, the United States Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for a child pornography offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.
According to court documents, Daniel Guenther, 58, of Louisville was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for attempting to access with intent to view child pornography after having been previously convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography and child molesting.
In 2007, Guenther had previously been convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and was sentenced to 17 years in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. During his term of supervised release, Guenther was found to be in possession of an unauthorized and unmonitored cellular telephone with internet capabilities and to have used that cellular telephone to attempt to access with intent to view child pornography.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the United States Probation Office for the Western District of Kentucky with assistance from the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – James Pratt, 31, of Beckley, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2021, Pratt was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers in Beckley. Officers found a Browning, model Hi-Power, 9mm pistol and $5,385 in the vehicle during the traffic stop. Pratt admitted to possessing the firearm and the money. Pratt further admitted that he possessed the firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities, which included receiving four or five ounces of heroin and fentanyl per day that he subsequently distributed.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Pratt knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions in Raleigh County Circuit Court for first-degree robbery on August 5, 2010, and child abuse resulting in injury on July 29, 2013.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-106.
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Raleigh County Man Sentenced to More than 24 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – James Edward Cook, 43, of Arnett, was sentenced today to 24 years and four months in prison, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor. Cook must also register as a sex offender.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2021, Cook began communicating with an individual on Facebook he believed to be a 9-year-old girl living in Beckley. Cook admitted that he discussed sexually explicit topics with the minor female, offered to teach her about sex, and encouraged her to take pictures of herself masturbating. Cook further admitted that he explained to the minor female that he wanted to be her first sexual partner and described his intentions in explicit detail using graphic language. Cook promised gifts to the minor female, including a cell phone.
Cook spoke to the minor female twice by telephone. Cook admitted to instructing her to prepare for their sexual intercourse, explaining that it might hurt and telling her to wash her genitals in advance. Cook further admitted that he told the minor female he would make a video of them having sexual intercourse for the first time, and discussed getting the minor female pregnant in the future.
On December 28, 2021, Cook arranged to meet the minor female outside a Raleigh County school. Cook admitted that he coached the minor female on what to tell the driver who would pick her up. Cook obtained a ride from a friend to pick up the minor female at the school. When Cook arrived at the location that evening, he was arrested by law enforcement.
A forensic analysis of Cook’s cell phone and Facebook account revealed multiple conversations in which Cook discussed sexual activities with minor children, including Cook boasting that he had previously engaged in sexual intercourse with children as young as 12.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) West Virginia Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, the West Virginia Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-43.
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Project Manager Sentenced for False Statements Regarding Lead Contamination at City Park, Firm Pays $2 Million RestitutionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A project manager has been sentenced in federal court for misleading federal authorities about lead contamination in a Granby, Mo., city park after he was hired to conduct remediation at the site.
Lynn Eich, 65, of Dewitt, Iowa, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Thursday, June 1, to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine.
Eich’s employer, Environmental Quality Management, has paid more than $2 million in restitution in two federal civil settlements. Environmental Quality Management paid $1,708,748 in a federal civil settlement agreement related to violations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and $338,119 in a federal civil settlement agreement related to violations of the False Claims Act. These settlement agreements, executed on April 24, 2023, fully compensates the government for its costs to remove lead contamination from the Granby park.
On July 28, 2022, Eich pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a federal environmental remediation contract.
Eich was employed by Environmental Quality Management as the project manager for a soil remediation project in Newton County, Mo. The remediation company was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency, which ultimately totaled nearly $12 million, to perform mine waste remediation at the Newton County Mine Waste Remediation Superfund Site in and around Granby. This area had been previously contaminated with lead in the surface soil deposited through historical mining and smelting operations in the area.
The contract required the removal of contaminated soil and backfilling some areas, including Granby City Park, using clean fill material. According to court documents, Eich caused further contamination of the site then misled federal administrators about the extent of the contamination.
Approximately one month before it was awarded the contract for the Newton County project, the remediation company was also awarded an EPA contract in Oronogo, Mo., to complete a similar but larger soil remediation project. The receipt of both contracts was not expected and caused Eich to request a personnel change to the Newton County project’s Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QAQC) Manager in order to complete both contracts. Eich represented to the Corps of Engineers that the replacement for the QAQC Manager had comparable experience as the person listed on the original application and that the replacement was qualified to fulfill the duties of a QAQC Manager on the Newton County project. In fact, the replacement QAQC Manager was not qualified and had little to no experience testing soil for hazardous materials.
Between Sept. 12 and Oct. 19, 2016, the QAQC Manager failed to properly test fill material that was used to remediate Granby City Park.
On Oct. 14, 2016, the site superintendent, who reported to Eich, received laboratory analysis of two samples taken from the offsite borrow source. One sample indicated lead levels of 640 mg/kg and the other indicated a lead level of 720 mg/kg, both in excess of the contractual requirement of less than 100 mg/kg. The results of these samples were not reported to the EPA or the Corps of Engineers as required by federal environmental laws.
On June 4, 2018, Eich called the Corps of Engineers and indicated that a “hot spot” had been detected in Granby City Park. During the call, Eich misrepresented the scope of the area of contamination at the park by stating that it was less than 1,000 cubic yards. Eich also submitted a map of Granby City Park that showed a limited area of contamination when, as Eich knew, lead contamination was pervasive through the entire park.
Eich admitted that he intentionally made this false statement and provided false information regarding the scope and amount of lead contamination at Granby City Park.
The EPA then conducted its own sampling of Granby City Park, followed by additional sampling by the EPA National Enforcement Investigations Center, which found Granby City Park was still contaminated by lead in the soil. The EPA was required to hire another remediation contractor to conduct a removal project of Granby City Park. The removal project required removal of the contaminated backfill and soil from the park to ensure the health and safety of the community. The removal project was completed in June 2021, resulting in additional costs to the EPA.
This criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Venneman and Casey Clark. It was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General; the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigative Division; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Army Criminal Investigative Division, Major Procurement Fraud Unit.
The civil cases were executed by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Regional Counsel and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division Chief Jeff Ray.
Portsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machine GunRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man pleaded guilty today to possessing a machine gun.
According to court documents, Trashawn Newsome, 21, was in possession of a machine gun on October 6, 2022. That day, Chesapeake Police officers were investigating a vehicle reported stolen in the vicinity of Camelot Boulevard. Newsome was observed speaking with the occupants of the stolen vehicle. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and ordered Newsome and another individual to the ground. The stolen vehicle fled the scene and Newsome walked back to his vehicle and put an item into the car through the driver’s side door before getting onto the ground. Officers observed a firearm magazine on the ground inches away from Newsome as he was being detained. A narcotics K9 conducted an open-air sniff around his vehicle and alerted to the front driver’s side door. Officers recovered from the vehicle approximately 120 grams marijuana; a scale; plastic baggies; and a Glock 22, Gen 4 semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and an attached component that converted the handgun into a fully automatic gun.
Newsome is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Cheney is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-36.
Owner of Several Key West Hospitality Staffing Companies Sentenced for Tax and Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to two years and eight months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and conspiring to harbor aliens and induce them to remain in the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2010 and October 2020, Batyr Myatiev owned and operated several Key West labor staffing companies, including Best Results Total Services, Inc, Ameri Hosp LLC, and Golden Sands Management, LLC, that facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in hotels, bars, and restaurants operating in Key West and elsewhere who were not authorized to work in the United States. Myatiev encouraged workers to enter the United States illegally and induced them to remain in the country, in violation of immigration laws. Myatiev’s labor staffing companies paid alien workers without withholding federal income and employment taxes from their wages and did not report said wages to the IRS.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore ordered Myatiev to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $6,869,869.80 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Kraft, Nicholas J. Schilling, Jr., Matthew C. Hicks, and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Found Guilty of Assault on Law Enforcement Charges Connected to Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — An Ohio man was found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
Kenneth Joseph Owen Thomas, 41, of East Liverpool, Ohio, was found guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia of four counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; and engaging in physical violence on Capitol grounds. U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 6, 2023.
Thomas was on the Upper West Terrace at 3:30 p.m. standing in front of a line of police officers who were preventing the rioters from advancing further towards the Capitol. When the crowd surged forward against the police line, Thomas twice charged the line of police officers, striking two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers with his hands and shoving them. Thomas’ assaults against these two MPD officers were captured on police body worn cameras (BWC) and in many open-source videos from the scene.
Then, approximately an hour later in a different part of the Upper West Terrace, Thomas was captured on MPD BWC footage advancing toward a line of law enforcement and pushing against their shields.. At 4:26 p.m., officers began to advance to dispel the crowd of rioters from the steps. Thomas turned toward rioters and ordered them to “hold the line” against advancing officers, repeating this statement fifteen times as he locked arms with the other rioters and pushed against the offices. Then, at 4:28 p.m., again as officers attempted to clear the Upper West Terrace, Thomas rushed to the head of the line of rioters and twice threw himself into an MPD officers while yelling to the rioters “hold the fucking line.” In subsequent interviews, law enforcement officers confirmed the attack and stated Thomas “was one of the first to come in and start hitting [and] pushing officers on the line.”
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, who identified Thomas as #214 on their seeking information photos, as well as the MPD, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office.
In the first 28 months since Jan. 6, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested on charges related to the Capitol breach, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Officers Seize 82 Firearms, Machine Guns, During Arrest of Three Men Charged with Gun Trafficking Conspiracy, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Law enforcement officers seized 82 firearms, including machine guns, during the arrest of three Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area men charged with participating in a conspiracy to traffic firearms, including machine guns, and with drug trafficking.
Alejandro Zavala, 23, and Cody Bonhomme, 30, both of Kansas City, Mo., and Kaleb Acuna, 22, of Independence, Mo., were charged in a two-count complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, May 25. That complaint was unsealed and made public following the arrest and initial court appearances of the defendants, who remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
Zavala is the owner of A&M Auto Sales, a used car dealership at 7001 E. Truman Road in Kansas City, Mo.
Law enforcement officers executed search warrants at their residences and arrested Zavala, Bonhomme, and Acuna on Wednesday, May 31. Officers seized approximately 1.5 pounds of cocaine, 82 firearms, four silencers and 34 suspected machine gun conversion devices.
The federal criminal complaint charges Zavala, Bonhomme and Acuna with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms and one count of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, a confidential informant told investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Zavala has several individuals who assist him in an ongoing operation to distribute large amounts of cocaine, firearms, and machine gun conversion devices. The informant told investigators that Zavala maintained several stash houses in the Kansas City area, where he kept firearms and illegal drugs. Bonhomme allegedly lived in one of those houses and sold firearms and drugs from the house. Acuna allegedly lived in another of the houses and sold firearms and drugs from the house.
The complaint alleges that, from March 1 to May 31, 2023, Zavala, Bonhomme and Acuna conspired to traffic firearms to another person, knowing the firearms were illegal for that person to possess. Eleven firearms, which were sold to an undercover law enforcement officer or a confidential informant, included an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Polymer80 9mm pistol without a serial number (converted to a machine gun), a Polymer80 pistol without a serial number with an uninstalled machine gun conversion device, four Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistols (converted to machine guns), a Glock .40-caliber pistol (converted to a machine gun), a DPMS multi-caliber (converted to a machine gun), and two Polymer80 9mm pistols without serial numbers. The complaint also alleges the trafficking of marijuana and cocaine occurred during the same time period.
The charges contained in this complaint 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 David A. Barnes. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Norfolk Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Karina Rae Dieter, 51, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Dieter to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Dieter will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
In May 2020, the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating a methamphetamine drug trafficking organization based out of the Norfolk area. As part of the investigation, it was determined that Katherine Tacheira was sending packages from California to recipients in Norfolk. Dieter was found to have received 198 grams of methamphetamine from the packages. When she was arrested on the federal warrant, Dieter was in possession of 93 grams of pure methamphetamine. In addition to Dieter, Dallas Rhinehart, and Lindsey Rokahr were also found to have received packages of methamphetamine from Tacheira.
Tacheira was sentenced on May 17, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment. Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment. Rokahr has entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy and is set for sentencing on August 4, 2023.
New Orleans Man Federally Indicted for CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, DEVON FRITH, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment for violation of the Carjacking statute and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
FRITH is charged in Count One with Carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 2119 and in Count Two with Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1).
As to Count One, FRITH faces a term imprisonment of not more than 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release; as to Count Two, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crimes Unit is assigned to the prosecution of this case.
New Orleans Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS, age 37, of New Orleans, was indicted today for charges involving firearms and narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count 1 charged WILLIAMS with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 1 also charged WILLIAMS with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, hydrocodone, and Tapaentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 2 charged WILLIAMS with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). For this offense, he faces at least five years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 3 charged WILLIAMS with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
For each of the counts in which the defendant is charged, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.
Navajo Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Adren Yazzie, 39, of Blue Gap, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 15.5 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Yazzie pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
In June 2022, Yazzie struck the victim in the head multiple times with a shovel, killing him. Both Yazzie and the victim are members of the Navajo Nation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kiyoko Patterson, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-8078-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-082_Yazzie# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Medical Examiner: 5 Suspected Overdose Deaths in One DayRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 5 suspected overdose deaths within a 12-hour-period on June 1, 2023.
Death Date Month Death Date Day Death Day Year Sex (AFAB/AMAB) Age Hispanic Race Residence City 06 01 2023 Male 38 No White Broadview Heights 06 01 2023 Female 32 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 63 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 52 No White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Female 70 No White Parma
“Drug overdose continues to be a problem in our community with periodic clusters of deaths like yesterday,” Dr. Gilson warned. “Individuals should avoid using illicit drugs or use a harm reduction plan in the event they are unable to stop using. Treatment can help with long-term sobriety.”
Consider developing a personal harm reduction plan if you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction. Harm reduction plans can include the following:
• Have Naloxone and fentanyl test strips ready. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips will work with most fentanyl analogues.
• Don’t use drugs alone. There is a much higher risk of fatally overdosing if another person is not monitoring.
• Sit upright. Sitting upright can reduce the risk of slumping forward in an overdose – potentially causing airway obstruction.
• Call 911 (Good Samaritan). The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911 to seek help.
• Seek Treatment. As with most chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. While treatment may vary upon an individual’s needs, recovery is possible.
For a list of community resources, please visit:
https://www.testyourdrugscc.com
Maryland Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for COVID-19 Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft SchemesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Olaolu Alabi, age 40, of Owings Mills, Maryland, to 66 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after Alabi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, in relation to multiple financial fraud schemes. Judge Gallagher also ordered Alabi to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $500,000 and will determine the amount of restitution at a later date.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (“HIS”) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Karen L. Brown Cleveland of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (“DSS”), Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Troy Springer, of the National Capital Region of the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”); and Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division.
According to his plea agreement, from June 2019 until August 5, 2020, Alabi conspired with multiple individuals to defraud victim businesses, individuals and financial institutions through business email compromise schemes and/or COVID-19 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act unemployment insurance (“UI”)fraud schemes to obtain more than $1.5 million. From March 2020 to August 2020, Alabi and his co-conspirators used and trafficked in unauthorized access devices and in that scheme alone, they obtained more than $400,000 in UI and other COVID-19 related benefits that were loaded onto debit cards. Alabi admitted that he personally obtained at least $500,000 from his participation in these fraud schemes, which he used for his personal benefit, including a trip to Hawaii for himself and two friends.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Alabi used the personal identifying information (“PII”) of individuals without their knowledge or permission to fraudulently obtain identity documents and obtain UI benefits. For example, Alabi obtained a driver’s license in the name of one victim and obtained fraudulent UI benefits in the names of two other victims. Alabi also used at least two aliases, obtaining fake passports and backup documentation for each of his aliases. Alabi used the fraudulent documents to open bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims and in his aliases, which were used to deposit proceeds of the fraud schemes. In addition, Alabi created limited liability companies (“LLCs”) which were used in the fraud schemes to hide the conspirators’ identities and frustrate the efforts of financial institutions and law enforcement.
Alabi admitted using an encrypted text messaging application to communicate with his co-conspirators, including Idowu Raji, about the timing of victim fund deposits into accounts Alabi controlled, withdrawing the fraud proceeds from the bank accounts receiving the funds, and using debit cards loaded with UI funds. Alabi also had in-person conversations with co-conspirator Raji.
Further, on September 30, 2019, Alabi deposited a $44,180.55 check, made payable to one of the LLCs he’d established, into a bank account opened in the name of that company. The check was part of more than $300,000 that had been obtained from a victim business, Victim T. As part of a business email compromise (“BEC”) scheme, Victim T sent the money to accounts controlled by Alabi’s co-conspirators, thinking that it was paying its actual debts. A cashier’s check for $44,173.50, also part of the $300,000 obtained from Victim T, was deposited into another bank account controlled by Alabi. In another instance, fraudulent emails from Alabi’s co-conspirators about paying an invoice caused Victim LSI, a company in Ohio, to send or transfer more than $500,000 to accounts controlled by Alabi and the co-conspirators.
Alabi also admitted that in April 2020 a separate victim, a community college lost $293,565, based on fraudulent emails purporting to be from one of its vendors. The emails advised that the vendor was no longer accepting checks for payment and provided wiring instructions. The emails came from the vendor point of contact’s real email address after the conspirators gained access to the account. The victim community college wired the funds into a bank account controlled by the conspirators, who then transferred the funds to other accounts and purchased cashier’s checks. Eventually, the vendor reached out to the victim community college about the overdue amount and the community college then realized it had been defrauded, causing a significant hardship for the community college.
On August 5, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant at Alabi’s residence and seized and searched his cell phone. Conversations in the messaging app included exchanges related to fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. For example, as detailed in messages, on June 30, 2020, Alabi travelled to Raji’s residence and picked up debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits obtained using the personal identifying information of real persons. Alabi then went to a U.S. Post Office where he used the debit cards from Raji to purchase a total of 19 separate $1,000 money orders.
On May 20, 2022, co-conspirator Idowu Raji, age 41, of Baltimore County, Maryland, was sentenced to 94 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The Court also ordered Raji to pay $1,793,472 in restitution.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of three strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended HSI, DSS, DOL-OIG, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Gruber, who prosecuted the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md.
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Man accused of shooting three HPD officers to appear in courtRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident is scheduled for his first appearance in federal court on charges of carjacking, discharging a machine gun during a crime of violence, possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Aldamar Hamdani.
Roland Caballero is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon at 3:15 p.m. A federal grand jury returned the indictment Feb. 16, 2022, but he has remained in state custody on related charges.
On Jan. 27, 2022, Caballero was allegedly involved in an altercation with his girlfriend which resulted in a 911 call. The criminal complaint alleges authorities allegedly responded, but he fled. They pursued until Caballero ultimately crashed his vehicle, according to the charges. At that time, he allegedly shot and wounded three Houston Police Department (HPD) officers using a pistol modified with a fully automatic switch.
Caballero then fled the scene on foot and carjacked a nearby citizen in a vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Law enforcement located him and a stand-off allegedly ensued. Caballero, again, allegedly discharged a firearm at authorities, after which he ultimately surrendered.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Caballero’s residence and allegedly discovered several firearms, ammunition, machine gun components and 3D printers.
If convicted, Caballero faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, HPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Britni Cooper is 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.
Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in announcing Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines. He was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution and a $10,000 special assessment. Following his release from prison, Stenson will spend ten years on supervised release.
According to court documents, Stenson traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaged in sexual activity with the victims, and then provided them with money and gifts.
A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed with John Burgdorff about engaging in sex acts with the minor victims. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity.
Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. On November 3, 2022, Burgdorff was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, and Philippine Authorities investigated the case.
Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick of the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
A Wisconsin man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines.
According to court documents, Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaging in sexual activity with the victims and then providing them with money and gifts.
A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed engaging in sex acts with the minor victims with John Burgdorff, 66, of West Allis. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity.
Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. Burgdorff was sentenced in November 2022 to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago made the announcement.
HSI Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, HSI Bangkok, and Philippine authorities investigated the case.
Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick for the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Madison County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— A Madison County man, Donald Caudy, III, 43, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after pleading guilty to one count of using a minor to create visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The investigation began in May 2022, when the Michigan State Police were investigating an individual suspected to be involved in crimes involving the possession of child pornography. While reviewing evidence obtained in that case, law enforcement discovered that the individual from Michigan had received multiple sexually explicit images of the same child, from another individual, and had been involved in chat conversations involving graphic discussion of the sexual assault of children.
The investigation ultimately revealed that the person responsible for sending the images of the minor and engaging in the graphic chats with the Michigan suspect was Donald Caudy, III, who resided in Madison County, Kentucky. During a search of Caudy’s electronic devices, multiple sexually explicit images of a four-year-old child were discovered. The images were the same images that had been distributed to the suspect in Michigan. Caudy admitted that he was responsible for creating the sexually explicit images and, ultimately, distributing them to the suspect in Michigan.
Caudy pled guilty in February 2023.
Under federal law, Caudy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for twenty years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations - Nashville; and Col. Phillip Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and the KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Lynn Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn woman has pleaded guilty to stealing over $50,000 in Social Security benefits.
Teresa M. Carrington, 65, pleaded guilty on May 31, 2023 to one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 29, 2023. Carrington was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2022.
Carrington’s mother died in May 2016. From June 2016 through January 2020, Carrington stole at least $50,210 in Social Security Administration Retirement Insurance benefits that were paid to her deceased mother. Carrington also wrote multiple checks on her deceased mother’s bank account and each check was made payable to Carrington who forged her mother’s signature.
The misdemeanor charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, five years of probation, and a fine of $100,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lochbuie Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Steven Patrick McConnell, age 32, from Lochbuie, Colorado, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years on supervised release, for production of child pornography.
According to facts contained in the plea agreement, in December 2021, the defendant was using an online platform to chat with an individual who, unknown to the defendant, was an undercover agent with the FBI. The defendant informed the undercover agent that he had access to a six-year-old minor child and that he regularly sexually assaulted the minor. He then sent the undercover agent a photo of the minor child. In a series of chat exchanges, the defendant then indicated that he planned to assault the minor child again, possibly as soon as that evening. The FBI obtained the IP address associated with the defendant, responded to the defendant’s residence with local law enforcement, obtained a warrant, and searched the defendant’s bedroom. Subsequently, the defendant admitted that he had engaged in sexual abuse of the minor child and made pornographic images of the minor. Devices recovered from the defendant’s bedroom were later analyzed and found to contain child pornography produced by the defendant, as well as evidence that the defendant distributed these images to other persons online.
“The horrific abuse sustained by the victim in this case can never be undone – that harm is forever,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Thanks to the quick action by the FBI, this predator was stopped and will be off the street for decades to come.”
“This heinous predator repeatedly victimized a trusting child because his access to the child was undetected. Law enforcement intervention stopped the egregious crimes, but the child will live with the experience for the rest of his life,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI Denver Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is relentless in its work of protecting vulnerable children and holding their abusers accountable.”
United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing on May 31, 2023.
The FBI investigated this case, with assistance from the Lochbuie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Hindman handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
Case number 22-cr-23
Leader of Houston-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Leading Large-Scale Methamphetamine Distribution and Importation ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRANCISCO JAVIER MECINA BARRERA, a/k/a “Angel,” pled guilty today to conspiring to import and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm which was brandished in furtherance of those drug crimes. The charges stem from MECINA BARRERA’s leadership of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution and importation operation he called the “Cartel de Houston” — Spanish for “Houston Cartel” — or “CDH.” MECINA BARRERA pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant was the leader of a drug and firearms trafficking organization that smuggled large numbers of firearms from the United States into Mexico. The organization then traded the firearms for hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, which were distributed throughout the United States. Today’s guilty plea reaffirms our Office’s commitment to hold large-scale international drug and firearms traffickers accountable for their crimes.”
According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:
From at least in or about March 2020 to at least in or about April 2021, FRANCISCO JAVIER MECINA BARRERA was the leader of an international narcotics importation and distribution organization that imported hundreds of kilograms of crystal and liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into Texas and further distributed it throughout the United States, including to New York. MECINA BARRERA called his group the Cartel de Houston, or “CDH,” because it was based in Houston and had ties to Mexico-based drug trafficking cartels.
CDH was also an international supplier of firearms. At MECINA BARRERA’s direction, members of CDH smuggled numerous firearms into Mexico and delivered them to Mexico-based drug traffickers, often in exchange for methamphetamine that they then smuggled back into the United States for distribution. MECINA BARRERA and other members of CDH also used firearms to threaten and intimidate a narcotics customer of CDH who owed MECINA BARRERA money for drugs.
After establishing CDH, MECINA BARRERA appointed co-defendant Adalid Cabrera Huato, a/k/a “China,” as his right-hand man in Houston, and MECINA BARRERA recruited others, including co-defendants GIOVANNI DE LA MORA and JAIME SANTILLANO, to acquire and transport numerous guns from the United States into Mexico, trade them for substantial quantities of methamphetamine, and transport the drugs into the United States, where they would distribute them throughout the country, including to the Bronx, New York. MECINA BARRERA provided his co-conspirators with vehicles and instructed them on how to hide the guns and drugs in the fuel tank to avoid detection. MECINA BARRERA also utilized a Mexico-based religious figure known as “Lucifer” to bless the CDH’s members and drugs as they were crossing the border.
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MECINA BARRERA, 31, of Michoacan, Mexico, and Houston, Texas, pled guilty to (i) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (ii) conspiracy to illegally import methamphetamine into the United States; and (iii) use, carrying, and possession of a firearm in connection with, and in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy and the narcotics importation conspiracy, which was brandished. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
CABRERA HUATO, DE LA MORA, and SANTILLANO previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. CABRERA HUATO is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2023. DE LA MORA and SANTILLANO were previously sentenced by Judge Marrero to 90 months and 86 months in prison, respectively.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-drive, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations New York City Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which is comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Houston Police Department, and the DEA Houston Division for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong, Michael R. Herman, and Mitzi S. Steiner, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jacqueline Hauck, are in charge of the prosecution.
Las Vegas Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James Conlan, 58, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced May 31, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, to over eight years in federal prison.
On January 25, 2023, Conlan plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hears showed that between January 2021 and December 2021, he and others were involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than a kilogram of methamphetamine across Northwest Iowa. Conlan further admitted that he utilized the United States Postal Service to send methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, to an undercover post office box in Spencer, Iowa on two occasions.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Conlan was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Conlan remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick T. Greenwood and Shawn Wehde, and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Iowa State Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, and the Cherokee Iowa Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4049.
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Keswick Man Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes, Making False Statements on PPP Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – A Keswick man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failing to pay over $700,000 in employment taxes for his business, and for making a false statement for purposes of obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for the business.
According to court documents, during the years 2014 through 2020, Thomas Sieren, 60, was a co-owner of TCS Fabricating, Inc. and, during that time, failed to pay $703,615.69 in employment taxes to the IRS. This included the failure to pay taxes that he had collected from TCS’s employees through withholding, as well as matching contributions to Social Security and Medicare. In 2020 and 2021, Sieren obtained two PPP loans on behalf of TCS in the total amount of $237,379. The PPP loan applications misrepresented that TCS had paid its payroll tax obligations.
Sieren will be required to pay TCS’s unpaid payroll tax obligations, together with interest and penalties. He also will be required to pay restitution of $237,379 to the United States Small Business Administration. Following Sieren’s release from prison, he will be required to serve two years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Euclid Man on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Nicholas D. Geer, 26, of Euclid, Ohio, was found guilty on all counts by a jury after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese in Cleveland yesterday. Geer was convicted of seven counts of possession with intent to distribute various drugs and two firearms charges. Specifically, Geer was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court a search warrant was executed at a house Geer was staying at in Cleveland Heights. During the search, agents seized various quantities of drugs and a loaded .40 caliber handgun in the kitchen of the residence. Geer was discovered hiding in a closet in the basement. Law enforcement had previously conducted two controlled drug purchases from Geer, one at that residence. Geer is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cleveland Heights Police Department, and the Euclid Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vanessa Healy and Robert Kolansky.
Jacksonville, Alabama Woman Sentenced to More Than 4 Years for Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A 46-year-old Jacksonville woman was sentenced this week to 51 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Rebecca Russell conspired with her sister, Roseanna Taylor, to commit fraud using stolen identities. Taylor worked for a medical professional staffing company based in Mobile from about May 2017 through January 2019. By virtue of Taylor’s employment, she obtained personal pedigree information, including means of identification of certain medical professionals. Russell obtained these stolen identities from Taylor and made various consumer lending transactions through mid-2020. As part of the scheme, Russell used fake identification documents containing her photo along with victims’ personal information to obtain fraudulent loans for cash, at least one automobile, and other items of monetary value.Russell was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the fraud scheme in the amount of $127,663.26 and to serve a supervised release term of three years following her term of imprisonment.
Earlier this year, Taylor was sentenced earlier this year to 81 months for her role in the scheme and ordered to pay restitution.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.The United States Secret Service and Mobile Police Department the investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Bishop Ravenel and Justin D. Kopf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Jackson, 27, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 3, 2022, a FCI Beckley staff member conducted a pat-down search of Jackson and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Jackson’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened at one end and with a cloth handle on the other end fashioned from an institution-issued t-shirt. Jackson admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-232.
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Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Quordell Tarver, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 22, 2022, an FCI Beckley staff member conducted a visual search of Tarver and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Tarver’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened to a point at one end and with a piece of white shoelace wrapped around the base as a handle.
Tarver is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-62.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 2 was:
Robert Terrance Williams, III, 45, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williams faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Williams was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-152.
Appearing on May 31 was:
Nathaniel George Castro, 26, of Hardin, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Castro was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-43.
Appearing on May 18 was:
Tyler Brady Miller, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-63.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Justin Davis, 65 years old, of Maywood, IL, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Davis was sentenced to 108 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July 2021, Davis was observed driving well over the posted speed limit. Indiana State Police conducted a traffic stop and located a container with a white granular substance that Davis was attempting to hide. When confronted, Davis admitted the substance was crack cocaine. Additional narcotics and items related to drug dealing were also recovered, in addition to a loaded handgun. Davis admitted to previously dealing drugs while armed for his protection. Due to multiple prior felony convictions, Davis is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent A. Ecenbarger.
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
Hartford Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 32, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with a child exploitation offense.
As alleged in court documents, HSI has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that an account associated with Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.
On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence. Williams was arrested after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse.
The complaint charges Williams with receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the charge, Williams faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina.
Williams appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Green Bay Pastor Arrested for Online Crimes Targeting a Venezuelan ChildRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 2, 2023, a criminal complaint was issued charging Cory J. Herthel (age: 40) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, with attempted production of child pornography and the transfer of obscene material to a Venezuelan child in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 1470.
The attempted production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration in federal prison upon conviction. The transfer of obscene materials charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment. A conviction on either charge would require Herthel to register as a sexual offender.
According to the criminal complaint, Herthel met the child while performing missionary work and thereafter maintained contact with the child online. Herthel encouraged the minor to send him videos of the child’s genitalia in exchange for monetary payments. He is further alleged to have sent the child images of his genitals.
This case is being investigated by the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the Green Bay Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
A criminal complaint 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Georgia Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
Georgia Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking Minors
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge this week sentenced a Georgia woman for sex trafficking of minors, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Marlette Laishell Smith aka “Lala,” 29, of Rome, Georgia, to 300 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. On March 23, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor and two counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity.
According to court documents, Smith recruited two minor females (15 and 16 years of age) into prostitution for her own financial gain. The minor victims were stranded in Memphis, Tennessee, and were trying to get back home to California. Smith met them on a stairwell at the Motel 6 in Memphis – the minor victims were hungry, had no money, no place to stay, no mode of transportation, only the clothes on their back, and an uncharged cell phone. Smith told them that she would help them get back home if they would go with her to Alabama and make $200 each. Smith drove the minors to Georgia then to Alabama where she sexually trafficked them.
“The commercial sexual exploitation of children causes long-lasting harms to child victims and the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The fight to prevent and disrupt exploitation would be impossible without the support of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We are especially grateful for the work of FBI Birmingham in apprehending the defendant in this case.”
“This sentence sends a strong message to those who prey on minors and abuse their trust. The victims, who found themselves in a vulnerable state entrusted this person for assistance in returning home. The FBI is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the victims and reuniting them with their families,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. “I am proud of the diligent work of FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, the Homewood Police Department, and other law enforcement partners who assisted in bringing this individual to justice.”
The FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White and Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Franklin Man Arrested and Charged with Threatening to Kill a U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Franklin man has been charged in connection with threatening to kill a United States Senator, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Landry, 66, was charged with threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official in connection with the official’s performance of official duties. Landry will make an initial appearance in federal court today in Concord at 2:30pm.
According to the charging documents, Landry called a district field office of a United States Senator and left a voicemail on May 17, 2023, stating:
“Hey stupid. I’m a veteran sniper. And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you. You’re a dead man walking, you piece of f***ing sh**.”
Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry. When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail.
The charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, and the Franklin and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau 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.
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Four Defendants Involved in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Receive Sentences of over 68 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants who were charged in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation with conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area have all now been sentenced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the defendants as follows:
Frederick Cortez Walker, 33, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 292 months (24 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Felecia B. Walker, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 270 months (22 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Mario T. Nash, 42, of Haughton, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Alana M. Taravella, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 147 months (12 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all four defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and each of them have pleaded guilty to the charge. Felecia B. Walker and Alana M. Taravella each also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, five firearms were seized from Taravella and forfeited.
According to evidence presented to the court, beginning on or about March 1, 2021, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) begin an investigation into the suspect drug trafficking activities of these defendants. The DEA was able to obtain approval to intercept phone calls on Frederick C. Walker’s phone. Agents intercepted phone calls between Walker, Felecia Walker, and others, in which they discussed the purchase and sale of methamphetamine. Specifically, a call was intercepted by agents on June 14, 2021 wherein the Walkers discussed the shipment of methamphetamine in the mail via UPS. Agents were able to seize the package and discovered approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine.
On June 10, 2021, agents intercepted a call wherein Frederick Walker arranged to distribute methamphetamine to an unknown subject. Agents set up surveillance to monitor the transaction and after it was complete, conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Mario Nash. A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 488.7 gross grams of methamphetamine which was located wrapped in plastic inside the center console of the vehicle. Mario admitted to agents that he had purchased the narcotics from Frederick Walker.
On June 22, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Frederick and Felecia Walker’s residence. At their residence, officers located approximately 1042.2 gross grams of marijuana, 949.4 gross grams of methamphetamine, a Ruger AR-556, an assortment of magazines including extended magazines, ammunition, and digital scales. Felecia Walker admitted to agents during an interview that the methamphetamine would be mailed to her via the mail and then she or Frederick Walker would mail the money for the methamphetamine to the supplier. Felecia Walker would then distribute the narcotics as directed by Frederick Walker.
On June 23, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Taravella’s residence and during the search, agents recovered a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm handgun, a DPMS A-15 firearm, over $8,000 in cash, methamphetamine, packaging materials, and digital scales. In the vehicle parked outside of Taravella’s residence, agents found a Taurus G2C 9mm with extended magazine and ammunition, a Taurus PT738 .380 firearm with magazine and ammunition, a stolen Sig Sauer P365 9mm firearm with magazine and ammunition and 325 gross grams of methamphetamine. Taravella admitted to obtaining methamphetamine from Frederick Walker and distributing it to others.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Former WVDEP Official Pleads Guilty to Theft of Federal Grant FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jerry D. Elkins, 54, of Danville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to theft from programs receiving federal funds. Elkins admitted to fraudulently obtaining $94,197.93 of federal abandoned mine land (AML) remediation sub-grant funds while employed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about April 2017 until on or about August 7, 2019, Elkins assisted an individual, A.K., and his company apply for and obtain an AML sub-grant. Thereafter, Elkins set up a shell limited liability company to receive a portion of the sub-grant award funds and created fraudulent invoices in an attempt to conceal the nature of the payments.
The DEP receives grant funding from the United States Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) for accelerating the remediation of AML sites with economic and community development end uses. Since 2018, West Virginia has received $25 million in AML block grant funds. Numerous private entities apply to receive AML sub-grants, and the process for selecting projects to receive sub-grant awards is competitive.
On February 21, 2017, the DEP hired Elkins as a regional planner. Elkins’ duties included reporting to the DEP whether certain project proposals being reviewed for AML sub-grant awards were suitable and appropriate for the reclamation of old mining areas. Prior to joining the DEP, Elkins became acquainted with A.K, who resided outside of West Virginia and controlled various corporate entities. Elkins and A.K. had discussed A.K.’s intent to apply to the DEP for AML grants.
In the summer of 2017, A.K. and one of his companies applied for a DEP AML pilot program sub-grant, with a proposal to construct and operate a greenhouse that would produce commercial quantities of vegetables and fruits at a project site near Madison, West Virginia (the Greenhouse Project). Leading up to when A.K. applied for the sub-grant, Elkins agreed to assist A.K. with developing and submitting the Greenhouse Project application. A.K. compensated Elkins for those services.
Between on or about April 2017 and January 12, 2018, while Elkins was employed as a DEP regional planner, Elkins assisted A.K. and his company by collecting water samples, providing contacts for public support, offering his opinion and suggestions for improving the sub-grant application, and continuously monitoring the application’s status. Elkins admitted that he also contacted an individual to write the Greenhouse Project grant proposal for A.K., which was outside the scope of Elkins’ duties as a regional planner. Elkins also provided that individual with edits to the grant proposal. Elkins further admitted to enlisting two other local individuals to work with A.K. and serve as officers in one of A.K.’s companies.
In November 2017, Elkins submitted a report for A.K.’s project site, which was a prerequisite for A.K. to receive federal funds. In December 2017, Elkins told A.K. that Elkins would approve the proposed project site.
Elkins continued to assist A.K. after he was transferred from the regional planner position to construction inspector on January 12, 2018. Elkins’ duties as construction inspector included overseeing the later phases of AML projects, such as construction and earth moving. Elkins admitted that throughout July 2018, he communicated extensively via text messages with A.K. and other individuals associated with the Greenhouse Project about internal DEP deliberations and provided suggestions regarding the sub-grant. Elkins further admitted to pledging to undertake certain actions and make contacts on behalf of A.K.
In August and September 2018, Elkins registered a limited liability company, Wanaque, in Delaware and opened a bank account for Wanaque at a bank in Charleston, West Virginia, in order to receive and obscure payments from A.K. Elkins admitted that Wanaque had no other legitimate business purpose besides receiving funds from A.K. and A.K.’s companies. Elkins further admitted that he directed the creation of a third-party pay-bill account through Bill.com, a cloud-based payments platform, that was used to send invoices from Wanaque to companies under A.K.’s control.
From about October 19, 2018, through about August 7, 2019, Wanaque received $94,197.93 in electronic fund transfers and checks from A.K. and his companies. Elkins admitted that the $94,197.34 originated from the Greenhouse Project’s sub-grant reimbursements from the DEP and were ultimately diverted to him. Elkins further admitted that he had no right to receive those funds and fraudulently converted them to his own use. Elkins also admitted to taking steps to hide, conceal and cover up his activity and the nature and scope of his dealings with A.K. Those steps included failing to list his interest in Wanaque when he signed the federal OSMRE State Employee Statement of Employment and Financial Interest form on February 20, 2019.
Elkins is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Elkins also owes $94,197.93 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General- Office of Investigations, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson made significant contributions to the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-78.
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Former Correctional Officer at State Prison Sentenced to Serve 13 Months in Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes to Smuggle ContrabandRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TY CRAIG, 25, of Hunter, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 13 months in federal prison for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband while serving as a correctional officer at an Oklahoma state prison, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 13, 2023, Craig was charged by Information with one count of receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. On March 1, 2023, Craig pleaded guilty to accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the JCCC. The contraband included cellphones, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Court documents reflect that that Craig was formerly employed at the James Crabtree Correctional Center (JCCC) in Helena, Oklahoma, a medium-security state prison. As a correctional officer, Mr. Craig was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the JCCC and its inmates.
Today, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Craig to serve 13 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, upon release from prison. In addition to the 13-month term of imprisonment, Craig was ordered to forfeit the cash bribes he received.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filing for further information.
Former Bank Employee Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Opening Bank Accounts as Part of a Larger Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Churches and Religious OrganizationsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Diape Seck, age 29, of Rockville, Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain almost $2 million by fraud, including the theft of checks from the mail of churches and religious institutions. Judge Chuang also ordered Seck to pay restitution in the amount of $1,708,446.49, and to forfeit $114,647.50. A federal jury convicted Seck on February 24, 2023.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Terry Sult of the Cary, North Carolina, Police Department; and Sheriff Dusty Rhoades of the Williamson County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office.
According to the evidence presented at his eight-day trial, from at least January 2019 to January 2020, Seck, a customer service representative with Bank A, conspired with Mateus Vaduva, Marius Vaduva, Vlad Baceanu, Nicolae Gindac, Florin Vaduva, Marian Unguru, Daniel Velcu, Vali Unguru and others to commit bank fraud. Specifically, the evidence showed that Seck fraudulently opened bank accounts in fake identities in exchange for cash bribes. Co-conspirators engaged in fraud that included fraud involving rental cars and the deposit of checks stolen from the incoming and outgoing mail of churches and other religious institutions, into the fraudulently opened bank accounts. The co-conspirators then withdrew the funds and spent the fraudulently obtained proceeds.
As detailed in the trial evidence, Diape Seck facilitated the opening of hundreds of bank accounts at Bank A for his co-conspirators, who used purported foreign identities, often but not universally Romanian, to fraudulently open bank accounts with him at Bank A, as well as bank accounts at other victim financial institutions. Seck opened accounts for co-conspirators without their presence in the bank, without verifying identity information, and opened accounts for co-conspirators who opened multiple accounts at a time under different identities. To conceal his improper activities, Seck opened accounts for the co-conspirators at the same time he conducted legitimate bank activities. The co-conspirators paid Seck up to $500 in cash in exchange for each of the fraudulent bank accounts he opened.
According to court documents and witness testimony, Seck violated numerous bank policies in opening approximately 412 checking accounts in a one-year period from approximately January 2, 2019 through January 3, 2020, relying predominantly on purported Romanian passports and driver's license information. Checks payable to and written from churches and other religious institutions from around the country were deposited into many of the 412 checking accounts which were not opened in the names of the churches.
The co-conspirators fraudulently negotiated the stolen checks by depositing them into the victim bank accounts, including the fraudulent accounts opened by Seck at Bank A, often by way of automated teller machine (ATM) transactions. After depositing the stolen checks into the bank accounts, the conspirators made cash withdrawals from ATMs and purchases using debit cards associated with the bank accounts. Co-conspirators also used fraudulently obtained debit cards to rent cars which they used and then failed to return, resulting in charges by the rental car companies which had to be “written off” by Bank A.
According to court documents, co-conspirators deposited at least approximately $780,064.04 in stolen checks into the accounts Seck personally opened on their behalf and the bank had to write off at least approximately $921,590.50 from the co-conspirators’ rental car fraud in the accounts Seck opened for them.
Co-conspirators Vlad Baceanu, age 38; Marian Unguru, age 36; and Vali Unguru, age 20, all of Baltimore, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. Mateus Vaduva, age 29, of Baltimore was sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,320,885.84; Nicolae Gindac, age 52, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Florin Vaduva, age 31, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Marius Vaduva, age 28, of Baltimore was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,334,230.84; and Daniel Velcu, age 43, of Baltimore was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,313,499.79, after they previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, HSI, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Cary (North Carolina) Police Department, and the Williamson County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Former Baden Resident Sentenced to 124 Months’ Imprisonment for Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Baden, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a total term of 124 months’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and for violating the terms of federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Andrew Kincaid, age 35, formerly of Baden, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
According to information presented to the court, on March 16, 2021, Kincaid knowingly possessed an electronic device containing child sexual abuse material, in violation of federal law and the conditions of Kincaid’s supervised release related to his 2010 federal conviction, also for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kincaid.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Firearms and Ammunition Smuggler Sentenced to 51 MonthsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Armando Castro, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Castro pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States.
On January 19, 2022, Castro attempted to exit the United States into Mexico via the vehicle lanes at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Castro was the driver and sole occupant of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had received alerts on the Silverado and Castro related to a prior ammunition smuggling incident. Upon initial inspection of the Silverado, CBP found a bag on the front seat that contained a loaded .22 caliber revolver. CBP further inspected the vehicle and found two high-capacity Glock firearm magazines, four regular-capacity Glock firearm magazines, and one .22 caliber Walther firearm magazine.
The firearm, ammunition, and firearm magazines Castro smuggled and intended to export to Mexico are all designated on the United States Commerce Control List as prohibited by law for export from the United States into Mexico without a valid license. Castro did not have a license or any other lawful authority to export any of the items from the United States into Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Bolling and Austin Fenwick, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 4:22-cr-00678-JCH-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-083_Castro# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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