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Thursday 25 May 2023
New Britain Man Involved in Florida to Connecticut Gun Trafficking Scheme sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WOODIE, 32, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking and possessing firearms, and for distributing cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 18, 2021, Woodie and Dominic Colon-Brown sold a .22 caliber firearm to an individual for $1,200. Woodie, Brown and Julian Judge then conspired to obtain stolen firearms in Florida and sell them in Connecticut. In late February 2021, Woodie rented a car, which Colon-Brown and Judge used to drive to Florida to obtain stolen firearms and bring them back to Connecticut. Woodie also provided Colon-Brown and Judge with cash to purchase firearms. Colon-Brown and Judge purchased three stolen handguns in Florida, transported them back to Connecticut, and provided them to Woodie.
Woodie was arrested on March 8, 2021, after he ran from New Britain Police officers and discarded a .40 caliber handgun, equipped with a laser and loaded high capacity magazine, during the chase. The firearm was recovered and a search of Woodie’s person revealed five knotted plastic baggies containing cocaine, as well as $1,038 in cash. A subsequent search of Woodie’s residence revealed the three stolen handguns they acquired in Florida, two extended magazines, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, and an additional distribution quantity of cocaine.
During the investigation, Woodie and his associates were captured in recorded conversations discussing the illegal acquisition and sale of firearms. Colon-Brown and Judge also posted photos of themselves on social media in possession of firearms.
Woodie has been detained since his arrest. On March 2, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Colon-Brown, of Farmington, and Judge, of New Britain, each pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines. On May 27, 2022, Judge was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. On August 22, 2022, Colon-Brown was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $2,200 fine.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the New Britain Police Department, the Farmington Police Department, the West Hartford Police Department, and the Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
This prosecution 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. In May 2021, the Justice 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.
Nebraska City Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Amy Henner, 45, of Nebraska City, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 23, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 66 months’ imprisonment following her conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After she completes her prison sentence, Henner will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 18, 2021, Henner was approached by police investigators in Lincoln. Investigators found that she had about a half-pound of methamphetamine in her purse. The methamphetamine was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of at least 190 grams of pure methamphetamine. Henner admitted to investigators that she had been selling methamphetamine to others.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force which is made up of officers from the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Minneapolis Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 92 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on August 29, 2022, Lamonte Edjuan Brown, 39, pointed a loaded gun at two victims outside of a Minneapolis apartment complex. Officers with the Minneapolis Police Department were dispatched to the apartment, and when they approached Brown, he fled on foot. Officers chased Brown and apprehended him. In Brown’s sweatshirt pocket, officers found the loaded gun—a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen by the Eagan Police Department.
Brown pleaded guilty on January 11, 2022, to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Senior Judge Susan Richard Nelson. In handing down the sentence, Judge Nelson remarked that that “the trauma in this case is palpable,” and emphasized that “our community is experiencing an epidemic of gun violence.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
Michigan Vascular Surgeon Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Conviction and Agrees to Pay up to $43.419 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Vasso Godiali, a vascular surgeon from Bay City, Michigan, was sentenced on May 3 to 80 months in prison for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud health care programs by submitting claims for the placement of vascular stents and for thrombectomies that he did not perform and was ordered to pay $19.5 million in restitution collectively to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). Additionally, Godiali agreed to pay the United States up to $43,419,000 to resolve related civil allegations that his fraudulent billings to federal health care programs violated the False Claims Act (FCA).
According to a plea agreement that Godiali entered on Feb. 8, 2022, Godiali began to knowingly defraud medical insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, in approximately 2009. Godiali billed for the placement of multiple vascular stents in the same blood vessel and prepared medical records purporting to document the medical necessity justifying that billing. In fact, however, Godiali did not place those stents and admitted to billing for services never rendered while preparing materially inaccurate medical records to justify the fraudulent billings.
Godiali also billed for arterial thrombectomies and created medical records that stated he encountered occluded arteries that would justify the performance of the procedures. However, he admitted that he often encountered no such occlusions, performed no such thrombectomies, and thus billed insurers for services never rendered while preparing false medical records to justify the fraudulent claims. Godiali’s fraudulent practices resulted in $14,473,000 in damages to the federal government, and a total of $19.5 million across Medicare, Medicaid, and BCBSM, which he agreed to repay as restitution as part of his plea agreement.
In the related FCA action, in addition to alleging that Godiali submitted false claims for procedures that he never performed, the United States alleged that Godiali improperly used Modifier 59 to “unbundle” services that should have been billed together in a single claim to increase his reimbursements from federal health care programs.
A civil forfeiture case resulted in the seizure of approximately $39.9 million from financial accounts controlled by Godiali. Except for $7.5 million, which will be released to Godiali’s wife pursuant to an agreement with the United States, all of the seized funds will be used to pay the criminal judgment or the FCA settlement.
“We will not tolerate the use of federal health care programs as a source of personal enrichment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of those programs and the taxpayer funds used to support them.”
“A priority of my office is protecting our district against unscrupulous health care providers.” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Dr. Godiali stole an enormous amount of money from both public and private health insurers over a number of years, and falsified medical records to cover up his scheme to defraud. We hope that today’s sentence and substantial civil recovery deter any other physicians likewise inclined to line their pockets at the expense of the public.”
“This provider egregiously stole millions of dollars from taxpayers by billing federal health care programs for services that were neither medically necessary nor rendered to his patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this case demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our partners remain committed to ensuring that vital taxpayer dollars are used lawfully and for their intended purposes, not for the illegitimate financial gain of an individual provider.”
“The scope of Godiali’s fraud is truly stunning,” said Special Agent in Charge James A. Tarasca of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This investigation proves the collective resources of law enforcement and the private sector can successfully combat fraud in our health care system.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Innovative Solutions Consulting, LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of the civil resolution, Innovative Solutions will receive up to $4,341,900. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Innovative Solutions Consulting LLC v. Vasso Godziachvili Godiali, M.D., Case No. 1:15-cv-14150-TLL-PTM (E.D. Mich.).
The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Neal, Philip Ross, and Craig Wininger for the Eastern District of Michigan. The FCA matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Postulka for the Eastern District of Michigan. The civil forfeiture action was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Ross for the Eastern District of Michigan. These matters received assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Except as to conduct admitted in connection with the criminal resolution, the claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Michigan Vascular Surgeon Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Conviction and Agrees to Pay up to $43.419 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Vasso Godiali, a vascular surgeon from Bay City, Michigan, was sentenced on May 3 to 80 months in prison for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud health care programs by submitting claims for the placement of vascular stents and for thrombectomies that he did not perform and was ordered to pay $19.5 million in restitution collectively to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). Additionally, Godiali agreed to pay the United States up to $43,419,000 to resolve related civil allegations that his fraudulent billings to federal health care programs violated the False Claims Act (FCA).
According to a plea agreement that Godiali entered on Feb. 8, 2022, Godiali began to knowingly defraud medical insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, in approximately 2009. Godiali billed for the placement of multiple vascular stents in the same blood vessel and prepared medical records purporting to document the medical necessity justifying that billing. In fact, however, Godiali did not place those stents and admitted to billing for services never rendered while preparing materially inaccurate medical records to justify the fraudulent billings.
Godiali also billed for arterial thrombectomies and created medical records that stated he encountered occluded arteries that would justify the performance of the procedures. However, he admitted that he often encountered no such occlusions, performed no such thrombectomies, and thus billed insurers for services never rendered while preparing false medical records to justify the fraudulent claims. Godiali’s fraudulent practices resulted in $14,473,000 in damages to the federal government, and a total of $19.5 million across Medicare, Medicaid, and BCBSM, which he agreed to repay as restitution as part of his plea agreement.
In the related FCA action, in addition to alleging that Godiali submitted false claims for procedures that he never performed, the United States alleged that Godiali improperly used Modifier 59 to “unbundle” services that should have been billed together in a single claim to increase his reimbursements from federal health care programs.
A civil forfeiture case resulted in the seizure of approximately $39.9 million from financial accounts controlled by Godiali. Except for $7.5 million, which will be released to Godiali’s wife pursuant to an agreement with the United States, all of the seized funds will be used to pay the criminal judgment or the FCA settlement.
“We will not tolerate the use of federal health care programs as a source of personal enrichment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of those programs and the taxpayer funds used to support them.”
“A priority of my office is protecting our district against unscrupulous health care providers.” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Dr. Godiali stole an enormous amount of money from both public and private health insurers over a number of years, and falsified medical records to cover up his scheme to defraud. We hope that today’s sentence and substantial civil recovery deter any other physicians likewise inclined to line their pockets at the expense of the public.”
“This provider egregiously stole millions of dollars from taxpayers by billing federal health care programs for services that were neither medically necessary nor rendered to his patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this case demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our partners remain committed to ensuring that vital taxpayer dollars are used lawfully and for their intended purposes, not for the illegitimate financial gain of an individual provider.”
“The scope of Godiali’s fraud is truly stunning,” said Special Agent in Charge James A. Tarasca of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This investigation proves the collective resources of law enforcement and the private sector can successfully combat fraud in our health care system.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Innovative Solutions Consulting, LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of the civil resolution, Innovative Solutions will receive up to $4,341,900. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Innovative Solutions Consulting LLC v. Vasso Godziachvili Godiali, M.D., Case No. 1:15-cv-14150-TLL-PTM (E.D. Mich.).
The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Neal, Philip Ross, and Craig Wininger for the Eastern District of Michigan. The FCA matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Postulka for the Eastern District of Michigan. The civil forfeiture action was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Ross for the Eastern District of Michigan. These matters received assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Except as to conduct admitted in connection with the criminal resolution, the claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Mexican National Sentenced to 9 years for Smuggling Firearms into Mexico from the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced today that Jesus Barron was sentenced to 115 months in prison. Barron, 35, of Deming, pleaded guilty on Sept. 29, 2022, to one count of conspiracy, six counts of making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and one count of smuggling goods from the United States. Upon his release from prison, Barron will be subject to deportation.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, from January of 2021 to June of 2021, Barron paid his wife, Ana Barron, and their co-defendants, Victor Fierro-Caro, Mayra Madrid, Jose Orona, and Gloria Ramirez, to purchase firearms with the intention of smuggling them into Mexico from the United States. On June 7, 2021, seven of those firearms were seized from a Mexican national by Guardia Nacional (GN) officers operating a checkpoint in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. Based on their knowledge, the GN officers believed that the firearms were destined for Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion members in Zacatecas. Mexican Cartels prefer certain makes, models, and calibers of firearms. These "weapons of choice" are generally semi-automatic versions of military type rifles and pistols, which was consistent with the guns seized by GN officers.
During the subsequent investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), it was determined that the seven firearms seized by GN officers had been purchased by Ana Barron and two others. ATF special agents interviewed the two other individuals who advised the agents that they and several others had been paid by Barron to purchase the guns from a Federal Firearms Licensee and that they knew the firearms would be smuggled to Mexico. During an interview with special agents from the ATF, Barron admitted to overseeing a firearm trafficking network in the United States.
Ana Baron pleaded guilty on March 21, 2022, to one count of conspiracy, three counts of making false statements in acquisition of firearms, and two counts of unlawful disposal of firearms to a prohibited person and was sentenced on Sept. 21, 2022.
Mayra Madrid pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, 2022, to one count each of conspiracy and making false statements in acquisition of firearms and was sentenced on May 23, 2022.
Gloria Ramirez pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022, to one count of conspiracy and two counts of making false statements in acquisition of firearms and was sentenced on Sept. 26, 2022.
Victor Fierro-Caro pleaded guilty on May 11, 2022, to one count of conspiracy, three counts of making false statements in acquisition of firearms, and three counts of unlawful dealing in firearms and was sentenced on April 5, 2023.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case.
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Matthews, N.C. Man Is Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Darren Lee Joy, 63, of Matthews, N.C. was sentenced yesterday in federal court before U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney for tax evasion, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, and Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Joy received a sentence of 36 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI) joins U.S. Attorney King and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg in making the announcement.
According to court documents filed in the case and the sentencing hearing, from 1987 through 1990, 1993, 1996 through 2008, and 2010 through 2021, Joy did not file individual income tax returns despite earning more income than the minimum filing requirement. In order to evade his taxes, Joy submitted and maintained with his employers Forms W-4 and state tax forms, falsely claiming that he was exempt from federal and state income tax withholding when he was not entitled to claim exempt status. As a result, court documents show that taxes were not withheld from his wages and little to no taxes were paid over to the IRS or his state of residence. In total, Joy earned more than $1.8 million in income and owed the IRS and California more than $380,000 in taxes.
On July 19, 2022, Joy pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion for his 2015 tax return.
Joy’s original sentencing date was April 26, 2023, however, he failed to appear, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. During the sentencing, Judge Whitney found that Joy obstructed justice by failing to appear for his original sentencing date and by filing numerous frivolous documents with the Court and the IRS. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Whitney said that this sentence should show others that there are consequences for not paying your taxes. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the Court ordered Joy to pay $359,859 in restitution to the IRS and $23,058 in restitution to the State of California.
U.S. Attorney King and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked IRS-CI for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Indicted for Violent Carjacking and Kidnapping in SeafordRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Ralph Harmon, a resident of Salisbury, Maryland, with committing a violent carjacking and kidnapping in Seaford.
According to the indictment, on January 13, 2023, defendant Ralph Harmon, 24, carjacked and kidnapped a person referred to in the Indictment as “Victim.” The Indictment alleges that the carjacking resulted in serious bodily injury to the Victim.
Harmon is charged with carjacking and interstate kidnapping. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the kidnapping and 25 years in prison for the carjacking. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge for FBI-Baltimore Thomas Sobocinski, made the announcement. Maryland State Police, Salisbury Police Department, and Seaford Police Department provided assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court
Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking Charges Stemming from New Orleans Hotel ShootoutRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN JACOB, age 23, from New Orleans, pled guilty to various firearm and drug charges stemming from his participation in a December 28, 2020, shootout at the Jung Hotel on Canal Street, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. On May 23, 2023, JACOB pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the superseding bill of information, that charged him with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 1); participating in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute quantities of marijuana (Count 2); and illegally maintaining a drug involved premises (Count 3).
JACOB will be sentenced on September 19, 2023, and faces the following sentences:
For Count 1, he will face a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison, not more than 5 years of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000.00 fine, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). Any prison sentence imposed in connection with this count must be served consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed in connection with this case.
For Count 2, he will face a maximum of 5 years in prison, at least two years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00 pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(D); and
For Count 3, he will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and not more than a $500,000.00 fine, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a).
Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Traffic Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to distribute kilograms of fentanyl bound for Massachusetts from California.
Ricardo Peinado Rivera, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 29, 2023. Peinado Rivera was arrested and charged in May 2022.
In September 2021, law enforcement received information about a person living in the Dominican Republic trafficking fentanyl within the United States. Undercover law enforcement contacted the individual, who offered to sell fentanyl that would be delivered in California and then driven to Boston. In November 2021, Peinado Rivera was intercepted delivering the fentanyl in Ontario, Calif.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Levy’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Maine Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Public FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maine woman pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing federal housing benefits from at least December 2004 through February 2020.
Rebecca Amelia Cranford, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Aug. 17, 2023. Cranford was arrested and charged in September 2021.
In the early 2000s, Cranford was engaged by the owners of a vacation home in Wellfleet to look after the property in their absence. Instead of merely looking after the property, Cranford applied for federal housing subsidies pretending to be a tenant living at the property while separately directing the housing subsidies to a business entity incorporated in her own name and listed as the landlord for the property on the housing application. In total, Cranford stole approximately $113,067 in housing assistance benefits.
The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Regional Field Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Maine State Police and Cumberland County (Maine) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Levy’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Long Island Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Multi-Million-Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, John Quadrino was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 41 months’ imprisonment and over $3.3 million restitution for directing a Ponzi scheme utilizing Princess Cut Industries, Inc., Sassy Jewelry Buyers, Inc. and Golden Glitter Trading, Inc. (collectively referred to as the “Gold Purchasing Companies”). Quadrino told investors that their money would be invested in the sale of gold, jewelry and diamonds, via the Gold Purchasing Companies. In reality, Quadrino never invested their money. In April 2018, Quadrino pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, announced the sentence.
“The defendant blatantly stole the money of hard-working men and women in our community for the sole purpose of enriching himself until his Ponzi scheme collapsed under the weight of his lies,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s prison sentence punishes the defendant for the financial ruin he has inflicted on investors who had trusted him.”
“Dozens of investors handed over their savings to this defendant based on empty promises, and in the end, he personally spent and gambled away millions of dollars of their hard-earned money,” stated District Attorney Donnelly. “I commend our law enforcement partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work securing today’s prison sentence, and ensuring this defendant cannot further victimize anyone else.”
Quadrino represented to potential investors that the Gold Purchasing Companies were involved in the sale of gold, jewelry and diamonds to refineries and jewelers. He asked investors to invest large sums of money, for fixed periods of time, in exchange for a guaranteed, fixed rate of return at the end of the agreed upon time period. Quadrino never actually purchased gold, jewelry or diamonds in any significant quantities. Instead, Quadrino systematically engaged in a classic Ponzi scheme, over the course of five years, returning investor principal and interest from the investor capital of other victims. As a result, investors invested approximately $13.1 million with the Gold Purchasing Companies and suffered total losses of approximately $3.3 million. The defendant used investor capital to issue checks to himself and to pay for his personal gambling expenses.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Misorek is in charge of the investigation with assistance provided by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Sotirhos of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.
The Defendant:
JOHN QUADRINO
Age: 57
Oceanside, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-153 (JMA)
Long Island Doctor Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Illegal Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Frank Parasmo, a former medical doctor, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 36 months in prison for his conviction on 32 counts of unlawfully distributing oxycodone, a highly addictive prescription painkiller, to 18 patients without a legitimate medical purpose. As part of the sentence, Parasmo also received 3 years of supervised release.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), announced the verdict.
“Today’s sentence demonstrates that there are significant consequences for doctors who act as drug dealers,” stated U.S. Attorney Peace. “This Office remains committed to using all tools available to address the damage the opioid crisis does to our communities.”
“DEA’s investigative and regulatory focus is to keep the public safe and healthy,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Tarentino. “Parasmo’s actions were irresponsible to his patients and endangered theirs and others’ safety and well-being; his disregard of pertinent information such illicit drug use and the diversion of highly addictive opioid prescriptions was egregious. I commend the DEA’s Long Island District Office-Tactical Diversion Squad and the Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office for their tenacious work on this investigation.”
As proven at trial, between January 2014 and February 2015, Parasmo provided prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone pills to 18 of his patients without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of a professional medical practice. Parasmo issued prescriptions to patients who had just left detox treatment in rehabilitation facilities, as well as patients who had just been discharged from a hospital following an overdose. In addition, Parasmo issued prescriptions to many patients he knew were taking illegal drugs or who he suspected were addicts. There is a significant risk of an overdose when oxycodone is taken with heroin and cocaine.
In several instances, Parasmo continued to write prescriptions for individuals who he had been warned were not taking their pills as prescribed and, in some instances, possibly reselling them on the streets. From 2010 to 2015, Dr. Parasmo prescribed over 1.5 million oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, making him one of the top prescribers of those painkillers in New York State during that period. Notably, after learning that the DEA was investigating his prescribing practices, Parasmo cut in half the number of oxycodone prescriptions he issued annually.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Long Island District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, comprising agents and officers of the DEA, Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Port Washington Police Department, and Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Maffei and Charles P. Kelly are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
FRANK PARASMO
Age: 76
Deer Park, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-1 (JMA)
Long Island Businessman Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Covid-19 Loan FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Donald Finley, a Locust Valley businessman and owner of the now-defunct Jekyll & Hyde theme restaurant in Manhattan and the Bayville Adventure Park on Long Island, pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud in connection with his receipt of millions of dollars in small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDLP). Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. When sentenced, Finley faces up to 30 years in prison, as well as restitution totaling more than $3.2 million and a fine of up to $1.25 million.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the guilty plea.
“Finley has admitted diverting millions of dollars in COVID-19 disaster relief funds to finance his personal expenses, including the purchase of a home in Nantucket, Massachusetts,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will continue investigating and prosecuting those, like the defendant, who shamelessly steal from government programs that were intended for struggling small businesses and families during the pandemic.”
“We have seen the abuses of disaster relief programs when all too often criminals find an opportunity for exploitation. In this case, Finley obtained millions in COVID-19 relief funds, only to use the ill-gotten cash for his own personal gain. While he may be the owner of an amusement park meant to bring joy, with his guilty plea and pending sentencing, Finley may be facing a future that he could find much less enjoyable,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso.
“Mr. Finley took advantage of a program intended to be used to support small businesses as part of the CARES Act of 2020, when he devised a scheme to submit fraudulent information to the government to obtain millions in funds during the pandemic to fund his lavish lifestyle. Not only did he purchase a home on Nantucket, but he utilized those funds to pay for personal expenses. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners are always on a mission to ensure those who truly need assistance get it, and those who scheme and break the law to receive funds which they are not entitled to, are brought to justice,” stated USPIS Inspector-in- Charge Brubaker.
As set forth in court filings, between March 2020 and March 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Finley fraudulently applied for, and received, at least 29 PPP and EIDLP loans totaling approximately $3.2 million, on behalf of corporate entities he controlled. Instead of using the funds for disaster relief, Finley diverted them for personal use, including the purchase of a home in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in February 2021.
Congress created the PPP and EIDLP as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Enacted on March 29, 2020, the CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the allocation of funds for the issuance of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses to receive unsecured loans on favorable terms, which they were required to use for specified expenses, including payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP provided for forgiveness of the loan if the recipient businesses spent the proceeds on these specified expenses within a limited time period and used a certain percentage for payroll costs.
Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the EIDLP, which provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. Under the program, EIDLP recipients were eligible to receive advances of up to $10,000 for small businesses within three days of applying for an EIDL (EIDL Advance). The amount of an EIDL Advance was determined based on the number of employees working for the applicant. The EIDL Advance did not have to be repaid.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Misorek is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DONALD FINLEY
Age: 61
Locust Valley, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-181 (JMA)
Lexington Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking in OwensboroRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A Lexington, Kentucky man was sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison today for methamphetamine trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, James Leavell, Jr., 37, of Lexington and formerly of Owensboro, was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Owensboro during 2019.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Evansville Resident Office and the Owensboro Police Department with assistance from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case.
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LaVista Man Sentenced for Selling Firearm to a FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bryon S. Bruckner, 34, of LaVista, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for selling a firearm to a felon. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bruckner to 18 months’ imprisonment, consecutive to his April 19, 2022, Nebraska state sentence of 12 to 14 years for Attempted 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. There is no parole in the federal system. After his federal sentence is complete, Bruckner will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 3, 2022, Bruckner, while awaiting sentencing in his state case, sold a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confidential source (and convicted felon) a Walther 9mm handgun. The illegal sale occurred in the driveway of Bruckner’s residence in LaVista. The confidential source told Bruckner that he/she was a felon before Bruckner sold the confidential source the gun and yet Bruckner still made the sale. The sale was audio and video recorded.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department and was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Kentucky Militia Member Charged with Felony and Misdemeanors for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A Kentucky man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
Daniel Edwin Wilson, 47, of Louisville, Kentucky, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with obstruction, a felony, and four misdemeanors including: knowingly entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and parading, demonstrating or picketing on Capitol grounds. He was arrested today in Louisville, KY and is expected to make his initial appearance later today in the Western District of Kentucky.
According to court documents, Wilson began planning, in the winter of 2020, to obstruct and interfere with the joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to certify the electoral college vote. On Dec. 22, 2020, Wilson—who in a Telegram chat group went by the moniker “Live Wire”—responded to a discussion regarding traveling to Washington, D.C. for Jan. 6, 2021 by writing, “Ooh Rah. Curb stomp crew all in!!!” Later that same day, Wilson wrote, “We are willing to work and coordinate with others but I am a gray ghost ranger,” referring to Wilson’s affiliation with a particular militia. Wilson also discussed bringing firearms to Washington, D.C. for Jan. 6, 2021, but he ultimately wrote, on Dec. 24, 2020, “In my opinion I don’t think it’s time to gun up for the sixth we have to play this out but if they seat biden on the 20th all bets are off it’s gonna happen even if Trump wins we have to get this government under control it’s been crossing my mind if we go to a Civil War do we try to take Washington DC first or do we try to take state capitals first.” On Dec. 27, 2020, Wilson wrote, “I am ready to lay my life on the line. It is time for good men to do bad things.”
On Jan. 6, 2021, Wilson was captured in open-source and U.S. Capitol CCTV footage at the U.S. Capitol, wearing a pair of blue jeans, tan boots, and a blue hooded sweatshirt, carrying a red backpack and an olive-green fabric pouch, and at times, wearing a gas mask. A review of the U.S Capitol’s CCTV footage revealed that, at approximately 2:37 PM, Wilson entered the U.S. Capitol building through the Upper West Terrace Door. After entering the building, Wilson walked into the Rotunda, where he remained for several minutes. From the Rotunda, Wilson walked through Statuary Hall. He then returned to the Rotunda and ultimately exited through the East Rotunda Doors at approximately 2:49 PM.
In an interview with FBI agents on March 9, 2021, Wilson repeatedly denied being inside the Capitol building. A search warrant was obtained and, on June 3, 2022, during the execution of the warrant, law enforcement seized six firearms from Wilson’s residence, which were stored in a backpack and inside a cabinet in his residence, covered by clothing. Wilson was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time, due to previous felony convictions. At least two of the seized firearms were loaded at the time of seizure, and another two did not have serial numbers.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Louisville and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kenmore Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael MacPherson, 57, of Kenmore, NY, who was convicted of mail fraud and tax evasion, was sentenced to one-year supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. MacPherson was also ordered to pay $95,000 in restitution to the victim and $125,673 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in January 2017, MacPherson solicited an individual (victim) from Kansas to invest in a bulk cigarette deal, telling the individual that he had an agreement with a Native American tribe in New York State to purchase cigarettes at a discounted rate and resell them at a significant markup. MacPherson claimed a $75,000 investment would result in a 15-20% return within 90 to 120 days. The individual sent MacPherson a check, but he did not buy cigarettes, instead spending the money on payments to the Niagara Falls Country Club and Canisius High School, airline flights, hotels, car rental, utilities, retail purchases, gas, clothing, groceries, restaurants, and other merchants. In December 2017, MacPherson contacted the victim again to solicit a $20,000 investment for the purchase of carbon fiber, representing that the individual would receive his principal investment, in addition to a 30% return, within 180 days. The victim sent MacPherson a check and once again he did not use the money as stated, instead using it to pay a defaulted business loan, cash withdrawals, airline flights, car rental, utilities, retail purchases, gas, groceries, restaurants, hockey tickets, and other merchants.
In addition, MacPherson failed to file a federal income tax return for the tax year 2015 despite receiving gross income totaling approximately $265,254, including approximately $232,500 from a second individual. Once again, MacPherson used the money on personal expenses. For the 2017 tax year, MacPherson omitted approximately $80,156 in gross business receipts. The amount of tax loss to the United States is $93,815.00.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso.
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Kearney Man Sentenced for Being an Unlawful User in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Tyler Ray Tockey, 29, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced today to a 21-month term of imprisonment for being an unlawful user of controlled substances while in possession of firearms. After he completes his prison sentence, Tockey will be on supervised release for two years. There is no parole in the federal system. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the case. Tockey pleaded guilty to the offense on November 29, 2022.
On March 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Tockey’s residence in Kearney. Inside the residence, they found firearms, ammunition, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Tockey was arrested. After being advised of the Miranda warnings, Tockey said he was the only person who lived at the residence. He admitted to being a regular user of marijuana and methamphetamine. He also said that police would find firearms and drugs in his residence.
The investigation was conducted by the Kearney Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
Justice Department Announces 10 Additional Steps on the One-Year Anniversary of Executive Order 14074 on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public SafetyRead the Press Release
To highlight the one-year anniversary of the May 25, 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety, three years after the murder of George Floyd, the Justice Department today is releasing a series of 10 new reports and guidance documents as part of its ongoing efforts to implement the Executive Order.
The steps being announced today include updated guidance prohibiting racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies, accreditation standards to encourage adoption of policies in the Executive Order by state, Tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) law enforcement agencies, a report on the Department’s efforts to implement the First Step Act, and guidance on officer wellness, investigating in-custody deaths, and responses to individuals in crisis, among others.
“While our work is not done, we are proud of the important changes we have made over this past year to update our internal policies and better provide our state and local partners with the resources and support they need to keep communities safe from violent crime, advance transparency, and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As we remember the life of George Floyd on the third anniversary of his death, the Justice Department renews our commitment to advancing accountability in law enforcement and safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans. We recognize that we have a responsibility to lead by example.”
Over the past year, the Department has worked tirelessly on more than 90 Executive Order steps, including robust and substantive engagement with stakeholders from civil rights, law enforcement, and community groups, as well as our federal agency partners.
“The Justice Department’s law enforcement partners are integral to our efforts to protect the American people from violent crime and a wide range of security threats,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Law enforcement officers are on the front lines every day, across the country, and they deserve our continued support as we work together to ensure equal justice for all. I am proud of the work the Department has done to implement the Executive Order, and in particular the priority it places on officer safety and mental health, to foster a culture of wellness within law enforcement agencies.”
“Public safety requires police-community trust and fair criminal justice policies. The Justice Department has worked hard over the last twelve months to implement the over 90 deliverables from Executive Order 14074, including a focus on mental health, use of force, data collection, officer wellness, reentry, and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In making progress in all these areas, we have relied on the extensive engagement of our law enforcement and civil rights partners every step of the way. We remain committed to using all of our tools to strengthen trust and build healthy and safe communities.”
In addition to the steps announced today, the Department’s work under the Executive Order includes prohibiting the transfer of or use of federal grant funds to purchase military-style weapons and equipment for STLT law enforcement agencies, awarding grants in a manner that supports and promotes the adoption of the Executive Order’s policies, and working to establish a National Law Enforcement Accountability Database.
All of this work is part of the Department’s abiding commitment to the Attorney General’s three co-equal priorities: upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and keeping our country safe.
Overview of the Justice Department’s Implementation of Executive Order 14074
As part of an all-of-government strategy set forth in the May 2022 Executive Order, the Department is using all of its tools to advance public safety and build police-community trust, while advancing thoughtful, evidence-informed initiatives and reforms throughout the criminal justice system. As the Executive Order makes clear, system-wide change requires funding and support that only Congress can authorize. The mandates of the Executive Order apply only to federal law enforcement agencies.
- To raise the standards of federal law enforcement agencies, the Executive Order requires all federal law enforcement agencies to adopt policies equivalent to the Department’s policies on using force, chokeholds and carotid restraints, no-knock entries, and proper body-worn camera use.
- To promote adoption of the Executive Order’s policies by STLT law enforcement agencies and encourage best practices, the Department is awarding discretionary grants in a manner that supports and promotes adoption of the Order’s policies and has created first-of-their-kind accreditation standards to further encourage adoption. The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, also published guidance on best practices for responding to calls and interacting with persons in behavioral or mental health crisis or with a disability, and published a report on supporting officer wellness.
- To improve conditions of confinement and promote better outcomes for individuals who are incarcerated or under supervision, the Department published a report on the use of restrictive housing in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and BOP’s efforts to reduce its use, a report outlining steps BOP and the U.S. Marshals Service are taking to improve conditions of confinement for individuals in their custody, and a report on the Department’s efforts to fully implement the First Step Act.
- To improve data collection and analysis to help better inform the public, government leaders, and policymakers, the Department is providing training and technical assistance to federal and STLT law enforcement agencies to increase reporting to the FBI’s National Use-of-Force data collection program, the Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) data collection program, the Death in Custody Report Act, and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
- The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, updated the Guidance on the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. The updated guidance prohibiting racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies sets forth limited circumstances when federal law enforcement agents or officers may consider a protected characteristic, adds disability as a protected characteristic, expands application of the guidance beyond law enforcement officers to all federal law enforcement personnel engaged in or supporting federal law enforcement activities, and sets benchmarks and timelines for the development and implementation of training, data collection, and accountability provisions.
- Last month, the Department released a Strategic Plan outlining actions to safely reduce criminal justice system interactions, support rehabilitation during incarceration, and facilitate reentry for people with criminal records.
In the months and years to come, the Department will continue to operationalize and build upon its implementation of the Executive Order to keep communities safe, support law enforcement, and advance effective, fair policing.
The Department’s reports and guidance documents are available here.
The Department’s Fact Sheet on efforts to implement the Executive Order is available here.
Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Drug PremisesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –On May 18, 2023, NGHIA LE (“LE”), age 37, of Westwego, pleaded guilty as charged to all counts with which he was charged in a superseding indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count 1 charged LE with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Count 3 charged LE with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Count 4 charged LE with distribution of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Count 8 charged LE with using or maintaining a drug premises in violation of 21 U.S.C § 856(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C § 2. Count 9 charged LE with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). Count 10 charged LE with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2. Count 11 charged LE with distribution of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).
According to public records, LE utilized a motorcycle shop in New Orleans East to distribute methamphetamine on numerous occasions in 2021. LE sold over a pound and a half of methamphetamine to undercover agents and agreed to sell an additional 5 pounds of methamphetamine before he was arrested. Additionally, in 2020, LE also possessed over 45 pounds of marijuana, along with 5 firearms, intending to use those firearms to sell the marijuana.
As to Counts 1, 3, and 4, the minimum penalty includes a term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
As to Count 8, the maximum penalty includes a term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine up to $500,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release.
As to Counts 9 and 11, the maximum penalty includes a term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine up to $250,000 and at least 2 years of supervised release.
As to Count 10, the minimum penalty includes a term of imprisonment of 5 years, a maximum term of life, a fine up to $250,000 and up to 5 years of supervised release.
As to each count, LE faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.
Jacksonville Men Who Robbed Five Convenience Stores at Gunpoint Sentenced to 16 and 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Sabastian Amrine (20, Jacksonville) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison and Brandon Bayne (25, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for five armed robberies of convenience stores in Jacksonville. The court also ordered the forfeiture of a pistol that was used in the robberies. Restitution to the victims will be determined at a future date. Amrine had pleaded guilty on November 22, 2022, and Bayne pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.
According to court documents, at least by August 19, 2021, Amrine and Bayne were residing together in Jacksonville when they formulated a plan to rob convenience stores at gunpoint. On that date, Bayne drove Amrine to a Circle K store in Jacksonville. Amrine entered the store and brandished a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine at the clerk and demanded money from the register. The clerk, fearing for his life, gave Amrine $120. Amrine left the Circle K and was picked up by Bayne. Bayne then drove Amrine to Blue Store in Jacksonville, where Amrine entered and again brandished the pistol at the clerk, demanding money. While Amrine was standing at the counter pointing the firearm at the clerk, a small child was standing next to him at the counter and at least one other child and an adult female were present inside the store. The clerk gave Amrine $100 and Amrine left and was again picked up by Bayne.
Amrine, child, and clerk during the robbery of Blue Store on August 19, 2021
On August 29, 2021, Bayne and Amrine conducted robberies of Rainbow Food Store and Fast Stop Store in the same manner.
On September 1, 2021, Bayne drove Amrine to a GATE gas station in Jacksonville. Amrine entered the store and again brandished the pistol and demanded money from the clerk, who complied with Amrine’s demand. Bayne picked up Amrine and a manager from the GATE gas station followed the two as they fled from the robbery. A patrol officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit of Bayne’s vehicle. Bayne fled from the officer, driving recklessly in heavy traffic until he crashed the vehicle into a ditch along Argyle Forest Boulevard. Both Amrine and Bayne then exited the crashed vehicle and fled on foot. The Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with extended magazine – which was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition – fell out of Amrine’s pants as he fled. Amrine was taken into custody as he attempted to scale a fence while fleeing. Bayne was tracked down by a police canine unit a short distance away, hiding in a storage shed in a residential backyard. The Smith & Weston .40 caliber pistol was recovered by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kirwinn Mike and Laura Cofer Taylor.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine in Marathon CountyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony Anderson, 40, Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Anderson pleaded guilty to this charge on January 20, 2023.
In August of 2021, law enforcement agents began a drug investigation into Anderson. On March 9, 2022, Anderson provided a confidential informant one ounce of methamphetamine in Wausau, Wisconsin. The following day, the informant met with Anderson and paid him $450 for the methamphetamine. After receiving the money, Anderson provided the informant an additional ounce of methamphetamine.
On August 1, 2022, at the direction of law enforcement, a second confidential informant contacted Anderson to arrange for the purchase of 10 ounces of methamphetamine. Later that day, Anderson met with the confidential informant in Wausau and sold them 10 ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for $4,200.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson concluded that a significant sentence was warranted because Anderson had an extensive criminal history including two prior drug trafficking convictions. Judge Peterson also noted that the large quantity of methamphetamine sold by Anderson demonstrated that his overall level of drug trafficking had increased from the time of his prior convictions.
The charge against Anderson is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wausau Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wisconsin’s National Guard Counterdrug Program. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Illinois Man Admits Robbing Ferguson Bank with NoteRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Illinois on Thursday admitted robbing a bank in Ferguson, Missouri in 2019.
Milton Randol, 35, of Alton, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to a felony bank robbery charge. Randol admitted handing a note to a teller at Great Southern Bank in Ferguson on Dec. 13, 2019 that read, “Give me all the money[.] Don’t pull the silent alarm or I will shoot,” his plea agreement says. Randol then handed the teller a bag for the money. He told her not to set off the silent alarm, had her fill the bag then began stuffing money into his pockets before fleeing the bank.
Randol’s picture was captured on camera, and friends identified him when the picture was circulated in the St. Louis media. But Randol had fled to Texas, where he lived for a year before returning to St. Louis, his plea says.
Randol could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both at his August 29 sentencing.
The Ferguson Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel is prosecuting the case.
Husband and Wife Real Estate Developers Arrested for Loan Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Longmeadow couple has been arrested in connection with a scheme to defraud commercial lenders by providing false and fraudulent rent rolls and forged lease agreements for properties located in Springfield, Mass.; East Longmeadow, Mass.; and Enfield, Conn.
Louis R. Masaschi, 57, and his wife Jeanette Norman, 56, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on one count of conspiracy to committed wire fraud; two counts of wire fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft. The defendants were arrested on May 23, 2023 and released on conditions following an appearance in federal court in Springfield. They are next scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on July 24, 2023.
According to the indictment, Masaschi and Norman were partners in dozens of limited liability companies through which they owned primarily commercial and some residential property in Western Massachusetts, Connecticut and elsewhere. These companies included Longmeadow Hospitality; JLL Realty Developers, LLC; Shaker Rd, LLC; and 79 Enfield Realty, LLC. It is alleged that Masaschi and Norman conspired with each other and others to fraudulently obtain loans for their companies from financial institutions and commercial lenders by providing materially false, fictitious and fraudulent financial information – including false rent rolls and fraudulent lease agreements. After receiving the loans, Masaschi and Norman allegedly made some or no payments and ultimately defaulted on the loans, causing substantial losses to the financial institutions and commercial lenders.
According to the indictment, on or about May 11, 2018, Masaschi and Norman obtained a $350,000 loan for JLL Realty Developers, LLC, secured by the first mortgage of a residence in Springfield. On or about May 16, 2018, Masaschi and Norman amended this loan agreement and issued a $765,000 loan to JLL Realty Developers, LLC. This loan was cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with the earlier loan and was secured by a second mortgage on two residences in East Longmeadow. On or about June 29, 2018, Masaschi and Norman obtained a $875,000 loan for 79 Enfield Realty, LLC, secured by Masaschi’s one hundred percent interest in the company. The purpose of the loan was to pay off an outstanding loan from another financial institution, which was only 45 days from maturing.
To obtain these loans, it is alleged that Masaschi and Norman failed to disclose that the income reportedly produced by commercial properties listed in their loan applications was based on materially false, fictitious and fraudulent rent rolls and lease agreements. Masaschi and Normal also allegedly overstating the amount of income collateral properties were paying by providing fraudulent rent rolls, forged tenant signatures and inflated lease amounts and rental terms.
It is further alleged that Masaschi and Norman ceased payments on the JLL Realty Developers, LLC loans in approximately January 2020. Additionally, apart from six months of interest reserves provided by the commercial lender, it is alleged that Masaschi and Norman never made any payments on the 79 Enfield Realty loan.
The charge of conspiracy to committed wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Levy’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against Zuni Man for Aggravated Sexual Abuse Against Children in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that a federal grand jury in the District of New Mexico returned an indictment charging Rodney Waikaniwa with multiple counts of aggravated sexual abuse against two victims in Indian Country. Waikaniwa, 51, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, from 2000 to 2013, Waikaniwa allegedly engaged in sexual acts with two children under the age of 12. If convicted, the charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. The incidents of abuse occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Zuni.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim, or if you have information about this ongoing investigation, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit their tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
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Gibson Man Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy to Stage Automobile AccidentsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Yesterday, LARRY PICOU (“PICOU”), age 57, of Gibson, Louisiana, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, PICOU falsely claimed he was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, PICOU conspired with others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. After the intentional collision, PICOU and his other co-conspirators made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits falsely claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds.
U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced PICOU to serve a term of five (5) years’ probation. PICOU was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $200,963.59 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria M. Carboni, Edward Rivera, and Brandon S. Long, all of the Financial Crimes Unit and Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Four Men from Plaquemines and Saint Tammany Parishes Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DWAN RILEY, age 37, CHRISTOPHER GLASS, age 45, RODERICK PARKER, age 52, residents of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, and HERBERT RICHARDSON, age 51, a Slidell, Louisiana resident, were charged on April 28, 2023, in a sealed three-count indictment by a federal grand jury, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count 1 charged RICHARDSON and RILEY with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. For this offense, they face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 1 also charged GLASS and PARKER with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. For this offense, they face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 2 charged RICHARDSON with possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 3 charged RICHARDSON with being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
For each of the counts in which a defendant is charged, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Shaine Shepherd, 28 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Shepherd was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Former Sewage and Water Board Official Charged with Federal TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a bill of information against JAMES ARNOLD, a former Utility Services Administrator for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.
ARNOLD is accused of stealing cash that belonged to the Sewerage and Water Board. The bill of information alleges that ARNOLD would instruct plumbers to provide him with payments for plumbing permits and that ARNOLD would keep the payments for his own use.
The charged offense of Theft From an Agency Receiving Federal Funds is punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment followed by up to three years’ supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Nurse Indicted on Computer Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of computer fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Kevin N. Ukaegbu, age 30, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on December 5, 2022, Ukaegbu, formerly a graduate nurse at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), criminally used the hospital credentials of a Highmark resident physician and attempted to modify prescription medications for two patients, putting one of the patients at risk of serious bodily harm. In neither case was the medicine administered to the patients.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of Highmark Health Police, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Little Rock Police Officer Convicted of Receipt of Obscene Images and Possession of Child Pornography After Three-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— A jury found former Little Rock Police Officer Eddie Scott Seaton, 55, of Cabot, guilty of receiving obscene images and possession of child pornography. The jury returned their verdict Thursday afternoon to Chief United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., who presided over the three-day trial. Judge Marshall will sentence Seaton at a later date.
Testimony during the trial established that, on December 11, 2019, a Special Agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations downloaded child pornography from someone using an IP address that returned to Seaton in Cabot. Nineteen days later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Seaton’s residence and seized electronic devices belonging to Seaton. A search of Seaton’s computer revealed almost 300 images of child pornography and over 120 images of obscene anime. The obscene anime depicted adults raping children and children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement also located near Seaton’s computer stories handwritten by Seaton that described various instances of an adult female having sex with two minor boys. Those writings described many of the actions depicted in the obscene anime seized from Seaton’s computer.
"This case shows that even those who swear to uphold the law can violate it in the most despicable way," said United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. "Commerce in sexually explicit images of children is not a victimless crime, and our office is committed to protecting those most vulnerable in our community. The jury today properly held Mr. Seaton accountable for his receipt and possession of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children."
The statutory penalty for receipt of obscene images is not less than five years and not more than twenty years imprisonment. The statutory penalty for possession of child pornography is not more than ten years imprisonment. Both offenses of conviction include a penalty of not more than a $250,000 fine and supervised release of not less than five years and not more than life.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Little Rock Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Arkansas State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and John Ray White.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Former Employee of Taste of Brazil Restaurant in Woburn Pleads Guilty to Transferring False Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national and former employee of the Taste of Brazil – Tudo Na Brasa restaurant in Woburn has pleaded guilty in connection with providing false identification documents to Brazilian employees of the restaurant who lacked work authorization.
Marcos Chacon Gil, 39, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2023 to one count of transferring false identification documents. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2023.
Chacon Gil worked at Taste of Brazil for three years beginning in 2014. Beginning in approximately 2018, Chacon Gil provided false identification documents to Brazilian employees of the restaurant who lacked work authorization in the United States. Chacon Gil did so in order for the employees to secure work authorization. On Feb. 20, 2020, Chacon Gil met with an employee and provided the employee with a fake green card and a fake social security card.
The charge of knowing transfer of a false identification document knowing that such document was produced without lawful authority provides for a sentence of up to 15 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Woburn Police Chief Robert F. Rufo, Jr. made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James D. Herbert, Kelly Lawrence and Samuel R. Feldman of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Former Bangor Man Faces up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Christopher Coty, 42, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Coty knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy.
Coty is the tenth defendant to plead guilty in this case; four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Coty faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation 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 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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Florida Woman Sentenced to 40 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Brooke Sparks (38, St. Petersburg) to 40 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Sparks to serve 15 years of supervised release after her prison term and to register as a sex offender for life. Sparks had pleaded guilty on January 30, 2023.
According to court documents, in April 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from the Australian Federal Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Sparks was sharing child sexual abuse material via Facebook. A federal search warrant was executed on Sparks’s home on April 28, 2021, and investigators discovered text messages between Sparks and an Australian man discussing sexually abusing a three-year-old child. Sparks’s cellphone also revealed that Sparks had produced videos of child sexual abuse material of a nine-year-old child and shared them with the Australian man. The investigation further revealed that Sparks had used multiple platforms to send and receive images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
“The internet and social media have made it easier for predators to exploit children and disseminate their abuse around the world,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “Thanks to the support of the Australian Federal Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, we were able to stop her from continuing to create and share child sexual abuse material.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa, with substantial assistance from St. Petersburg Police Department and the Australian Federal Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Florida Mortgage Loan Officer Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – A Florida man pleaded guilty today to evading his federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2015 and 2018, Jeffrey Donaldson of Orlando worked as a loan officer for two mortgage companies and made over $750,000 in wages. He submitted to each of his employers false employee withholding certificates (Forms W-4) claiming that he was exempt from any federal income tax withholding. During that same period, Donaldson willfully did not file personal tax returns even though he earned enough income requiring him to do so. As a result, Donaldson caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $150,000.
Donaldson will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Brian Flanagan of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Livanos of the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Florida Mortgage Loan Officer Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to evading his federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2015 and 2018, Jeffrey Donaldson of Orlando worked as a loan officer for two mortgage companies and made over $750,000 in wages. He submitted to each of his employers false employee withholding certificates (Forms W-4) claiming that he was exempt from any federal income tax withholding. During that same period, Donaldson willfully did not file personal tax returns even though he earned enough income requiring him to do so. As a result, Donaldson caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $150,000.
Donaldson will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Brian Flanagan of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Livanos for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Florida Business Owner Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Defrauding Medicare of $7 MillionRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHRISTOPHER MARGAIT was sentenced today to 65 months in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud by fraudulently trafficking in orders for durable medical equipment such as back, knee, and wrist braces. MARGAIT previously pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced today before United States District Judge Denise Cote.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Christopher Margait faced justice today for illegally selling orders for durable medical equipment and thus defrauding Medicare of at least $7 million. Such fraud schemes do real harm to Medicare—a vital, taxpayer-funded program that provides affordable health care to people over 65 or with disabilities.”
According to statements made in court and publicly filed documents in this case:
From at least August 2019 through May 2021, MARGAIT and his co-defendant, Matthew Taylor Witkowski, engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by illegally obtaining and selling fraudulent orders for durable medical equipment (“DME”) paid for by Medicare. Using a business that he jointly owned and operated with Witkowski, and a call center that Witkowski operated in the Dominican Republic, MARGAIT illegally generated and purchased fraudulent orders for DME and then sold those fraudulent orders to pharmacies and DME suppliers, including suppliers in New York City. Those pharmacies and DME suppliers then used those fraudulent orders as the basis for at least $7 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. Many of these fraudulent orders used names and personal health information of actual Medicare beneficiaries, without the beneficiaries’ authorization or prior knowledge. Many of these fraudulent orders also contained professional information of doctors and other health-care providers enrolled in the Medicare program, as well as the purported electronic signatures of these providers, which were falsified and created without the authorization or knowledge of these providers.
During the course of the scheme, MARGAIT and Witkowski received more than $3.8 million in illegal kickbacks from DME suppliers, who made these payments to True Prospects Marketing, Inc., a company controlled by MARGAIT and Witkowski.
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MARGAIT, 45, of West Palm Beach, Florida, pled guilty on June 2, 2022, to a single count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition, MARGAIT was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $3,853,442 and restitution of $7,000,000 to the Medicare program.
Witkowski, 38, a U.S. citizen who resided in the Dominican Republic since he was in college, was sentenced on April 20, 2023 to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $4,065,995 and restitution of $8,131,990 to the Medicare program.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Raymond Lewis is in charge of the prosecution.
Fitchburg Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms & AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Fitchburg, Wisconsin man is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition in a one-count indictment returned on May 17, 2023, by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Calvin M. Henderson, Sr., 45, with possessing three handguns and ammunition on January 26, 2023, knowing that he previously had been convicted of a felony.
Henderson was arrested on Monday, May 22, in Madison by Fitchburg police officers and the U.S. Marshals Service. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison that day and remains in federal custody. His trial has been scheduled for August 21, 2023.
If convicted, Henderson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Fentanyl Dealer who Threatened Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to More than 12 Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A fentanyl trafficker who threatened a Wilson Police Department officer was sentenced to more than 12 years imprisonment.
Michael Jarrell Chapman, age 40, pleaded guilty on February 14, 2022 to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base (Crack) (Count One), and Distribution of Quantities of Heroin and Fentanyl (Count Two).
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is killing thousands of people,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are proud to partner with the Wilson Police Department to investigate and prosecute those pushing deadly fentanyl into our communities. And our office will always prioritize cases against those who threaten violence against the brave men and women of law enforcement who serve and protect us.”
On December 30, 2020, a traffic stop was conducted, and Chapman was found in possession of 91 bindles of fentanyl and more than $1,300 in currency.
During the course of this investigation, Chapman placed a call to his state probation officer and indicated that he was going to find the detective who investigated him. Chapman then indicated that he was going to get the detective—either outside the courtroom or inside the courtroom.
According to court records and evidence presented in court, members of the Wilson Police Department learned that Chapman was distributing various controlled substances in the Wilson area. Officers conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine base (crack), and heroin from Chapman on several dates in 2020.
At sentencing, Judge Flanagan determined that Chapman was a Career Offender due to his history of prior drug trafficking convictions.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan issued the sentence on May 24, 2023. The Wilson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Lemmon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:21-CR-257-FL-1.
Felon Serving Time for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Sentenced to Additional 33 Months in Federal Prison for Escape from Residential Reentry FacilityRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Austin R. Pam, 28, of Evansville, Indiana has been sentenced to an additional 33 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to escape from custody.
According to court documents, on January 4, 2019, Pam was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm and a consecutive 21 months’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release in a different case.
On September 23, 2021, Pam was transferred to the Volunteers of America (“VOA”) in Evansville, Indiana, to complete his sentence. The Bureau of Prisons contracts with residential reentry centers, also known as halfway houses, to aid inmates who are nearing release. Inmates serving a portion of their sentence at a residential reentry center are only authorized to leave through sign-out procedures for approved activities.
Pam was to remain in and abide by the rules of the facility until his projected release date of March 21, 2022. On November 27, 2021, VOA staff noticed that Pam had not returned from his place of employment. Staff unsuccessfully attempted to contact Pam and reached out to his shift supervisor, who stated Pam never showed up for his shift. Pam was arrested in Evansville in an unrelated case on May 25, 2022.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Dan McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, made the announcement.
U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against Louisville Woman for CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on May 17, 2023, charging a Louisville woman with three counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud, and two counts of money laundering related to fraud involving the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) financial assistance program.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Kelly Moening of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Great Lakes Field Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between April 9, 2020, and August 11, 2022, Rachel Finley, 54, filed two fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, resulting in the theft of $117,990. Finley utilized the entity Private Label Vintage & Spirits, a Kentucky Limited Liability Company, to file the applications. Finley falsely exaggerated the number of employees and payroll expenses of the entity in the fraudulent applications. Finley further applied for forgiveness for one of the loans, falsely stating the amount that had been spent on payroll.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses who were in operation on February 15, 2020, to keep their workers on the payroll. PPP loan proceeds were required to be used by the business on certain permissible expenses. Interest and principal on PPP loans could be entirely forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on the allowable expenses within a designated period and used a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
Finley made her initial court appearance today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Finley faces a maximum penalty of 140 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
TIGTA is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver is prosecuting the case.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Essex County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possessing Two Loaded Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms possession in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Tyree Thomas, aka “Hellboy,” 29, of Irvington, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to nine counts of an indictment charging him with drug distribution, possessing drugs with the intent to distribute, and possessing two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence on May 24, 2023, in Newark federal court.
According to documents in this case and statements made in court:
From May 1, 2019, to Aug. 21, 2019, Thomas sold Phencyclidine (PCP) to an undercover law enforcement agent on multiple occasions. He also maintained an apartment in Orange, New Jersey, as a location where he stored the PCP that he was distributing. Thomas kept two loaded firearms as this location to protect the drugs and drug proceeds he had at the apartment.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Thomas to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; members of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan; and the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, with the investigation leading to the sentence.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Megan Linares of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
Elementary School Students Polish up Resumes/Interview Skills for Career Day 2023Read the Press Release
MIAMI – Three classes of fifth-grade students—dressed in their Sunday best—recently brought their resumes and interview skills to “prospective employers” from various community stakeholders during Career Day 2023 at Rock Island Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Staff from the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida participated in multiple rounds of mock job interviews. The interviews consisted of 10 scripted questions which the students saw ahead of time. However, interviewers were given free rein to go off script.
“I thought the kids did an amazing job,” said Community Outreach Specialist Robin McCowen. “They were so young yet so well prepared for the interview. They were ready for anything and I threw plenty of questions at them that were not on the list.”
Why get them started so early? According to Rock Island Elementary School staff, it was so they’d be able to compete in the job market...that years down the road they would reflect on this experience and remember lessons learned.
Some of those lessons may seem basic, but many children are not taught them. However, during a job interview they become of paramount importance.
“Future employers will seek out candidates that look them in the eye and have a firm handshake,” said Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section Chief J.D. Smith. “That was part of what I emphasized with them. It’s more than just what you say. Sit up straight, gesture with your hands periodically, be engaged, and show enthusiasm for the job. Speak up. I’ve hired a lot of people during my time as a supervisor and that’s what I look for in a candidate. That said, I was highly impressed with the young men and women I spoke with.”
Many of the students had the handshake and eye contact down, but there are always areas in which to improve. Interviewing is a skill that requires practice. It can be a nerve-wracking experience to speak about oneself in front of a four-person panel, which is why these skills are good to acquire early.
“It’s fortunate that these students got to participate in this training,” said Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Mark McKinney. “Not everyone gets this type of opportunity.”
Exercises like these challenge students to get out of their comfort zones and give them an idea of what’s to come.
“The situation for these students is changing,” said McKinney. “They are moving from elementary school to middle school and it’s important to give them an idea that more will be required from them moving forward. Exercises like these help them prepare for that.”
In addition to Smith, McCowen, and McKinney, three others from the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in the mock interviews. Those included Re-entry & Community Outreach Specialist Keisha Bazile, Public Affairs Specialist Todd Goodman, and Community Outreach Specialist Jorge Lorente.
Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida participate in mock job interviews for fifth graders at Rock Island Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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Convicted Felon from Eufaula Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Robert Skyler White, 27, from Eufaula, Alabama, received a sentence of 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal firearms charges.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on July 9, 2021, law enforcement in Henry County, Alabama, stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officers identified White as the driver and discovered that he had outstanding warrants. While arresting White, law enforcement found a bag of marijuana in one of his pockets. Officers then looked inside the vehicle and discovered a scale, 50 small baggies containing marijuana, and a handgun. White is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Later, on March 18, 2022, White had an argument with his brother after they left a bar in Eufaula, then both men went to their mother’s house. White went inside and retrieved a rifle, pointed it at his brother’s head, and threatened to kill him. Finally, on July 31, 2022, White was stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation and was again found to be in possession of a firearm and controlled substances.
White pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 16, 2023. During the sentencing hearing on May 24, 2023, the federal judge also ordered that White serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Abbeville Police Department, the Eufaula Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Gadsden Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a convicted felon on an armed bank robbery charge, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Edward Aliji Muhammed Brown, 41, of Gadsden, with armed bank robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Brown used a firearm during the robbery of Exchange Bank in Gadsden in March 2023. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. Brown was convicted on August 24, 1999, in the Circuit Court of Etowah County, Alabama, of the offense of Robbery, First Degree.
The maximum penalty for armed bank robbery is 25 years in prison. The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 15 years in prison.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Gadsden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Jae’Kwon Rumph, 23, of Columbia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on March 2, 2022, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) received a ShotSpotter Alert on Colleton Street. CPD officers responded to the location and found four 9mm shell casings. CPD investigators recovered surveillance video of the incident, which displayed Rumph shooting at a moving vehicle. At the time of the shooting, Rumph was a known gang member, and he was identified by members of law enforcement.
After the shooting, Rumph was arrested wearing the same clothing that he had on in the surveillance video from the shooting incident.
On April 23, 2022, West Columbia Police Department recovered a firearm during a traffic stop. The recovered firearm had a NIBIN link to the shell casings from the shooting on March 2, 2022. A firearm and tool mark analyst with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed the link and determined the recovered firearm fired the shell casings found at the shooting scene.
Federal law prohibits Rumph from possessing a firearm due to his prior convictions for Domestic Violence First Degree and Strong Arm Robbery.
United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Rumph to 70 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s 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.
The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
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Chinese National Arrested in Federal Case Alleging Massive Scheme that Shipped Millions of Packages with Counterfeit PostageRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire resident is expected to be arraigned this afternoon on federal charges alleging the use of counterfeit postage to ship millions of parcels as part of a fraudulent scheme that caused the United States Postal Service (USPS) to suffer losses over the past six months estimated to be more than $60 million.
Lijuan “Angela” Chen, 50, of Walnut, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The criminal complaint filed May 22 charges Chen with two counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, and possession and use of counterfeit postage.
“The evidence obtained in the investigation shows that Chen is operating a business which provides shipping and postage services to businesses, including e-commerce vendors operating out of China, that seek discounted USPS rates for mailing their products within the United States,” according to the affidavit in support of the complaint. “Multiple examinations conducted by USPS and USPIS staff have revealed that the vast majority of the postage used by Chen and her business to ship goods within the United States is counterfeit.”
Chen’s business, which is based in City of Industry, received parcels from the vendors and others, applied shipping labels showing postage purportedly paid, and then arranged for the parcels to be transferred to USPS facilities to be shipped across the nation. The investigation in this case has revealed that the shipping labels were fraudulent and that they included, among other red flags, “intelligent barcode data” from previously mailed items. Investigators also determined that the meter numbers on many of the shipping labels, all of which indicated that they had been purchased and printed in 2023, related to postage meters known to have been discontinued in 2020, according to the complaint. On yet other postage labels used by Chen’s business, information contained in the tracking barcode was inconsistent with other items of information on the label.
A USPS analyst estimates that between November 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, Chen and her employees shipped over 9 million mail parcels containing counterfeit postage, resulting in estimated revenue losses to the USPS of over $60 million, the complaint states.
Chen’s shipping business was previously operated by her husband, who left for China two days after being interviewed by Postal inspectors in November 2019, according to the complaint.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The two charges in the complaint each carry a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney James C. Hughes of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Doran King Burroughs Jr., 23, of Charleston, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 10, 2022, Burroughs sold approximately 102 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant while outside a Charleston business in the informant’s vehicle. Burroughs admitted to that transaction and to an additional sale of approximately 51 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant on May 4, 2022, in the informant’s vehicle in Charleston.
On August 11, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Burroughs’ residence. Burroughs admitted that during the search, officers found approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, a drum magazine loaded with 7.62x39mm ammunition, a Spartan Armor System body armor carrier, and four firearms: a Glock, model 17, 9mm pistol; a PAP, model M92PV, 7.62mm-caliber pistol; a Glock, model 43X, 9mm pistol; and a Bushmaster model xm15-e25, .223-caliber rifle. Burroughs admitted to possessing the firearms and to possessing the fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Burroughs knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his conviction for first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, in Boone County, Kentucky, Circuit Court on March 7, 2022.
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).
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell 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-172.
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Charleston County Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Deeana Burr, 54, of Charleston, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Burr, a licensed nurse practitioner who became a 15% co-owner of Atlantic Coast Integrated Medicine (ACIM) in September 2017, participated in scheme to defraud Medicare and TRICARE by submitting claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and certain procedure codes.
The evidence revealed that ACIM generally had a standardized treatment plan for all patients that lasted 12 weeks, with the expectation that the patient receive care three times a week. Followed by an initial evaluation consisting of a head to feet musculoskeletal exam and more than a dozen x-rays ordered by an ACIM clinician, the treatment plan, authorized by an ACIM clinician, included the issuing of multiple DME. Much of the DME issued, and subsequently billed to Medicare and/or TRICARE, was determined to be medically unnecessary throughout the investigation.
Burr faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge David Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Burr after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by Agent Ryan Schubert with the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
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