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20 July 2023
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Charge Arising Out of a Shooting Incident Outside Detroit Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Shawn Hickman, 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition related to a shooting incident in Detroit’s 8th precinct, a targeted enforcement area, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Detroit.
In his guilty plea, Shawn Hickman, 24, of Detroit, admitted his involvement in a shooting incident outside of a convenience store in the 8th Precinct, one of Detroit’s most violent neighborhoods. According to court records, on August 16, 2022, Detroit Police officers responded to a 911 call that an adult male had been shot. The shooting occurred around Grand River and Lahser in the City of Detroit. Working cooperatively, investigators with Detroit Police Department and the FBI were able to identify Hickman as the shooter. They then located and apprehended Hickman following an intensive search.
Hickman faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years and will be sentenced on November 20, 2023, by United States District Judge Matthew J. Leitman.
“I appreciate the collaborative work done to focus on violent offenders in our community,” state U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.” “We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and aggressively prosecute convicted felons who illegally possess and use firearms and ammunition.”
The investigation and prosecution were the result of a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Detroit Police Department, ATF, FBI, and other partner agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake S. Hatlem.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing a Firearm and Conspiring to Make False Statements in the Acquisition of FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Woonsocket, Rhode Island man was indicted and arrested in connection with federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Mario Marques, 25, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the acquisition of firearms, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Marques will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Marques was legally prohibited from purchasing firearms but conspired with another person to purchase six firearms for him. The guns were purchased from five separate federally licensed firearms dealers in New Hampshire, between September 30 and November 20, 2021. Marques is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for possessing a Springfield Armory Model XD, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol purchased in New Hampshire during the course of the conspiracy.
The charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande 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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Convicted Armed Robber Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Acquiring a Firearm Through a “Straw-Purchase” SchemeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Randy Coffey, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, Coffey sold a pair of tires with rims at Cash America Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer. After completing the sale, Coffey attempted to purchase a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol. On the required federal firearm transaction form, Coffey stated under penalty of perjury that he was not a convicted felon. Coffey failed the required background check, and the gun sale was not completed.
Several hours later, Coffey returned to the same Cash America Pawn with another person. Coffey stayed inside his vehicle as the other person looked over the store’s guns and purchased a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The person then illegally purchased the gun for Coffey in exchange for $120 from Coffey, a transaction known as a “straw-purchase” of a firearm.
A straw purchase scheme is when a person not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm falsely states to a federally licensed gun dealer that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else, frequently someone who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing the firearm themselves.
On March 8, 2022, IMPD detectives stopped Coffey for a traffic violation. Coffey did not have a valid license or a valid registration in his possession and he was placed under arrest. During a search of the vehicle, officers located the same Taurus 9mm handgun straw-purchased for him from Cash America Pawn the week before. The handgun had a loaded magazine with a round in the chamber.
Coffey is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his two previous felony convictions of armed robbery resulting in bodily injury in 2006 and 2013.
“Illegally armed, violent criminals drive the unacceptable gun violence suffered by Indianapolis and far too many other communities,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Straw-purchases and other gun trafficking schemes are a major source of the guns obtained and used by these dangerous offenders. Our federal prosecutors will continue to partner with IMPD and the ATF to disarm the most dangerous offenders and hold them accountable in federal court. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that accountability awaits these armed criminals, because no one should have to live in fear in our neighborhoods.”
“Violent felons possessing firearms poses a severe risk to public safety. Coffey illegally attempted to purchase a firearm and then circumvented the law by enticing someone else to obtain one for him,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCormick “ATF will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend violent convicted felons who put our communities at risk when they possess firearms.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Coffey by supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Conover, N.C. Woman Is Charged with Mail Fraud and Identity Theft for Stealing More Than $300,000 from Elderly CoupleRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Andrea Brawley, 45, of Conover, N.C., is facing federal charges for stealing more than $300,000 from two elderly relatives, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment this week, charging Brawley with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina and Sheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, from August 2016 to January 2023, Brawley engaged in a scheme to defraud the elderly couple identified in court documents as J.S. and M.S., by exploiting her relationship with the victims to steal their money and property. The indictment alleges that Brawley gained access to the victims’ personal and company bank accounts, which she was expected to use to manage the couple’s personal and business affairs and to pay routine bills. Instead, Brawley allegedly misused her access to transfer funds to herself, causing the victims to sustain significant financial losses. For example, Brawley allegedly failed to make payments due on the victims’ home equity line of credit on their residence. As a result, the victims’ residence went into foreclosure and the couple lost their home. Brawley also allegedly drained the victims’ retirement accounts by forging retirement distribution forms without the victims’ knowledge and consent, causing them further financial hardship. Over the course of the scheme, Brawley allegedly defrauded J.S. and M.S. and M.S.’s company of more than $300,000.
As alleged in the indictment, Brawley concealed the fraudulent scheme from J.S. and M.S. by making false representations about the cause of the foreclosure and about the state of J.S. and M.S.’s finances and personal affairs. The indictment alleges that Brawley also isolated J.S. and M.S. and limited their contact with their friends and family by taking the victims’ cell phones, impersonating them in communications with third parties, transporting them to various locations around the state, and preventing them from returning to their residence. The indictment further alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, Brawley engaged in identity theft by using and attempting to use one or more means of identification that belonged to J.S. and M.S., including their names, addresses, and unique account numbers.
“Elder financial abuse continues to rise at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, when older adults are victims of financial exploitation it is incredibly difficult for them to recover financially and recoup their losses. And when the fraud is perpetrated by a trusted friend or close family member, the added emotional devastation can be overwhelming,” said U.S. Attorney King. “My Office’s elder financial exploitation cases receive the priority they deserve, and we are committed to doing all we can to combat elder financial abuse and ensure that older adults are supported and protected from fraud.”
“When you stop and consider the true impact of elder financial fraud, it is devastating. People should not work 40 years or longer only to have their life savings swindled away,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI will work tirelessly to protect the elderly and help educate them and those who love them, how not to fall victim to fraud.”
“My office is striving to combat the victimization of our older adults,” said Sheriff Brown. “Elder financial abuse often has a lasting and debilitating effect, especially when a close trust or confidence is violated. We will continue working with our local, state and federal partners to seek justice for these victims.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The mail fraud offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of incarceration imposed.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI in Charlotte and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Billings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Khalif Marquee Coleman, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Coleman admitted to arranging the sales of mixtures containing fentanyl to confidential informants asking to purchase heroin in Charleston in seven separate transactions between May 2, 2022, and September 23, 2022. Several of these transactions occurred at a Chesterfield Avenue residence in Charleston and the mixtures totaled approximately 92.64 grams.
Coleman also admitted to arranging seven additional sales of mixtures containing fentanyl in August and September, 2022, at or near the Chesterfield Avenue residence.
On September 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Chesterfield Avenue residence and found mixtures containing fentanyl totaling 55.97 grams, scales, drug packaging materials, and $5,926. Some of the cash recovered during the search was prerecorded buy money from the sales to the confidential informants.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-198.
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California Man Sentenced for Mailing Meth to Missouri for DistributionRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Sacramento, California, man was sentenced in federal court today for mailing packages of methamphetamine to southwest Missouri as part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jasper and Newton counties.
John Gabriel Martinez, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 152 months in federal prison without parole.
On April 21, 2022, Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Aug. 15, 2016, to March 18, 2017, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
On Oct. 4, 2016, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers executed a search warrant at the residence of co-defendant Daryl B. Weston, 41, of Purcell, Mo. Troopers found approximately 11 grams of pure methamphetamine and $14,822 in cash. Troopers seized a package addressed to Weston from Martinez that contained approximately three pounds of methamphetamine. Weston later told investigators that Martinez had sent him four additional packages that contained a total of nearly six pounds of methamphetamine; co-conspirators then sent drug proceeds back to Martinez.
Co-conspirators admitted they deposited drug proceeds into Martinez’s account at a local branch of Joplin Metro Credit Union. Further investigation revealed that many others in the Joplin area were sending drug proceeds to Martinez in California through local branches of Joplin Metro Credit Union and through the Moneygram system at local Wal-Marts. The total amount of drug proceeds laundered in this case though a credit union and Moneygram was at least $153,014.
Martinez is the final defendant to be sentenced among 19 defendants indicted in this case. Weston was sentenced on Oct. 11, 2022, to eight years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Pandemic Unemployment FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for using others’ identities to fraudulently obtain over $60,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Benefits and for using one of those identities to fraudulently obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.
Francisco Jose Peguero Brea, 48, was sentenced on July 14, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Rya Zobel to three months in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2023, Peguero pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of false representation of a Social Security number.
Peguero used the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to fraudulently apply for and obtain PUA benefits as well as a Massachusetts Driver’s License. Peguero received additional PUA benefits from another claim that directed the funds to be deposited into a bank account controlled by Peguero and another individual.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security’s Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized field investigative group comprised of personnel from various local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Branson Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl and/or HeroinRead the Press Release
Springfield, Mo. – Brandon Michael Jones, 26, Branson, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to a single count of knowingly and intentionally transferring a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and/or heroin. The charge was based upon the distribution of drugs by Jones on March 27, 2020, in Christian County, Missouri.
In announcing the sentence today, Judge Bough referenced the fact that Jones had provided drugs on two separate occasions which resulted in the death of one individual and the serious physical injury of the second. Both of these instances happened within days of each other in March 2020.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Eggert. It was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the Christian County Sherriff’s Department.
Border Crosser Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Angel Acatzihua-Temoxtle, 26, a citizen and national of Mexico, was sentenced last Thursday, by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Acatzihua-Temoxtle pleaded guilty on March 15, 2023, to Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon and Assault on a Federal Officer Resulting in Bodily Injury.
United States Border Patrol agents received information on May 31, 2022, that several groups of non-citizens were passing though the Baboquivari Mountain range near the area of Newfield, Arizona. When agents located the group, Acatzihua-Temoxtle fled up the side of a wash, kicking several large boulders towards one of the agents to slow his pursuit. When agents apprehended Acatzihua-Temoxtle, he physically assaulted one agent by using the agent’s flashlight and attempted to strangle another agent with his lanyard used to hold night vision goggles.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Raquel Arellano, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01420-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-110_Acatzihua-Temoxtle# # #
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 newsBangor Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing More than $28,000 from Native American Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor woman pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to stealing from her employer, a tribal organization.
According to court records, between June 2017 and April 2021, Angelia Holt, 54, stole more than $28,000 from her employer by using a credit card issued to another employee for unauthorized personal expenses and then altering the invoices to conceal the theft. Holt was employed as an accounting clerk for the organization.
Holt faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
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Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Davon Rogers, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted murder of a federal officer in connection with a shooting that occurred on December 29, 2021. Co-defendant Juan Hester, age 41, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty on July 10, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to Rogers’ guilty plea, during the evening of December 29, 2021, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) were conducting surveillance in the 2500 block of W. Fayette Street in Baltimore, as part of an ongoing federal drug trafficking investigation. One of the members of the surveillance team was a DEA Special Agent who was in the area in his unmarked vehicle conducting covert surveillance in connection with the narcotics investigation.
Rogers admitted that while the Special Agent was inside of his vehicle, he and another individual approached the vehicle and began looking inside. The Special Agent tried to avoid being seen by laying down in the rear area the vehicle. After they looked inside of the Special Agent’s vehicle, Rogers and the second individual walked away from the vehicle. Several minutes later, the Special Agent got into the driver’s seat of his vehicle to try to drive away from the area. By that time, Rogers and the second individual had returned to the area. At approximately 9:18 p.m., as the Special Agent began driving away, Rogers and the second individual began shooting at the Special Agent. The Special Agent was nearly struck by one or more of the bullets, and his vehicle sustained multiple bullet strikes. Specifically, bullets struck the driver’s side front and rear doors, the rear window, the trunk, and the passenger’s side sun visor and ceiling area.
As detailed in the plea agreement, the Special Agent was able to drive for approximately one block before crashing his vehicle into a nearby parked car and running to safety. After the shooting, Rogers and the second individual fled the scene. Investigators recovered multiple shell casings, of two different calibers, from the area where Rogers and the second individual shot at the Special Agent.
After the shooting, search warrants were executed at co-defendant Juan Hester’s residence and at Rogers’ residence on December 30, 2021 and January 4, 2022. Investigators recovered 113 grams of almost pure methamphetamine hydrochloride, 814 grams of THC, 34 grams of mixtures containing cocaine, three grams of mixtures containing fentanyl, and various cutting agents from Hester’s residence and investigators seized approximately fourteen rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from Rogers’ residence. Based on new information received, two additional search warrants were executed on Hester’s residence on January 1, 2022 and January 6, 2022 and investigators recovered approximately 337 grams of mixtures or substances containing fentanyl, 78 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition, 32 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and one handgun magazine. Hester admitted that he maintained the residence as a premises for manufacturing or distributing controlled substances.
Rogers, Hester, and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreements, Rogers will be sentenced to nine years in federal prison and Hester will be sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Rogers on September 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. and for Hester on September 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (“ATF”) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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 is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Baltimore County Police Departments, the Laurel Police Department, the Annapolis Police Department, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anatoly Smolkin and Darryl Tarver, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Automaker Official Agrees to Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Emanuele Palma, 43, of automaker group FCA US, pleaded guilty today to a felony as a result of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA). As alleged in court documents, Palma and others conspired to withhold information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the design, calibration and function of the emissions control systems on more than 100,000 Model Year 2014, 2015 and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles. The co-conspirators also misrepresented the vehicles’ emissions of pollutants, fuel efficiency and compliance with U.S. emissions standards.
According to court documents, Palma pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment – originally fined in 2019 – charging him with conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. Sentencing is set for Oct. 17 in front of U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds, sitting in Detroit, Michigan.
“Senior auto officials at FCA US, including Mr. Palma, conspired to circumvent pollution standards and obtain EPA certifications for hundreds of thousands of SUVs and pickup trucks under false pretenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s actions reflect the Justice Department’s continued and steadfast commitment to enforcing the Clean Air Act and holding individuals accountable for attempting to circumvent our Nation’s pollution standards.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates EPA’s commitment to holding accountable those in management positions who intentionally withhold key information from regulators,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Mr. Palma’s guilty plea accompanies the earlier conviction of Fiat Chrysler for defrauding both the EPA and customers, as well as creating an unfair advantage over automakers who complied with the law.”
“Mr. Palma and those he worked with concealed material information from the EPA about how certain of Fiat Chrysler’s diesel engines operated. Our environmental laws depend on companies being honest and transparent with the EPA about the environmental impact of their products,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “The conduct in this case falls well short of that standard, and today’s guilty plea provides a measure of accountability for this deceptive conduct.”
According to Palma’s admissions and court documents, beginning at least as early as 2010, FCA US developed a new 3.0-liter diesel engine for use in FCA US’s Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 vehicles (the Subject Vehicles) that would be sold in the United States. As alleged in the Superseding Indictment related to this plea agreement, Palma and others developed and calibrated the 3.0-liter diesel engine. Their responsibilities included calibrating several software features in the vehicles’ emissions control systems to meet emissions standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx), a family of poisonous gases that are formed when diesel fuels are burned at high temperatures, while also achieving best-in-class fuel efficiency targets set by FCA US.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that the emissions control systems on the Subject Vehicles was purposely calibrated to produce less NOx emissions on the federal test procedures, or driving “cycles,” than when the Subject Vehicles were being driven by FCA US’s customers in the real world. One method that was used to effectuate this goal was called “T Eng,” a software function that affects the rate of exhaust gas recirculation.
According to court documents, Palma and his co-conspirators agreed not to disclose the existence of the T Eng function to the EPA. Palma knew that T Eng was properly the subject of regulation by the EPA, and in agreeing to withhold this information, he acknowledged concealing material information from that regulatory body. As a result of this concealment, material information was omitted from FCA’s applications for Certificates of Conformity from the EPA, which authorize the company to sell vehicles pursuant to the Clean Air Act.
This plea is related to the corporate plea and sentencing of FCA US, LLC, in August 2022, where FCA US LLC, was sentenced and ordered to pay a fine of over $96.1 million; to satisfy a forfeiture money judgment of over $203.5 million; and to serve a three-year term of organizational probation.
Assistant Chief Michael T. O’Neill of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, White Collar Unit Chief John K. Neal and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Wyse for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Senior Litigation Counsel Todd W. Gleason of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI and EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division are investigating this case.
Adair County Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – An Adair County man was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for child pornography offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Matthew Ross Mouser, 41, produced videos of his sexual abuse of a minor victim, traded images of child pornography via the internet, and discussed sexually abusing children with others online.
Mouser was sentenced to 27 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography. In addition to the 27-year prison sentence, Mouser was ordered to pay restitution to a victim in the amount of $3,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness 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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19 July 2023
געוועזענער הויפט פוןיעריגע מיידל כדי זיך צו פארנעמען מיט סעקסועלע מעשים בארא פארק חברה שומרים געבט זיך איין אלס שולדיג פאר׳ן אריבערפירן א 15-Read the Press Release
יעקב דאסקאל האט זיך איינגעגעבן אלס שולדיג אום יולי 14, 2023 פאר׳ן טראנספארטירן א קינד מיט׳ן כוונה צו באגיין סעקסועלע פארברעכנס. די היינטיגע פראצעדור איז פארגעקומען ביים יונייטעד סטעיטס דיסטריקט ריכטער ניקאלאס דזשי. גאראופיס. אלס טייל פון זיין שולד איינגעבונג, האט דער באשולדיגטער מסכים געווען אויף אן אורטייל פון בערך 14 ביז 17 א האלב יאר אין טורמע. אלס טייל פון דעם שולד איינגעבונג, מוז דאסקאל זיך רעגיסטרירן אלס א סעקס פארברעכער.
ברעאן פיעס, יונייטעד סטעיטס אטוירני פאר׳ן איסטערן דיסטריקט פון ניו יארק האט אויסגעמאלדן דעם שולד איינגעבונג.
״דער באשולדיגטער האט מודה געווען אז ער האט אויסגעניצט אויף בייזן זיין מאכט, צוטרוישאפט און פאזיציע אינערערהאלב דער קאמיוניטי דורך באגיין שענדליכע מעשים קעגן א קינד אין זיין אויפפאסונג,״ האט געזאגט יונייטעד סטעיטס אטוירני פיעס. ״מיר ווילן אז געליטענע קרבנות איבעראל זאלן הערן דעם שולד הודאה אלס אונזער אפיס׳ס אנגייענדע דעקלעראציע אז קיינער שטייט נישט העכער פונעם געזעץ און מיר וועלן ברענגען צו יוסטיץ די וועלכע בא׳עוולה׳ן אונזערע קינדער.״
מר. פיעס האט אויסגעדרוקט זיין דאנקבארשאפט פאר׳ן פעדעראלער ביורא פון פארשונג (׳פעדעראל ביורא אוו אינוועסטיגעשען׳), ניו יארק פיעלד אפיס, דעם קינגס קאונטי דיסטריקט אטוירני׳ס אפיס און דעם ניו יארק סיטי פאליציי דעפארטמענט.
ווי פארגעלייגט אין געריכט דאקומענטן, איז דער באשולדיגטער געווען הויפט פון בארא פארק חברה שומרים (די ״שומרים״), א פריוואטע, ארטאדאקסיש-אידישער שמירה גרופע פארבינדן מיט׳ן ניו יארק פאליציי דעפארטמענט. אין פרילינג 2017, האט דער פארדעכטיגטער, אויסניצנדיג זיין פאזיציע אין שומרים, זיך פארבינדן מיט א 15-יעריגע מיידל, וועם ער האט אריינגעברענגט ביי זיך אינדערהיים און איר איבערגערעדט און גרייט געמאכט פאר סעקס. צווישן אוגוסט און נאוועמבער 2017, איז דער באשולדיגטער, וועלכער איז דאן געווען 58 יאר אלט, באגאנגען סעקסועלע מעשים אויף דעם 15-יעריגן קרבן.
דורכאויס דעם זומער 2017, איז פארגעקומען די סעקסועלע געפירעכץ הויפטזעכליך ביי דאסקאל אינדערהיים אין ברוקלין, ניו יארק, און ביי זיין זומער הויז אין סאוט פאלסבורג, ניו יארק. דער באשולדיגטער האט אפט טראנספארטירט דעם קרבן צווישן די צוויי ערטער דורכפארנדיג ניו דזשערזי. אין ענדע אוגוסט, האט זיך דער באשולדיגטער, אינאיינעם מיט זיין פאמיליע, און די געליטענע קרבן, זיך אומגעקערט פול-צייטיג צו זיין הויז אין ברוקלין, וואו דאס בא׳עוולה׳ען איז ווייטער אנגעגאנגען. אזוי ווי דער סקול יאר האט זיך אנגעהויבן, האט דער באשולדיגטער געהאלפן דעם קרבן טרעפן א נייע סקול אין שיקאגא, אילינאי, און אין אקטאבער 2017 האט זי זיך אהינגעצויגן אויף צו גיין אין סקול און צו וואוינען מיט אן אנדערער פאמיליע. בשעת די געליטענע איז געווען אין שיקאגא, האט דער באשולדיגטער קאמוניקירט מיט איר דורך טעקסט מעסעדזשעס און איבער סקייפ ווידעאו טשעט. אום אדער בערך נאוועמבער 5, 2017, איז דער באשולדיגטער געפארן קיין שיקאגא פאר א טאג אויף צו באזוכן די בא׳עוול׳טע. דער באשולדיגטער האט געדינגען א האטעל צימער אין שיקאגא, און געברענגט דעם קרבן צום האטעל פאר סעקסועלע מעשים און אָורעל סעקס. ער איז צוריקגעפלויגן יענעם אוונט קיין ניו יארק.
דורכאויס דאס בא׳עוולה׳ען, האט דער באשולדיגטער אנגעזאגט דעם קרבן אויסצומעקן זייערע קאמוניקאציעס און איר געווארנט קיינעם נישט צו דערציילן איבער זייער סעקסועלע באציאונגען. דער באשולדיגטער האט אויך אויסגעניצט זיין פאזיציע אלס א פירנדער מיטגליד פון זייער קאמיוניטי אויף שטיל צו מאכן דעם קרבן, זיך גרויס געהאלטן איבער זיינע פארבינדונגען מיט געזעץ אינפארסירער און איר געווארנט אז עס וועט איר חרוב מאכן דאס לעבן אויב פארציילט זי עמיצן איבער זייערע באציאונגען.
די רעגירונג׳ס קעיס ווערט געפירט דורך דעם אפיס׳ס ציווילע רעכטן אפטיילונג. אסיסטענט יונייטעד סטעיטס אטוירני
ערין ריעד און דזשעני נגאי זענען באאויפטראגט מיט׳ן פראקורירן, מיט הילף פון ליטיגאציע אנאליסט רייען קאסטלי.
Worcester Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Possessing and Distributing Counterfeit Adderall Pills Containing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine disguised as counterfeit Adderall pills.
Nestiano Kristo, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On March 17, 2023, Kristo pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Over the course of two months, Kristo sold significant quantities of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer. Specifically, on May 10, 2021, Kristo provided approximately 1,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine to the undercover officer, as well as providing cocaine to advertise what else he could supply. On May 18, 2021, Kristo arranged to sell 2,000 pills containing methamphetamine to the undercover. He sent an associate to deliver the pills while he waited in a nearby car. On June 2, he again provided over 1100 pills containing methamphetamine to the undercover officer. A search of Kristo’s home in June 2021 recovered over 50,000 counterfeit Adderall pills, over $140,000 in cash, cocaine, counterfeit Xanax, fentanyl, as well as three firearms – one of which was modified into a fully automatic weapon.
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; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Unit prosecuted the case.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Texas woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
According to court documents, in or around April 2022, Patricia Hart, 24, and her boyfriend, Gregory Massey, were arrested in New Orleans. While Massey was in custody, Hart conspired with Massey on recorded jail calls to engage in sex trafficking, including by locking one victim outside, hitting her, withholding her identity documents, and scaring her with a firearm.
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. As a result of her plea, Hart must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Texas woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
According to court documents, in or around April 2022, Patricia Hart, 24, and her boyfriend, Gregory Massey, were arrested in New Orleans. While Massey was in custody, Hart conspired with Massey on recorded jail calls to engage in sex trafficking, including by locking one victim outside, hitting her, withholding her identity documents, and scaring her with a firearm.
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. As a result of her plea, Hart must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Waubay Man Charged with Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Waubay, South Dakota, man for Escape from Custody.
Levi Ambrose Locke, age 32, was indicted in May of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about April 13, 2023, Locke escaped while in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons at Dismas Charities, Inc. Locke was serving part of a federal sentence when he allegedly left the premises and did not return.
The charge is merely an accusation and Locke is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Locke was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for September 19, 2023.
Virginia Man and Woman Charged with Committing Forced Labor and Alien Harboring at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple YearsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Richmond, Virginia, returned a seven-count indictment today charging a Virginia couple with forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain and document servitude along with fraud-related charges – conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud and fraudulent transfers in contemplation of bankruptcy – in connection with their operation of a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
According to the court documents, between March 2018 and May 2021, Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 42, allegedly forced the victim to provide labor and services at Singh’s store, including working as the cashier, preparing food, cleaning and managing store records. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting the victim to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm and, at times, degrading living conditions, to compel him to work long hours for minimal pay. The indictment further alleges that the defendants harbored the victim after his visa expired for financial gain and committed bankruptcy-related fraud offenses.
The charge of forced labor carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Richmond Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IndictmentVirginia Beach Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme Totaling More than $800,000Read the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach woman pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance (UI) benefits using personal identifiable information (PII) belonging to both Virginia Department of Corrections inmates and unwitting victims from the Norfolk area and out of state.
According to court documents, from approximately May 2020 through in November 2020, Jenyce Williams, 34, and her co-defendants and co-conspirators conspired to use PII, including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers belonging to others to file hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of UI claims amid the pandemic when numerous businesses were shut down. Williams’ role in the conspiracy was to submit UI applications and complete weekly recertifications using PII provided either by one of her co-conspirators, a Virginia Department of Corrections inmate, or obtained using other sources. For the UI applications to be successful, Williams and a second co-conspirator provided numerous false inputs in required fields on the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) website, including a false mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address, and last employer. Williams and her second co-conspirator repeated false recertifications on a weekly basis to ensure benefits would continue to be paid. For many of the inmate claims, Williams continued weekly recertifications through in or about December 2020 until the VEC cut off known inmate claims. Williams elected for most of the UI benefits to be paid through a preloaded Way2Go debit card, which was mailed to the mailing address listed on the application, which was either Williams’ address, a co-conspirator’s address, or other residences selected to avoid suspicion regarding too many cards going to one address. The false claims filed specifically by Williams for 12 inmates resulted in the approval of approximately $193,332 in UI benefits. As a result of the overall conspiracy, the VEC approved approximately $478,640 in UI benefits on behalf of Virginia Department of Corrections inmates who were not entitled to receive such benefits, in addition to two non-inmates who had former connections to the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Williams also used another source available to members of the conspiracy to obtain PII belonging to individuals out of state who were not incarcerated. Using this PII, Williams filed approximately 15 claims, resulting in the approval of approximately $361,664 in UI benefits. These innocent out-of-state victims did not provide their PII to Williams or any of her co-defendants and had no knowledge of the scheme.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 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; Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security; Troy W. Springer, Acting Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-30.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Employee Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Royalston man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield in connection with distributing child pornography using the Wi-Fi of a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.
Kevin A. Divoll, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release. Divoll was also ordered to pay $5,000 each to two of the identified victims. On April 24, 2023, Divoll pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Divoll, a former employee of the VA Medical Center in Leeds, was identified as the owner and user of a device distributing child pornography over the VA Medical Center’s public Wi-Fi from May 2022 through July 2022. During a search of his residence on Aug. 4, 2022, Divoll was found to be in possession of child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement. Significant assistance was provided by the Leeds VA Medical Center Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida Joins Announcement of Nationwide Initiative to Curtail Illegal Telemarketing OperationsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida joins the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other law enforcement partners, including attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, in announcing a crackdown on telemarketing operations responsible for billions of illegal calls to U.S. consumers.
The announcement caps approximately a year of enforcement actions taken by federal and state agencies to combat the scourge of illegal telemarketing, including robocalls and scam calls. In the last year, the Department has pursued approximately 90 cases against illegal telemarketing operations and those who facilitate those illegal calls. This initiative, “Operation Stop Scam Calls,” targets telemarketers, including those who use telephone calls to commit fraud, as well as those who facilitate illegal telephone calls. Enforcement actions targeted lead generators who deceptively collect consumers’ telephone numbers and then provide those telephone numbers to robocallers and others (falsely representing that these consumers have consented to receive calls), as well as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers who facilitate tens of billions of illegal robocalls every year. Significant actions also were taken against individuals and entities who unjustly profited by facilitating the movement of money from scam call victims to fraudsters.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said U.S. Attorney Coody. "Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable citizens. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our citizens."
The Department of Justice and its partners urge consumers to be on the lookout for illegal calls, to take steps to minimize the number of illegal calls received, and to report any scam calls to law enforcement.
• Callers may pressure you to send money by trying to scare you. They may pretend to be someone you know who is in trouble, a government agency, or a major company. These are fraudsters. Hang up.
• Don’t trust your caller ID. It can be faked.
• If you answer the telephone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it’s potentially a robocall trying to sell you something. It is probably illegal and likely a scam.
• Only call a telephone number you know is real.
• Make sure your number is on the Do Not Call Registry and consider using your telephone’s call blocking options or getting a call blocking app or service.For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. To review a list of common transnational elder fraud scams, many facilitated by telephone calls, visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force.
To learn more about the Department’s elder fraud efforts, visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
For more information on unwanted calls, including steps people can take to avoid robocall scams and to hear examples of illegal calls, visit https://www.ftc.gov/calls, which is also available in Spanish at https://www.ftc.gov/llamadas.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Participates in National Recognition Week for “Do the Write Thing ” Winners in Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This week, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King participated in the National Recognition Week for the winners of the “Do the Write Thing” essay challenge in Washington, D.C., organized by the National Campaign to Stop Violence.
The Do the Write Thing (DtWT) challenge is a program of the National Campaign to Stop Violence, which seeks to encourage middle school students to express the impact of violence in their lives through writing, and to empower students to become catalysts for positive change by sharing their ideas on ways to reduce youth violence.
U.S. Attorney King serves as Chair of the DtWT Committee in Asheville. In May, U.S. Attorney King announced the two winners of the essay competition in Asheville, Ace Wilkins from Asheville Middle School, and Hannah-Grace Tweedie from Cane Creek Middle School. U.S. Attorney King also attended the DtWT ceremony in Charlotte, where Aaliyah Williams-Camp from Eastway Middle School, and Michael Tadi from Coulwood STEM Academy were announced as the winners of the essay competition in Charlotte.
As overall winners of the essay challenge, the four students were designated as DtWT Student National Ambassadors. As Ambassadors, the students, their parents/guardians and the teachers who submitted their essays were invited to the National Recognition Week, that took place from July 15 to July 19, in the nation’s capital. While there, the Ambassadors participated in a number of events, including a visit to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a meeting with members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, where the students had an opportunity to discuss a number of topics including the problem of youth violence. In addition, the students were honored at an embassy reception hosted by the Ambassador from the State of Kuwait to the United States. A highlight of the week was a visit to the Library of Congress where the National Ambassadors’ essays can be viewed by the public.
“I am very proud of our Asheville and Charlotte National Ambassadors for this great accomplishment. I am confident that this experience has fueled their drive to achieve their goals and strive to reach their full potential,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Words have incredible power and can make ideas, hopes, and dreams become a reality. Do the Write Thing is a unique opportunity, as it allows young people to express their experiences through their writings, communicate their insights about the impact of violence in their lives, and learn how they can become agents of change.”
For more information on the National “Do the Write Thing Challenge” program please visit http://www.dtwt.org.
Tucson Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Alien Smuggling and Threats to Murder a Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jesus Alberto Ibarra-Barraza, 31, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on Monday, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to a term of 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Ibarra-Barraza pleaded guilty on February 27, 2023, to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit and Threats to Murder an Employee of the United States.
On March 16, 2023, Ibarra-Barraza was transporting four undocumented noncitizens when he encountered law enforcement. Ibarra-Barraza stopped his vehicle, directed the passengers to exit, then fled at a high rate of speed. Ibarra-Barraza then crashed his vehicle sustaining serious injuries. While at the hospital, Ibarra-Barraza verbally confronted the victim, a United States Border Patrol Agent, and threatened to kill the victim upon his release from the hospital.
United States Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01958-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-109_Ibarra-Barraza# # #
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.Sturgis Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Todd Deutsch, 55, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Deutsch was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2020. He was found guilty following a jury trial on January 13, 2023.
During the conspiracy, Deutsch conspired with multiple other persons in western South Dakota, to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine from places like California, Nevada, and Colorado, and then worked with his co-conspirators to distribute the methamphetamine within the District of South Dakota, primarily in the Black Hills area.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Drug Enforcement Agency. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina S. Nelson and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Deutsch was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Southern Oregon Dairy Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—On July 17, 2023, a family-owned dairy located near Grants Pass, Oregon, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court for violating the Clean Water Act by negligently discharging cow manure into a nearby creek and river.
Noble Marital Trust dba Noble Family Dairy pleaded guilty to one count of negligently discharging a pollutant in violation of a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
“By disregarding the maximum number of cattle allowed by its waste management permit, the Noble Family Dairy caused significant environmental harm to two waterways shared and enjoyed by countless Rogue Valley residents and visitors,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Our nation’s environmental laws exist to protect human health and the environment, and we will continue working closely with our partners at EPA to hold accountable anyone who violates them.”
“This defendant’s actions caused the discharge of manure into the Applegate River and Caris Creek, causing significantly elevated levels of E. coli in the water,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Carr of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Oregon. “EPA and its partners will continue to protect the waters of the United States from illegal pollution discharges that contribute to serious health problems and put our communities at risk.”
According to court documents, Noble Family Dairy is a commercial dairy consisting of a farm and large concentrated animal feeding operation located approximately 13 miles southeast of Grants Pass off Oregon Route 238. In early 2019, the dairy had 130 more head of cattle than it was permitted under its state-issued waste management plan permit causing its manure lagoons to fill more rapidly. As a result, dairy operators applied manure to its fields throughout the rainy season and dug a trench to capture the runoff. In late February 2019, heavy rainfall and flooding caused the dairy’s runoff trench to fail and discharge manure into Caris Creek and, ultimately, the Applegate River.
In March 2019, an inspector from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) visited the dairy and observed that the trench had been repaired but had as much as 18 inches of solid manure collecting in places. The inspector further observed what appeared to be islands of solid manure in Caris Creek and manure visibly discharging from the creek into the Applegate River. Despite these illegal discharges and the trench’s recent failure, the dairy continued applying liquid manure to its fields.
On April 19, 2023, Noble Family Dairy was charged by criminal information with one count of discharging a pollutant in violation of a NPDES permit, a misdemeanor crime under the Clean Water Act.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID) with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and ODA. It was prosecuted Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Gwendolyn Russell, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Manure and wastewater from dairies and other concentrated animal feeding operations have the potential to contribute pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, sediments, pathogens, hormones and antibiotics to the environment.
If you witness an environmental event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s National Response Center by calling 1-800-424-8802.
South Georgia Resident Convicted in Lanier County Meth Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. –A Clinch County, Georgia, resident was convicted by a federal jury late yesterday of possessing with intent to distribute nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine, resulting from an investigation initiated by the Lanier County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office.
Dennis Thompson, 40, of Homerville, Georgia, was convicted on July 18 of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following a two-day trial that began on July 17 before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Thompson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $10,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 15.
“Law enforcement successfully prevented a large quantity of methamphetamine from entering Lanier County,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thompson, and others who choose to push large amounts of the most deadly and addictive illegal drugs, will be held accountable for these crimes that degrade communities and so often feed other criminal activities.”
“Thompson endangered himself, law enforcement and other motorists during his irresponsible attempt to evade justice for methamphetamine distribution,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office. “Hopefully this conviction sends a clear message that drug dealing in our communities will not be tolerated by the FBI and our partners.”
“We are appreciative of the cooperative efforts from all our partners to help bring this case to a close,” said Lanier County Sheriff Charles “Nick” Norton. “It is this kind of cooperation that makes our streets a safer place.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Thompson was under surveillance for distributing methamphetamine by Lanier County Sheriff’s Office investigators in Aug. 2020. A confidential informant told investigators that Thompson would be carrying a large amount of illegal drugs into Lanier County on Aug. 30, 2020, and he would be driving on Highway 221. Deputies attempted to pull Thompson over on Highway 221, but Thompson fled, leading deputies on a high-speed chase in excess of 100 miles per hour for several miles. The pursuit continued into Atkinson County, Georgia, where the vehicle finally came to a stop. A drug dog alerted to the odor of drugs inside Thompson’s car. Officers found 976 grams of methamphetamine inside a bag in the car. Thompson acquired the methamphetamine in Atlanta to distribute in the Lanier County community.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit and Criminal Chief Leah McEwen are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Scott County Man Sentenced to 294 Months for Role in Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Georgetown, Ky., man, Demarkus Nemetz, 24, was sentenced on Monday to 294 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and promotional money laundering.
According to his plea agreement, Nemetz admitted to knowingly and voluntarily participating in a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. After other conspirators distributed controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine, Nemetz would collect the proceeds of the drug sales, count and package the money, and then conduct financial transactions with the proceeds by delivering the packages to couriers for the larger drug trafficking organization. Nemetz admitted that he was responsible for at least $1.5 million but less than $3.5 million in drug proceeds.
During the investigation, DEA agents seized 7 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 6 firearms and approximately $650,000 in cash drug proceeds.
Eleven defendants were charged in the drug or money laundering conspiracies. Six defendants pled guilty, including Nemetz, who pleaded guilty in November 2022. Three defendants proceeded to trial in April 2023, on conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and promotional money laundering. All three were found guilty by the jury and are pending sentencing. Two others have already been sentenced. Eduardo Hernandez Alfaro, of Lexington, was sentenced to 78 months and Humberto Saucedo-Salgado, also of Lexington, was sentenced to 97 months.
Under federal law, Nemetz 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 three years.
Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Rochester Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The owner of a Rochester jewelry business has been sentenced to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Bernard James Benavidez, 62, is the sole owner and operator of Master Jewelers, Inc., located in Rochester, Minnesota. Because of its corporate structure, Master Jewelers was responsible for paying its own corporate taxes while Benavidez was independently responsible for reporting any salary, wages, or other compensation that Master Jewelers paid to him personally. But Benavidez regularly and intentionally diverted significant portions of Master Jewelers’ gross sales into his personal bank accounts for the purpose of lowering tax liabilities. Benavidez occasionally directed customers to pay him personally for work he completed on behalf of the business. Master Jewelers also sold significant amounts of scrap metal as part of its business and Benavidez deposited the proceeds into his personal bank account instead of the corporate account to avoid the funds from being captured on tax returns.
In total, between 2013 and 2017, Benavidez successfully concealed $432,373.42 in Master Jewelers’ sales, which resulted in unpaid tax liabilities of $147,006.96.
“Financial crimes involving the concealment, diversion and manipulation of business funds can be quite difficult to detect,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “The sentencing of this individual underscores the fact that IRS-CI special agents are as meticulous as they are dedicated to bringing to justice business owners who attempt to evade their tax obligations.”
Benavidez pleaded guilty on February 3, 2023, to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. Benavidez was sentenced yesterday before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright.
This case was jointly investigated by IRS – Criminal Investigations.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing.
Retired Oklahoma Police Officer to Serve 15 Months for Threatening to Kill Federal Law Enforcement Officers at AirportRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, CHARLES DEAN LACK, 56, of Wayne, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 15 months in federal prison for threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 17, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Lack. Count 1 charged him with threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers, and Count 2 charged him with interstate transmission of a threatening communication. On April 19, 2023, Lack pleaded guilty and admitted to threatening to kill TSA officers at Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA).
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on or about August 5, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned Lack had communicated his intention to visit WRWA and kill federal officers once he arrived. The affidavit states Lack traveled to WRWA on three separate occasions to scout the area and determine where federal officers were located within the airport.
At a sentencing hearing on July 14, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Lack to serve 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, along with Lack’s history and characteristics.
This case is the result of investigations by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Dillon and Mark Stoneman prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Recidivist Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of MinorRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A New York man pleaded guilty today to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
According to court documents, from at least August 2020 through November 2020, Anthony Lynch, 59, who is a registered sex offender in New York, communicated with the out-of-state minor over the telephone and through various social media applications. In those communications, Lynch repeatedly demanded that the minor take explicit videos and photographs of herself for his personal use. When the underage victim did not comply, defendant repeatedly threatened her, writing that the “war has started” and by claiming, among other things, that he would distribute intimate pictures of her over the internet and email the victim’s school with her information and claim that she was performing online sex shows. After a lengthy investigation, including a search warrant executed at his purported residence in Brooklyn, Lynch was located at a relative’s home in Chesapeake, Virginia, and arrested.
Lynch is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Al Chandler, Chief of Suffolk Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wilson Hanes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia expresses its appreciation to the FBI New York Field Office and the San Francisco Police Department for their significant assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-8.
Prison Guard Admits to Using Excessive Force, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former correctional officer at Pinckneyville Correctional Center pleaded guilty to federal charges Tuesday stemming from an incident in which a restrained inmate was beaten.
Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, pleaded guilty to violating the inmate’s civil rights by using excessive force under color of law and of conspiracy to obstruct justice by falsifying incident reports.
Correctional officers Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, and Mark C. Maxwell, 52, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, are also charged in the indictment.
The indictment alleges both Williams and Pyles beat an inmate who was fully restrained in handcuffs and leg irons on April 24, 2022. Maxwell was charged with a separate civil rights violation that alleges he was the acting lieutenant when he failed to intervene and allowed the inmate to be beaten in his presence.
As part of Williams’ plea, he admitted that the beating occurred to punish the inmate, because he had previously punched a different correctional officer. Court records showed the beating caused significant injuries to the inmate, including facial fractures, multiple lacerations, a chipped tooth, and lung damage.
As part of their official duties, correctional officers are required to write incident reports to accurately document any unusual incidents that they observe or are reported to them, including disturbances or the use of force. The conspiracy count alleges that both Williams, Pyles, and others colluded to file false reports about the incident.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Platte Woman Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY- United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Platte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 17, 2023.
Vonda Hand, 67, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hand was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. She pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023.
Between October of 2022 and February of 2023, Hand made arrangements to obtain methamphetamine in Arizona. She traveled there to pick it up, recruiting others to assist her, and then dispersed the methamphetamine to others in South Dakota. She knew that people in South Dakota were going to further distribute the substance. Overall, Hand was responsible for distributing between 5 and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Platte Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Hand was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pittsburg County Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brittany Nicole Mekler, age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to an Indictment of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 27, 2022, Mekler possessed at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute to others.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the McAlester Police Department.
According to investigators’ reports, while conducting an investigation into an unrelated crime, law enforcement officers located Mekler inside a shed with approximately 163 grams of methamphetamine. Mekler also had over $3,700 in cash in her purse.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Mekler will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Penobscot County Man Sentenced to 13+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Penobscot County man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and for being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Matthew Catalano (aka “Tampa”), 33, to 165 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on November 19, 2022.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Catalano, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties and elsewhere. On February 17, 2021, Catalano was arrested by the Orono Police Department following a traffic stop during which he was found in possession of large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm handgun and drug paraphernalia.
Catalano is the seventh participant involved in the northern Maine conspiracy to be sentenced. To date, eight of the remaining 14 defendants related to the case have pleaded guilty.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Paralegal Is Charged with Embezzling $1.5 Million from Law Firm's ClientsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jennifer Elaine Roarke, 54, of Hickory, N.C., was indicted on wire fraud charges for embezzling more than $1.5 million from the clients of a law firm where she was employed, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, from 2007 to 2021, Roarke, who is also known as Jennifer Claveria, was employed as an assistant and a paralegal for a law firm in Hickory, North Carolina. The law firm handled, among other things, the administration and management of trusts for clients, including the trusts’ bank accounts. As part of her duties, Roarke was responsible for opening mail, depositing checks into trust bank accounts, and processing invoices. As alleged in the indictment, from 2015 to 2021, Roarke misused her access and position with the law firm to embezzle more than $1.5 million from the trusts of the law firm’s clients. Roarke executed the embezzlement scheme by making hundreds of unauthorized wire transfers from bank accounts associated with the law firm’s clients’ trusts into bank accounts controlled by Roarke. Roarke allegedly used the embezzled funds to pay for personal items, make mortgage, car, and credit card payments, and to fund an extravagant lifestyle.
The information and charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited the FBI for the investigation which led to the charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Pain Management Physician's Assistant Charged in Amniotic Fluid ScamRead the Press Release
A physician’s assistant who allegedly injected amniotic fluid into patients’ joints in a dubious attempt at pain management has been charged with healthcare fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Ray Anthony Shoulders, a 36-year-old physician’s assistant at a Fort Worth pain management clinic, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and eleven counts of healthcare fraud. He made his initial appearance Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cureton.
“This defendant allegedly claimed that amniotic fluid – a product that has never been approved to treat pain – would alleviate his patients’ suffering. He allegedly told patients that the treatment was covered by Medicare, kindling false hopes. To add insult to injury, he allegedly scammed Medicare out of more than half a million dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The Northern District of Texas has always been tenacious in its fight against healthcare fraud, and this case is no exception. Medical professionals cannot be allowed to bill insurers for unreliable, unapproved, unreimbursable treatments.”“The conduct alleged in this indictment put patients at risk,” said Jason E. Meadows, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "Protecting the safety of Medicare patients is crucial, and HHS-OIG is committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used for unapproved, potentially dangerous medical treatments."
According to the indictment, Mr. Shoulders and others allegedly submitted $788,000 in fraudulent claims and received more than $614,000 in reimbursements from Medicare for injecting amniotic fluid – the liquid that surrounds a growing fetus during gestation – into patients’ connective tissue in an off-label attempt to relieve joint pain.
Certain amniotic products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for wound care, but not for pain management. (In fact, the FDA has issued repeated consumer alerts warning that biologics like amniotic fluid “have not been approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, disc disease, tennis elbow, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain,” nor for “chronic pain or fatigue.”) Because amniotic products have not been approved to treat pain, Medicare considers amniotic injections administered to treat pain medically unnecessary and does not reimburse for them. They do reimburse for some – but not all – amniotic injections administered to reduce inflammation of damaged tissue, as in a wound.
Mr. Shoulders primarily used “Cell Genuity,” an amniotic product for which Medicare would not reimburse, neither for wound care nor for pain. Initially, because the product was not covered by insurance, Mr. Shoulders allegedly asked patients to pay out of pocket more than $800 per injection. Due to the high cost and questionable efficacy, however, many patients refused.
In August 2020, Mr. Shoulders allegedly found an amniotic product, “Fluid Flow,” for which Medicare would reimburse for wound care. He spoke with a sales rep about Fluid Flow reimbursement rates and billing requirements but did not purchase any Fluid Flow, which was significantly more expensive than Cell Genuity
Instead, he allegedly continued to inject Cell Genuity into patients but billed the shots to Medicare under Fluid Flow’s unique code, Q4206. Because they were told insurance would cover the cost of the injections, more patients consented to the procedure.
Under the scheme, the pain clinic allegedly profited around $1,200 per cc of Cell Genuity they injected. (Had the clinic used Fluid Flow, they would have made only around $400 per cc.) From August to October 2020, the clinic submitted more than 100 bills for Fluid Flow to Medicare and received around $400,000 in reimbursements. Mr. Shoulders then received a cut of those reimbursements totaling over $200,00.
The indictment further charges that, in November 2020, in an attempt to avoid detection, Mr. Shoulders suddenly halted the alleged scheme after he became concerned that a sudden increase in the volume of billings might attract the attention of investigators. With no repercussions over the ensuing 10 months, Mr. Shoulders allegedly re-engaged in the scheme in October 2021 and continued through December 2021.
In mid-October, he allegedly purchased 10ccs of Fluid Flow for $20,000 – the only recorded purchase of Fluid Flow by the clinic. He continued to purchase significant quantities of Cell Genuity. Despite purchasing only 10 ccs of Fluid Flow, Mr. Shoulders billed Medicare for approximately 394 ccs of Fluid Flow in the subsequent months.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Shoulders is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 120 years in federal prison – 10 years per count.
The Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (HHS - OIG) conducted the investigation with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl prosecuted the case.
Paducah Pair Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah, Kentucky woman was sentenced this week to 5 years in prison for charges related to methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Samantha Bennett, 30, was sentenced this week to 5 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Previously, on February 23, 2023, co-defendant James Russell Hayden, 51, of Paducah, Kentucky, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Hayden was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah post of duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the ATF and the Kentucky Department of Probation and Parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Oswego County Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Disclose His Email Address to the Sex Offender RegistryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Anthony Charles Howe, Sr., age 59, of Oswego County New York, pled guilty today to failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender after it was discovered that he had an email address that he had not disclosed to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York, made the announcement.
Howe was required to register as a sex offender because of his federal conviction in 2012 for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. Howe admitted during his guilty plea that, from May 2022 through April 2023, he failed to register a Google email address he created in May 2022.
In addition to his guilty plea to failure to register and update his registration as a sex offender, Howe also admitted today that his conduct violated the terms of supervised release imposed after his 2012 conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2023, before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. For the SORNA offense, Howe faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and up to life to begin upon his release from prison. Howe also may receive additional punishment for violating the terms of his supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Orange County Woman and Three Others Arrested on Indictment Alleging Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Business ScamRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a now-shuttered health care business management services company and three other people were arrested today on a nine-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they defrauded lenders and investors out of millions of dollars via false claims that the owner’s struggling business was booming.
Tammy Le, 48, of San Clemente, the former owner and CEO of CareAccess MSO Inc., a Cerritos-based company that purported to help primary care physician groups manage their business affairs, was arrested without incident this morning.
Also arrested today were:
- Macy Zia, 50, of Fullerton, a former senior accounting manager at CareAccess;
- Galen Clark, 31, of Simi Valley, a former CareAccess information technology manager; and
- Chris Ruiz, 52, of Pasadena, the owner of Auxilium Health Network, an Arcadia-based independent physician association (IPA).
All four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Le, Zia and Ruiz are charged with six counts of wire fraud. Clark, who allegedly joined the conspiracy in November 2020, is charged with three counts of wire fraud. Le also is charged with one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of money laundering.
Le and Zia are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana. Clark and Ruiz are scheduled to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in federal court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to an indictment returned on Tuesday, from January 2020 to July 2021, the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain money from their victims by falsely representing the scope of CareAccess’ business and its anticipated revenue – one victim company was duped into loaning money to CareAccess while the other victim company was deceived into acquiring Le’s company. Neither victim knew the weak state of CareAccess, the indictment alleges.
Le allegedly caused CareAccess to contract with a New Jersey-based finance company that would make loans to CareAccess in exchange for rights to collect against her company’s accounts receivable, including fees due from Auxilium and other IPAs.
The defendants allegedly induced the lender by making false statements regarding the business performance of CareAccess, including by sending fake copies of invoices the company purportedly issued to IPAs. The bogus invoices were accompanied by spreadsheets containing the number of patients purportedly enrolled with the IPAs. The fraudulent invoices and spreadsheets inflated the amount of fees due to CareAccess and the amount of money the lender would loan to it.
To impede the lender’s ability to detect the fraud, Le allegedly arranged for Ruiz to be the point of contact at Auxilium and, when contacted by the lender’s representatives, he verified the false information contained in the fraudulent invoices and spreadsheets.
Le, Zia and Ruiz allegedly caused this lender to wire approximately $6.1 million in loans into a Le-controlled bank account.
Also, starting in November 2020, the defendants, now including Clark, allegedly solicited a Utah-based health care investment company to invest in and eventually acquire CareAccess. The defendants allegedly provided this investor fraudulent reports that inflated its business performance and the size of its customer base.
Through these misrepresentations the defendants allegedly caused the investor to provide approximately $12.7 million for the acquisition of CareAccess, of which Le allegedly directed $2.2 million to be deposited in her bank account. A substantial portion of the latter amount was to be used by the defendants for their personal benefit.
Within months of the acquisition, CareAccess filed for bankruptcy protection.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Valerie L. Makarewicz and David H. Chao of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.
Onondaga County Man Sentenced to a Total of 57 Months for Failing to Update His Sex Offender Registration and Absconding from Supervision on His Underlying Sex OffenseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Douglas Gustafson, age 36, of Syracuse, was sentenced in federal court today for failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender after absconding from a halfway house where he had been living as a part of his conditions of federal supervision. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York, made the announcement.
Gustafson was required to register as a sex offender because of a federal conviction in 2008 for recruiting and enticing a fourteen-year-old minor to engage in a commercial sex act. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for that offense. Following his release from prison in 2016 Gustafson was placed on 10 years supervised release. As a convicted sex offender he is required to register with the New York State Sex Offender Registry and to update any changes, including any change in residence. Gustafson’s last registered address was a halfway house where he was living as a part of his court-ordered supervised release. He admitted in his earlier guilty plea that in May of 2022 he absconded from that facility within weeks of being placed there and did not update his change of residence with the Sex Offender Registry as required by law. Gustafson was located by the United States Marshal NY/NJ Regional Task Force a month later in Cazenovia, NY, and arrested.
For the crime of failing to update his sex offender registration, District Judge David N. Hurd sentenced Gustafson to 33 months in prison. For violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release, he sentenced Gustafson to an additional (consecutive) term of 24 months in prison, for a total of 57 months. When released, Gustafson will serve another 10 years on supervised release. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Gustafson is obligated to register as a sex offender for 25 years, exclusive of time spent incarcerated.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Ocala Gang Member Arrested for Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Clinton Darnelle Kaham (24, Ocala) resulting from an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Kaham faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury had returned the indictment on July 11, 2023.
According to evidence presented in court, on approximately July 6, 2022, officers from the Ocala Police Department found Kaham, a gang member, in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm had previously been reported stolen from Marion County. Kaham has previously been convicted of a felony, possession of heroin (2021), and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case 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 is being investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
North Chesterfield Man and Woman Charged with Committing Forced Labor and Alien Harboring at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple YearsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. –A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment today charging a Virginia couple with conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, and document servitude, along with fraud-related charges – conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud and fraudulent transfers in contemplation of bankruptcy – in connection with their operation of a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield.
According to the court filings, between March 2018 and May 2021, Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 42, forced the victim, Singh’s cousin, to provide labor and services at Singh’s store, including working as the cashier, preparing food, cleaning and managing store records. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting the victim to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm and, at times, degrading living conditions, to compel him to work extensive hours for minimal pay. The indictment further alleges that the defendants harbored the victim after his visa expired for financial gain and committed bankruptcy-related fraud offenses.
The charge of forced labor carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-92.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Heroin Distribution and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Raleigh, North Carolina, man with ties to Trenton was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Dennis Cheston Jr., aka “Beans,” 42, previously pleaded guilty before former Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to two counts of an indictment charging him with distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Following Judge Wolfson’s retirement, the case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner, who imposed the sentence on July 18, 2023, in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2017 to October 2018, law enforcement investigated a large narcotics conspiracy that operated in Trenton and elsewhere. Conspirators Jakir Taylor, aka “Jak,” and Jerome Roberts, aka “Righteous,” obtained regular supplies of hundreds of bricks of heroin from conspirator David Antonio, aka “Papi,” which Taylor, Roberts, and their conspirators then redistributed for profit in Trenton and elsewhere.
On multiple occasions, Cheston – a convicted felon with ties to the Trenton area – traveled from North Carolina to Trenton and obtained quantities of heroin from Taylor for redistribution. During one intercepted telephone call between Taylor and Cheston, Cheston advised Taylor that the heroin bearing an ink stamp that read “Top Secret” was of high quality and that Cheston’s customers in North Carolina liked it. During the course of these drug transactions, Cheston agreed to travel from North Carolina to Trenton to supply Taylor with multiple firearms in exchange for future supplies of heroin. Cheston had previously brought multiple firearms from North Carolina to New Jersey, but had provided them to other individuals instead of Taylor. In an Aug. 25, 2018, intercepted call however, Cheston promised to bring all future guns to Taylor first. On Sept. 8, 2018, law enforcement tracked Cheston as he traveled from North Carolina to Trenton. Shortly after his arrival, law enforcement officers arrested Cheston as he exited the Trenton Transit Center. During a subsequent search of Cheston’s backpack, law enforcement recovered a 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson handgun – one of the guns that Cheston had agreed to provide to Taylor over the wiretap.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Cheston to three years of supervised release. Taylor and Antonio previously pleaded guilty and Roberts was previously convicted at trial.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve Wilson; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jonathan Bucchere; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of chief John Fine; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New Jersey Owner of Auto Repair Shop Sentenced to Prison for Filing a False Corporate Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for filing a false corporate income tax return with the IRS.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gabriel Ferrari of Edison, New Jersey, owned and operated Buses and Trucks, Inc., an automotive repair business located in Linden, New Jersey. In 2011, Ferrari used business funds to pay for personal items, including gambling on horse races. Ferrari concealed this diversion of business income by not disclosing it to his return preparer, thus causing the preparation and filing of a false corporate tax return. Furthermore, Ferrari did not pay employment taxes in the amount of $291,600 based on an unreported cash payroll.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler ordered Ferrari to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $87,926 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 Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ann M. Cherry of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombley of the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case.
Mexican citizen sent to prison for alien smuggling resulting in death of childRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 30-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of attempted alien smuggling resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Miguel Angel Ceballos-Acuna pleaded guilty March 7.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered him to serve 57 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Ceballos-Acuna is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of Ceballos-Acuna’s crime and the need to deter him and others from engaging in similar conduct.
“Take note - human smugglers do not care about your child’s safety,” said Hamdani. “All they care about is money. In this case, a young boy tragically lost his life due to the reckless actions of this criminal. The Southern District of Texas is committed to the vigorous prosecution of those who traffic in human lives and the pursuit of justice for all victims, many of them young children.”
On March 22, 2022, law enforcement responded to reports of suspecting alien smuggling near the border fence on the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) campus. Two individuals had crossed the border fence and got into a white SUV. Authorities then engaged in a high speed pursuit of the vehicle, which ran multiple red lights, but eventually disengaged pursuit due to safety concerns.
However, the vehicle continued traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed into a utility pole in a residential neighborhood. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they discovered the body of a 14-year-old Mexican citizen.
As part of his plea, Ceballos-Acuna admitted he and another individual had driven the white SUV that day to pick up an alien who had illegally entered the United States. When they arrived at the UTRGV campus, two aliens entered the vehicle, including the minor victim. Ceballos-Acuna admitted he knew the minor victim was unlawfully present in the United States. Nevertheless, he attempted to transport the victim which resulted in his death.
Ceballos-Acuna has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Megan Eyes prosecuted the case.
Martha's Vineyard Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Falmouth BankRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Edgartown, Mass. man has been charged with the April 8, 2023 armed robbery of a bank in Falmouth, Mass. Defendant allegedly zip-tied individuals in the bank; brandished a firearm; placed a purported bomb on the counter; and fled the scene in the vehicle of a bank customer.
Petar Petyoshin, 40, was charged with one count of armed bank robbery. Petyoshin was previously arrested on related state charged on May 23, 2023. He remains in state custody and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, at approximately 8:58 a.m. on April 8, 2023, Petyoshin entered the Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth wearing a blonde wig, placed an alleged bomb on the teller counter and brandished a firearm. It is alleged that Petyoshin pointed the firearm at the tellers and customers, telling one bank employee, “I’m robbing you,” before having the customers and bank employees zip-tie each other’s hands together. Petyoshin then allegedly had two additional tellers place over $20,000 in cash from the bank into a brown Walmart bag, took a customer’s car keys and fled the scene in the customer’s vehicle.
It is alleged that surveillance footage from the surrounding area captured that approximately 30 minutes prior to the robbery, a man matching Petyoshin’s description entered a nearby grocery store parking lot in a grey van, remained in the vehicle for approximately 18 minutes, then exited the van and walked on foot in the direction of the bank. The individual can be seen returning to the vehicle from the direction of the bank approximately 15 minutes after the robbery. Additional surveillance footage captured the van travelling on the highway in the direction of Mashpee, Mass. following the robbery.
The investigation later identified that, on the morning of the robbery, a vehicle matching the van’s description departed Martha’s Vineyard aboard a Steamship Authority vessel at 7 a.m. and arrived at Woods Hole in Falmouth, Mass. The van also had a scheduled return trip to Martha’s Vineyard later the same day, at 1:15 p.m. Surveillance footage obtained from the Steamship Authority depict a sole operator in the van who was wearing the same sneakers worn by the bank robber.
According to the charging documents, Petyoshin was subsequently identified as the registered owner of the van and cell site information located Petyoshin as being in the area of bank in Falmouth at the time of the robbery. It is further alleged that the Facebook page for Petyoshin’s clothing store, Dapper Martha’s Vineyard, displayed photos of clothing including the same jacket, sunglasses and wig worn by the bank robber.
On May 23, 2023, Petyoshin was arrested on state charges in connection with the robbery. According to court documents, a subsequent search of his residence in Edgartown, Mass. resulted in the recovery of thousands of dollars in cash bundled together in Rockland Trust money bands, zip ties and clothing items the suspect was captured wearing on surveillance footage both before and after the robbery. Additionally, 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition were seized during the search. It is further alleged that the same jacket worn by the robber inside the Rockland Trust bank was recovered during a search of Petyoshin’s personal locker at the Oak Bluffs Water Department where he is employed.
The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Falmouth and Edgartown Police Departments; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department; and the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.Man Stored Child Pornography on Google Account, Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Maryland man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 168 months in prison followed by 30 years of supervised release for the receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, David Edward King, 59, of Ellicott City, Maryland, stored 504 videos and 2,050 images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Google applications while living in San Antonio. A review of King’s cell phone revealed that he had received the illicit material, some of which involved prepubescent children, via the instant messaging applications ICQ and Telegram. Google became aware of the CSAM being stored in their Google Photos and Google Drive infrastructure and filed a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
King was arrested on March 1, 2022 and has remained in custody since. He pleaded guilty to the charge in the indictment on Feb. 14, 2023. In addition to his prison term and supervised release term, the judge ordered King to pay $95,000 in restitution to 19 separate victims.
“Individuals who seek out child pornography cause profound harm and further victimize those children by enabling the production of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to the valuable work by our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, we continue to identify and prosecute these vile offenders who prey on children for sexual gratification.”
“The significant sentence imposed on David King sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those individuals who exploit children. King will serve the next 14 years in federal prison for his incomprehensible acts,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio Division. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society, our children.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography That He Shared Across the InternetRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA – A man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Vincent Sarikey, 35, formerly of Herndon, enticed a 15-year-old girl to produce CSAM that he then distributed to other offenders over Telegram, a messaging application. In April 2018, he also attempted to entice a self-identified 12-year-old girl in Argentina to produce CSAM. The minor told Sarikey she was 12 and that he would “go to jail” and refused to make the sexually explicit video he requested. Sarikey then distributed two videos of sexually explicit conduct to the minor to try to entice her into producing a sexually explicit video for him.
According to court documents, between October 2015 and July 2017, Sarikey conversed freely with a friend about his sexual interest in children. Sarikey talked about his attempts to meet, groom, and abuse children, including child to whom he had access, as well as blamed his victims for his own criminal conduct. Sarikey’s devices revealed over 20,000 images and 500 videos of CSAM, including 486 known series with identified victims.
Sarikey pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and faces additional charges for sexual exploitation of a child in the Southern District of Indiana based on his allegedly sexually abusing a child and using that child to produce CSAM almost 15 years ago.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney McKenzie Hightower and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-56.
Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Virginia man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Vincent Sarikey, 35, formerly of Herndon, enticed a 15-year-old girl to produce CSAM that he then distributed to other offenders over Telegram, a messaging application. In April 2018, he also attempted to entice a self-identified 12-year-old girl in Argentina to produce CSAM. The minor told Sarikey she was 12 and that he would “go to jail” and refused to make the sexually explicit video he requested. Sarikey then distributed two videos of sexually explicit conduct to the minor to try to entice her into producing a sexually explicit video for him.
According to court documents, between October 2015 and July 2017, Sarike conversed freely with a friend about his sexual interest in children. Sarikey talked about his attempts to meet, groom, and abuse children, including a child to whom he had access, as well as blamed his victims for his own criminal conduct. Sarikey’s devices revealed over 20,000 images and 500 videos of CSAM, including 486 known series with identified victims.
Sarikey pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and faces additional charges for sexual exploitation of a child in the Southern District of Indiana based on his allegedly sexually abusing a child and using that child to produce CSAM almost 15 years ago.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.