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13 July 2023
Chicago Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison; Investigation Shut Down Missouri-to-Chicago Gun PipelineRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison as part of an investigation that shut down a Missouri-to-Chicago firearms pipeline.
DERRICK CLAIBORNE, 47, trafficked fentanyl-laced heroin and illegally possessed three handguns in 2018. Law enforcement searched Claiborne’s residence on Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood and discovered the three guns and the drugs. U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr. imposed the sentence after a hearing July 7, 2023, in federal court in Chicago.
Claiborne was one of four defendants convicted as part of an investigation led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The probe revealed that Claiborne purchased three additional firearms from JAMES SAUNDERS after the guns had been transported from Missouri to Saunders’s residence in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. In addition to the three guns he sold to Claiborne, Saunders also sold multiple firearms to confidential informants who were cooperating with law enforcement.
Saunders pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges and was sentenced in 2019 to five years in federal prison.
Two Missouri residents who transported firearms to Saunders in Chicago were also convicted and sentenced as part of the investigation. JUMONTA MOORE, 25, of Sikeston, Mo., and MARCUS INGRAM, 30, of Charleston, Mo., were each sentenced in 2019 to three years in federal prison.
Claiborne’s sentence and the results of the investigation were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF, and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Jodrey and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Niranjan Emani.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Chicago Firearms Trafficking Strike Force, the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago Strike Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with ATF and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is also a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
“Firearms traffickers enable unlawful possession of guns and the violence that may follow,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable individuals or groups who traffic firearms into Chicago.”
“This case is an excellent example of how the Firearms Trafficking Strike Force, working together with the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, stops the flow of illegal guns into our neighborhoods,” said ATF SAC Amon. “Prosecuting those responsible for trafficking these firearms makes our community safer.”
Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Keara Kilpatrick, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing firearms from two Kanawha County businesses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 9, 2022, Kilpatrick drove a co-defendant to a business in Dunbar and stole a Diamondback Firearms DB15 5.56 caliber rifle and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 .22 caliber rifle. On November 10, 2022, Kilpatrick drove her co-defendant to a Charleston business and stole a Custom Arms & Accessories LD-15 5.56 caliber rifle and a DPMS Panther Arms A-15 5.56 caliber rifle. Kilpatrick admitted to law enforcement that she stole the firearms. Three of the four stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement.
Kilpatrick is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Keefe and Brian Parsons are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-28.
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Charleston Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Fraud Relating to Coronavirus FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Antonio Brown-Sanders, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraudulently applying for an Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the Coronavirus. Two primary sources of relief provided by the CARES Act were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. PPP loans consisted of more than $640 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program provided low-interest loans to business owners to pay for items like accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid as a result of COVID-19.
Evidence presented to the court showed that that Brown-Sanders applied to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to receive an EIDL loan that fraudulently represented he owned a lawn care business. The application submitted by Brown-Sanders also falsely represented the number of employees and gross income. Brown-Sanders received $81,600 from the SBA.
“The defendant in this case stole from American taxpayers and prevented pandemic-relief funds from reaching those who needed them most,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “The District of South Carolina is committed to pursuing and investigating those who defraud government programs. We encourage any member of the public with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 to report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
“The Secret Service is diligent in our investigation and pursuit of those who engage in fraudulent criminal activity. We appreciate the commitment from our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of Inspector General - Small Business Administration to see that justice is served,” said Resident Agent in Charge Ben Stafford of the Secret Service’s Charleston Resident Office. “This sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the government handles fraudulent crimes and should act as a warning to those who aspire to exploit government relief programs that are put in place to help those in need.”
“Those that use fraudulent documents to gain access to SBA programs funds will be met with justice,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Brown-Sanders to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered him to pay the restitution still due in the amount of $65,246.48.
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.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Office of Inspector General – Small Business Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
Charleston County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Defrauding Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Carl Ulm, 67, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding the Small Business Association (SBA) to receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Evidence presented in court established that Ulm applied to the SBA, through a third-party lender, to receive a PPP loan that contained materially false representations. At the time he applied for the loan, Ulm had sold the assets of his business, Anchor Restoration Contractors, LLC, to another entity. He therefore did not have payroll obligations or business expenses. The total amount of the PPP loan that Ulm received was $204,132.50.
Ulm is subject to a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.00. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Ulm after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
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 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 via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
Celsius Founder and Former Chief Revenue Officer Charged in Connection with Multibillion-Dollar Fraud and Market Manipulation SchemesRead the Press Release
Alexander Mashinsky, Founder and Former Chief Executive Officer of Celsius, Charged with Defrauding Celsius Customers, and Mashinsky and Roni Cohen-Pavon, Former Celsius Chief Revenue Officer, Charged with Manipulating the Market for Celsius Crypto Token
Celsius Network LLC Accepts Responsibility and Pledges to Continue Cooperating
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ALEXANDER MASHINSKY, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Celsius Network LLC and their affiliated entities (collectively, “Celsius”), with securities fraud, commodities fraud, and wire fraud for defrauding customers and misleading them about core aspects of the company he founded, including Celsius’s success, profitability, and the nature of the investments Celsius made using customer funds. MASHINSKY and RONI COHEN-PAVON, Celsius’s former Chief Revenue Officer, are further charged with conspiracy, securities fraud, market manipulation, and wire fraud for illicitly manipulating the price of CEL, Celsius’s proprietary crypto token, all while secretly selling their own CEL tokens at artificially inflated prices.
On June 12, 2022, Celsius announced it was halting all customer withdrawals from the Celsius platform, at which time hundreds of thousands of Celsius customers — many of whom were retail investors — still had approximately $4.7 billion worth of crypto assets on the Celsius platform, none of which they could access. On or about July 13, 2022, Celsius filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. MASHINSKY was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. COHEN-PAVON, an Israeli citizen and resident, is currently abroad. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.
U.S. Attorney Williams also announced today that the United States has entered into a non-prosecution agreement (the “Agreement”) with Celsius pursuant to which Celsius has agreed to accept responsibility for its role in the fraudulent schemes. In entering into the Agreement, the Office considered the fact that Celsius is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and is making efforts to maximize recovery for victims in connection with the bankruptcy, as well as the fact that Celsius dramatically improved its cooperation after the Government brought certain production failures to the attention of the Special Committee of Celsius’s Board of Directors.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Exactly one year ago today, Celsius Network, a crypto platform that, at its height, managed approximately $25 billion in customer assets, filed for bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of New York. Over the course of the past year, we have worked quickly to get to the bottom of what led to Celsius’s collapse and to understand how a platform that advertised itself as the ‘safest place for your crypto’ could have left investors holding billions of dollars in losses. Today we have the answer. Today I am announcing the unsealing of an indictment charging Celsius’s founder and CEO, Alex Mashinsky, with orchestrating a scheme to defraud customers of Celsius through a series of false claims about the fundamental safety and security of the Celsius platform, and for participating in a scheme with Celsius’s Chief Revenue Officer, Roni Cohen-Pavon, to inflate the price of Celsius’s proprietary token, CEL. This case, like the others my Office has recently announced alleging fraud in the crypto economy, may appear complicated. But the message we send today is quite simple: if you rip off ordinary investors to line your own pockets, we will hold you accountable. Whether it’s old-school fraud or some new-school crypto scheme, it doesn’t matter one bit. It’s all fraud to us. And we’ll be here to catch it.”
FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: “As alleged in the indictment, Mashinsky and Cohen-Pavon knowingly engaged in complex financial schemes – deliberately misrepresenting the company’s business model and criminally manipulating the value of Celsius’s proprietary crypto token CEL – while serving in leadership roles at Celsius. The FBI will continue to ensure that anyone committing fraud and deceiving the public through the misrepresentations of a business’s financial standing or practice is held accountable.
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and the stipulated facts in the Agreement:[1]
Celsius was a crypto asset platform that, among other things, allowed its customers to earn returns on their crypto assets in the form of weekly “rewards” payments, to take loans secured by their crypto assets, and to custody their crypto assets. Celsius billed itself as the “safest place for your crypto” and urged potential customers to “unbank” themselves by moving their crypto assets to Celsius. Celsius’s primary public offering was its “Earn” program, through which Celsius offered to deploy customers’ crypto assets to generate investment returns. In addition to its Earn program, Celsius offered retail investors a “Custody” program and a “Borrow” program, which allowed customers to receive retail loans in exchange for posting their crypto assets as collateral with Celsius.
MASHINSKY directly marketed Celsius to retail customers located in the United States and abroad. Throughout his tenure as CEO of Celsius, MASHINSKY repeatedly made public misrepresentations regarding core aspects of Celsius’s business and financial condition in order to induce retail customers to provide their crypto assets to Celsius and continue to use Celsius’s services. MASHINSKY misrepresented, among other things, the safety of Celsius’s yield-generating activities, Celsius’s profitability, the long-term sustainability of Celsius’s high rewards rates, and the risks associated with depositing crypto assets with Celsius.
As MASHINSKY falsely portrayed Celsius as a safe and secure institution, Celsius’s customer base grew exponentially. Many of those customers were retail investors rather than large institutions. By in or about the fall of 2021, Celsius had grown to become one of the largest crypto platforms in the world, purportedly holding approximately $25 billion in assets at its peak.
MASHINSKY, COHEN-PAVON, and others working at Celsius also orchestrated a yearslong scheme to mislead customers and market participants regarding the market value and interest in Celsius’s proprietary crypto token CEL. They did so by manipulating the price of CEL through causing Celsius to spend hundreds of millions of dollars purchasing CEL in the open market with the objective of artificially supporting and inflating the price of CEL. At various times during MASHINSKY’s tenure, MASHINSKY, COHEN-PAVON, and their co-conspirators also caused Celsius to use its own customer deposits to fund these market purchases of CEL in order to prop up CEL’s price, without disclosing this fact to Celsius’s customers.
Without Celsius’s aggressive and illegal price manipulation, the price of CEL would have been drastically lower. As COHEN-PAVON wrote to MASHINSKY in a private message exchanged during the scheme: “[T]he issue is that people are selling [CEL] and no one is buying except for us,” adding, “[t]he main problem was that the value was fake and was based on us spending millions (~8M a week and even more until February 2020) just to keep it where it is.”
To further the scheme to manipulate CEL, MASHINSKY also repeatedly made false and misleading public statements concerning the nature of Celsius’s market activity and the extent to which Celsius itself was responsible for artificially supporting and inflating the price of CEL. In certain instances, MASHINSKY and other Celsius executives also personally purchased CEL for the purpose of artificially supporting CEL’s price.
Artificially inflating the price of CEL allowed MASHINSKY, COHEN-PAVON, and other Celsius executives to sell their own CEL holdings for a substantial profit. MASHINSKY personally reaped approximately $42 million in proceeds from his sales of CEL, and COHEN-PAVON personally reaped at least $3.6 million in proceeds from his sales of CEL. At various times, MASHINSKY made false and misleading public statements about his own sales of CEL, claiming that he was not selling CEL, when, in reality, he was taking advantage of the upward price manipulation he had orchestrated by contemporaneously selling huge quantities of his CEL on the market, including, on occasion, to Celsius itself.
In the lead up to the June 12, 2022, “Pause” of Celsius customer withdrawals, MASHINSKY continued to assure Celsius customers that Celsius was in a strong financial position and had sufficient liquidity to meet all customer withdrawal demands. Even as he made these statements, however, MASHINSKY had removed approximately $8 million worth of his own non-CEL crypto assets from the Celsius platform.
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A chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the individual defendants is below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, each of which today filed parallel civil actions against MASHINSKY.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hobson, Allison Nichols, and Noah Solowiejczyk are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charges
Maximum Potential Sentences
MASHINSKY
57
New York, New York
Securities fraud
(Count One)
Commodities fraud
(Count Two)
Wire fraud
(Count Three)
Conspiracy to commit securities fraud, market manipulation, and wire fraud
(Count Four)
Securities fraud
(Count Five)
Market manipulation
(Count Six)
Wire fraud
(Count Seven)
20 years
10 years
20 years
Five years
20 years
20 years
20 years
COHEN-PAVON
36
Israel
Conspiracy to commit securities fraud, market manipulation, and wire fraud
(Count Four)
Securities fraud
(Count Five)
Market manipulation
(Count Six)
Wire fraud
(Count Seven)
Five years
20 years
20 years
20 years
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Statement of Facts U.S. Mashinsky and Cohen-Pavon Indictment Celsius Non-Prosecution AgreementBurleson Would-Be Bomber Pleads Guilty to Firearms, Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
A Burleson man who apparently idolized the Columbine High School shooters pleaded guilty today to possessing a homemade bomb, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Noah Robert Calderon, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in April and indicted in May. He pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of receipt of child pornography.
“This defendant’s obsession with mass shooters put him squarely on the Justice Department’s radar. When he violated the law, we took immediate action, potentially thwarting an act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The discovery of one crime, possession of an unregistered firearm, led to the discovery of another, possession of child pornography. We are proud to hold him accountable for both. ”
“The collaborative work by the FBI and our law enforcement partners led to today’s outcome which holds Mr. Calderon accountable for creating and possessing a homemade bomb and for possessing explicit videos of a child,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI is committed to protecting the communities we serve from violent acts and the exploitation of innocent children. We ask the public to remain alert and to continue reporting suspicious or threatening behavior to law enforcement.”
The investigation began in October 2022, when the FBI received a tip about Mr. Calderon’s social media activity.
Court documents indicate that online, Mr. Calderon professed a fascination with high-profile mass shootings, particularly the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. He posted numerous images of himself in tactical-style vests posing with AR-15-style rifles and shared Columbine-themed memes along with images of homemade explosives.
In March 2023, the FBI received another tip that Mr. Calderon had detonated a homemade bomb in his residential neighborhood.
In plea papers, he admitted that he had purchased explosive precursors online. He also admitted that he stored 659.2 grams of explosive powder, along with a lighter, cannon fuse, cardboard tubing, a glass jar marked “frag” that contained metal ball bearings, lead, a funnel, and measuring spoons, in his garage.
A subsequent search of his Google account revealed queries related to the Columbine killers, the Charleston church shooter, “pipe bomb how to make,” “how to make propane bombs,” and “wear [sic] were the propane bombs in Columbine,” as well as searches of the names of several local public schools.
In plea papers, Mr. Caldron specifically admitted to searching for bomb-making information.
A search of his phone revealed sexually explicit videos taken from a video chat between Mr. Calderon and a 13-year-old girl.
Also in plea papers, he admitted he was aware of the child’s age when he saved the videos.
Mr. Calderon now faces up to 30 years in federal prison – up to 10 years on the firearm count plus between five and 20 years on the child pornography count. His sentencing is set for Friday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Burleson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer is prosecuting the case with National Security Division Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jacob Warren.
Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate Resulting in His DeathRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) lieutenant pleaded guilty yesterday to violating the civil rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to the inmate’s serious medical needs, resulting in his death.
According to court documents, on January 9 and 10, 2021, Michael Anderson, 52, was working in his official capacity as a BOP correctional officer, with a rank of lieutenant, at the Federal Correctional Institution at Petersburg. In that capacity, Anderson was responsible for the care of federal inmates. On Jan. 9, 2021, a correctional officer notified Anderson that a 47-year-old inmate, W.W., was experiencing symptoms of an apparent medical emergency and asked the defendant to help W.W. obtain medical care. Anderson personally observed W.W.’s symptoms and stated that he would get medical help for W.W. Anderson nevertheless failed to notify medical staff, obtain a medical assessment, contact the facility’s on-call physician, or notify any other staff members of W.W.’s condition. The next day, a correctional officer notified Anderson that W.W. had fallen to the ground in his cell. Even with this information, Anderson failed to obtain any assistance for W.W. whatsoever. W.W. then laid on the ground, dead or dying, for over an hour and a half before any correctional or medical staff entered his cell. By the time correctional and medical staff entered the cell, life-saving efforts failed, and W.W. was later pronounced dead.
“Despite Anderson’s knowledge of the victim’s medical condition and his knowledge of BOP policies, he failed to provide potentially life-saving medical care to an inmate in need,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “People have a constitutional right to basic care while incarcerated.”
“Correctional supervisors are responsible for the care and custody of inmates entrusted to their care, particularly those with serious medical needs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those correctional officers who deliberately disregard inmates’ serious medical needs.”
“Anderson’s appalling indifference and disregard for his responsibility to provide a humane environment for inmates resulted in the needless loss of life,” said Special Agent in Charge Russell W. Cunningham of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General Washington Field Office. “Incarcerated individuals should never be denied medical care, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate anyone who does so.”
Sentencing is scheduled for November 28, 2023. Anderson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Any sentence will be determined by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Michael E. Horwitz, Inspector General of the Justice Department, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the plea.
The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-80.
Browning man admits manslaughter charge in death of woman struck by vehicle on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man today admitted to a manslaughter charge for striking a woman with his vehicle and killing her in 2021 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jordan Joseph Morgan, 31, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Morgan faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
In a plea agreement in the case, the parties agreed that a specific recommendation of 12 months and one day imprisonment is appropriate.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 6. Morgan was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on the evening of Nov. 8, 2021, Morgan encountered the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was known to him, in Browning. The two argued and Morgan got into his vehicle, while Jane Doe stayed by the open window at Morgan’s door. Morgan pulled forward with Jane Doe still at his door and holding onto the open window. After a short distance, the vehicle pulled to the right, throwing Jane Doe under the vehicle. Morgan continued driving and ran over Jane Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Kalah A. Paisley are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
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Boise Man Sentenced on Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jeffrey Eldridge, 57, of Boise, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Eldridge to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, Eldridge was involuntarily committed to an Idaho State hospital in 2016. In that proceeding, a state magistrate judge found Eldridge "gravely" disabled due to mental illness. Because of this involuntary commitment, Eldridge could not lawfully possess firearms under federal law and was subsequently notified of this firearms disability.
Eldridge has a history of mental illness and delusions where he believes others are attempting to harm him. On January 11, 2023, two officers responded to Eldridge’s residence in Boise to take him into custody for a mental evaluation. During the contact, officers located ten firearms in the home and approximately 1,300 rounds of ammunition.
“The unlawful possession of firearms by those with mental illnesses present a public safety risk that cannot be ignored,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “This case exemplifies the collaborative work of our Project Safe Neighborhoods program, where local police cooperatively worked with federal counterparts.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Boise Police Department for their collective efforts on the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Bergen County Man and New York Woman Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man and a New York woman were charged for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in and around Bergen County, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez, 33, of Oakland, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl; Lorendy Diaz Beltre De Inoa, 27, of Yonkers, New York, is charged by complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. They appeared on July 12, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. Lopez was detained and De Iona was released with electronic monitoring.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Lopez conspired with others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl between Florida and New Jersey out of his home. On July 11, 2023, Lopez and De Inoa were arrested in Wallington, New Jersey, while attempting to conduct a drug deal. Law enforcement officers found on De Inoa 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Following the arrest, and pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, law enforcement conducted a search of Lopez’s home and recovered further kilograms of fentanyl hidden throughout the home. The home also contained packaging materials and paraphernalia consistent with those used to package controlled substances. Law enforcement officers recovered a total in excess of approximately 9 kilograms of fentanyl and 1 kilogram of cocaine.
The count charging Lopez with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The count charging De Inoa with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; HSI Miami; HSI Jacksonville, Florida; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and CBP Office of Field Operations; the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration NY Z-43; the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office; the Oakland Police Department; and the Paterson Police Department with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg of the Organized Crime/Gang Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
lopezdeinoa.complaint.pdfArizona Resident Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution in TulsaRead the Press Release
Tulsa, Okla. – An Arizona resident was sentenced to 20 years and 8 months in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary sentenced Hatcher Raymond Day, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona to 188 months imprisonment for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and 60 months for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Zouhary further ordered the sentences to run consecutively followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Hatcher came to Tulsa from Arizona for the express purpose of flooding our area with fentanyl. We are committed to bringing down operations that peddle drugs and endanger our community,” said U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson. “I want to thank the Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for working together to bring this case for prosecution.”
According to court documents, in September 2022, an officer with the Tulsa Police Department’s Human Trafficking and Vice Unit, received a tip that Day was selling fentanyl pills from a Tulsa Airbnb rental property.
Officers were able to establish Day was the individual who rented the property through Airbnb and Day was present when a search warrant was executed on Sept. 19, 2022. During the search, they discovered more than 8,000 fentanyl pills weighing 888 grams, five firearms, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Day was a convicted felon and, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms. Officers further discovered four of the five firearms were stolen when they checked the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Nathan Michel and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Stealing 22 GunsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to nine years in federal prison for stealing 22 firearms from an Anchorage gun store in 2019.
According to court documents, Muna Junior Rhode, 24, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to stealing
22 firearms from Granny’s Guns, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Anchorage, on June
6, 2019, along with three co-conspirators.
Rhode and his co-conspirators drove a stolen Chevy Trailblazer to Wrightway Auto Carriers in
Anchorage where they broke into the building and stole license plates, filing cabinets and a GMC
Sierra pickup. Rhode and the three co-conspirators then stole another vehicle, drove it through the front window of Granny’s Guns, loaded 22 firearms into the back of the GMC truck and drove away.
They later lit the stolen GMC Sierra pickup on fire in an effort to destroy evidence and escaped in a black SUV.
Later the same day, officers with the Anchorage Police Department tried to stop Rhode, who was driving the black SUV, and his co-defendants driving another pickup, but they fired shots into the air and fled at high speeds across Anchorage. On June 20, 2019, Rhode and two others were caught on video attempting to jump the fence of a tow yard to recover one of the stolen guns left in an impounded vehicle. All four co-conspirators were indicted in October 2020 and subsequently arrested. Rhode is also facing charges in state court.
“The blatant disregard for public safety and law enforcement, both during and after this series of violent crimes, by Rhode and his co-conspirators show they are a danger to our community and all
Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We will continue to work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to fight violent crime and keep our communities safe from people who endanger our neighborhoods.”
“All of the involved defendants demonstrated a complete indifference to the safety of others through their actions in their violent crime spree,” stated Police Chief Michael Kerle. “From the theft of multiple vehicles, to firing shots in public, driving erratically on our streets, and stealing multiple firearms; it is imperative they are held accountable for their behavior. Rhode’s sentencing is a big part of that. We are grateful for the efforts of all our law enforcement partners who were involved in seeing this case through.”
Co-conspirators in this case include: Gian Carlo Pangilinan, aka “G,” 27, pleaded guilty to stealing firearms from a licensed dealer and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Kao Chiang Saelee, aka “Robbie,” 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal firearms from a licensed dealer and was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment.
Hans Mikaele Wells, aka “Mika,” 26, pleaded guilty to stealing firearms and was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment.
The Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
###Anchorage Felon Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearms, and Possessing Fentanyl and Heroin While in PrisonRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced on July 10, 2023, to six years in prison for possessing stolen firearms in September 2020, while being a twice-convicted felon for separate burglaries. He was also sentenced, the same day, to an additional 1.5 consecutive years in prison for possessing fentanyl and heroin while in prison in February 2023. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Max Reder, 37, was hired by an elderly victim to help her clean her garage in September 2020 after her late husband, a retired military officer, had passed away. Reder used this opportunity to burglarize the victim’s home. He stole over 40 firearms, her engagement ring, her late husband’s Rolex watch, which was a gift from his squadron, and other irreplaceable items.
After stealing these items, Reder quickly sold 41 firearms to a second victim, a firearms collector, for $12,000 before any firearms were reported stolen by the first victim. The second victim did not know about the theft and fully cooperated with investigators. Only the stolen firearms were recovered.
The United States Attorney’s Office indicted Reder for the firearms crime in August 2022, following a referral from the State of Alaska under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Court documents further show that Reder was in custody as a federal inmate at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, for the above firearm matter, and that on or around Feb. 12, 2023, Reder possessed over eight grams of heroin and about 69 fentanyl pills in his jail cell. He was indicted on contraband charges in March 2023.
“Crimes against elderly victims are an egregious threat and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The defendant was held accountable for crimes committed against this elderly grieving victim and the pain he further inflicted upon her by taking exceptionally sentimental items. Additionally, the trafficking of stolen firearms—especially by convicted felons—is a threat to the safety of all Alaskans, and we will continue to work closely with all law enforcement partners to keep or communities safe. The defendant further showed his blatant disregard for rules by possessing significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl—both extremely deadly drugs—in our custodial institutions. Drugs in prison endangers the safety of all those working and housed in these facilities.”
“Weapon and drug crimes are not only serious offenses on their own, but routinely lead to other criminal activities,” stated Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle. “These types of cases are often solved due to the close working relationships we have with other law enforcement entities in the state. It’s also common for successful prosecution of suspects to be aided by citizens who choose to come forward with information they have regarding crimes. Without all these partnerships in play, closing out investigations would be so much more difficult.”
The Anchorage Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the firearms case. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the prison contraband case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Tran prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
###Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for 9 Bank RobberiesRead 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 Evan Lemmon was sentenced to 80 months in prison and order to pay $24,875 in restitution. Lemmon, 29, of Albuquerque, pled guilty to nine counts of bank robbery on February 9, 2023.
According to court records, over a five-month period from Sept. 28, 2021, to March 7, 2022, Lemmon committed a spree of nine bank robberies in Albuquerque, each following a similar pattern. Each time, Lemmon would enter the banks wearing a cap, face covering, and a glove on his right hand and pass a similar note to a teller. After the tellers complied, Lemmon would flee on foot to a car parked nearby and leave the scene.
After the eighth robbery, the FBI located one of the cars Lemmon fled in with the assistance of APD’s Investigative Support Unit. The FBI tracked the vehicle and subsequently located it leaving the scene on the ninth robbery. At that time, the FBI executed a search warrant on Lemmon’s residence and recovered caps and items of clothing consistent with the robberies, a piece of paper believed to be a draft note that stated “I HAVE A GUN GIVE M,” and U.S. currency.
Upon his release from prison, Lemmon will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime and Gang Task Force and the Albuquerque Police Department’s Investigate Support Unit (ISU) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
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12 July 2023
Warren Man Indicted by a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - A Warren, Ohio man with an extensive criminal history that includes Possession of Cocaine and Trafficking in Cocaine has been indicted by a federal grand jury. On July 11, 2023 the grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Stanley E. Redd, Jr., 44, with Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Using and Maintaining a Drug Premises; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Sponsoring or Exhibiting Animals in Animal Fighting Venture; and Buying, Selling, Delivering, Possessing, Training, or Transporting Animals for Participation in Animal Fighting Venture.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 18, 2021, Redd possessed an Amadeo Rossi .38 caliber revolver, and a RG Industries, Model RG40, .38 caliber revolver, and ammunition. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunitions due to his convictions in 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2014 for Possession of Cocaine and in 2008 for Trafficking in Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine.
The indictment also alleges on or about May 18, 2021, Redd possessed with the intent to distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine; and possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The indictment further alleges that from on or about May 5, 2021, through on or about May 18, 2021, Redd knowingly used and maintained a premises located in Warren, Ohio for the purpose of distributing controlled substances.
Finally, the indictment charges Redd with sponsoring and exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture and buying, selling, possessing, training, or transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture beginning in or around December 2020 and ending on or about May 18, 2021.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted the FBI, USDA, and Warren City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. McLaughlin and Senior Litigation Counsel Michelle M. Baeppler. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wapato Man Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault Wapato Man Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Manslaughter and Aggravated AssaultRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Brandon Kelly Root, age 47, of Toppenish, Washington was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 96 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to Court documents, on June 11, 2017, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Root was driving on the Yakama Nation in the Eastern District of Washington. At the time, he was under the influence of alcohol and crossed the center line of the roadway. Root’s vehicle struck another car head on. Four individuals were in the other vehicle. Two were killed and the others, one of whom was a minor child, suffered serious bodily injury.
When officers arrived at the scene of the collision, they found Root wedged in the driver’s seat of his car. Officers noted that Root had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of intoxicants coming from his person. Root was the only occupant of his vehicle, and an 18-pack of beer was located on the front passenger floorboard. A blood draw, which was conducted at the hospital about four hours after the collision, showed Root’s blood alcohol level as .10 at that time, which is over the legal limit. In an interview with law enforcement, Root admitted to drinking that day at a softball tournament and a bar. Root also claimed that he did not recall the details of the crash.
“As a result of Mr. Root’s dangerous actions, two individuals were killed and countless others will never be the same,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones. No sentence will heal the pain caused by Mr. Root’s reckless act of driving while intoxicated. Our communities deserve better, and that is why my office will continue to hold those who engage in criminally reckless actions accountable.”
“This tragedy would have never happened had Mr. Root acted responsibly,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Instead, his decision to drive while intoxicated caused two people to lose their lives, others to suffer serious injuries, and families and loved ones to face agonizing loss from a preventable collision. We know this sentence will keep our communities safer and dissuade future drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Yakama Nation Police Department and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
1:22-CR-02063-MKD
Violent Fayetteville Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 35 yearsRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 420 months in prison for his role as the leader of a violent fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin trafficking organization. On January 11, 2023, Naji Michael Johnson, age 45, pled guilty to fentanyl conspiracy and fentanyl distribution charges.
“Naji Johnson used guns, violence, and intimidation to advance his drug trafficking enterprise in Fayetteville for 15 years, pushing kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Today, the community saw justice done. Drug traffickers should see this 35 year sentence as a warning. Partnerships between local and federal law enforcement are stronger than ever, and we are determined to keep North Carolina safe. Our friends, neighbors, and families deserve no less.”
"The sentencing of Naji Johnson supports the Fayetteville Police Department's commitment and goal of keeping the City of Fayetteville safe and secure,” said Fayetteville Police Chief Kem Braden. “Naji Johnson was a career criminal responsible for numerous violent crimes in our community. The Fayetteville Police Department appreciates the hard work of the Federal, State, and local agencies responsible for removing a violent, career criminal from our community. The sentencing of Naji Johnson sends a clear message to other would-be criminals that violence within our City will not be tolerated."
“There is often a direct link between those trafficking drugs into our communities and those committing violent crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Disrupting these dangerous drug trafficking networks has an immediate and significant role in decreasing violent gun crime.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, various law enforcement agencies in the Fayetteville area have received statements from individuals throughout the last decade indicating that Johnson was a kilogram level supplier of cocaine, crack, heroin, and fentanyl in Cumberland County. Information compiled throughout the investigation revealed that between late 2018 and his federal arrest in August 2022, Johnson was responsible for distributing over 19,000 grams of fentanyl, which is enough fentanyl to create over 950,000 doses.
The investigation also revealed that Johnson utilized firearms and violence to maintain his position at the top of the Fayetteville drug trafficking hierarchy. Investigators received numerous accounts indicating that Johnson routinely robbed other area drug dealers. Investigators also received statements indicating that Johnson was involved in multiple murders stemming from drug trafficking activity, and that Johnson kidnapped another drug dealer to collect drugs and drug proceeds as ransom. Johnson also possessed a firearm during two separate controlled purchases of fentanyl that were conducted in 2022 as part of the investigation.
The investigation into Johnson was 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.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00195-FL-1 .
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United Bank of Michigan Senior Vice President Sentenced for Embezzlement and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John Figg embezzled approximately $870,000 between 2014 and 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced the sentencing of a former United Bank of Michigan senior vice president for embezzlement and tax evasion. John Figg, 56, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to a prison term of 41 months followed by 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney. Figg was also ordered to pay restitution of $870,000 to United Bank of Michigan and $146,300 to the Internal Revenue Service.
“We trust our financial institutions to be wise stewards of our savings,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “Figg pilfered funds entrusted to him as a bank official and broke both the law and the public’s trust. He must now deal with the consequences of his embezzlement and tax evasion.”
This criminal case stems from the discovery of Figg’s embezzlement of over $870,000 from United Bank of Michigan between 2014 and 2021. At the time, he was a senior vice president of the bank. According to court documents, Figg used his access to bank records to obtain funds in a variety of ways. First, he identified customer accounts held by depositors who did not scrutinize their accounts and used his access to them to remove funds for his own use. Second, he obtained phony loans in customer names and used the loan proceeds for his own use. Third, he funneled fees normally collected by the bank in connection with loan closing costs to his own use. This resulted in losses of approximately $870,000.
Figg generated taxable income from this activity between 2016 and 2020. However, he concealed this income from his tax preparer when that person prepared his tax returns. As a result, each year Figg underreported his taxable income knowing that it was subject to taxation and with the intent to avoid payment of those taxes.
Figg was charged with bank embezzlement in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. This carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He was also charged with tax evasion in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201, which carries a maximum prison term of five years in prison. Figg pled guilty to these charges in March 2023.
“The IRS, along with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously pursue those who use their position of trust to victimize clients and violate the law,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the government’s determination to restore and ensure that trust.”
"Mr. Figg engaged in illegal conduct that has the potential to undermine the financial health of banks and credit unions," said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Today's sentence sends a message to any corrupt bank employee that the combined efforts of the FBI and IRS will ensure they are held fully accountable for their crimes."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Prosecution of the case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey.
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U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office Work to Combat Summer ViolenceRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Following a 12-week effort, federal authorities announced Wednesday the results of the latest multi-agency law enforcement operation in the Southern District of Illinois.
Conducted over the last three months, “Operation Triple Beam Piasa” aimed to combat violence during the summer through the disruption of organized gangs and impact violent crime by apprehending fugitives and gang members as well as the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics, and proceeds.
In southern Illinois, enforcement operations were focused in Madison and St. Clair counties, in addition to the Centralia region. Officers made 407 felony arrests, with 128 of the arrests being confirmed or associated gang members. During the operation, law enforcement officers also arrested 29 individuals wanted for homicide, 72 individuals for aggravated assault, 16 individuals for armed robbery, and 130 individuals for weapons offenses.
“By targeting, investigating and arresting fugitives throughout southern Illinois, the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners worked to foster safer communities in the downstate region and improve public safety for the summer when families want to enjoy more time outdoors,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Officers in this latest operation knew the dangers of interacting with and arresting criminals with violent histories—and yet, they persisted. I sincerely commend all who participated and contributed to this operation’s success.”
“Throughout this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force Officers concentrated on arresting the most egregious defendants who were wanted for homicide, drug offenses, weapons offenses and other violent crimes. Obviously, we wouldn’t have been as successful without all our task force partners who participated in this operation and we are grateful for their ongoing support. It is essential that U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Forces continue to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations. During this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers continued to exceed expectations while performing this inherently dangerous job” said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis.
During the operation, agents also seized a total of 117 firearms, $47,023, 13 vehicles, and 149.68 kilograms of illicit narcotics.
“Operation Triple Beam Piasa” was a collaborative effort led by the Southern District of Illinois and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Participating agencies included the Illinois State Police, Belleville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, Alton Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois Department of Corrections – Parole, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Brings “United Against Hate” Initiative to DetroitRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan partnered with the Urban League of Detroit and Southeast Michigan to host “United Against Hate,” the first of a series of community forums designed to educate the public about civil rights enforcement tools available to address hate crimes, bias incidents, and discrimination. The event, held today at the Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, featured presentations from Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Office’s Civil Rights Unit and an FBI Special Agent who investigates civil rights crimes.
“Combatting hate crimes and bias incidents is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice and one of my top priorities as United States Attorney,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We are excited to bring this new training to the Eastern District of Michigan and thankful to the Urban League and Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church for facilitating our first United Against Hate event.”
The United Against Hate Community Outreach Program aims to improve hate crime reporting by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes. The program also aims to build trust between law enforcement and diverse communities in the region. United Against Hate shares resources to combat hate and encourages discussion between representatives from law enforcement, community organizations, and members of the public. United Against Hate emphasizes that while some hate-fueled incidents—standing alone—may not be a crime, people should still report those incidents to local law enforcement and the FBI. Through using hypothetical scenarios and video clips depicting real-life hate crime cases and stories, the presenters emphasized the importance of reporting unlawful acts of hate. They also highlighted differences between hate crimes versus bias incidents and provided options for responding to bias incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or constitutes criminal threats.
As part of its United Against Hate Community Outreach Program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will engage with communities across the Eastern District of Michigan by hosting additional events in the coming months to deepen connections with those communities, further hate crimes prevention efforts, and encourage more people to report hate crimes, bias incidents, and discrimination.
Two New Haven Men Charged with Offenses Stemming from Multiple Gunpoint Robberies in 2022Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN BORRERO, 20, and ROBERT SMITH, also known as “Robbie,” 20, both of New Haven, with offenses related to the gunpoint robberies of Connecticut convenience stores and an armed carjacking last summer.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, ATF and the New Haven Police Department have been investigating a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking that occurred in late June and early July 2022. The investigation revealed that Borrero committed an armed robbery of a Citgo Gas Station located at 957 Foxon Road in East Haven on June 29, 2022; an armed carjacking followed by an armed robbery of a 7-Eleven Convenience Store located at 1089 Campbell Avenue in West Haven on July 3, 2022; and an armed robbery on an Xpress Mart Gas Station located at 180 Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia on July 7, 2022. In addition, on July 6, 2022, Borrero and Smith committed an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven.
The indictment, which was returned on June 28, 2023, charges Borrero with four counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of carjacking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.
The indictment charges Smith with one count of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Borrero and Smith appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered pleas of not guilty. Borrero has been detained in state custody since July 13, 2022, and Smith has been detained in state custody since January 3, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The 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.
Two Firefighters Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Two New Jersey firefighters were sentenced to prison today for their respective roles in a multi-million-dollar health care fraud conspiracy, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.
Thomas Sher, 50, of Northfield, New Jersey, was sentenced to 96 months in prison. Sher, a Margate firefighter, was found guilty on Sept. 8, 2022, of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud following a 12-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court.
Christopher Broccoli, 51, of West Deptford, New Jersey, was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Broccoli, a Camden firefighter, pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler on July 28, 2022, to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to documents filed in these cases, statements made in court, and the evidence at trial:
Sher and Broccoli were part of a criminal conspiracy in which state and local government employees were recruited and compensated to receive medically unnecessary compound prescription medications. Sher and his direct conspirators recruited almost 70 people into the scheme and caused the pharmacy benefits administrator to pay out more than $7 million for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications. Sher directly received approximately $115,000 from the scheme. At today’s sentencing, Judge Kugler likewise found that Sher obstructed justice when he lied during his trial testimony and when he attempted to tamper with witnesses and devise a cover-up story in advance of trial.
Broccoli caused the pharmacy benefits administrator to pay out millions of dollars for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications for individuals he recruited into the scheme and directly received $150,315.
To date, 50 people have been charged in the overarching conspiracy, and 46 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the sentencings.
The government is represented by Christina O. Hud, Senior Trial Counsel of the Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit; Desiree L. Grace, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division; and R. David Walk Jr., Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
Two Bronx Men Sentenced to Prison for Throwing Molotov Cocktails at Neighbors’ Cars and HousesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that NAYEEM AHMED CHOWDHURY and DAVID MENDEZ were sentenced by U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan to six years and 27 months in prison, respectively, in connection with using glass bottles with ignitable liquid and lit wicks, commonly known as “Molotov cocktails,” in an attempt to set a car and an apartment building on fire in the Bronx, New York. CHOWDHURY previously pled guilty to possession of unregistered Molotov cocktails and was sentenced on June 15, 2023. MENDEZ previously pled guilty to conspiracy to possess unregistered Molotov cocktails and was sentenced today.
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and court filings:
Just after 2:00 a.m. on June 8, 2022, after circling the block for at least an hour, CHOWDHURY and MENDEZ approached a vehicle that was parked in the front yard of an apartment building in the defendants’ neighborhood in the Bronx, New York. CHOWDHURY lit a Molotov cocktail and placed it underneath the vehicle as MENDEZ looked on. The defendants drove off to let the fire burn. Approximately 30 minutes later, CHOWDHURY and MENDEZ returned to the vehicle. MENDEZ lit a second Molotov cocktail and placed it under the vehicle as CHOWDHURY looked on. Approximately 30 minutes after the defendants drove away from the vehicle the second time, the owner of the vehicle observed the fire and, together with other individuals from the neighborhood, threw buckets of water on and around the vehicle to put out the flames. Photographs of the June 2022 incident are below, with the defendants circled in green and the victims’ buckets of water circled in red:
Around 7:00 a.m. on July 24, 2022, CHOWDHURY approached another residence in his neighborhood, lit a third Molotov cocktail, and hurled it at the residence. The Molotov cocktail hit a window and fell onto the front porch, where it burst into flames. The family that was sleeping inside the residence, including a husband, his pregnant wife, and their toddler, woke up from the loud crash against the window and immediately poured buckets of water onto the Molotov cocktail to put out the flames. Photographs of CHOWDHURY throwing the third Molotov cocktail at the residence in July 2022 are below:
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In addition to their prison terms, CHOWDHURY, 36, and MENDEZ, 40, both of the Bronx, New York, were sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Fire Department, the New York City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm TransferRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Daniel Baccas, 22, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. Baccas pled guilty to the charge on April 7, 2023.
During an auto theft investigation in November and December 2021, law enforcement officers observed videos posted to social media depicting Baccas with suspected marijuana and firearms. One of the videos showed Baccas and another person taking turns holding a rifle. At the time the video was taken, both Baccas and the other person were prohibited from receiving firearms because both were facing felony criminal charges in Dane County Circuit Court. At his guilty plea hearing, Baccas admitted that he gave the person in the video the rifle and that he knew that person was under indictment at the time.
A subsequent search of Baccas’s residence yielded a Glock handgun with an “auto-sear” attachment, a 50-round drum magazine, and 690 grams of marijuana packaged for resale. An “auto-sear” is an illegal, after-market attachment that converts a semi-automatic Glock handgun into a machine gun. With the attachment, the firearm is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.
The charge against Baccas was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sun Prairie Police Department, and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to Four Years for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Robert T. Jaeger, 44, of St. Paul, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to four years’ imprisonment for possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense. He was also sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Jaeger pleaded guilty to the offense on February 16, 2023.
On August 23, 2022, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) received a report that Jaeger was threatening to murder a person who had recently obtained a protection order against Jaeger. It was reported to the NSP that Jaeger had parked his vehicle near the location where the person who obtained the protection order was employed. NSP Troopers located Jaeger in that area. As police began to approach the area, Jaeger began driving away. Jaeger was stopped and arrested a short distance away from where he had been parked.
Jaeger’s vehicle was searched following his arrest. Among the items found in the car were three rifles, two of which were equipped with scopes, a handgun, ammunition, knives, a tactical vest, a ghillie suit (a form of camouflage), three silencers made from oil cans, and a Halloween type mask. Because of a prior felony conviction, Jaeger was prohibited from possessing the firearms, ammunition, and silencers.
The Nebraska State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives contributed to this investigation. 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.
South Texan guilty of trafficking cocaine through checkpointRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury in Corpus Christi has convicted a 42-year-old Mission resident for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani today.
The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes hours before convicting Juan Pablo Ramirez following a one-day trial.
At trial, the jury heard that on Jan. 19, Ramirez drove his pickup truck to the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. At initial inspection, Ramirez consent to a z-portal examination of his truck. The z-portal x-ray scan revealed anomalies in his truck which turned out to be packages of cocaine.
Testimony at trial revealed the total amount of cocaine was five kilograms with a street value of approximately $100,000.
Ramirez attempted to convince the jury he did not know the drugs were in his vehicle. However, the jury saw evidence from Ramirez’s cellphone which included pictures of cocaine, scales and cash.
The jury ultimately did not believe Ramirez’s claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos presided over trial and set sentencing for Oct. 11. At that time, Ramirez faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jim Wells Police Department and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin, John Lamont and John Marck are prosecuting the case.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 144 months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kevin Roell, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Roell was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August 2022, Roell communicated over the internet with a person he agreed to pay to facilitate him having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Roell used Bitcoin to pay a deposit, and then arrived at a hotel in South Bend with roses, jewelry, and cash planning to have sex with the 15-year-old. He was then arrested.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Collin County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .
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Six Arrested for Multi-State Drug Conspiracy Spanning Massachusetts, Rhode Island and TexasRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Six individuals were arrested today for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills obtained from a source in the Houston area, across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
- John Campbell, a/k/a Jizz, 40, of Taunton, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Kenneth Veiga, 33, of Abington, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Michael Atwood, 36, of Carver, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Austin Gonsalves, 36, of Fall River, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Scott Lambert, 55, of Falmouth, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and
- Christan Russell, a/k/a Christian Russell, a/k/a Bear, 32, of Tomball, Texas was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court later today.
According to the charging documents, an investigation into John Campbell began in April 2022 after receiving information that he was allegedly distributing oxycodone pills. A series of controlled buys were conducted and Campbell’s telephone calls and text messages were intercepted. Those interceptions allegedly revealed that Campbell redistributed oxycodone pills to Michael Atwood and Scott Lambert. It is further alleged that Atwood and Lambert re-distributed the oxycodone pills they obtained from Campbell to others. On Feb. 24, 2023, law enforcement stopped Lambert in Bourne, Mass after he allegedly met with Campbell, and 73 oxycodone pills were found hidden in a Krazy Glue container.
Kenneth Veiga’s telephone calls and text messages were also intercepted and revealed that he allegedly obtained and distributed oxycodone pills that he received from Christan Russell and that re-distributed oxycodone pills to Austin Gonsalves. It is further alleged that Russell obtained and brought oxycodone pills from pharmacies in the Houston area to the Boston area for distribution to Veiga. Specifically, it is alleged that in February 2023, flight records show that Russell travelled to Boston and met with Veiga; during a meeting in March 2023, Veiga met with Russell at the Twin River Casino, in Lincoln, R.I., where Russell allegedly distributed oxycodone pills to Veiga; and in May 2023, Veiga and Russell met again for an oxycodone pill exchange at a hotel in Brookline, Mass.
“Massachusetts continues to suffer from the devastating effects of the lethal opioid crisis and overdose deaths are far too common. Stemming the opioid crisis is one of this office’s highest priorities including stemming the flow of illegally diverted narcotics as alleged in this case from Texas to Massachusetts,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Illegally distributed opioids leave a trail of violence and death as they course through the black market. We will never cease in our efforts to penetrate these drug rings and do everything in our power to protect the people of Massachusetts.”
“The state of Massachusetts is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency. “Those responsible for distributing oxycodone pills illegally to the citizens of Massachusetts need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who distribute drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
“Traffickers of Oxycodone pills are among the main culprits behind the opioid epidemic, and investigation and interdiction of these criminals rightfully remains a major priority of law enforcement. The Massachusetts State Police and our partners at the US Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are committed to disrupting the drug trafficking organizations that facilitate the influx of illegal narcotics into our state, or communities, and our neighborhoods,” said Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John E. Mawn Jr.
“The opioid crisis has a very real and very harmful impact on our communities. Today’s charges illustrate that those involved in illicit opioid trafficking and those employing money laundering schemes to move their illegal proceeds will be held accountable. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed, working with our law enforcement partners, to identifying those who place our communities at risk through the illicit opioid trade and dismantling their operations through enforcement actions such as these,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
“The Falmouth Police Department is committed to working with our Local, State and Federal Partners in a unified effort to hold those accountable bringing this poison into our Communities and Commonwealth,” said Falmouth Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; DEA SAC Boyle; MSP Interim Colonel Mawn Jr.; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; Chief Lourie; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; United States Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments; and the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys John Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Rosebud Man Found Not Guilty of AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on July 7, 2023.
Mario Lopez, age 22, was charged by a complaint filed in January of 2023.
The charge related to an alleged incident that occurred on January 20, 2023, in Todd County, South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Rockland County Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Six Overdoses, Including Multiple DeathsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and Tom Walsh, the Rockland County District Attorney, announced today an Indictment charging JUSTIN TURNICK with distributing fentanyl that resulted in death or serious bodily injury to five victims between February 2020 and April 2022 in Rockland County, New York. TURNICK was arrested on these charges this morning and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik this afternoon.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Fentanyl is one of the foremost crises the United States faces today, as the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. The fentanyl epidemic is lethally perpetuated by, among others, dealers like Justin Turnick who allegedly knowingly sell a drug that can be fatal to their customers. As alleged, Justin Turnick was well aware of the dangers of the poison he peddled as he had witnessed three of his victims overdose before his own eyes, but he continued to distribute the drug anyway. Turnick’s arrest re-emphasizes our efforts to prosecute and dismantle the entirety of the fentanyl supply chain and to take this poison off the streets of our communities.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “The DEA renamed overdoses to poisonings for one simple reason – drug traffickers are intentionally lacing all drugs with fentanyl, making today’s street drugs more lethal than ever. Fentanyl is responsible for killing more and more Americans at unprecedented rates. These six poisonings, including two deaths, allegedly linked to Turnick, underscore the devastation fentanyl traffickers have brought into our homes and exemplify law enforcement’s pursuit to bring those responsible to justice. I applaud the tireless work by our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the DEA Westchester Resident Office Task Force.”
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said: “Today's indictment is an example of local and federal agencies working together to stem the tide of fatal fentanyl overdose deaths. My office, working with the New York Field Office of the DEA, is investigating and arresting the fentanyl dealers who are devasting our community. Fentanyl is killing people from all walks of life, every demographic and every ethnicity. In 2021, Rockland County reported 70 overdose deaths. That number is completely unacceptable. I commend the hard work of the Rockland County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, the DEA, and the prosecutors of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment:[1]
At all times relevant to the Indictment, TURNICK engaged in the regular distribution of narcotics to members of his community in Rockland County, New York, including his friends, partners, and acquaintances. In particular, TURNICK knowingly distributed, among other narcotics, fentanyl — a deadly and highly potent opioid — in various forms, including fentanyl that had been packaged into pills, pure fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced powder.
TURNICK repeatedly distributed fentanyl despite knowing how dangerous the drug is. Between approximately February 2020 and April 2022, TURNICK’s fentanyl distribution was responsible for at least six overdoses, four of which TURNICK personally observed. The victims were between the ages of 19 and 24 at the time of their overdoses. Two victims died as a result of consuming fentanyl provided by TURNICK.
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JUSTIN TURNICK, 25, of Congers, New York, is charged with two counts of narcotics distribution resulting in the deaths of Victim-1 and Victim-2, and four counts of narcotics distribution resulting in serious bodily injury to Victim-3, Victim-4 (who overdosed twice), and Victim-5. Each of these counts carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DEA’s Westchester Resident Office, the Clarkstown Police Department, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. He also thanked the Ramapo Police Department, the Westchester County Police Department, the Yonkers Police Department, the Putnam County Sherriff’s Department, the Rockland County Sherriff’s Office, and the Orangetown Police Department for their support and assistance in this matter. Mr. Williams noted that the investigation is ongoing.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison and Kathryn Wheelock are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
U.S. v. Turnick IndictmentRapid City Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota man convicted of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children. The sentencing took place on July 10, 2023.
Michael David Quincy, 38, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and order to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Quincy will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Quincy was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 29, 2023.
Quincy was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to suspected child pornography from Google. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Quincy’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of computer-generated child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Quincy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on July 10, 2023.
Ryan Reausaw, age 39, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Reausaw was indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 12, 2023.
In August of 2021, in Rapid City, Reausaw was found by law enforcement to be illegally in possession of a Remington Arms 12-gauge shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Reausaw was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
RGV man ordered to prison for sexually exploiting girlfriend’s childRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 24-year-old man from Port Isabel has been sentenced for producing child pornography found on his cell phone, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Javier Garza Jr. pleaded guilty July 20, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered him to serve 325 months in federal prison. Garza was further ordered serve 30 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Garza is the definition of a monster,” said Hamdani. “He sexually abused a three-year old little girl—his girlfriend’s daughter--causing severe harm to the most vulnerable amongst us. Thankfully, this deviant is now behind bars. This sentence ensures that Javier Garza will never again exploit a little child.”
The investigation began after Garza’s girlfriend discovered child pornography videos on Garza’s cell phone. She quickly recognized the child in the videos as her own three-year-old daughter and contacted authorities.”
Authorities ultimately found videos of child pornography on Garza’s cell phone. The investigation revealed he had recorded himself sexually abusing the minor child.
Garza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Trafficking, Firearms OffensesRead 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, announced today that Gabriel Villasenor was sentenced to a term of 115 months in prison. Villasenor, 29, pled guilty on Sept. 2, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, in May of 2021, Villasenor drove his co-defendant, Gabriel Blea, to a meeting which Blea had set up in exchange for payment. With Villasenor’s knowledge, Blea had set up a deal to trade approximately half a pound of methamphetamine for five firearms. Unbeknownst to Villasenor or Blea, the other parties in the transaction were undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Blea arrived at the meeting location with the methamphetamine in a backpack and a loaded .45 caliber pistol in his waistband. Agents took Blea into custody at the scene, but Villasenor attempted to flee on foot before he was apprehended.
Villasenor was previously convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun by a person, resisting/evading/obstructing an officer, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, attempt to commit a felony, to wit: felon in possession of a firearm, trafficking by possession with intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance. Villasenor was on state probation at the time of these events.
Blea pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, being in possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on July 13, 2022. On Dec. 9, 2022, Blea was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Upon his release from prison, Villasenor will be subject to 4 years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case.
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Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Conviction of Robbery and Discharging a Firearm During a RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to over 24 years in prison on his conviction of robbery and discharging a firearm during a robbery, as well as for violations of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Deon Reese, age 48, of Pittsburgh.
According to information presented during a jury trial earlier this year and to the court, in March 2017, Reese participated in a robbery in which the victim was shot and nearly killed. The victim suffered extensive injures as a result of the shooting. Additionally, Reese engaged in efforts to obstruct justice by trying to convince the victim not to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution of him.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that the sentence was based on a number of factors, including the seriousness of the offense and Reese’s criminal history. Reese was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, and the robbery constituted a violation of that supervised release. Judge Ranjan imposed a sentence of 271 months, or around 22 ½ years, of incarceration in connection with the robbery conviction, and an additional sentence of 24 months, or 2 years, of incarceration for the supervised release violations.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney and Assistant United States Attorney Shaun Sweeny prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reese.
Oxford Man Who Filmed Himself Sexually Abusing Two Young Children Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Oxford man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for sexually exploiting two young children.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Travis Kimball, 22, to 25 years in prison followed by 25 years of supervised release. Kimball pleaded guilty on January 17, 2023.
According to court records, in April 2022, Kimball sexually abused a young child, filming the abuse to create child sexual abuse material. In June 2022, Kimball sexually abused a toddler, again using his iPhone to capture and produce a video of the abuse.
“First, Travis Kimball committed the devastating act of sexually abusing trusting, young children, then went further to memorialize that abuse on video and attempt to capitalize on it by sharing the child sexual abuse material he produced with others,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said. “Mr. Kimball is a 22-year-old who will be a middle-aged man by the time he gets out of prison, but his traumatized young victims and their families will be dealing with the scars from his unconscionable acts far longer. My office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to bring to justice predators like Mr. Kimball who prey on Maine’s most vulnerable victims.”
The FBI investigated the case. U.S. Attorney McElwee praised the FBI for their quick action which resulted in limiting the distribution of the child sexual assault material and prevented additional victimizations.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Orlando Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Okechukwu Iwuji (38, Orlando) to three years and six months in federal prison for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Iwuji to pay $55,149 in restitution, which represents the loss amount. Iwuji had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023.
According to court documents, Iwuji acquired Personal Identifiable Information (PII) from the dark web and then accessed the Arizona Department of Economic Security/Unemployment Insurance Program’s (AZ-UI) website to create fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits on behalf of unsuspecting victims. As a part of his scheme, Iwuji used the PII to gain access to existing beneficiary accounts, changing the mailing address for where the benefits would be delivered. Some of the fraudulent benefits were sent to a post office box in Orlando that had been established as a part of the scheme.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranganath Manthripragada.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Two More Kanawha County Men Plead Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today John Paul Loudermilk, 60, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Loudermilk and Kincaid each admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2023, Loudermilk conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine by helping a co-defendant distribute methamphetamine to other customers. Loudermilk sometimes received fentanyl from the co-defendant in exchange for doing this.
Loudermilk admitted to usually meeting with the co-defendant in the Charleston area to obtain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Loudermilk further admitted to receiving between one-half ounce and 1 ounce of methamphetamine at a time from the co-defendant along with 1 gram of fentanyl, delivering the methamphetamine to customers, and collecting money from customers in exchange.
In March 2023, Kincaid conspired with other individuals to distribute quantities of cocaine in the Charleston area. During a search of Kincaid’s apartment, approximately 11 ounces of cocaine, used drug packaging consistent with approximately 26 kilograms of cocaine, a loaded pistol, and over $400,000 in cash were seized.
Loudermilk is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Kincaid is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Loudermilk and Kincaid are among 30 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement has seized well over 200 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 28 pounds of cocaine, 20 pounds of fentanyl, 18 firearms and $747,000 in cash.
More than a dozen of the defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31.
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Oneida County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Henry C. Albrecht, Jr., age 53, of Forestport, New York, pled guilty today to presenting child pornography, receiving child pornography, and possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Albrecht admitted that from at least May 2021 through February 28, 2023, he received child pornography images and videos using social media messaging applications and from another adult who gave him a flash drive with child pornography files saved onto it. Albrecht admitted further that in December 2022, he had a live video call with another adult and shared his screen with that person and presented multiple videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Albrecht also possessed more than 2,500 files of child pornography on various devices on the day of his arrest.
At sentencing on November 8, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd, Albrecht faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison for each count of presenting and receiving child pornography and up to 20 years in prison for each count of possessing child pornography. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to a life term. The court also may impose a fine, restitution, and forfeiture of the devices Albrecht used to commit his offenses. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Albrecht will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Daniel E. Miller, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Miller to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
On February 20, 2020, Omaha police were dispatched to a bar for a woman who reported being assaulted by Miller. Officers ultimately arrested Miller. During a search of his person, officers found 94 grams of methamphetamine in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. Forensic testing determined the methamphetamine to be 94 percent pure.
Because of a previous conviction in 2007 for willful injury in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Miller received a federal sentencing enhancement for having a “serious violent felony” offense on his record.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 147 Months for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Andrew Sackett, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Sackett to a total of 147 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Sackett will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In September 2021, Omaha police conducted surveillance on an apartment that was suspected of being used to distribute methamphetamine. Sackett lived in the apartment with his girlfriend, co-defendant Racheal Cain.
On September 23, 2021, Sacket was arrested during a traffic stop. He consented to a search of the apartment and admitted helping Cain sell methamphetamine. In the apartment, officers found more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with purity of 95%, along with three firearms and $11,902 in cash. Sackett admitted to handling all three firearms. One of the firearms, a Taurus .380 handgun, was found inside a safe mounted to the bed. Sackett had a key to the safe on his keychain. As part of the plea, Sackett forfeited the $11,902 to the United States as being illegal drug proceeds.
Cain has pleaded guilty to the same charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Northshore Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CODY SHAUGHNESSY, age 38, pled guilty today before United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
On each count, SHAUGHNESSY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Jersey woman indicted in email compromise schemeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Jersey City, New Jersey, woman has been indicted on charges involving wire fraud related to a real estate transaction of more than $330,000.
Michelle Graham, 27, was indicted on two counts involving a wire fraud conspiracy. According to court documents, Graham was involved in a scheme that caused a Hampshire County law firm to send proceeds from a real estate sale to a business account she had opened in New Jersey. The parties to the real estate transaction intended the proceeds to be sent to pay off the seller’s lender, not to Graham, who was not part of the transaction. Graham then spent nearly $30,000 of the money before the fraud was detected. Items purchased included a Louis Vuitton handbag, a laptop, furniture, and a purchase at a used luxury car dealership.
If convicted, Graham faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two wire fraud charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Manchester, N.H. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a multi-state methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Anthony Elwell, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2023. In May 2021, the defendant was indicted along with three other individuals, Andrew Lunn, Mark Daileanes and William Velez.
On four occasions between June and September 2020, Lunn sold pure methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in amounts ranging from 100 to almost 280 grams. Velez supplied Lunn with the methamphetamine for each of those deals. For one of the deals, in July 2020, Elwell provided Daileanes with money to purchase 280 grams of methamphetamine from Lunn.
Elwell is the last of the four defendants to plead guilty in this case. Lunn is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2023, Daileanes is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2023 and Velez is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, made the announcement today. The New Hampshire State Police and the Everett, Nashua (N.H), Merrimack (N.H.), Litchfield (N.H), and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Montville Man Charged with Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging NICHOLAS DeFELICE, 31, of Montville, with engaging in the business of dealing in and manufacturing firearms, and possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms.
As alleged in the indictment, between approximately January 2020 and February 2022, DeFelice manufactured and sold firearms without a license to do so. On February 17, 2022, DeFelice possessed two rifles with barrels of less than 16 inches, and one silencer, which were not registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing in and manufacturing firearms carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and the charge of possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of more than 50 additional firearms seized from DeFelice on February 17, 2022.
DeFelice appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a pleas of not guilty to the charges. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Middlesex County Man Admits Communicating Threats to Attack SynagogueRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted transmitting via the internet a manifesto containing threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish people, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce on or about Nov. 1, 2022.
“This defendant admitted using social media to send a manifesto containing a threat to attack a synagogue based on his hatred of Jews. This prompted a state-wide alert and put the community on edge, ” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “Alkattoul will now face sentencing for his crime, and we intend to seek a sentence that will hold him accountable. No one should be targeted for violence or with acts of hate because of how they worship. Protecting our communities of faith and places of worship is at the heart of this office’s mission.”
“The laws of our nation allow for everyone to express themselves,” FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “However, when that expression turns into a specific threat toward others, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies must take action. We allege Alkattoul posted and planned to carry out his online manifesto targeting synagogues in our communities, and specifically stated it was an intended attack on Jews. I want to commend the incredibly quick response by the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force and our partners. Crime driven by hate has no place in our society.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Nov. 1, 2022, Alkattoul used a social media application to send an individual a link to a document entitled “When Swords Collide” and admitted to this individual that he wrote the document. He admitted targeting a synagogue. He stated in the document: “It’s in the context of an attack on Jews.” According to a second individual, Alkattoul also sent the document to at least five other people using another social media application.
The charge of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce to which Alkattoul pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked agents of the FBI Field Office in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge David Walker; the FBI Field Office in New York, under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge James Smith; and the FBI Washington Field Office, under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge Steven D’Antuono; as well as the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin; the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; and officers of the Sayreville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Plumacker.
The government is represented by Christopher Amore, Co-Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
alkattoul.information.pdfMiddle District of Florida Task Force Continues to Combat COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in major or sophisticated fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.
On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 67 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare (“HCF”). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $78 million. Forty-seven of those defendants have been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 20 defendants. (See chart below for criminal case details.)
For example, in April 2023, former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Deconna Burke was charged with wire fraud relating to an alleged scheme to obtain a PPP loan for a nonexistent babysitting business.
And in June 2023, Timothy and Lisa Jolloff were charged in a scheme relating to EIDL and PPP applications submitted by Timothy Jolloff between April and May 2020. Timothy Jolloff’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA and a PPP lender to approve and fund 11 EIDLs and 6 PPP loans, totaling approximately $2.14 million. Timothy Jolloff and his wife, Lisa Jolloff, allegedly used the funds to purchase three pontoon boats, real estate in Indiana, home furnishings, outdoor kitchens for their homes, a 2020 Polaris UTV, as well as jewelry, and two dogs. The couple also fraudulently used more than $600,000 in EIDL funds to purchase a furniture business in Indiana and a landscaping business in Sarasota, which had no connection to the businesses for which the couple had obtained COVID relief funds.
As a result of the USAO-MDFL’s Appellate Division’s advocacy, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentence of Casey David Crowther, who had been found guilty in Ft. Myers of bank fraud, making a false statement to a lending institution, and two counts of money laundering in connection with his PPP loan scheme. Crowther had obtained a $2.1 million PPP loan by stating that he intended to use the money for payroll, rent, and utilities for his company, Target Roofing and Sheet Metal, but, according to the evidence at trial, he instead had his bank deposit the money into a secret account separate from his company’s main operating account. He quickly used the account for personal use, spending nearly $700,000 on a 40-foot pleasure boat and $55,000 on a horse. When Crowther’s bank warned him that he was likely to be audited, he attempted to conceal his fraud by falsely “hiring” family members and dozens of fictitious employees to inflate his company’s apparent payroll.
The U.S. Attorney General has 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. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida
COVID Fraud Criminal Cases
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Alexander Alli
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$80k
Ellyn Pinkney
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Kieanna Garrett
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Nicole Bramble-King
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
Mehdi Tazi
Conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Modupe Ogundele
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
Jalissa McDuffy
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$41k
Devontaie Deravil
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$480k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, and Jennifer Peresie
Orlando Division
Evan Edwards
Joshua Edwards
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud (E. Edwards)
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Bank fraud (J. Edwards)
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Visa fraud (J. Edwards)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
False statements (J. Edwards)
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$8M
Emmet Bowens
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
Latresia Wilson
False Statements
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
HCF
$2.6M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Deconna Burke
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
Christopher Daragjati
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Theft of government funds
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$150k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82k
Ismaelle Manuel
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$280k
Denis Casseus
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$298k
Timothy Jolloff
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL
$2.1M
Lisa Jolloff
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL
$2.1M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling
Ocala Division
Henry Wade
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$500k
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Alexander Leszczynski
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$200k
Keaujay Hornsby
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Kareem Spann
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500k
Charles Cunningham
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon
Orlando Division
Brian Blake
Possession of device-making equipment
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP/UI
$832k
This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt
Jacksonville Division
Desmond Williams
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
Kenneth Landers
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money Laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1.4M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, III
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$815k
Kary Stevenson
Corey Quinn
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI
$1M
Bridgitte Keim
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP
$588k
Wayne Ganaway
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL
$300k
Eriaius Bentley
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI
$3M
Rolanda Wingfield
Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI
$135k
Tywon Spann
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI
$3M
Randy Jones
Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI
$250k
Julio Lugo
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$4.4M
Keith Nicoletta
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$413k
Melinda Hernandez
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Bri’antina Mills
Wire fraud and theft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
$10K
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison
EIDL
$150k
Omar Esquivel Bello
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
EIDL
$242k
Steve Moodie
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Richard Simpkins
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, and SAUSA Chris Poor
Orlando Division
Daniel Johnson
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison
UI
$2.3M
Jacquavius Smith
Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$10k
Johnson Eustache
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$2.2M
Joseph Harrison
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI
$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP
$2M
Holly Urban
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.5M
Joel Greenberg
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison
EIDL
$430k
Don Cisternino
Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison
PPP
$7.2M
Keith Ingersoll
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.
EIDL
$66k
Jaheim Davis
Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.
UI
$219k
Teresa McIntyre
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation
EIDL
$730k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: probation
PPP
$10k
This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther
Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$2.7M
Anthony Bruey
Amber Bruey
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL
$881k
Edrica Leann Watson
False statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP
$392k
Daniel Joseph Tisone
Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person
Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL/MSLP
$10.7M
Liliana Gonzalez
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement
PPP
$169k
Al Clint LaRoche
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison
PPP
$1M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, and Jesus M. Casas
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison
PPP
$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Types of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Health Care Fraud (HCF)
Middle District of Florida Project Safe Neighborhoods Strategy Nets More Than 100 Federal Defendants and 147 Illegal Firearms in Third QuarterRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the results of the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the third quarter, ending on June 30, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has prosecuted 107 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 147 firearms from our streets in the process. The prosecutions include defendants who have been indicted, pleaded guilty, convicted at trial, or who have been sentenced. (See chart for case details.)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the third quarter involved approximately 200 individuals. These community outreach efforts included presentations to elementary, middle and high school students, meetings with community leaders, and re-entry programs. Middle District of Florida re-entry presentations included federal prosecutors visiting state prisons to speak with inmates nearing their release dates.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q3 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Alex Winters (Ft. Myers)
According to court documents, on May 7, 2020, deputies with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office stopped a car for a traffic violation. After a deputy noted the smell of marijuana, the car was searched. Alex Winters was in the vehicle and beneath his seat, deputies located a loaded 9mm pistol and a fanny pack with distribution amounts of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and eutylone. Also, inside the fanny pack, deputies found a digital scale, baggies, a drug ledger, and 9mm ammunition. Winters was convicted at trial and later sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
United States v. Kristopher Ervin and Matthew Hoover (Jacksonville)
On April 21, 2023, a federal jury found Kristopher Ervin and Matthew Hoover guilty of conspiring to transfer unregistered machinegun conversion devices that they referred to as “Auto Key Cards,” and multiple counts of transferring unregistered machinegun conversion devices. Ervin was also convicted of possessing unregistered machinegun conversion devices and structuring cash transactions to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements. According to court records, in January 2021, Ervin’s bank contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to report that employees believed that Ervin was trafficking in machinegun conversion devices. Subsequent investigation revealed that Ervin was running an online business selling machinegun conversion devices, known as lightning links, etched into metal cards, which he referred to as Auto Key Cards.
A lightning link can be dropped into an otherwise legal AR-15 type firearm and convert it into a fully automatic machinegun. Hoover operated a YouTube channel on which he advertised Auto Key Cards. Hoover’s videos advertising the Auto Key Card led to a substantial increase in Ervin’s sales. Ervin sold more than 2,000 Auto Key Cards in only a few months. Ervin compensated Hoover for his advertisements by sending cash through the mail. Sentencing hearings for Ervin and Hoover are scheduled for September 2023.
United States v. Christopher Munroe (Ocala)
On June 15, 2023, Christopher Richard Munroe was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court records, on November 14, 2022, law enforcement responded to a call from the owner of a moving company who had discovered his employee, Munroe, had stolen three firearms while packing a residence for customers. Munroe fled when confronted about the missing firearms and was soon located hiding in the landscaping of a nearby business. Munroe had hidden the stolen firearms, seven ammunition magazines, and ammunition in that same location. Munroe had previously been convicted of second-degree murder in New York and was released on parole in 2018. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearm and ammunition under federal law.
United States v. Joel Fonseca Flores (Orlando)
On May 2, 2023, Joel David Fonseca Flores was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl causing death, possession of fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court records, in April 2022, Flores conspired to distribute fentanyl that resulted in the death of an individual. Flores is further charged with possessing drugs and a firearm on October 3, 2022, following a traffic stop in Orlando. Officers from the Orlando Police Department recovered a loaded firearm and several bags of drugs from inside the vehicle, including cocaine and fentanyl. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Robles Park RICO (Tampa)
In June 2023, Keaujay Hornsby was sentenced to 16 years and 6 months in federal prison and Kareem Spann was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for criminal conduct committed by, and on behalf of, the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) group known as the “Robles Park Enterprise.” These crimes included a series of shootings, attempted murder, drug trafficking, fraud, and identity theft. According to court documents,in the early morning of July 19, 2020, Hornsby and other members of the Enterprise congregated outside the Truth Lounge club in Tampa. The streets and sidewalks were flooded with people, including rival gang members in the parking lot outside the club. Spann drove through the crowd, while Hornsby engaged in a verbal altercation with rival gang members. Hornsby then pulled out a firearm and fired into the crowd. The shooting resulted in the injury of at least eight people, including children. Law enforcement later recovered dozens of ammunition casings. Six days later, and in retaliation for the Truth Lounge shooting, three rival gang members ambushed and opened fire on Hornsby and Spann as they exited the International Plaza in Tampa. In total, seven vehicles were struck by gunfire, including two occupied by innocent bystanders. Law enforcement later determined that at least 25 bullets had been fired from three different firearms. On July 27, 2020, while driving in Tampa, Hornsby and Spann followed a rival gang member and later opened fire on a residential street, unleashing dozens of shots at his target. In addition to acts of violence, the Robles Park Enterprise also trafficked in cocaine, marijuana, and firearms. Members of the Robles Park Enterprise also used the personal identifying information (PII) of other persons to submit false applications to claim unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled. In total, the defendants submitted over 200 fraudulent claims, in 20 different states, with an intended loss of approximately $2.8 million dollars. On June 10, 2022, a third member of this conspiracy, Tywon Spann was sentenced to 6 years and months’ imprisonment.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Chester Lewis Risco, III (19)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Nicholas Munson Troemner (40)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Christopher Jorge Ponce (36)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon Eth.
Jacksonville Division
Kristofferson Farmer, Jr. (22)
Possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offenses.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life imprisonment
3
Houston James Fender (31)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum prison term: 15 years
21
Edgar Guintivano (51)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years
2
Edwin Sherwood Gustafson, IV (30)
Possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Jaylin Orange (19)
Possession of a machinegun.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Donald Plemmons (44)
False statements to a federal firearms dealer.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
Dwayne Eric Thompson (39)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Jamie Thompson (49)
False statements to a federal firearms dealer.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
Peter Alexander Lawrence (31)
False statements to a federal firearms dealer
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
Elliott Alex Sims (55)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Distribution of cocaine (6 counts).
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs John Cannizzaro, Brenna Falzetta, David Mesrobian, Aakash Singh, Frank Talbot, and Kevin Frein.
Ocala Division
Alexander Timothy Rosa (31)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Possession of a stolen firearm.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Eddie Lee Parks, II (24)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Craig Antwon O’Neal (53)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term:
15 years, up to life imprisonment
1
Brian David Casey (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs William Hamilton, Hannah Nowalk, and Belkis H. Crockett.
Orlando Division
Jacoby Jules Colon (20)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
Robbery of a postal carrier.
Maximum prison term: 25 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life imprisonment
4
Christian Ponce (31),
Rodney Hernandez (27)
Possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
3
Alfred Lamar Shavers (49)
Possession of firearm by convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal).
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life imprisonment.
9
Christian Arroyo-Rivera (30)
Possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to 40 years
1
Joel David Fonseca Flores (41)
Distribution of fentanyl causing death.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 20 years, up to life imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years consecutive, up to life imprisonment
3
Zachary Ramyard (22)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, robbery of postal carrier.
Maximum prison term: 35 years
0
Camilo Ignacio Vivas Sanchez (20)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, robbery of postal carrier.
Maximum prison term: 35 years
0
Robert Pringle (34)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
2
Nelson Henderson (21)
Hobbs Act robbery (3 counts).
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (3 counts).
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life imprisonment per count
0
Brandon Eugene Brooke (29)
False statements in application for purchase of firearm.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
7
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Felicetta, Lauren Stoia, John Gardella, Shannon Laurie, Kara Wick, Megan Testerman, and Terry Livanos.
Tampa Division
Jason Washington (42)
Distribution of controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it.
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
Milton Anthony Bradshaw (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term:15 years, up to life imprisonment
0
John Knight (45)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
0
Antonio McCray (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
0
John Alexis (30)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Michael Kenneth, and Diego F. Novaes
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Javonte Keyon Whitfield (25)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Samuel Robert Bruner (47)
Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life imprisonment
2
Travis Lavon Anderson (36)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
3
Michael Karp (50)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon R. Eth, Patrick L. Darcey, and Mark R. Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
Cody Mack McCormick (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
0
Thelonious Wayne Kirby (51)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin (43)
Matthew Raymond Hoover (39)
Conspiracy to transfer unregistered machinegun conversion devices.
Maximum prison term (Ervin): 110 years
Maximum prison term (Hoover): 45 years
0
Dylan Milton Jarvis (31)
Unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun).
Maximum prison term:10 years
1
Dr. Rakesh Verma (46)
Making false statement to federal firearms dealer.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
Paul Steven Hulbert (27)
Unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun).
Maximum prison term: 10 years
7
Byron Jones, Jr. (34)
Making false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of two firearms.
Maximum prison term: 5 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael J. Coolican, Frank Talbot, Laura Cofer Taylor, David B. Mesrobian, and Kevin C. Frein.
Ocala Division
Wayne Allen Phillips, Jr. (45)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term:
15 years, up to life imprisonment
1
David Robinson, Jr. (24)
Possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm.
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Luis Alicea (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term:
15 years, up to life imprisonment
1
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs William S. Hamilton and Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Orlando Division
Bernard Rogers (35)
Hobbs Act robbery (2 counts).
Maximum prison term: 20 years per count
Bank robbery.
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (2 counts).
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life imprisonment per count
1
Michael Jerome Virgil (28)
Bank robbery.
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life imprisonment
1
Rany Jonathan Parrales (35)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the purchase of a firearm.
Maximum prison term:10 years
7
Robert J. Potocnack (48)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory prison term: 10 years, up to life imprisonment.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
Minimum mandatory prison term:
5 years consecutive, up to life imprisonment.
2
Alvarez Caprio Cosby (25)
Desmond Nyshon Smith (18)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
3
Leo Lamar Massey, III (47)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon.
Maximum prison term:10 years
1
DaMarris Saint-Juste (20)
Marcus Ellington (21)
Hobbs Act robbery (2 counts).
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (2 counts).
Minimum mandatory prison term: 7 years, up to life imprisonment
0
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, Terry Livanos, and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
James John Hall (34)
Unlawfully making a firearm (destructive device).
Maximum prison term: 10 years
1
Toney Dewayne Salter (31)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 15 years, up to life imprisonment
1
John Charles Anderson (39)
Bank robbery.
Maximum prison term: 25 years
1
Armani Dilworth (28)
Possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
Minimum mandatory prison term: 5 years, up to life imprisonment
0
Lemar Cowart (27)
Possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
Maximum prison term: 20 years
Eugene Washington, Jr. (36)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Maximum prison term: 40 years
0
Kranston Algeno Rolle (33)
Firearms trafficking.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
2
Terrance Thompson (42)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum prison term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Daniel J. Marcet, Risha Asokan, David Sullivan, Samantha Beckman, and David W.A. Chee.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
Terry Kristopher Flournoy (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 6 months
1
Clayton Mack Rhodes (45)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 6 months
1
Jontavius Jarquel Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 5 years,10 months
1
Doumy Joseph (27)
Possession with the intent to distribute controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 6 years, 9 months
2
Alphonso Lataurean James (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 8 months
1
Alex Winters (44)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Sentence imposed: 40 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Simon R. Eth, and Trent Reichling.
Jacksonville Division
Terry Lenard Shipman (48)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 5 years,5 months
1
Cory Lee Kelly (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months
2
Leonard M. Green (51)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr.
Selling methamphetamine while armed with two pistols.
Sentence imposed: 20 years
2
Sabastian Amrine (20)
Brandon Bayne (25)
Five armed robberies of convenience stores.
Sentence imposed (Amrine): 16 years, 8 months
Sentence imposed (Bayne): 10 years
1
Johnny Deangelo White (46)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and the use of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
Sentence imposed: 8 years, 4 months
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Kirwinn Mike, and Laura Cofer Taylor.
Ocala Division
Timothy Eric Evans (41)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Nishera Remon Johnson (42)
Conspiracy to distribute narcotics and possession of a firearm as an Armed Career Criminal.
Sentence imposed: 16 years, 8 months
1
Christopher Richard Munroe (55)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 15 months
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Hanna Nowalk, William S. Hamilton, and Belkis H. Crockett.
Orlando Division
Wendell Harp (24)
Carlos Tawan Reed, Jr. (23)
Deontrae Walden (23)
Bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of an ATM.
Sentence imposed (Harp): 2 years, 6 months
Sentence imposed (Reed): 4 years, 3 months
Awaiting sentence (Walden)
0
Nacoe Ray Brown (54)
Bank robbery and violating the terms of his supervised release.
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Ramondo Zavious Williams (42)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Sentence imposed: 6 years
1
Darrius Jaques Garrett (33)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 6 months
1
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances.
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Jesus Rojas (21)
Tarick Charles (22)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier (Rojas and Charles); armed postal robbery (Rojas) and theft of arrow key and receipt of stolen property (Charles)
Sentence imposed (Rojas): 7 years, 3 months
Pending sentencing (Charles)
0
Elsie Marie Crespo (27)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (3 counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Michael Felicetta, Sarah Megan Testerman and Shannon Laurie, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Kara Wick.
Tampa Division
Enrique Marquez (26)
Hobbs Act robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
Sentence imposed: 17 years, 11 months
1
Jesus Rivas (29)
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 8 years, 4 months
0
Niko Wimbley (30)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 5 years
1
Christian Joel Andujar Rivera (25)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 4 months
1
Patraic Setzer (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 5 months
1
Christopher Alvarez (19)
Dyonnie Alvarez (22)
Hobbs Act robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robberies
Sentence imposed (C. Alvarez): 15 years
Sentence imposed (D. Alvarez): 15 years
1
Jamaal Black (21)
Armed robberies and discharging a firearm during one of the robberies.
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Micheal Hankerson (31)
Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed 6 years
1
Raequan M. Nelson (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 5 years
0
Corey Small (44)
Interfering with commerce by robbery, using and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiring to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, causing death by murder.
Sentence imposed: 25 years
0
Dempsey Gilmore (32)
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 30 years
1
Jamel Middleton (27)
Possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sentence imposed: 15 years and 8 months
5
Deshawn Martin (26)
Hobbs Act robbery.
Sentence imposed: 20 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Charlie Connally, David W. A. Chee, Shauna Hale, Michael Sinacore, Michael Kenneth, Charlie Connally, and Samantha Beckman
Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Mason City area was sentenced on July 10, 2023, to 11 years in federal prison.
Felix Allen Arp, age 31, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 2, 2023, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Arp admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from 2020 to May 2022, in the Mason City area. He was receiving methamphetamine from multiple sources and distributing it. He also fronted drugs to multiple people and collected money after they were able to sell the drugs.
Arp was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Arp was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Arp is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, Clear Lake Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-3022.
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Maritime Smuggler Sentenced to Five Years for Alien Smuggling, Intentionally Ramming Coast Guard VesselRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 12, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Jesus Jeovanny Alcaraz-Valdez was sentenced in federal court today to 60 months in prison for bringing in nearly a dozen undocumented migrants for financial gain and ramming a Coast Guard vessel in an attempt to escape law enforcement.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta described Alcaraz’s actions as “extremely reckless and extremely troubling” and emphasized the danger to human life.
During the early morning hours of December 17, 2022, Alcaraz shuttled an estimated 12 undocumented migrants from Mexico across the maritime boundary line to the vicinity of the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California. Before reaching shore, Alcaraz instructed the individuals to remove lifejackets and enter waist-deep surf, even though some could not swim. Eight individuals were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents while four persons were assessed to have absconded. The individuals from Mexico and Guatemala were paying between $13,000 and $24,000 to be smuggled into the United States illegally.
The U.S. Coast Guard Joint Harbor Operations Center observed Alcaraz complete the drop-off near Coronado and return to sea on a southerly course toward Mexico. Responding to the event, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel patrolling in the area attempted to compel Alcaraz—the sole operator of the lights-out, panga-style vessel operating at 30-40 knots—to stop. Alcaraz repeatedly ignored the orders of the Coast Guard. Ultimately, after a brief respite from chase while Alcaraz switched fuel barrels, Alcaraz increased speed and steered directly toward the Coast Guard vessel, ramming them twice with his vessel’s pointed bow.
The first ramming hit the middle of the Coast Guard vessel, while the second caused the forward starboard window of the Coast Guard vessel to shatter to pieces and nearly hit a Coast Guard officer positioned in the co-pilot’s seat. After the ramming, the Coast Guard fired two shots into the panga’s outboard engine, successfully disabling it. All four law enforcement officers on board sustained minor neck and back injuries as a result of the ramming and were treated by medical personnel once safely ashore.
Alcaraz was arrested on December 17, 2022 and indicted in January 2023. He pleaded guilty to 12 counts in March 2023.
“Maritime smuggling is extremely dangerous and puts the lives of the passengers being smuggled, and the law enforcement officers safeguarding our borders, at serious risk,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This defendant not only endangered the individuals he transported by operating an overloaded panga in the dark with no navigation lights, but he double downed on his bad decision-making when he intentionally harmed members of our Coast Guard. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue our efforts to relentlessly pursue justice against smugglers who have no regard for human life and who assault our law enforcement agency partners.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the combined efforts of the Marine Task Force, HSI, and CGIS for their excellent work on this case.
“Our highest concern during any mission is the safety of our Coast Guard members,” said Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, Commander, Coast Guard District 11. “When their safety becomes threatened, it becomes clear that these smugglers are operating with a disregard for life. As a service, we will continue to put people first and hold those individuals accountable who continue to jeopardize human life.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0057-JO
Jesus Jeovanny ALCARAZ-Valdez Age: 33 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Counts 1-3: Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Minimum penalty: Five years in prison
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison
Counts 7-10: Assault on a Federal Officer – Title 18, U.S.C., 111(a)(1) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
Counts 11-14: Assault Within Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction – Title 18, U.S.C., 113(a)(2)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison
Count 15: Failure to Heave To – Title 18, U.S.C., 2237
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison
AGENCY
United States Coast Guard
Homeland Security Investigations
Coast Guard Investigative Service
United States Border Patrol
Air and Marine Operations (CBP)